MANKATO: From Central Farm Service via Facebook, VERBATIM: “CFS welcomed Congressman Brad Finstad to our Mankato location for an important conversation about the issues facing agriculture and opportunities for the future . . . The conversation brought together leaders from CFS and organizations including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Land O’Lakes, and Blue Earth Light & Water.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4imXkv2 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)

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WHERE’S THE BEEF?

DISASTERS: New today, news of disaster declarations in Iowa and Wisconsin that also cover areas in Minnesota – Nobles and Rock counties fall under the Iowa declaration – Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties fall under the Wisconsin declaration. READ: USDA IOWA | FEMA WISCONSIN

BEEF: Via Politico, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Friday morning said he would exempt from tariffs 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, the administration’s latest bid to lower prices ahead of midterm elections in which voters appear set to punish the GOP for the rising cost of living.” QUOTE: “This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again,” he wrote on Truth Social. The administration had secured a commitment, he said, “that this beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xZNdkJ

MORE: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Live and feeder cattle futures gapped lower on the open Friday in response to President Trump’s post on Truth Social that he was allowing 300,000 MT of beef imports to enter the U.S. duty free over the next 90 days to lower beef prices. Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says the news is enraging cattle producers he works with.” VARILEK: “So the announcement is 300,000 million metric tons of ground beef that he wants to bring in quota-free, tariff-free, so he can lower the prices of beef, you know, and help us ranchers. That part in there is the part that really frustrates everybody.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cvG9DW

MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Ethan Lane, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the group is disappointed.” LANE: “Continuing to undercut US ranchers by flooding the market with additional imports or attempting to, does absolutely nothing to help consumer prices and it destroys confidence at the ranch gate for producers across the country.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4zvdEjt

DROUGHT: The new Drought Monitor out this week shows little change. One exception: an area in northwest Minnesota that slipped into extreme drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo

IMPACT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “It’s been hot in Hubbard County, and farmer Joe Morgan has noticed. ‘It was relentless,’ he said. ‘It was like three weeks of being in the 90s, and that puts a lot of stress on the plants.’ The northwestern Minnesota county has been in a severe drought since June, and it’s affected Morgan’s business, Midheaven Garden. Last week, he showed up to the Red River Market in Fargo without any lettuce, since it was too hot to plant them in the ground. That’s despite his farm being covered in ways to fight against rapid shifts in the weather.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3U0P5uO

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MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION. You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today at www.Compeer.com/RuralForum. (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)

MARKETS

TRADE POLICY: Via North Dakota Monitor, VERBATIM: “North Dakota farm group representatives called for more certainty in U.S. ag trade policy, while U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak and a U.S. trade representative said tariffs and tough trade negotiations will pay off in the long run. U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan fielded questions about Trump administration trade policies on beef, soybeans, sugar, and other commodities Wednesday at an ag roundtable in Grand Forks hosted by Fedorchak, R-N.D.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Uaj9nM

MORE: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “North Dakota soybean growers want more details on China’s pledge to buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans. ‘The 25 million metric ton guarantee is a step in the right direction,’ said Brent Kohls, a North Dakota Soybean Growers Association board member. Kohls represented NDSGA at the farmer roundtable event with Trade Ambassador Julie Callahan.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wCvoqN

FARMER NEEDS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A U.S. Representative says farmers need stable policies and expanded domestic demand. Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach says biofuels are critical to the success of agriculture.” FISCHBACH: “It’s the strongest domestic demand driver our corn growers have, and when biofuels succeed growers have a stable floor under their prices. Rural processing plants thrive, and rural main streets expand.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xUfdpI

CHINA: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is cautiously optimistic China will continue buying U.S. soybeans. Ryan Mackenthun farms near Brownton and says China has been an active buyer despite ongoing trade disruptions.” MACKENTHUN: “With the Section 301 tariffs, I just heard they bought (more) cargo loads. So they’re still buying so that makes me a little bit more happier that they’re still buying, but it’s definitely a concern.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4i5UNFN

SOYBEANS: Via Bar Chart, VERBATIM: “Soybeans closed the Thursday session mixed, with contracts down 1 ½ to 2 ½ cents lower across the board. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 3/4 cents at $11.99 3/4. Soymeal futures were back down 70 cents to $3.20, as Soy Oil posted 48 to 141 point gains.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4im410n

CORN: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An ag economist says he’s optimistic that some commodity prices could continue to push higher. Guy Allen with Kansas State University says corn futures moved above $5 for the first time in 18 months on Thursday.” ALLEN: “What’s really driving the corn fundamentals, we have really good animal protein demand particularly in the beef sector, but for pork and poultry. We’ve had record U.S. corn exports last year and would anticipate that for this coming year as well.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wIrVa3

DC + AG

FARM BILL: Via Dakota News Now, VERBATIM: “South Dakota’s congressional delegation was once again in Mitchell for Dakota Fest, talking all things agriculture, including the future of the farm bill, what will be in it, and when we can expect it to pass. Three years overdue, the farm bill is not only a debate between Republicans and Democrats, but also between the House and Senate, Ag states and non-Ag states, with everybody hoping to get something for their constituents.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4x6U4IS

MORE: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader John Thune says a one-year delay in new SNAP cost-sharing rules could help move the farm bill forward. During Farmfest, Thune said Democrats opposed the bill despite the compromise.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wGkv7e

STRESS WORKSHOPS: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partners in the Minnesota Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign are offering free mental health and suicide-prevention trainings in communities across Minnesota this fall. The workshops will teach people who live and work in agricultural communities how to recognize when someone may be struggling and help connect them with support.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4c1AVzA

FLOWERS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “Meet Chris and Sarah Klawitter of Kountry Korner Floral in Polk County, Minnesota. The Klawitters began planting perennials in their yard to enjoy during the warmer months. What started as a passion project eventually became a business plan in January 2023, when the winter weather inspired Sarah’s idea to raise and sell annual cut flowers. They hit the ground running that year, planting 4,000 annual seedlings and 1,200 perennials. Since then, the operation has blossomed, increasing their production area to half an acre.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qEF82f

STATE FAIR: Via Herald Review, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s state grain will once again take center stage at the Minnesota State Fair, where fairgoers can learn about cultivated wild rice, sample recipes and purchase the grain during the fair’s 12-day run. The Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council will operate its annual booth in the Dairy Building, across from the Haunted House, offering cooking demonstrations and educational exhibits highlighting cultivated wild rice grown in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xSZneU

IN THE FIELDS

SUGARBEETS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Early harvest activities are underway for a sugarbeet grower in west-central Minnesota. Harmon Wilts farms in eastern Swift County. ‘We just started this week with the pre-lift at Southern Minnesota Sugarbeet Cooperative.’ He tells Brownfield weeds have been a problem this year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xV3ffy

CORN: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “From the road, much of the corn across Iowa and Minnesota looks like a crop worth bragging about. Step out of the pickup, however, and the story grows more complicated: fewer ears, shorter grain length and signs of pollination stress are showing up in fields that otherwise look solid. That’s the tension Pro Farmer Crop Tour scouts encountered Thursday as they worked through two of the Corn Belt’s key corn and soybean states. In both Minnesota and Iowa, scouts found fields offering deep kernels and big ears capable of pushing yields higher, while other fields revealed just how much early-season stress can hide inside a good-looking crop.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zD15mz

DISEASE RISK: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An extension plant pathologist says while corn disease risk is lessening growers should keep their guard up. Dean Malvick with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield.” MAVERICK: “We do (need to keep our guard up) in the sense that we still want to know where it’s developing and how much. Although in many places now we are far enough along in corn maturity that the risk is getting very low.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4c6vCiu

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

FIELD TRIP: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A busload of folks from the Twin Cities got up with the chickens to take a Sunday drive and learn first hand where their breakfast comes from. As part of a unique field trip, they boarded a chartered bus at 6:00 a.m. in Minneapolis. As the sun climbed, they traveled two and a half hours to their destination: the Schmidt family farm near Starbuck in rural west central Minnesota.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gL23FK

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HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources welcomes community volunteers to join Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Greening and Flint Hills employees on October 3 for the 26th annual community restoration event at the Pine Bend Bluffs in Inver Grove Heights, a critical habitat along the Mississippi River for migrating songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as pollinators and residential wildlife. Thanks to the tireless work of many volunteers, the Pine Bend Bluffs became the first-ever Tandem Global WHC gold-certified site in the Twin Cities in 2023.

LEARN MORE: Community partnerships (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

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A GOOD END TO THE WEEK

LEMONADE: From Crystal PD via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Chief Hubbard was driving through the city and saw a sign pointing towards a lemonade stand. Never one to miss a cool glass of a sweet drink, he turned and stopped by. Halle and her family (& friends) had lemonade and treats for people and were raising money for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4qBqA3y

WALK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Originally started in 2001, the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event is a community-driven walk focused on raising awareness about sexual violence. Executive Director of Sexual Assault Services Heidi Fairchild said, ‘The walk, a mile in her shoes way back, used to be a men’s march to support women who have been sexually assaulted. And now it’s for everybody because obviously a majority of women or females are sexually assaulted, but so are men. So it’s coming out to support the survivors.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xPkXkt

SCHOLARSHIP: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Six months after Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents, the memorial honoring him remains vibrant, filled with messages, flowers and reminders of the impact he had on his community. For Mica O’Herlihy, the memorial has also become a place to return to during moments of uncertainty . . . O’Herlihy is one of three recipients of the Alex Pretti Scholarship, awarded by the Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the nurses union, to people pursuing careers in health care.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3UtCz73

MORTGAGE BURN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Northwoods Habitat for Humanity held its annual meeting in Bemidji on Tuesday, celebrating its work and allowing two Habitat families to hold a ‘mortgage burn’ to mark the moment their homes became completely their own.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xgAgD4

FASHION: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “While many eco-conscious brands lean heavily into minimalist neutrals and earth tones, Minneapolis fashion designer Danielle Everine has built her namesake label around bold prints, painterly textiles, and color-rich collections that feel more like wearable art than crunchy basics. ‘The garments are really about print,’ says Everine . . . For Everine, sustainability isn’t just a marketing angle—it’s foundational to how she approaches design.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45G2uLj

POET: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Ana Fores Tamayo is the executive director of the Refugee Support Network, a nonprofit staffed by volunteers who help refugees apply for asylum in the United States. She’s also a poet . . . Fores Tamayo brings a unique perspective to her work with asylum seekers; her father was a political refugee and her family moved to the United States from Cuba when she was about 5-years-old. The family settled in Miami before moving to Montana and, eventually, to Minnesota.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4zvrnqz

ARTISTS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “At North Country Park, tree stumps left behind by last year’s June storm are getting a second life through a student-led art project that blends creativity with hands-on learning.” QUOTE: “Have a mission of environmental awareness and practice, and we also like to take expeditions.” Said Elaine Hardwick, Voyageurs Expeditionary School grant writer/teacher. “So we have kids explore, field trips, things like that. But the exploration can also branch out into the classroom, as evidenced by the art here. We just give them a little freedom to express their creativity.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iljo9m

TEACHERS: Via Valley News Live, VERBATIM: “A local nonprofit organization is tackling teacher retention across North Dakota and Minnesota by removing financial barriers to homeownership. Leaders from the Teachers Home Project appeared on the air to share how their program assists educators through homebuyer education, grant assistance, and professional guidance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qvTCBF

EAGAN: Via Limitless Media News, VERBATIM: “Eagan residents will have a new opportunity this fall to get a behind-the-scenes look at the people, organizations and institutions that help their community function. The Eagan Community Foundation is accepting applications for the inaugural Eagan Community Academy, a 10-session program aimed at helping residents better understand Eagan, develop connections with community leaders and one another, and find meaningful ways to become involved.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45FftNe

FISHING: Via WJFW-TV in Wausau, VERBATIM: “The nonprofit organization Let’s Go Fishing serves elderly, veterans and people with disabilities by giving them a chance to get out on a lake and fish or just enjoy the boat for free. They started in Minnesota and that’s where most of its locations are. But 13 years ago, Rhinelander started a chapter, and now the city of Wausau has one, too.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qq5ogA

BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The long-running effort to create a physical wellness center in Bemidji has culminated into a planned YMCA being built in the city’s rail corridor district. At a groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday, it was announced that the facility will be named the Sanford YMCA Bemidji in recognition of Sanford Health giving $10 million to the project, the largest contribution to date.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xTddhu

WILD: Via NHL, VERBATIM: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Wild fans, donors, corporate, community and hockey partners, the Minnesota Wild announced today that the Minnesota Wild Foundation distributed a record-high total of $2,111,247 through grants and Split the Pot Raffle proceeds to local charities during the 2025-26 season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xVZy9x

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PLEASANT WEEKEND AHEAD

From this morning’s inbox: Cover band Hairball will play the State Fair Grandstand September 1^st – they’re filling in for the canceled Rod Stewart show. Free with fair admission. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4x7O0jf

19% of Americans support taking over The Panama Canal and 17% support taking over Cuba – supporters for toppling Canada and Greenland are in the single digits percentage-wise. YOUGOV: https://fluence-media.co/4cN6eyj

Looking ahead to 2028, a new poll finds Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance in a hypothetical White House race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zwrC4E

We’re heading into pumpkin spice season – so why is banana suddenly a big deal at coffee shops? AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4giTKj6

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

Fluence Advisory has released its Insights memo on “The Next Legislature”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNSMV

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com

Sunday Take featured a recap of the Minnesota primary, a look at Wisconsin’s primary with political analyst Bill McCoshen and a talk with MN Chamber CEO Doug Loon about Minnesota’s economy. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SER8Ei

FRIDAY FEED

SOLD: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Just one year after Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez officially took control of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx from longtime owner Glen Taylor, they’re selling their majority stake in the franchises. KSTP Sports has confirmed that businessman Marc Stad is becoming the controlling owner and largest shareholder in the teams. ESPN reports that Stad is buying the stakes at a $4.5 billion valuation — three times what Lore and A-Rod paid Taylor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bX8O4I

MOVE: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Minnesota United Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad is set to become the new sporting director for Austin FC, multiple sources told the Pioneer Press on Thursday. A fellow club in the Western Conference, Austin FC has had an open search for a new front office leader since parting ways with Rodolfo Borrell in May.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46dzhHL

IN-PERSON VOTING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A recent state Supreme Court ruling could make it harder for cities and counties to offer multiple in-person early voting sites this fall. The court ruled last week that Minneapolis must use party-balanced election judges at its early voting polling places, rejecting arguments from the city and Secretary of State’s office that nonpartisan local employees could administer the new system. The requirement could prove difficult for some local governments that had planned to offer early voting at multiple locations. Minneapolis warned in court that it would be ‘very difficult, and potentially not possible’ to find the necessary election judges, though city officials now say they expect to keep their planned locations open.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wznluB

FLOOD AID: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota federal lawmakers are urging the president to approve the state’s request for a major disaster declaration to help communities recover from July floodwaters. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Rep. Brad Finstad sent a letter to the White House Thursday, noting the damage experienced in Fillmore, Houston and Mower counties from July 2 through July 8.” READ: KTTC STORY | LETTER

RELATED: morning take with Governor Walz’s authorization for emergency assistance for six Minnesota counties. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4qrTxPn

PLATE READERS: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “A group named Communities Against Mass Surveillance formed to advocate for St. Cloud and Sartell to end their contracts with Flock and other license plate reader camera companies. Between Aug. 17-22, CAMS is hosting an educational event, a screening of a documentary about the issue, and a protest Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — as part of a nationwide anti-Flock advocacy week. Jill Kelly, a CAMS member who also has been involved in organizing ‘No Kings’ rallies in Central Minnesota, said the cameras raise significant privacy concerns and were installed without sufficient community input.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c1aNoD

RETIREMENT: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “Cloquet Chief of Police Derek Randall has announced his retirement. Randall tells FOX21 that after 30 years of law enforcement service and the last 7 as Cloquet Police Chief, his last day will be January 4, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cUFDiW

JAIL: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “Members of the Swift County Board of Commissioners are beginning discussions on the next budget with uncertainty about the tax implications of the sale of the former Prairie Correctional Facility to the federal government, and with a new focus on the county’s own jail. The commissioners unanimously approved a motion at their meeting Aug. 18 to seek proposals for a consulting firm to examine the feasibility of the county’s jail operations. The commissioners are seeking an objective look at the costs associated with operating a small jail, and what options the county has.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wR7lEI

RELATED: morning take with news of how local property tax revenue will be impacted by the Appleton prison’s move from private to government-owned. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4hMFsK2

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

BASIC NEEDS

VETERANS: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development counted 32,495 veterans experiencing homelessness, 387, or 1.2%, fewer than the previous year. HUD counted 18,877 veterans in shelters, and 13,518 living unsheltered in places not meant for habitation. Twenty-five states recorded increases in veteran homelessness from 2024 to 2025, and 23 recorded decreases . . . In March, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs had a statewide by-name registry that allows agencies and service providers to coordinate individual cases instead of making veterans navigate programs independently. The registry, at last update, showed 150 veterans experiencing homelessness, dropping 25% in a year and 41% in two years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SO55Qm

EV CHARGERS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gas in Minnesota and around the region is hovering around four dollars a gallon, which often puts a fill-up well north of $50. At the charging station on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community south of the Twin Cities, entrepreneur Bob Blake said charging an electric vehicle runs about fifteen bucks. Blake, a member of Red Lake Nation, said the idea for a network of tribally owned EV stations came to him during a pipeline protest in North Dakota a decade ago.” QUOTE: “There was a helicopter coming down and there was all this sand in our faces,” Blake said of the protest. “And I thought to myself, there’s got to be a better way to do this.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cCs7QX

ROAD TRIPS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Escalating gas prices over the past week are prompting drivers to cut back in other areas. That’s according to AAA Minnesota‘s Brynna Knapp, who says it’s tough to keep a summer loving Minnesotan off the road.” QUOTE: “People still did travel, but that maybe they chose to go a couple days less than normal, or maybe they swapped out an event with eating at home,” Knapp explains. “So, they’re making little swaps and changes to help mitigate that increase in costs in fuel prices.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3UKBaJq

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

GREATER MINNESOTA

DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The issue of what to do with the Lester Park golf course land went before city leaders again Thursday night. At the committee of the whole meeting, Duluth city councilors received a presentation of the land use study results. The study, done in coordination with a consultant, calls for the 270-acre former golf course to be split into two areas.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xROeei

DECC: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center celebrated its 60th anniversary with a free behind-the-scenes tour. People got to experience the DECC in a way most haven’t before. Touring spaces like the mezzanine level of the Symphony Hall, which features a three-tiered chandelier. They also got to check out all ten venues the DECC has to offer while getting a history lesson along the way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hLGxll

SURVEY: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of North Mankato launched a survey online to hear from homeowners and businesses about what kind of energy programs they want to see from the city’s partnership with [Xcel] Energy, as part of its 2025 Climate Action Plan. The goal is to determine what programs, incentives or rebates community members would prefer from Xcel to help encourage practices that save energy or encourage adopting new technology like electrical heating or stoves, electric cars or renewable energy sources like solar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wE423m

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)

TREES: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “Several Northern Minnesota communities have received state-funded tree grants to combat emerald ash borer damage. Crookston, Duluth, Hill City, International Falls, Virginia, and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe received community tree planting grants to remove damaged or dying trees and replace them with more resilient species. Thirty-three communities throughout the state received funds totaling nearly $5 million, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xR3N67

FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: Project Clean Air Repair (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

MINNEAPOLIS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After temporarily closing in late July, Modern Times Cafe in Minneapolis will reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The restaurant made national headlines this year after doing away with prices and renaming itself Post Modern Times. It has spent the vast majority of 2026 operating on a donation-based system that offers free meals to community members.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46dtimb

BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Drag racing fans have gathered in the Brainerd Lakes Area for the 44th annual NHRA Brainerd Nationals. Over 50,000 fans have filled Brainerd International Raceway in previous years, and the event creates more traffic and economic opportunities for businesses in the area.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3U7pUqp

BAKERIES: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Paris Baguette plans another six franchises in the Twin Cities. READ: https://fluence-media.co/46erdXe

NEW CIO: Via Mendota Heights-based Patterson, VERBATIM: “Patterson Companies today announced the appointment of Wasi Ahmed as chief information officer (CIO), effective August 17, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Uavs3n

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: The Fine Wine & Art Find in Waconia. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cxvQ2a

THIS WEEKEND: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “This weekend kicks off ‘Gladiolus Days’ in St. Charles. The annual summertime celebration honors a man by the name of Carl Fischer and his passion for the Gladiolus flower.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4imlF48

TOMORROW: Via Fridley’s Forgotten Star Brewing, VERBATIM: “Brine and dine with us for the return of Forgotten Star‘s PickleFest — an outdoor market meets full-blown celebration of all things pickled! Whether you’re a fermentation fanatic or just pickle-curious, this is one dill of a good time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46kiy5v

SUNDAY: Via Deeper Water Arts, VERBATIM: “Insomnia Salon Vol. 3: The Night Circus is a two-hour sunset-to-twilight pop-up experience on Raspberry Island, the iconic Mississippi island tucked just beneath downtown Saint Paul. Guests of all ages can expect a surreal, cabaret experience unfolding all across the island over two hours, as the sun sets and night descends. Let the Insomnia Salon of 45+ collaborating artists dazzle your senses!” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4g6icW4

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The 2026 Minnesota State Fair has another sprawling lineup of new foods, but tracking them down across 322 acres can be almost as daunting as deciding what to eat. So, we’ve turned this year’s new-food list into a walking tour, starting at the West End and winding through the heart of the Fairgrounds, the International Bazaar, and Food Building before heading north.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sm6MEo

BDAYS: writer Jeremy Olson, traffic guy Jerry Peterson, Faegre’s Dave Johnson. SAT: the person who likes nice cars and good shoes in public affairs but doesn’t want their name in the newsletter, Hospitality MN’s Angie Whitcomb, MN Corn’s Adam Birr, writer Steve Dornfeld, fmr. Sen. Ember Junge. SUN: PA pro Todd Rapp

Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region.  Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more.  Visit www.fluence-media.com  to learn more.

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LAUNCHING THE KIDS

Twins are in San Diego. Lynx in DC, and the Vikings host Baltimore tomorrow at noon.

Weekend is here, and weather seems way better. The pics of college drop offs seem as good as the first day of school. Launching these kids is so fun. The Gen Z focus group left this week back to school.

From the Retailers to the Mpls Chamber of Commerce, to the State Fair preview last night a week of chattering about the election and a sense that there is something unpredictable in the air. Afterall its Minnesota.

One observer agreed, it feels like 2006, while one suburban legislative candidate share that there’s a different conversation at the door since the primary, and that Republicans and Independents are more curious about the Tafoya candidacy.

Next week watching the booth’s at the State Fair will give us some sense, especially for the newer candidates and to see the energy they draw.

Meanwhile, the data center reputation problem grows without actually data…Embold Research finds that 75% of Americans oppose data centers being built in their area. One year ago, it was 42%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4c23cGp

Tune-in this weekend to Sunday Take at 9 AM on WCCO, and 7:45 AM Sunday on Fox 9.

Today’s National Spumoni Day – a very underrated ice cream that is hard to find.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

COALITION: A group of eight Minnesota Legislature candidates — four DFLers, two Republicans, and two 3rd parties — announced they are forming the “Minnesota Forward Together” coalition. Members include: Denise Slipy, DFL, SD6; Jon Wilson, DFL, 21B; Monique Doward, FIP, SD11; Nicky Hardy, DFL, 6B; Tara Killen, DFL, SD10; Kris Babler, IND, SD49; Todd Podgorski, GOP, SD53; and Owen Michaelson, GOP, SD50. Babler, Podgorski and Michaelson are in open seats, while the other five are attempting to oust Republican incumbents. Via a Forward Independence Party statement, these candidates are “promising to put their constituents ahead of their party,” but they are “free to maintain their individual political affiliations, platforms and legislative priorities.” STATEMENT: https://fluence-media.co/45ACQHV

NEW ADS: The Alliance for a Better Minnesota PAC has “launched a seven-figure digital ad buy” targeting Speaker Lisa Demuth’s bid for governor. The first ad in the series, which features multiple clips of Demuth praising Pres. Donald Trump and saying she approves of his policies, is available online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xfCXVo

FLANAGAN: Via Star Tribune, a look at what policies are and aren’t shared between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a self-described progressive Democrat, and the Democratic Socialists of America, which Flanagan is not part of. VERBATIM: “Flanagan’s policy agenda overlaps with democratic socialist priorities on several fronts. At the national level, the most significant is her support for Medicare for All. … [But] the DSA also calls for abolishing prisons altogether, something Flanagan has not, though she has called for ending privately run prisons.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wJUOCS

TAFOYA: Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya spoke to The Hugh Hewitt Show about her campaign this week. Notably, a clip of Tafoya misspeaking in this interview was shared widely on social media. Without correcting herself, Tafoya said: “The last people I’m going to answer to are the Minnesotans who send me there” to Washington, D.C. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gj7ni7

DFL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Candidates topping the Democratic-Farmer-Labor ticket in this fall’s election rallied Thursday in a show of unity after Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan prevailed against Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in a bruising Senate primary. At a union hall rally in Little Canada, Flanagan and Craig were joined by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is running to replace DFL Gov. Tim Walz, and Sen. Tina Smith, who is leaving office. … Asked about why he might not have attended the rally, a Walz spokesperson said the governor was ‘not on the ballot.’ DFL and campaign spokespeople didn’t say whether Walz had been invited.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zvFNHa

HENN CTY: Hennepin County Attorney candidate Anders Folk and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt have endorsed each other, writing in a joint statement that they “have underscored the need for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to set a proactive plan for public safety throughout the county.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4g7wl5o

COMMUNITIES: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading, nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin - supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership.. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)

LAW ENFORCEMENT

STATE FAIR: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced today that they have secured agreements and injunctions in complaints they filed against two gangs and 10 individuals for threats they allege the gangs posed to the safety of Minnesotans attending the upcoming State Fair. … Seven of the 10 individuals [have] entered a court-enforceable agreement that they will not attend the State Fair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SGSChr

CURIOUS: When the Attorney General and Ramsey County Attorney brought this case, just weeks after Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher raised awareness about Somali gangs and garnered pushback and protest – the full-time activist voices didn’t say anything. Is that because of politics, or they acknowledge there may be a gang issue? It’s a reminder that just because activists raise questions, doesn’t mean its news – nor is it reality based.

FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services is suspending payments to all group home companies affiliated with a high-ranking government official in Liberia, citing ‘credible allegations of Medicaid fraud.’ … The Department of Health says it will shut down three group homes he managed and will transfer their residents to other facilities. … The enforcement action against Golden Touch Health Care was a rare step for [MDH]. The department has only revoked ten group home licenses since 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4goo7Vl

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Two assisted living facilities managed by a woman charged in an alleged sex trafficking conspiracy will be permanently shut down, the Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday. … MDH says Homefelt is now subject to an immediate temporary suspension and a revocation of its assisted living facility license.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gMfYdJ

CD2: From the latest MNSider for premium subscribers, August heat and haze hung over Minnesota Tuesday, the race in CD2 is becoming more clear. Two suburbanite white guys running, when women are leading the top of the ticket. That takes away a gender dynamic that helped Rep. Angie Craig. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ufae4

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FEDS

MINING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republican Rep. Pete Stauber said he planned to speak with the Walz Administration [about] the governor’s executive order that pauses permitting and reviewing of copper-nickel mines around the Boundary Waters. … Stauber was joined by several northern Minnesota lawmakers at a news conference [who] slammed Gov. Tim Walz’s order. … He also called on the next governor to rescind the order once Walz leaves office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFAX3Q

NOTE: The Walz EO expires 90 days after he leaves office.

CATTLE: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the bipartisan Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. The RANCH Act will incentivize voluntary conversion of marginal cropland to grazing land to encourage cattle herd recovery as the United States beef cattle herd has contracted to its smallest size in over 70 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gpJENs

FED FUNDS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The federal government wants to cut regulations to the Head Start program, [but] Minnesota Head Start operators say the proposed changes are bad news. … Proposed changes include reducing the education requirements for staff and cutting the amount programs spend on administration. … The feds say that should save the national Head Start program some $2.2 billion, which would allow as many as 200,000 more kids to participate. Minnesota operators question the quality of service those additional kids would get, given the cuts.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hLOvuK

TPS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Many members of Minnesota’s Haitian community are facing a grim choice – abandon the life they’ve built in the United States and return to a dangerous, strife-torn country or go underground and risk deportation. And many Salvadorans living in the state will face the same fate soon. … David Policard, a Haitian and executive director of VANSE, a nonprofit that supports Haitian immigrants in Minnesota, said calls for help have spiked. … He said few are planning to return to Haiti, [estimating] ‘over 95% have planned on going underground and wait [the Trump Administration] out.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xbNscj

FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair, improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3ymgGbZ (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

COURTS

FED AGENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Texas will hear arguments next week on whether to grant Minnesota’s request for the courts to force the extradition of a federal immigration agent. … The hearing, set for Tuesday, comes as the 90-day deadline draws nearer for [ICE] agent Christian Castro’s [automatic] release from custody. … Castro, 52, is charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xSsrTZ

MISINFO: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Minnesota officials can’t enforce a state law against election disinformation, siding with [the] conservative Minnesota Voters Alliance. … Appeals Judge David Stras said the ‘First Amendment protects speech on a matter of public concern, like these statements, whether they are correct or not.’ Stras, a former Minnesota Supreme Court justice, goes on to say the state regulation went too far and there were other options for elections officials to get correct information out there. … The appeals court sent the case back to a district court with instruction to put an injunction on the election misinformation law as it applies to the group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ub6O2D

TV MERGER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and 11 other Democratic attorneys general across the country filed suit last month to block Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Now, Paramount is asking a judge in California to force the states to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover their losses during a delay in case the merger is ultimately approved. … Hamline University law professor David Schultz [said] ‘Minnesota could be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars, if not hundreds of millions dollars, in terms of its share of the bond.’ … [But] Ellison says he’s not concerned the bond will be required.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xJvzkM

STATE STUFF

WORKERS COMP: via DLI advisory, VERBATIM: “Workers’ compensation claim rates and benefits paid in Minnesota continue to be stable or follow their long-term downward trajectories, a new Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) report shows. The 2026 Minnesota Workers’ Compensation System Report presents trend data from 2004 to the present. … The total number of paid claims dropped by 42%, indemnity claims by 32% and medical-only claims by 45% from 2004 to 2024.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3SNgqjE

JUDGES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Wesley Abrahamson and Devona Wells as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. … Abrahamson will replace the Honorable Reynaldo A. Aligada, Jr. … Wells will replace the Honorable Joy D. Bartscher. These seats will be chambered in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xNunNj

CERTIFIED: Via MPR, the primary election results were officially certified by the state government this week, and with that came finalized voter turnout figures. On Aug. 11, there were 1,125,730 total votes, and 255,211 — about 23% — were absentee and mail-in ballots. Hennepin County was home to more than 1 in 4 statewide primary voters. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ztxOKH

MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION: You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4q3pJZ2 (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)

MPLS

PROPERTY TAX: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Both the Minneapolis mayor and park board superintendent are seeking levy increases to handle their 2027 budget proposals — now, members of the Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) are considering how high those levies can go. President of the BET, Steven Brandt, [said] Mayor Jacob Frey’s more-than-11% proposal is too steep. … The other elected board member, Eric Harris Bernstein, plans to fully support the park board’s full levy hike amount of 5.86% while he still considers the city’s ask.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46jxHUF

RALLY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is asking residents to ignore a weekend rally planned by Jake Lang, a far-right agitator, self-described anti-Muslim activist, and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter. … Lang announced on social media that he is planning to lead a ‘peaceful Freedom of Speech’ rally outside Minneapolis City Hall on Saturday. … Lang announced that he will show up to the Minneapolis rally in ‘100% blackface,’ [but] Frey is urging residents to ignore the demonstration.” FREY: “Let this lame-ass racist rally fall flat and fade into irrelevance. Don’t give these people the satisfaction of a response, the confrontation they’re hoping for, or the spectacle they came looking to create.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bZWdxw

VA MED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An exodus of anesthesiologists from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is delaying operations and reducing the surgical capacity of one of the nation’s largest veterans hospitals. … Not long ago, the hospital had a staff of 11 anesthesiologists. … Now it has one, with part-time help backing him up. The lack of specialists has hastened the decline of open-heart surgeries at the Minneapolis VA from 314 a decade ago to 88 last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g93xtc

EDINA: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The city of Edina is using a three-phased approach after recent disturbances and group gatherings at city parks. … The first step is enforcement, with more cameras and increased officer presence. … The second step is engagement by working with young people to build relationships and create programs to keep them busy. … The third step is policy, as the city considers changes to park ordinances to help manage large gatherings.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gvNcxQ

COTTAGE GROVE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “During his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday night, Cottage Grove Public Safety Director Brad Petersen said he never aspired to the role or imagined standing before the Cottage Grove City Council and taking the oath of office. … Petersen, a 23-year veteran of the department, had been serving as the city’s interim public safety director since longtime Public Safety Director Pete Koerner retired on April 1 for medical reasons. … [But] Mayor Myron Bailey said Petersen was a ‘shoo-in’ to replace Koerner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UKprdP

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

ACROSS MN

APPLETON: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The federal government’s purchase of a 1,600-bed prison in Appleton for an immigrant detention facility could deal a major blow to city, county and school finances. The prison had been owned and operated by CoreCivic since 1996 until its closure in 2010, which led to significant job loss and population decline. Even as the prison sat empty, however, CoreCivic regularly paid property taxes on the facility, generating 30% of Appleton’s tax revenue. … While the prospect of more than 500 new jobs is expected to bring new residents and economic activity to the area, it’s not clear how much that will offset the decrease in property tax revenue. … Appleton Mayor Justin Koepp said the city anticipates higher demand on its water and sewer services, and doesn’t yet know how to pay for the higher operating costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SLvU7N

PINE ISLAND: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Staffers with tech giant Google turned on the charm and put in some face time in Minnesota this week, as the company tried to smooth over some ruffled feathers and win over naysayers in two small towns where it hopes to build massive data centers. … Google hosted what it called a community celebration in Pine Island, about 20 minutes northwest of Rochester, with free food, live music and family activities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qqXkMR

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take had details on Google’s event in Hermantown. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xPy19v

DAYBOOK

MONDAY: Physicians at the U of M Medical Center will hold a press conference on Monday, Aug. 24 at 11:30 a.m. to “demand a fair first contract,” per a release.

WEDNESDAY: The Minnesota Truth Council, established by the Walz Administration to document Operation Metro Surge, will host the first of four public meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in St. Paul at 2:00 p.m.

SEPT 1: St. Cloud Live will host a debate between House District 14B candidates Republican Sue Ek and DFLer Zach Dorholt on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: writer Jeremy Olson, traffic guy Jerry Peterson, Faegre’s Dave Johnson. SAT: the person who likes nice cars and good shoes in public affairs but doesn’t want their name in the newsletter, Hospitality MN’s Angie Whitecomb, MN Corn’s Adam Birr, writer Steve Dornfeld, fmr. Sen. Ember Junge. SUN: PA pro Todd Rapp

SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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POLLING

OLMSTED COUNTY: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A majority of Olmsted County residents are in favor of restricting sales of flavored tobacco products, according to a recent poll commissioned by a local coalition . . . Love Your Lungs Olmsted released the poll results Thursday, Aug. 20. When asked about tobacco use among youth, 72% respondents said they are very or somewhat concerned. Two-thirds, or 66%, of respondents said they support or strongly support an ordinance that ‘would end the sale of all flavored tobacco products.’ That majority support holds across all seven county districts, per the poll results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wAiWYB

VOTER CONCERNS: Via Families USA, VERBATIM: “A national poll released by Families USA shows that high health care costs, including unreasonably high hospital prices, are top of mind for voters this summer as members of Congress are now back in their districts facing their constituents. A July 2026 survey of 1,000 registered voters also found that voters on both sides of the aisle are opposed to federal Medicaid cuts enacted last year by a two-to-one margin, with a majority of voters strongly opposed to cuts.”

MORE: From the poll, regarding hospital pricing:

READ: NEWS RELEASE | FULL POLL RESULTS

TOOTH FAIRY: Via Delta Dental, VERBATIM: “In celebration of National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22, Delta Dental released additional findings from its 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll, revealing growing anticipation and curiosity among children as they await a visit from the Tooth Fairy. One-third of children (33%) go to bed early when expecting a visit from the Tooth Fairy, up significantly from 23% last year. Children’s curiosity is also on the rise, with 30% asking to learn more about the Tooth Fairy, compared to 24% in 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xVzhIr

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MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)

HEALTH HEADLINES

SPROUTS: Via MDH, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are warning Minnesota consumers not to eat alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands due to a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella infections. Twenty-three Minnesotans became ill between July 8 and Aug. 8 with Salmonella and/or various strains of STEC). Two people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iiSyia

PEPPERS: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “At least 431 people in 32 states have gotten sick from eating fresh jalapeño peppers contaminated with salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday. The likeliest source of the illnesses was jalapeños grown in Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which recalled the peppers. They were served at Chipotle, Qdoba and other Mexican-style restaurants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFdBvc

NEXT WEEK: Via CIR-SEIU, VERBATIM: “This Monday, August 24, resident physicians and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota Medical Center will hold a press conference to demand a fair first contract that supports their ability to provide exceptional care to Minnesota communities. Represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU), the almost 1,000 frontline doctors provide the majority of patient care at the University of Minnesota-affiliated hospitals with more than 80 hours a week. After months of bargaining without an agreement, the institution’s negotiators are continuing to deny the physicians fair pay, mental health benefits to deal with the stress of their highly-demanding jobs, and other protections.”

NURSING HOMES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by nursing home industry leaders seeking to dissolve the state’s nursing home labor standards board, which the Legislature created in 2023 to set minimum wages and employment standards. The ruling is a victory for nursing home workers, many of whom will receive raises next month because of the board. It will also fuel the labor movement’s push to win higher wages and working conditions across entire industries rather than just negotiations at individual workplaces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4giI9jX

AI + HOSPITALS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As hospitals across the country ramp up their integration of artificial intelligence into how they go about diagnosing and treating patients and conduct research, recent allegations around Mayo Clinic‘s practices may provide a window into the tensions hospitals across the country are up against. Last month, a former Mayo Clinic executive filed a federal whistleblower lawsuit, accusing the health care provider of cutting corners by skirting review boards and masking concerning error rates in its rush to incorporate AI into its operations and keep its hold as an industry leader in the artificial intelligence space.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wJjATn

MAYO: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic researchers have developed and externally validated an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can identify a potentially significant heart obstruction from routine ultrasound videos without relying on specialized Doppler imaging. The technology could help clinicians flag patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who may need additional testing, particularly in settings where specialized echocardiography expertise is limited.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wL8NIx

HEALTHCARE: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and western Wisconsin — supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership online. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)

BIG ISSUES

VACCINATIONS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s kindergarten vaccination rates fell across the board during the 2025-26 school year, according to new CDC data released this week. Why it matters: Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation, with immunization rates among kids well below levels needed to curb outbreaks of preventable diseases.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gp9O2I

FOOD BIZ: Via Investigate Midwest, VERBATIM: “Companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Mars have regularly sued governments around the world in an effort to prevent public health proposals from being implemented, according to new reporting by Lighthouse Reports and a slew of media partners. Diets full of ultraprocessed foods — such as fast food, cereals, soft drinks and protein bars — have been linked to poor health outcomes. Governments around the globe have responded by adding warning labels on packages and placing restrictions on marketing. To fight back, food companies have sued 239 times between 2010 and 2025, according to Lighthouse Reports’ investigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ckJXbh

FDA: Via Politico, VERBATIM: “Heidi Overton’s years of loyalty to Donald Trump helped her become his pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration, one of the government’s most powerful regulatory agencies. But that devotion could ruin her chances at Senate confirmation. As Trump’s deputy assistant for domestic policy, Overton, a physician, has helped bring Trump’s health policies to fruition, most recently helping shepherd an executive order last week that spelled out Trump’s plan to reduce the number of recommended vaccines for children. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), proponent of vaccination, occasional Trump critic, and chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has already signaled that may cost her his vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gkZWqL

VETS: Via Newsweek, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s push to expand access to psychedelic-assisted treatments for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced a new step involving the hallucinogenic compound ibogaine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4quCDj4

CDC: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “The new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Erica Schwartz, said Wednesday the agency is prepared to handle a variety of disease outbreaks, despite internal concerns about drastic cuts to CDC staffing and programs. Schwartz made the remarks in an internal meeting with CDC staff members. NBC News reviewed a transcript of the agencywide meeting, Schwartz’s first since she took the helm of the agency this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45XWbmB

TEEN PREGNANCY: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s changes to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program that resulted in the abrupt loss of tens of millions of dollars in federal grants. The order from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who was appointed by former President Obama, pauses the administration’s effort to reshape the TPP program into abstinence-only curricula.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wLaAxf

HUNGER: Via Gallup, VERBATIM: “Global hunger and food insecurity continued to decline in 2025, extending the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to estimates from the latest The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report. Despite the recent progress, both hunger and food insecurity remain above pre-pandemic levels and uneven across regions. Hundreds of millions of people continue to experience hunger, leaving the world off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger by 2030.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xd3hj2

ESSENTIA HEALTH SUPPORTS FREE CLINIC IN VIRGINIA, SERVING INCREASED NUMBER OF UNINSURED MINNESOTANS: Every Thursday night, physicians and care team members from Essentia Health-Virginia volunteer at the Project Care Free Clinic, providing treatment, screenings, and preventive care to patients who are uninsured or may be struggling to afford health care premiums. Essentia also provides lab and X-ray services at no cost to the clinic or its patients. Essentia is proud to support the clinic, ensuring everyone in the community can get the care they need. READ MORE: By volunteering at a free clinic, Essentia providers in Virginia ensure access to care for all | Essentia Health (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

RESEARCH & INNOVATION

CANCER RISK: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic researchers have estimated the risk that pancreatic cysts with worrisome or high-risk features will progress to pancreatic cancer or advanced precancerous changes within three years. The findings, published in Gastroenterology, could help physicians and patients better assess risk and make more informed decisions about whether to monitor a cyst or consider surgery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4goaHIO

SCHIZOPHRENIA: Via Rutgers University, VERBATIM: “Specialized brain scans reveal that schizophrenia is linked to widespread loss of the synapses that connect brain cells, with the left side of the brain hit especially hard. The damage follows a surprisingly organized pattern tied to the brain’s chemistry and wiring. Researchers also identified a left frontal region that may serve as a starting point for the loss.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46hw1uQ

COFFEE: Via University of Olu, VERBATIM: “Coffee drinkers may be getting more than an energy boost. A Finnish study found that people who drank more coffee tended to have less total and abdominal fat, more muscle, and healthier metabolic markers despite having similar BMIs. Higher coffee intake was also linked to lower levels of certain amino acids associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SkDCpm

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

BREASTFEEDING: Via MDH, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is helping more parents initiate breastfeeding, which yields good health for parents and babies, as well as long-term cost savings. With nearly 40% of infants born in Minnesota receiving WIC benefits, the program’s breastfeeding education efforts provide a real opportunity to help more families get the healthy benefits of breastfeeding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gsqSVD

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HOTTEST TOPICS

McCARTHY’S TUMBLE: After losing the starting quarterback competition to Kyler Murray, is J.J. McCarthy even going to beat out Carson Wentz to be Murray’s back-up?

OLIVIA’S INJURY: Olivia Miles hobbled off the court midway through the fourth quarter vs. Golden State after hurting her left ankle. How badly is she hurt?

HUGE PREP TRANSFER: Junior guard Chloe Johnson, the state’s top player in the Class of 2028 and ESPN’s No. 2 prospect nationally, will transfer from Duluth Marshall to Proctor, in part because of concerns about whether Marshall will have enough players to field its own team this year.

TWINS STUMBLE AND ADVANCE: The Twins were swept by the Phillies and then swept Atlanta in their latest homestand. Their odds of making the playoffs careened from about 25% on Monday to almost 40% today.

MORE on those — and lots more — in this week’s Sports Take:

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WHO’S REALLY NUMBER 2? Via Michael Rand at Star Tribune and Matthew Coller at Purple insider. When the Vikings season starts vs. Green Bay in three weeks, there’s a case for Carson Wentz to be Kyler Murray’s backup. RAND: “For a team trying to win, a backup quarterback is someone who ideally can come into a game for an injured or ineffective starter, run the offense and help a team win a game without having to be a hero. In 2025, the Vikings quarterback who fit that description was Wentz. He had a command of the offense that J.J. McCarthy lacked. He was able to get the ball to Justin Jefferson in a way McCarthy couldn’t. If Murray went down with a minor injury for a couple of games, which QB is better suited to keep the Vikings on track? It sure seems like Wentz is the answer.” COLLER: “It’s hard to use a handful of preseason reps to declare that Wentz is the better of the two options for backup quarterback but McCarthy has to earn the trust of coach Kevin O’Connell to be able to run the offense with the right rhythm and timing that the scheme demands and we haven’t seen that consistently in camp or in the game against the Giants.”

MJGA (MAKE JEFFERSON GREAT AGAIN): Via Coller. Strip away everything else and maybe the most intriguing question for Vikings fans and (fantasy football owners) is restoring Justin Jefferson to elite receiving status. All of Jefferson’s stats were down last year, mostly notably 485 fewer receiving yards and a drop in touchdown catches from 10 to 2. VERBATIM: “Throughout training camp, Murray and Jefferson have been largely on the same page, connecting on passes at the short, intermediate and deep levels on a regular basis. Jefferson had a ton of success playing with an anticipation passer Kirk Cousins early in his career and he has seemed to enjoy the opportunities to adjust to the ball in the air and catch jump balls . . . Historically, Murray has pushed the football to his No. 1 target. When he was with DeAndre Hopkins, the former Texan saw 160 targets in only full season in Arizona (2020). Superstar tight end Trey McBride had 147 in 16 games in 2024.”

MORE: RAND | COLLER | JEFFERSON STATS

BREAKTHROUGH! Women’s sports fans can get understandably annoyed when media and others discuss a talented female athlete and by default compare her to a male. So it was fun recently when I was at a prospect camp for high school boys’ basketball players to have someone make note of a point guard by saying, “He has handles like Olivia Miles.”

ELITE GOPHERS: Via Associated Press. The Gophers were not one of the eight Big Ten teams in the preseason AP Top 25 football poll. But they did receive five votes, technically putting Minnesota at No. 38. Voting is done on a 25-point scale with 25 points for a first-place vote down to 1 for a 25th-place vote. NOT A HOMER: Strib football writer Randy Johnson did not vote for the Gophers. Their votes came from two interesting places, though. Ralph D. Russo, a senior writer at the Athletic who previously was AP’s No. 1 national football writer, provided four of the points by putting the U at No. 22. The other came from Koki Riley, who covers LSU football for the Baton Rouge Advocate. BY THE WAY: Johnson has Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oregon in his top three spots and defending champ Indiana seventh. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/appoll0820 (There’s a dropdown box on the page that shows the vote from each poll member.)

MORE ON POLLS: The Gophers open their volleyball season a week from Friday in Sioux Falls at the State Farm showcase and are ranked 14th in the preseason coaches poll. They’ll play No. 12 Arizona State a week from Friday (8 p.m., FOX9+ and FOX) and No. 13 Creighton at 4 p.m. the next day (4 p.m. FS1). There are eight Big Ten teams in the Top 25, led by Nebraska at No. 1 and Wisconsin at No. 6. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/vbpoll0820

ROAD TRIP? Tickets to see the Gophers in Sioux Falls are here. No. 9 Purdue and No. 20 USC are also in the field.

FLECK VS. KILL: A line that jumped out at me in a recent Strib update on Gophers football camp was that second-year player Daniel Shipp has grabbed an advantage for a starting offensive tackle spot and that he was “wearing an orange ‘Juice’ jersey as a reward for hustle in a previous practice.” I flashed back to the coaching tenure of Jerry Kill (2011-15), who took a different approach and made players who didn’t meet expectations wear a pink-lettered T-shirt that read “I let my teammates down” on one side and “Minnesota Loafers” on the other. MY TAKE: Three things. (1) Even if I feel something’s cheesy, Fleck’s job is to vibe with teenagers and young adults, not with me. (2) He does that pretty well, based on the team’s reasonable amount of success on the field and meeting his expectations off the field. (3) Fleck’s methods > Kill’s methods.

MORE JUICE: I am pulling for 322-pound nose tackle Domonique Orange, a third-round draft choice from Iowa State, to make the Vikings roster. WHY? It’s the nickname, Big Citrus, which he got as a high schooler in Missouri when he weighed 400 pounds. Darn right I’m buying the Big Citrus hoodie for my new favorite Vikings player. COLLEGE BIG CITRUS HOODIE: https://fluence-media.co/bigcitrus0820

GOOD NEWS (FOR ME, ANYWAY): Via Dane Mizutani at Pioneer Press. Orange is on the writer’s most recent 53-man roster for the regular season. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/53man0820

GIVING UP: The Twins aren’t giving up. I’m giving up trying to explain and anticipate their season. With 34 games to play, the Twins now have a half-game lead for the final American League Wild Card spot and trail the White Sox by four games in the AL Central. Giving up is NOT disinterest, I promise. After a six-game road trip that starts Friday night in San Diego, the Twins start a stretch of 15 games — nine of them at Target Field — against division rivals Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland. If the Twins can put together a run of winning baseball over the next few weeks, we have a pretty good chance of seeing some playoff baseball. I buy into the frequent plea of radio commentator Dan Gladden, that the Twins focus on winning the division more than surviving the Wild Card race. The schedule makes that possible and falling short in that chase could still result in a playoff spot. DIVISION STANDINGS | SCHEDULE

HUH? Via AaronGleeman.com. Aaron Gleeman was trying to make sense of the Twins calling up a third catcher, Alex Jackson, when outfielder Austin Martin went on the injured list over the weekend with a strained hamstring. The best he could muster was that Jackson would get some playing time in the outfield, a position he’s played in the minors. But when Gleeman asked manager Derek Shelton, the response was that outfield time wasn’t part of the plan. VERBATIM: “At that exact moment, I went from being confused by the Twins’ decision to call up Jackson to seeing it in the far more damning light of a team simply not trying to do everything it can to compete for a playoff spot just two weeks after parting with several quality prospects as trade deadline buyers. . . . They called up Jackson because he’s a well-liked veteran who will have absolutely no issues collecting dust on the bench again. In a fight for their playoff lives, they called up Jackson to intentionally resume punting a roster spot.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/roster0820

DEARLY BELOVED? There was an odd broadcast moment on Netflix during last week’s Field of Dreams game between the Twins and Phillies when announcer Matt Vasgersian referred to the Pohlad family as “beloved.” MY TAKE: At least Tom Pohlad knows that isn’t the case. I half-expected him to pop out of the cornfield beyond the outfield fence to correct Vasgersian. “If you want to know the truth, Matt . . .“

RATINGS BOMB: Via Associated Press. The Field of Dreams game drew only an average of 1.66 million viewers, according to the Nielsen ratings service. Network TV vs. streaming and the teams involved played factors in the drop-off. VERBATIM: “The first MLB game at the Field of Dreams site in 2021 between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox averaged 5.91 million on Fox while the Chicago Cubs-Cincinnati Reds matchup in 2022 averaged 3.10 million.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/ratings0820

ANNOUNCERS FINISHED 16TH: Via Awful Announcing. The twins broadcast crew finished 16th in the website’s annual fan survey, down from 15th in 2025. VERBATIM: “Many view the Twins’ TV broadcast as a ‘polished’ and ‘professional product’ that balances traditional play-by-play with modern insights. Graders widely agreed that lead announcer Cory Provus ‘is a pro’s pro’ who is ‘underrated.’ Former MVP Justin Morneau is celebrated as the team’s ‘best analyst,’ though some note that his delivery can occasionally feel ‘a little dry.’ All of the analysts received some form of praise. Some graders suggested adding the ‘fantastic’ Trevor Plouffe permanently to form a three-person booth. The ‘Players Only’ broadcast received significant praise as well, and many graders hoped that would happen more often. FULL RANKINGS: https://fluence-media.co/announcers0820

TOUGH BEING PABLO: Via Matthew Leach at MLB.com. Sidelined for the season by an elbow injury at the start of spring training, ace pitcher Pablo Lopez has looked for ways to make himself useful and to stay engaged with the team on a deeper level than most players who suffer a long-term injury. He’s made every road trip (unusual for an injured player), done radio/TV work, served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking players and shadowed members of the organization. VERBATIM: “I live, I sweat, I breathe baseball. I live, sweat and breathe pitching. Well, guess what? That’s the one thing I don’t have this year. So obviously my identity felt shattered at the beginning. It’s like, 'Who am I? What am I going to do?' There’s so many identities, so many branches, even within that same identity. Even if that’s my main one, there’s so many branches that come from that. I’m a good uncle. I’m a good brother. I’m a good role model. I’m a veteran presence in this clubhouse.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/lopez0820

TOUGH BEING BUXTON: Via Johnny Flores Jr. at The Athletic. Placing the Twins 22nd in its latest power rankings, the Athletic took note of Byron Buxton’s weak second-half performance, which has been hampered by a hip problem. VERBATIM: “In the ninth inning of Sunday’s 7-5 loss to the Phillies, with two outs and two men on, Buxton struck out on five pitches, none of which were in the zone, completing an 0-for-5 day and sealing a three-game sweep. It continued a season-wide trend for the 32-year-old. With runners in scoring position, Buxton has a .558 OPS; with two outs, he has a .483 OPS, and in late/close situations, it’s .546. Where Buxton goes, so do the Twins, and for a club that bought at the deadline and has postseason aspirations, that’s not ideal. Activated off the IL ahead of the Field of Dreams game, Buxton has a second-half slash line of .135/.220/.162.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/buxton0820

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL: Despite being second on the Twins with an .845 OPS and 133 OPS+, he’s had only three multi-hit games in his last 20 starts. During that span, Buxton has a .187 batting average with only five extra-base hits (four doubles and a home run) in 82 plate appearances. That stretch goes back to June 22 and includes two stretches of being sidelined that caused him to miss 29 games.

DEFINITIONS: SLASH LINE | OPS | OPS+

KAT’s WEDDING: Via Sadiba Hasan at New York Times. Sports Take doesn’t consider itself a hub for society news, but we’re making an exception for last weekend’s wedding of former Timberwolves (and current Knicks) star Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods. VERBATIM: “Knicks players and reality stars descended on Malibu in all-black attire to celebrate the couple’s union in an outdoor ceremony. The guest list, which had about 250 people, included Justin and Hailey Bieber; Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow Smith (the bride’s late father was a sound engineer on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”); the groom’s teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart; Ben Stiller, a courtside fixture at Knicks games, and his wife Christine Taylor; and Timothée Chalamet, another Knicks superfan, and Kylie Jenner. (The latter had a public falling out with the bride in 2019, but the two have since reconciled.) Nicolas Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, a power couple from “Love Island U.S.A.” who announced their split last month, were also spotted together at the wedding. The event was orchestrated by Mindy Weiss, a celebrity wedding planner behind the nuptials of the Biebers; Ciara and Russell Wilson; and Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi in 1997.” WHAT THEY WORE AND MORE: https://fluence-media.co/kat0820

IF YOU MISSED IT: Via Chris Hine at Star Tribune. Anthony Edwards and his longtime partner Shannon Jackson got married last month. STORY: https://fluence-media.co/edwards0820

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BIG WIN, MILES HURT: Via Cassidy Hettesheimer at Star Tribune. The Golden State Valkyries made their third try at taking down the Lynx on Wednesday, and for the third time they failed. The best part of their night was defense, which helped kill a Golden State comeback that took them from 22 points down in the third quarter to seven down in the fourth. Golden State shot only 32% from the field and missed 30 of 37 three-pointers against Minnesota defense, which finally lived up to coach Cheryl Reeve’s expectations. The Lynx had ranked among the WNBA’s worst defenses since the start of July — outscoring their opponents to win — while the Valkyries brought the No. 1-ranked defense into the game. VERBATIM: “I was really appreciative that our defense rivaled that of Golden State’s in our passion, our intensity for what we were doing, and our commitment to things that we weren’t willing to give up,” Reeve said. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/lynx0820

OLIVIA’S ANKLE: The injury came with 4:49 left in the game when Miles stepped on Napheesa Collier’s foot while playing defense. She hobbled off the court and returned to the bench after a brief trip to the locker room. It was the second time she left a game after hurting her left ankle. The first time, in June, she returned for the next game. We probably won’t know much about the severity of this injury until close to Friday’s game time in Washington (6:30 p.m., ION). SILVER LININGS: The Lynx have three more games, including a rematch with Golden State on Monday at Target Center, before a two-week break for the FIBA World Cup in Germany. They also have a four-game lead over second-place Golden State with seven games until the playoffs. INJURY VIDEO: https://fluence-media.co/ankle0820

NIGHT-NIGHT: Miles felt good enough to crash the Lynx’ postgame press conference to ask Kayla McBride a question, and got trolled a bit in response.

PREP SUPERSTAR TRANSFERS: Via Marcus Fuller at Strib Varsity and Jamie Malcomb at Duluth News Tribune. Last season, point guard Chloe Johnson scored 49 points for Duluth Marshall in an 81-73 victory over Proctor in a section semifinal. This season, Johnson will be playing for Proctor after a coaching change at the Duluth private school and concerns over Marshall’s ability to field its own team. Heather Johnson, the player’s mother, told the Duluth News Tribune in a written statement: “There were two girls basketball players left enrolled at the school (Chloe and one other). So, although this school change was unexpected, she’s excited to continue representing Northern Minnesota well. Her goal remains the same: winning a State Championship and doing whatever her team needs her to do to achieve that.” Johnson told Fuller in a text message: “I’m excited to get in the gym with the girls. They are all my friends, and we already work out together all the time. They all have the same goals as I do. We want to be the best we can be and win a state championship together.”

MORE: Marshall has a new activities director and, since the 2025-26 school year ended, has replaced girls’ basketball coach CJ Osuchukwu, as well as coaches in boys’ basketball, girls’ lacrosse and baseball. Johnson’s coach at Proctor, Matt Solberg, is president of the state coaches association for girls’ basketball. VERBATIM: “Obviously we’re excited. . . . We did [the transfer] by the book and all the boxes were checked in my mind. From my perspective, we are good to go.”

FULL REPORTS: STRIB VARSITY | DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE

VIKINGS BASHING: Via Matt Ufford at Defector. The annual takedowns of every NFL team are outrageous, off-color and annoying to humorless partisans. This year’s report on the Vikings goes especially hard after the entire quarterback crew and their head coach. VERBATIM: “O’Connell is about what you can expect from someone who came from Sean McVay’s coaching tree: A good play-caller, white, and blandly attractive in an unblinking, smooth-groined Ken doll sort of way, with a jaw on a mission to grind molars into flour. He won Coach of the Year honors after Sam Darnold’s year under center; he also went 13-4 in 2022 with a negative point differential, a season-long statistical aberration so offensive to the football gods that the bubble popped with a Wild Card loss to the Giants. . . . Outside of those two years, the Vikings are 16-18 under O’Connell. He seems fine as a quarterback-developing, offensive-minded head coach, as long as you don’t need him to win a playoff game, or develop a young quarterback, or accept any fault for failing to develop a young quarterback.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/vikings0820

WHY EVERY TEAM SUCKS: https://fluence-media.co/defector0820

WHY ARIZONA QUIT MURRAY: Via Mark Craig at Star Tribune. Kyler Murray went from the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft to being cast aside by the Cardinals midway through a contract extension that was intended to keep him there through 2028. Murray got Arizona into one playoff game (which they lost) and burned bridges with two head coaches who were fired. There were questions about his leadership skills and a skirmish over a contract clause that required him to do “independent study” — a clause that was removed but soured relationships. VERBATIM: “Leadership, like work ethic, has long been a hot-button issue with Murray. Those close to him in Arizona say he’s naturally introverted. Quiet. Private. Sometimes perceived as aloof or uncaring. He prefers to lead by example on the field and go home. Those traits might go unnoticed at another position. At quarterback, they helped make Murray a divisive figure in Arizona.”

MORE: Interviewed by Craig for his story, Hall of Fame receiver, Minneapolis native and former Cardinals standout Larry Fitzgerald Jr., spoke highly of Murray’s football skills. VERBATIM: “Kyler is immensely talented. He’s a terrific athlete. He processes information quickly. He’s smart. The Vikings got a guy who is fully capable. If things don’t go the way they want, it’s not because Kyler doesn’t have the physical attributes.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/kyler0820

LOONS FLOP: Minnesota United extended its MLS winless streak to nine games Wednesday with a 2-1 loss to Atlanta, the last-place team in the MLS East. The loss dropped the Loons two points out of the last playoff spot in MLS West and came on a night when several dozen team alumni returned to mark 10 years since MNUFC joined the league. The Loons play next on Saturday at San Diego (9:30 p.m., Apple TV), which is two spots below them in the standings. STANDINGS: https://fluence-media.co/mls0820

APPROPRIATE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES: Via Andy Greder at Pioneer Press. While the Loons honored the best players in their decade in MLS, Greder took another route, noting the team’s biggest disappointments. “HONORED”: His list includes Emanuel Reynoso, who “racked up 24 goals and 37 assists in 95 MLS games. But he went AWOL from the club on three occasions over two years.” Vadim Demidov, the team’s first captain, “became synonymous with how ill-prepared MNUFC was coming out of the starting blocks.” Thomas Chacon came from Uruguay as a much-hyped teen. “Upon arrival, the club had a welcome party for him at the airport and handed out cardboard cutouts of his head before a home match in 2019. But Chacon never logged a goal or assist across three seasons, and MNUFC bought out his contract in 2022.” There are more, including the Loons’ first goalkeeper and latest superstar flop. FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/flop0820

THE OFFICIAL TEAM: MNUFC’s team of the decade chosen by fans is here.

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RANDY SHAVER RETURNS: Strib Varsity, the Star Tribune’s high school sports platform, is bringing back former KARE11 anchor Randy Shaver for a second season of “Strib Varsity Live with Randy Shaver” livestreams that will feature game highlights and analysis similar to what he did at the TV. Strib Varsity will also debut “Varsity Insiders,” a YouTube podcast featuring Shaver. The platform will also add regular “Hockey Across Minnesota” and “Recruiting Across Minnesota” reports to a lineup that currently has similar coverage of football and basketball.

PELISSERO’S NEW JOB: Via Sam Neumann at Awful Announcing. Edina native Tom Pelissero, who lost his job when the NFL Network was swallowed up by ESPN, has joined Netflix as a sideline reporter and league “insider.” The first NFL game on Netflix is opening weekend between the Rams and 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/tom0820

ST. THOMAS QB BATTLE: Via Ren Clayton at WCCO-TV. A transfer and a 2025 backup are competing to be the starting quarterback for St Thomas. Both Ryan Jackson and Anthony Policare say they’ve struck up a good friendship in the process. Policare is a transfer who didn’t play at the University of Buffalo; Jackson played in five games for the Tommies and threw 24 passes. The Tommies open their season next Thursday at home against Division II Winona State. VERBATIM: "When you have a battle like this, it's easy to start thinking about what the other guys are doing, trying to compare yourself. But you just have to take it day by day," said Policare, a western New York native. "There's days where you're super competitive and every rep feels like it's the Super Bowl. But then you got to look back at it, you know, what would your 3-year-old self think of you right now? You'd be pretty proud of yourself." SCHEDULE | TICKETS

SIGNING WITH UNRIVALED: Via Nick Schultz at Yahoo Sports. Former Benilde-St. Margaret’s star Olivia Olson is one of nine college players to sign NIL deals with Unrivaled. Olson, a third-year player at Michigan, is a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 19 points and six rebounds per game last season. In addition to NIL payments, the players will take part in a program at Unrivaled headquarters in Miami that includes skill development sessions and photo shoots. The league, cofounded by Lynx star Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, will play its third season in 2027. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/unrivaled0820

TOWNBALL TOURNAMENT BEGINS: The state amateur baseball tournament begins Friday night with games in Shakopee and New Prague and runs through Sunday, September 6. Games will also be played in Jordan and Chaska in the three-class tournament that includes 80 teams. Tickets are available at all sites for $5 for single-game sessions and $10 for multiple games. 18-and-under tickets cost $1. Games will also be streamed without charge on NSPN. BRACKETS, STREAMING AND TICKET INFO

AND FINALLY: Via Adam Platt at MplsStPaul. Lots of people know townball exists without knowing much about it. Not many people know as much about townball as Platt, who sweetly lays out both the charms and the realities. VERBATIM: “Explaining the appeal of townball is not entirely simple, because it’s a different experience in every town. The game is the same throughout: wood bats, metal bleachers (by and large), and a mix of fans of the home and visiting teams, who sit behind their squad’s dugout. But there are a lot of differences. Joe Schleper Stadium in Shakopee is a Taj Mahal compared to Goenner Park in Clear Lake (Sherburne County), which is basically amenity-free. The ballpark in Winsted (McLeod County) has a concession menu that rivals The Cheesecake Factory, while some offer nothing. And as far as the actual baseball is concerned, both the pace and the style of play are different than anything on television. First of all, townball does not use a pitch clock or instant replay or any of the innovations of modern baseball. Pitch speeds aren’t in the triple digits; infield play is variable. A good third baseman probably means a good team. Some clubs play with an alacrity that rivals the low minor leagues of pro ball, while at others, the game can be a bit of a mess, and the players’ paunches imply ‘beer league.’ “

THANKS FOR READING. I hope Sports Take give you something to talk about.

EMAIL HOWARD: sportstake100@gmail.com

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A BUSY THURSDAY

A Wall Street Journal writer counted 20 instances of “encouraged” or “encouraging” in Wednesday’s Target quarterly earnings call. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xWmfdM

We really need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows little change over last week, with the exception of an area in northwest Minnesota that slipped into extreme drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo

Some showers in central Minnesota, with a slight risk for severe storms this evening. NWS: https://fluence-media.co/4wDuYjO

Violent crime in the U.S. was down 9.3% in 2025 – that’s the biggest year-over-year drop since the FBI started tracking it in 1936. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xegzf8

Elon Musk says former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin should be set free. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3Skh1Jm

A slow week for games but no shortage of sports conversation starters. This week’s Sports Take has the struggles of J.J. McCarthy and Byron Buxton, some snarky Vikings bashing, an eyebrow-raising reference to the Pohlads, two weddings and an injury. Publishing this afternoon.

Blois
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Fluence Advisory has released its Insights memo on “The Next Legislature”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNSMV

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Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bYtsRT

Sunday Take featured a recap of the Minnesota primary, a look at Wisconsin’s primary with political analyst Bill McCoshen and a talk with MN Chamber CEO Doug Loon about Minnesota’s economy. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SER8Ei

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

NASA + MN: Via Minnesota State, VERBATIM: “NASA has selected the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence as one of seven Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce State Hubs in the nation and the only hub located in the Midwest. The NASA State Hubs initiative is designed to address a growing national need for skilled technical talent as the aerospace economy expands and the nation advances priorities related to human space exploration, advanced manufacturing, propulsion systems, and aerospace innovation. Through a three-year, $1.5 million initiative, Minnesota State will convene colleges, aerospace employers, workforce development organizations, and economic development partners to expand industry-aligned education, training, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for high-demand aerospace careers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TZbKrp

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “New data from July show that over the year, Minnesota added 44,092 jobs, a 1.5% increase that significantly outpaced the national job growth rate of 0.2% according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s private sector also grew 1.5% over the year compared with 0.5% nationally. Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of a percent to 4.3% in July, while the U.S. unemployment rate also declined one-tenth of a percent to 4.1%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TXrCux

MORTGAGES: Via Realtor.com, VERBATIM: “The share of ‘equity-rich’ homeowners has fallen to its lowest level in five years, while the number of homeowners with ‘seriously underwater’ mortgages is rising, according to a new report . . . The states with the largest annual increases in seriously underwater homes were Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, and the District of Columbia. The percentage of seriously underwater homes in Minnesota climbed an astounding 9.5%, from 2.6% a year ago to 12.1% in the second quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qs9Mvv

HEMP: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s hemp farmers have weathered a boom, a bust and years of changing rules. Now, a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products is the latest blow to an industry they helped build. For Jeremy Saueressig, that means no hemp in his Hastings fields this year. He’s among the few Minnesota farmers still growing hemp for THC. After growing the crop since 2019, he planted more soybeans instead.” SAUERESSIG: “Missed opportunity,” he said, looking over his fields of soybeans. “The lost opportunity of another year of R and D, another year of moving the market, setting networks.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4c0TNyR

(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)

POT: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Brooklyn Park could end up running its own cannabis store. Acting as the Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, the city council approved on Aug. 17 a market feasibility study for a municipal cannabis store.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qrv4JP

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

GREATER MINNESOTA

APPLETON: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The company operating an ICE detention facility in Appleton is holding a series of job fairs. … CoreCivic, which recently sold the Prairie Correctional facility to the federal government, is hiring guards, medical and administrative staff. The federal government announced the 1,600-bed facility will begin housing detainees this fall after being shuttered since 2010. Before it closed, the facility employed between 300 and 400 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJWHM4

ST CLOUD: via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Cloud is considering a proposal from its mayor to raise property taxes by 3.75% to retain city staff, including police officers and firefighters. … If approved, it would be added on top of a 2.69% increase tied to voter-approved fire department funding. The total for taxpayers would be a 6.44% increase in property taxes, around a $146 increase for a median home in St. Cloud, valued at $252,700. … Public safety is driving much of St. Cloud’s proposed budget increase for next year. $57 million is for public safety, about $5.8 million more than this year, and an increase of more than 11%. The proposal adds nineteen full-time positions to the city’s fire department.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gjvVaP

RUSH CITY: via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Rush City is asking residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use after the [DNR] moved the St. Croix River basin into a drought warning response phase. The city said prolonged dry weather prompted the change and that conservation efforts are needed to help protect the municipal water supply and meet state requirements.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4zzyjDl

BEARS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions following an increase in bear activity and human-bear interactions throughout the area…In recent months…the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement have responded to a number of incidents involving bears…including one entering a tent at a campground…a motorcyclist crashing into a bear…as well as bears damaging vehicles while attempting to get into rear tonneau covers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iihpTg

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

THE CITIES

GREEN ZONES: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The city of Minneapolis is using new data to reevaluate areas that receive additional environmental benefits to combat historic pollution in diverse, working class neighborhoods. Minneapolis formally established two areas known as green zones in 2017 after years of urging from environmental justice advocates to designate and provide benefits to areas surrounded by highways and heavy industry. City officials are using updated data on pollution to revise the green zones, and are seeking community input on how the boundaries should be redrawn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xcpoGk

AI-GATE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is adding new explanatory language to an exhibition after visitors mistook an artist’s digitally rendered work for generative AI.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4qs3bBf

HIGHWAY 280: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A collective rejoicing and sigh of relief. That is, or at least should be, the reaction for many Twin Cities motorists and State Fair enthusiasts starting this weekend. Highway 280 on the border of St. Paul and Minneapolis is reopening after being closed since April for resurfacing and ramp and bridge repair.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qnXB2Q

MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Osseo Area School District celebrated this week the opening of Aspen Ridge Elementary, the first new school built in the district in 20 years. Located in the fast growing northwest corner of Maple Grove on Arbor Ridge Parkway, the school will initially serve more than 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The building is built for a capacity of 1,100 students.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4glhDGB

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS: Flint Hills Resources is celebrating summer with thousands of Minnesotans at local festivals and parades. Look for Flint Hills employees – along with their families and friends – as they show their hometown pride at many local celebrations, including Rosemount Leprechaun Days, Hastings Rivertown Days, Inver Grove Heights Days and Saint Paul’s Lowertown Sounds. For decades, Flint Hills Resources has supported programs, organizations and events that improve our quality of life in our communities. LEARN MORE: Community Partnerships (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

NEXT WEEK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Want a meal at Indígena by Owamni for under $50? You may have a chance — but only next Wednesday. The acclaimed Indigenous restaurant will participate in the international Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can initiative on Aug. 26, during which some of the world’s best restaurants will offer regular menus without the usual price barrier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xUNEN9

NORTH LOOP: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “People packed a neighborhood meeting in the North Loop Wednesday night about a proposed data center there. The Virginia-based developer, Legacy Investing, has agreed to a deal to buy the old Star Tribune printing facility and turn it into a data center. Ari Chernikoff, the group’s vice president of development, joined the meeting via Zoom, much to the ire of the residents who showed up in person.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qu9PHh

HERMANTOWN: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Shouts resulted in multiple people being escorted out of the AAD Shrine event center as Google hosted an open house on its proposed Data Center in Hermantown on Wednesday night. Many spoke out because they felt like their questions weren’t being answered.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45zD8yL

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based WSB, VERBATIM: “WSB LLC, one of the nation’s fastest-growing design and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of Civil Infrastructure Associates, LLC, a well-established engineering firm supporting the Nashville metropolitan area. CIA specializes in water and wastewater utilities, civil/site design, aviation infrastructure, and surveying services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQZ38l

ACQUISITION: Via Plymouth-based Wealth Enhancement, VERBATIM: “Wealth Enhancement, a national independent wealth management firm dedicated to enriching clients’ lives, announced it has acquired the investment advisory business of Servo Wealth Management, an independent RIA in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wISvQv

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Whether you’re chasing the latest fair food craze, catching a show at the Grandstand or making your annual trip for the classics, the Minnesota State Fair has something for everyone. Here’s what to know before you go, from tickets and transportation to deals and can’t-miss attractions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ztPB4w

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

ART: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Liz Derby is best known for distilling Minnesota into its most basic of shapes, pieces, and colors—while expressing an entire world of personality and nuance within. Under her moniker, Little Dipper Art, she creates prints depicting Twin Cities landmarks and icons (Loring Park, our city lakes, First Ave, the Landmark Center in two different seasons, even Mickey’s Diner) in minimalistic form.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46blmlp

TITANIC: From a Minnesota Monthly reporter who describes herself as a “‘Titanic’ person”, on the exhibit that opened recently in Minneapolis, QUOTE: “My husband and I visited last weekend with complimentary VIP tickets, and while I expected to enjoy the spectacle of it all, I was surprised by what stayed with me most.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4zpKeU9

BDAYS: AgriGrowth’s Darin Broton has a milestone bday, Farm Bureau’s Dan Glessing, comms pro Joanna Hjelmeland

Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region.  Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more.  Visit www.fluence-media.com  to learn more.

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ONE WEEK TO GMGT

One week until the State Fair.

Twins sweep Atlanta. Lynx win.

A slow week for games but no shortage of sports conversation starters. This week’s Sports Take has the struggles of J.J. McCarthy and Byron Buxton, some snarky Vikings bashing, an eyebrow-raising reference to the Pohlads, two weddings and an injury. Publishing this afternoon.

The scheduled vote today in St. Paul and Minneapolis to merge the chambers of commerce has been postponed.

U.S. News ranked Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul as the best high school in Minnesota. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/45DgDJ6

The All-In podcast has the Flock CEO this week, an insightful listen. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4ghIvav

The NRSC sent a memo to AI companies asking them to “fix the toxic brand” of data centers so Republicans don’t lose elections. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4xImDMK

The share of Americans who say they drink alcohol remains at a record-low 54% for the second consecutive year, the lowest reading in Gallup’s trend dating back to 1939. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4wIq44V

Business electricity use is expected to outpace household electricity use for the first time on record due to data centers, but grid expansions aren’t keeping up with demand. QUARTZ: https://fluence-media.co/4xOat4X

Today’s visits include the Mpls. Regional Chamber Board and the State Fair preview party, see you there.

My take on the Lindell recount this morning on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3UKfoWb

Happy National Bacon Lovers, Hazy IPA and Radio Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

A trip to Mankato yesterday for the opening of the new Chick fil A, an Advisory client piqued the curiosity of the city’s momentum. If you visit you can’t miss that the city has grown and continues to attract jobs and investment. The impact of Minnesota State – Mankato’s growth is only one piece of it, but the hub of jobs across ag, manufacturing and health care drives the economy. A new hotel downtown will add to its edge in competing for events.

A competitive Mayor’s race is worth watching this fall as well.

The local business community is energized to support and amplify the momentum of the regional center. Greater Mankato Growth EVP and friend of the take Andy Wilke pointed out some measurables that Mankato can point to:

• Blue Earth County is the youngest county in the state of Minnesota with a median age of 31.6.

• The Mankato-North Mankato MSA population has increased by 7% since 2015.

• Mankato MSA ranks 19^th in the nation for percentage of population between 18-24 at 18.5%

• Mankato is the fastest growing city outside of the metro with over 25,000 residents from 2019 to 2025.

WALZ LEGACY SHAPING

LEGACY: Gov. Tim Walz isn’t waiting for historians — or Minnesota voters — to write the first draft of his legacy. His administration is organizing an effort to help write it themselves.

An internal document from the Office of Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan encourages administration staff to write letters to the editor and op-eds about their work, describing them as an effective way to “secure the legacy of the Walz-Flanagan Administration.”

And this isn’t just a suggestion to write a few letters.

The document amounts to a legacy communications toolkit, providing staff with a writing formula, suggested themes, word-count recommendations and detailed submission information for newspapers across Minnesota — from the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press to the Duluth News Tribune, Rochester Post Bulletin, Mankato Free Press and St. Cloud Times. Not on the list, Forum Communications.

Staff are even instructed to send the administration links or copies of published pieces so it can “track our collective impact.”

That’s a revealing phrase.

BOUNDARY WATERS: Against that backdrop, Walz’s executive order Tuesday restricting copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters looks like more than another environmental policy decision. It also fits neatly into the administration’s effort to define what the Walz years will mean after Walz is gone.

The order attempts to put Walz firmly on one side of an argument Minnesota has been having for decades: mining versus protection of one of the state’s most iconic natural resources. It also creates a potential legacy marker that is easy to understand and difficult to overlook.

THE CAMPAIGN: Every outgoing administration works to shape its legacy. Governors give speeches, cut ribbons, release accomplishment lists and sit for exit interviews.

What’s notable here is the organization behind the effort.

The Walz administration isn’t simply compiling accomplishments. It’s encouraging the people who implemented its agenda to become outside validators of it — placing their own voices in local newspapers and community publications around Minnesota. The instructions specifically emphasize that the pieces should be written in someone’s “own voice” and grounded in their “own community.”

That potentially gives an administration message the appearance of something broader: a collection of individual Minnesotans telling readers what the Walz years accomplished.

THE RECORD: There’s a reason defining that narrative matters.

Walz can point to a consequential record: free school meals, paid family and medical leave, abortion protections, climate and energy legislation, infrastructure spending and now an attempt to protect the Boundary Waters from future mining.

But there is another version of the Walz legacy that Republicans will emphasize: billions of dollars in fraud allegations and investigations, the response to the 2020 riots, COVID restrictions, higher state spending and taxes, and a governing agenda critics argue moved Minnesota sharply to the left.

That means the final months of the Walz administration aren’t simply about finishing the work.

They’re increasingly about winning the argument over what the work meant.

TAKE: The Boundary Waters order and the staff letter-writing campaign are different things, but they point in the same direction.

Walz is entering the period every long-serving governor eventually reaches: the transition from governing to being judged.

The administration apparently understands that political legacies don’t simply happen. They’re constructed through policies, speeches, newspaper stories — and, apparently, letters to the editor.

The interesting question isn’t whether Walz wants to protect his legacy. Every governor does.

It’s how aggressively his administration appears prepared to help write it.

WALZ: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz spent much of his nearly eight years in office arguing that Minnesota’s most contentious environmental disputes should not be settled by decree. … [But] Walz’s evolution on the mining issue is a microcosm of how his style of governing, and his view of his office’s powers, has changed. … The rural congressman who arrived at the Capitol preaching ‘One Minnesota’ and political consensus has become one of his party’s more prominent and combative national figures, more confident in wielding executive power and increasingly willing to put Minnesota in direct conflict with his Republican opponents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cunoRe

COMMUNITIES: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading, nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin - supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership.. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)

POLL

ELECTIONS: Via KSTP, polling for the secretary of state and state auditor races shows that both races are close, but no candidates hold majority support with any listed demographics for now. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4xL4XA0

● SEC STATE: DFL Sec. Steve Simon leads at 41%, with Republican Tad Jude at 34%, other candidates at 4% and 20% undecided. Simon is leading with all listed demographics by varying degrees — notably, he is +1 with voters aged 50-64, but +26 with voters aged 18-34.

● AUDITOR: Republican Scott Jensen and DFLer Zack Filipovich are both tied at 39%, with other candidates at 3% and 19% undecided. Jensen is +8 with men and has a slim lead with all voters 35 and up, while Filipovich is +8 with women and +19 with voters under 35.

APPROVAL: KSTP finds that Minnesotans’ opinions of major political figures and institutions slightly improved from their last poll. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4zk0xSe

• WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz has 43% approval, 52% disapproval, and 5% unsure. Of that, 19% “strongly approve” and 38% “strongly disapprove.” This is the first time in 2026 that Walz’s net approval has increased since KSTP’s last poll.

• TRUMP: Pres. Donald Trump has 38% approval, 58% disapproval, and 3% unsure. Of that, 17% “strongly approve” and 48% “strongly disapprove.” On his handling of specific issues, Trump has 35% support on the economy and 33% support on the Iran war.

• KLOBUCHAR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has 50% approval, 38% disapproval, and 12% unsure. Klobuchar’s net approval has increased by 5 points since before she won the August primary.

• ELLISON: A.G. Keith Ellison has 40% approval, 41% disapproval, and 19% unsure.

• MNLEG: The Minnesota Legislature as a whole has 37% approval, 48% disapproval, and 14% unsure.

ISSUES: Via KSTP, Minnesotans indicated that economic concerns are their top issues ahead of the 2026 election — the cost of living for liberals and moderates, and fraud for conservatives. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/45WkfWZ

• OVERALL: 35% cost of living, 15% fraud, 11% health care, 8% immigration, 6% gas prices, 5% Iran, 5% education, 4% jobs, 3% abortion, 2% crime, 2% guns, 4% other.

• LIBERALS: 40% cost of living, 17% health care, 2% fraud, 2% immigration.

• MODERATES: 42% cost of living, 14% health care, 11% fraud, 6% immigration.

• CONSERVATIVES: 30% fraud, 24% cost of living, 14% immigration, 4% health care.

CD2: From the latest MNSider for premium subscribers, August heat and haze hung over Minnesota Tuesday, the race in CD2 is becoming more clear. Two suburbanite white guys running, when women are leading the top of the ticket. That takes away a gender dynamic that helped Rep. Angie Craig. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ufae4

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THE TRAIL

DEMUTH: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Across 250 years, only three elected governors out of thousands have been Black — all Democrats and all men, including current Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. … [But] there are seven Black major party gubernatorial nominees in addition to Moore — men and women, Democrats and Republicans — on November ballots. … Republican Lisa Demuth said she ‘has never led with any type of identity politics’ as Minnesota’s first Black House speaker and now her party’s nominee for governor. ‘But I recognize the historic state we are in right now,’ she said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TXlnH4

KLOBUCHAR: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In January 2025, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar stood between President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the head table as part of a ceremonial luncheon where congressional leaders welcomed the new president into office. … It could put her on a more-collegial footing with the Trump Administration than Gov. Tim Walz [has] experienced during the closing months of his term. … Klobuchar said while she and Walz share a political party, she would offer a reboot.” QUOTE: “I don’t like the status quo. I want to transform this state. … [I’m] standing up to Donald Trump when necessary and working with their administration when there’s common ground.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zwM2La

LINDELL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Election results in Minnesota’s Republican governor primary face a set of challenges from the ticket of Mike Lindell. Lindell said Wednesday he would pay for a ‘hand recount and audit’ of primary ballots, and his running mate has filed a Minnesota Supreme Court petition alleging problems with voting and tabulation systems. … It’s unclear if Lindell will actually force a recount. Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office said while it fielded a preliminary inquiry, it had not yet received an official request for the discretionary recount. … Simon’s office shared a cost estimate: $825,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qrW6ko

ESSENTIA HEALTH SUPPORTS FREE CLINIC IN VIRGINIA, SERVING INCREASED NUMBER OF UNINSURED MINNESOTANS: Every Thursday night, physicians and care team members from Essentia Health-Virginia volunteer at the Project Care Free Clinic, providing treatment, screenings, and preventive care to patients who are uninsured or may be struggling to afford health care premiums. Essentia also provides lab and X-ray services at no cost to the clinic or its patients. Essentia is proud to support the clinic, ensuring everyone in the community can get the care they need. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4yt7Qqu (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

CD1: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The idea that Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District is on the national map is more than just talk, with big money starting to flow in. In the past few days, a Democratic-aligned group going by Your Community PAC made a six-figure ad reservation to begin in Minnesota in late September. There will be dozens of spots for at least a couple of weeks on major Twin Cities broadcast stations that reach into the southern Minnesota district. Documents on file with the stations show that GOP Rep. Brad Finstad is the focus. … A Republican-aligned firm called Choose Freedom Inc. [is] already running ads in the Rochester market on behalf of Finstad.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g6NWud

MORE: DFL candidate Jake Johnson announced he supports a moratorium on the construction of data centers in the 1st Congressional District “until key protections and guarantees can be made,” per a release. JOHNSON: “This means no new data centers in our communities unless they ensure that our electrical bills don’t go up, that our land and resources are protected, that the economic gains are realized here in southern Minnesota, and that there is an open process with no secrets around these projects.” PLAN: https://fluence-media.co/4ihmXgO

SD24: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rural investment was a major theme at a Wednesday morning roundtable with Democratic hopefuls for elected office. … [Jake] Johnson and Simon Glaser, the DFL candidate for Minnesota Senate District 24, spoke with a group of 14 others, from farmers and welders to public health nurses, on their topics of concern. … Glaser, if elected to the seat held by retiring GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, would represent several rural towns but also a swath of urban Rochester. He said both kinds of communities face similar issues, even if the details are different.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zLdGEn

SWING: What do Minnesota swing voters think? A survey of 947 swing voters by the Swing Voter Pilot provides insight in to the mood of the most coveted voters.. The poll defined “swing voters” as independent or undecided voters who “could plausibly support candidates from either party” based on key factors. LEARNMORE: https://fluence-media.co/4cw1k8M (SPONSORED: Swing Voter Project)

STATE GOV

DISASTER AID: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of Becker, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties that suffered damage caused by severe storms, flash flooding, and tornadoes in late June and early July. … Funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding critical public infrastructure damaged by these storms and flooding in these areas. The total assistance will be determined once all damage assessments are complete.”

MIN WAGE: via DLI advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s minimum-wage rate will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2027, to $11.87 an hour for all employers in the state. The 90-day training wage for workers under age 20 will increase to $9.68. These rates reflect a 3.99% increase.”

FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair, improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3ymgGbZ (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

PUBLIC SAFETY

STATE FAIR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “On Wednesday, an agreement was reached between Ramsey County and some alleged members of the ‘Muddy’ and ‘Ville’ gangs in connection with a civil lawsuit seeking to prevent gang members from gathering at the Minnesota State Fair this year. … Six of the 10 listed members agreed not to attend the fair, according to court records. Ramsey County officials say they will dismiss the lawsuit if the alleged gang members comply with their requests.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Sfc2tG

FLOCK CAMS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota police departments vary in how widely they share automatic license plate reader camera data with outside agencies, raising questions about who can search the data and how it is used. … More than 40 agencies in Minnesota have ‘Flock transparency portals,’ [and] most Minnesota agencies with a ‘transparency portal’ list outside agencies granted access to their cameras. The number of outside agencies with access to local police Flock cameras ranges from zero to hundreds. For example, Faribault police restrict access to the county 911 center, while St. Paul police have granted access to more than 60 Minnesota agencies.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gkODiu

STRAW BUYS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of documents were made public Wednesday as part of a settlement with Fleet Farm to resolve a lawsuit alleging the retailer negligently sold firearms to straw purchasers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison [has] released 694 internal documents, including training materials and a warning from a Fleet Farm employee about Jerome Horton, the man convicted for his connection to the illegal purchase of multiple firearms. … Ellison says no response or action was taken.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RYWH0f

ISSUES

DEEPFAKES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A new state law has caught the attention of Elon Musk, and it’s now playing out in federal court. His company xAI is suing the state over its new AI nudificaiton law that bans using AI to create realistic sexual images of people without their consent. … Judge Donovan Frank said he will not have a decision on Monday, but he will let both parties know on that day the timing of his decision. He said this case will get expedited treatment.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g3GbFm

VACCINES: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) joined almost 90 of her colleagues in demanding President [Donald] Trump rescind his dangerous executive order that urges schools to reduce the number of required vaccines for children.” Other lawmakers who signed the letter include Reps. Angie Craig, Betty McCollum and Ilhan Omar plus Sen. Tina Smith. LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3SnnEL8

WILDFIRES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Superior National Forest officials reported the Camp Fire is at 97% containment after weeks of firefighting efforts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Wildfires have burned more than 66,000 acres of land in the BWCAW. Five wildfires are still active Wednesday in northern Minnesota.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45y94DA

MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION: You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4q3pJZ2 (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)

MANUFACTURING: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Enzymes play an important role in a wide range of products used every day, from laundry detergent to paper. Now, a new biomanufacturing facility at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus will expand its enzyme production capabilities and research to address everything from environmental cleanup to future farming.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xc6ort

MOVE: The Public Employees Retirement Assoc. has selected Amy Strenge as its next executive director. Strenge will replace Doug Anderson after a three-month transition period this year.

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The debate about Flock Safety automated license plate readers has escalated in St. Paul, with the city council president saying she will author a resolution calling on the city administration and Ramsey County partners to end their contracts. St. Paul police operate two Flock cameras in the city and the remaining 10 in St. Paul are owned by the Ramsey County sheriff’s office. … The city council did not take up the matter at Wednesday’s meeting. [Rebecca] Noecker plans to present the resolution at next Wednesday’s meeting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45DmzSo

GOLDEN VALLEY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Animal Humane Society says they will be able to care for 10,000 additional pets annually when their new clinic opens in Golden Valley. AHS broke ground on the new clinic Wednesday. … The new pet clinic is set to open in fall 2027.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xcKOmE

CHAMBERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Area Chamber has put a scheduled vote on a partial merger with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber on hold for now. Board leadership of each chamber was scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to move forward with the creation of a third entity that would represent business interests on both sides of the river. … Proponents called a more regional approach overdue, but critics raised worries that Minneapolis and west metro priorities would overshadow those of St. Paul and the east metro.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xS7MiR

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Kandiyohi Indivisible will host a protest in Appleton to condemn the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility by ICE. The event is at 2:00 p.m.

TODAY: Sen. Torrey Westrom and Rep. Paul Anderson, both GOP, will host a roundtable to discuss the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton at 2:30 p.m.

AUG 24: Physicians at the U of M Medical Center will hold a press conference on Monday, Aug. 24 at 11:30 a.m. to “demand a fair first contract,” per a release.

AUG 26: The Minnesota Truth Council, established by the Walz Administration to document Operation Metro Surge, will host the first of four public meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in St. Paul at 2:00 p.m.

SEPT 1: St. Cloud Live will host a debate between House District 14B candidates Republican Sue Ek and DFLer Zach Dorholt on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

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BDAYS: AgriGrowth’s Darin Broton has a milestone bday, Farm Bureau’s Dan Glessing, comms pro Joanna Hjelmeland

SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.

FARM FINANCES: From Minnesota Corn via Facebook, VERBATIM: “What’s the real cost of growing corn in 2026?” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jvV3Lc (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)

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AG HEADLINES

WATERSKIING: KARE-TV reports on a waterskiing spot in Wisconsin. It’s a brand-new lake, dug in the middle of a corn field. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SKAfYS

E15: Via WDAY-Radio, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) convened a roundtable discussion at John Deere’s Power Electronic Systems facility today alongside North Dakota State University economist David Ripplinger, farmers, fuel retailers, and agricultural industry representatives to discuss the economic impact of year-round E15 and biofuels policy on state agriculture. The event focused on data demonstrating the role of North Dakota’s corn and ethanol sectors and the potential effects of nationwide, year-round E15 fuel sales. A joint study from the biofuels and corn industry estimates that year-round E15 availability will add $25.8 billion to the U.S. economy and create 128,000 jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qn6VE9

FARM BILL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An American Farm Bureau economist is eyeing a small window for Congress to provide certainty for agriculture. John Newton tells Brownfield the clock is ticking once the August Recess concludes.” NEWTON: “And I think folks in farm country need to talk to their members of Congress while they’re back home this August. When they come back in September, we’ve got three weeks to get a farm bill done, get additional economic aid done, and then they adjourn for all of October for the election in November. They come back for a few weeks before Thanksgiving.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ggI0gV

MFU: Via Marshall Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Farmers Union is making conservation funding a top priority as work continues on the next farm bill. MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl says members will continue pressing lawmakers during the August recess to protect funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cugICG

FERTILIZER: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “A new CoBank report says Middle East instability, tight supplies and limited phosphate availability are keeping fertilizer costs elevated. The region accounts for more than 30 percent of global urea exports, with significant fertilizer supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz. CoBank economist Jacqui Fatka said farmers are responding with more soil testing, variable-rate applications and precision nutrient management.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gF1n4K

NEXT MONTH: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s fall nitrogen fertilizer restrictions in vulnerable groundwater areas take effect Sept. 1. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding producers to confirm whether their fields fall within restricted zones and to monitor soil temperatures closely where fall application is allowed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJTaNF

FORESTS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “Today, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to rescind in its entirety the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a one-size-fits-all restriction that has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to wildfire risk reduction work across large swaths of America’s national forests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wDdBQg

NOTE: More on the decision to rescind the Roadless Rule – including how it could impact Minnesota forestland – in today’s lunch take. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qqMwhr

Share

MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION. You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today at www.Compeer.com/RuralForum. (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)

HOW’S THE CROP?

CORN: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “The Pro Farmer Crop Tour identified significant variability in the eastern Corn Belt, with crop maturity emerging as a major concern. U.S. Farm Report host Tyne Morgan participated in the eastern leg of the tour and said corn development is notably behind in parts of Indiana and Ohio.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x9pEph

MORE: More Pro Farmer Crop Tour coverage is available HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3Som3on

SOYBEANS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The agronomy education lead with Beck’s Hybrids says more soybean fields across the Midwest are being impacted by red crown rot. Matt Montgomery tells Brownfield some infections were discovered three weeks earlier this year than in the past.” MONTGOMERY: “It’s now in southeast Minnesota, out into Ohio, more counties in Missouri that are showing up with red crown rot. Confirmations now in Iowa this year.” He says, “So, I think it has definitely expanded its footprint, and also people are just thinking about it more.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3U9PJWL

IMSET: Via Minnesota Farmers Union, VERBATIM: “Farmers are facing another difficult stretch of high production costs, low commodity prices and tightening margins. As policymakers consider how to strengthen the farm safety net, the National Farmers Union (NFU) released a proposal in May 2026 advocating for a new federal program called the Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET). IMSET is intended to provide farmers with a flexible, voluntary tool to help manage financial risk during periods of low commodity prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iiBxET

LIVESTOCK

DAIRY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Rockville’s Stickney Hill Dairy bought two related Wisconsin companies that specialize in cheese. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SmnELf

PROCESSOR: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “Farmers in north-central Minnesota now have a closer option for getting their livestock processed. Officials from both parties and all levels of government attended a ribbon cutting Tuesday, Aug. 18, for the Minnesota Farmers Union’s new slaughter and processing facility. The plant is just minutes from Central Lakes College’s Staples campus, home of one of the two meat-cutting programs in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJeenr

MORE: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Honored to attend ribbon cutting & grand opening today of @MNFarmersUnion new Meat Processing Plant in Staples with Sens. Klobuchar & Smith. Project will also partner with Central Lakes college on butcher classes. Good stuff!” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4qsQOVF

CARGILL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A monthslong worker lockout at one of Cargill’s largest meatpacking facilities will end after union workers Monday ratified a new contract that will increase wages. The Minnetonka-based company stopped operations at its Fort Morgan, Colo., facility in May after pay negotiations between the global food company and Teamsters members reached an impasse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Bj4fq

UNCERTAINTY: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The president of a crop insurance company is concerned as farmers face mounting uncertainty. Dalynn Hoch with RCIS says interest rates highlight the risk of farming.” HOCH: “Most of us get our paycheck, we pay our expenses and we continue through life. As a farmer, we have to pay for all of our expenses upfront, before we even put a seed into the ground.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xPVuHN

INNOVATION & RESEARCH

TESTING: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “Residents in and around Sherburne County can get their private well water tested for nitrate at no cost during upcoming clinics hosted by the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3SgBMWy

RESEARCH: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying how certain cover crops could play a role in pest management. Extension entomologist Bob Koch says cover crop adoption has been largely attributed to reducing erosion, minimizing leaching, and helping pollinators.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qutXJt

FARM STAND: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel attended a ribbon cutting for a solar-powered farm stand prototype, a project that was funded through a 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant to @RSDPMN & @UMNExt.” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4wHEiTZ

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

SUPPLY CHAIN: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $7.5 million in grant funding available through the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program (CCG). The Program will fund projects to support cold chain equipment investments that help food assistance entities temporarily store, effectively package, and distribute fresh, frozen, and minimally processed foods.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zwQ7io

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DRONES & AI

A new Chick-fil-A opens in Mankato tomorrow:

MORE INFO: https://fluence-media.co/4x2odZQ

A majority of Americans say they’re seeing ads that appear to have been made using AI – nearly half think poorly of the businesses in those ads. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4zixkHk

Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service – not here yet, the closest markets are Kansas City and Chicago. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4zm8Qx7

Three people are suspected of stealing items from cemeteries in eight states – including Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cRuVtx

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Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wCKb4M

Sunday Take featured a recap of the Minnesota primary, a look at Wisconsin’s primary with political analyst Bill McCoshen and a talk with MN Chamber CEO Doug Loon about Minnesota’s economy. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SER8Ei

BIG ISSUES & BIG BUSINESS

TODAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “There’s a hearing Wednesday on an injunction to try to stop an alleged gang fight from taking place at the Minnesota State Fair. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi filed the lawsuits in an effort to prevent members of two rival gangs from taking part in a fight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45wNE9U

LOGGING: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration will move forward with its plan to reopen 44 million acres of national forest land throughout the country to logging, including 62,000 acres of the Superior National Forest, much of it adjacent — but all of it outside — the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Tuesday, Aug. 18, that the U.S. Forest Service filed its proposed rule to rescind ‘in its entirety’ the 2001 rule that bars new roads and logging in certain areas of national forests. The rescission of the rule does not mandate timber cutting or road construction in these areas, leaving that up to local national forest managers, according to the USDA.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ij5k05

FLOCK CAMS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is throwing its support behind Flock cameras as the company faces backlash across Minnesota and the country, prompting widespread vandalism and broken relationships with other agencies. Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise signed a contract with Flock on June 30 that’s under the threshold that requires approval from the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. Some Anoka residents say the reduced cost is an intentional maneuver by the sheriff to avoid gathering public input.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sj4s0T

TARGET: Via The Wall Street Journal, more details on the company’s earnings first reported in morning take. VERBATIM: “On the heels of a positive quarter, the company said it now expects sales growth of about 5% this fiscal year, raising its guidance for the second time this year. Target also bumped up its full-year earnings outlook to a range of $9.90 to $10.90 a share, which includes a benefit of $1.65 from tariff refunds in the second quarter. The company previously guided for earnings of $7.50 to $8.50 a share. The updated forecast comes as Target continues to work through its turnaround strategy under Chief Executive Michael Fiddelke, who took the helm earlier this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46eM1xG

WHY: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Target reported its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains on Wednesday, saying that a merchandising overhaul under the retailer’s new CEO is attracting more customers and boosting sales throughout its stores. The retailer also benefited from a tariff refund of $994 million after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year that the Trump administration had overstepped its authority when the tariffs were implemented.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/468eeX1

TODAY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The outdoor recreation industry’s biggest annual event lands in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Why it matters: Luring the Outdoor Retailer trade show was a major coup for Minnesota, giving its nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry a chance to mingle with industry titans on their home turf.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qqJQAF

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

THE LOCALS

CHASKA: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Chaska is the latest community that will allow visitors to wander around with a drink during community gatherings. The City Council has approved a measure supported by local business owners in a defined area of downtown starting in September.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qoR9c7

PINE ISLAND: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Google will host a community celebration Wednesday for its proposed data center project in Pine Island. Google is expected to announce the project’s ‘Panther Program’ and other initiatives benefiting the Pine Island School District with a projected amount of $24 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bXTmFm

MINNEAPOLIS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s $2.3 billion budget proposal has made headlines for a handful of items, like reduced parks funding and an effort to get a handle on very expensive police overtime. But one line from his August 12 budget address piqued my interest more than others: ‘We will work to allow for construction of four-unit buildings,’ Frey said while talking about his administration’s efforts on affordable housing. ‘Three units is often cost-prohibitive, four units may not be – and it houses another family.’ The fourplex was a hot topic back in 2018 as the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan neared approval.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SDeVVc

NEW ULM: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The southern Minnesota city of New Ulm wants to grow, and people seem to want to move there. But there’s not enough affordable housing, forcing potential residents to move elsewhere. The potential solution to this affordable housing crunch is less restrictive zoning, and saying “yes” to more alternative styles of housing projects.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hDPRYp

RELATED: New Minnesota housing market numbers via morning take. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4zsBOv9

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

DEVELOPING STORIES

TPS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “An estimated 1,200 Minnesotans from Myanmar lost temporary protected immigration status on Aug. 7 when a federal judge sided with the Trump administration’s move to end the program. The judicial rule ends temporary protected status (TPS) for roughly 4,000 people from Myanmar, also known as Burma, in the United States. Minnesota has a sizable community from Myanmar, mostly members of the Karen ethnic group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gIV92P

ICE FLIGHTS: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Nick Benson watched from the top floor of an airport parking garage, two cameras with zoom lenses trained on the plane, recording video as 14 men and two women boarded the flight in chains. One of the women struggled up the stairs, leaning on a worker in a bright yellow vest for support. This was the 147th ‘ICE Air’ flight — planes shipping detainees on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement — Benson had observed since he began tracking deportations in November. The database he built late last year has provided some of the most accurate, timely information to the concerned public during Operation Metro Surge, which the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zsqsHk

FLETCHER’S BENCH: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Tuesday evening, a south Minneapolis neighborhood gathered around a bench to honor the late, avid fisherman that once made a daily pilgrimage to its adjacent lake. 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel — one of two children killed in the Annunciation Catholic Church and School mass shooting nearly a year ago — loved living near Grass Lake, according to family.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45wKumy

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources welcomes community volunteers to join Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Greening and Flint Hills employees on October 3 for the 26th annual community restoration event at the Pine Bend Bluffs in Inver Grove Heights, a critical habitat along the Mississippi River for migrating songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as pollinators and residential wildlife. Thanks to the tireless work of many volunteers, the Pine Bend Bluffs became the first-ever Tandem Global WHC gold-certified site in the Twin Cities in 2023.

LEARN MORE: Community partnerships (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

ICE CREAM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “As the end of summer looms, a Twin Cities ice cream shop has announced that this will be its final season of service. Wonders Ice Cream at 298 University Ave. W in St. Paul will close its doors on Sept. 13. The shop specializes in the social media-ready rolled ice cream that gets artfully placed in a bowl and covered with toppings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qtL26j

BOOK: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A small, nonprofit publisher in Minnesota is celebrating a first: one of its books has made the longlist for the Booker Prize, a prestigious British literary award. Coffee House Press, based in Northeast Minneapolis, published Makenna Goodman’s ‘Helen of Nowhere’ in September 2025, before it was picked up by British publisher Fitzcarraldo Editions. Judges praised it as ‘philosophically, politically and spiritually adventurous.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gFeIdd

BWCAW: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Last month, wildfires closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for a couple weeks. Now, a longtime canoe outfitter in the area is looking to sell. Williams and Hall Outfitters in Ely has been in business for 33 years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RSz0Xq

NOG: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2034 in a private offering to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UGwGU8

CONCERT TIX: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Between the antitrust case settled with Live Nation and Ticketmaster, the so-called blue dot fever, and broad economic uncertainty, high ticket prices have continued to be a persistent conversation in the music world. It’s not clear that any single factor is the cause, but high prices are not currently an issue for My Chemical Romance’s upcoming Target Field gig on Monday, Aug. 24. With less than a week to go before showtime, Bring Me The News has found tickets for as little as $12, including fees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hDAzmr

HIGHER ED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “After months of searching to fill the role of president at Leech Lake Tribal College, school leadership announced in June that Erin Stresow would take on the role. Leech Lake Tribal College is a two-year institution that offers transfer, career and technical degrees. Its mission is to provide higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values and culture. The school is in Cass Lake within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation in northern Minnesota. An investiture ceremony was held on Monday evening to formally celebrate Stresow taking over the position.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xSTRJq

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Regis, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, will issue financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and full year ended June 30, 2026, before the market opens on September 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wGW5L1

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

DEBUT ALBUM: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis-based band Porch Light has taken the internet by storm over the last two years, releasing two EPs and a slew of singles. Earlier this summer, they released two singles, ‘Arctic’ and ‘Under,’ teasing an upcoming album. Now, they’re announcing their debut album Hush, recorded at Cannon Falls’s Pachyderm Studios (where Nirvana recorded In Utero).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ci22GX

BDAYS: Entrepreneur Scott Burns, health care veteran Ghita Worcester, Farmers Union leader Gary Wertish, House DFL comms leader Ted Modrich, organizer Eric Haugee

Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region.  Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more.  Visit www.fluence-media.com  to learn more.

about morning take-  Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day.  Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.

Copyright © 2026 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
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WEDNESDAY SUN

Twins win. Lynx at Golden State tonight.

Target on Wednesday posted quarterly earnings that were boosted by tariff refunds and raised its full-year guidance, as the retailer shows more signs its turnaround is taking hold. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/3Umrd4L

In Florida, Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a massive upset in the race for US Senate. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/4ii5Ifi

Free ticket to the State Fair, just volunteer. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/45F5K9J

Minnesota’s housing market continued to pick up steam in July, with the latest data showing both buyers and sellers more active, with inventory at its highest level in years. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/3SdJtNe

The Minneapolis Police Federation endorsed Michele Tafoya for Senate.

A polling firm boosted by candidates in Wisconsin and several other states has ended operations and admitted that its results were fake as part of a “social experiment.” AP: https://fluence-media.co/4qqeMkx

Happy National Potato Day!

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

Last December 1, after what felt like a very long year, I jokingly posted “Slow News Year™️” on X.

I may have jinxed myself — along with every newsroom and news junkie in Minnesota.

Yesterday was a perfect example.

As Morning Take was coming together, the likely lede was Speaker Lisa Demuth’s news conference on fraud. Then Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order involving the Boundary Waters, sending reporters, lawmakers and plenty of DFLers scrambling to understand both the policy and the politics.

Add Attorney General Keith Ellison suing the governor of Texas and KSTP’s Tom Hauser releasing the first post-primary poll, and suddenly there were four stories that, on almost any other August day, could have led the newsletter.

But the more important story may be what connects all of them.

CHAOS: There is absolute chaos in the information sphere right now. Keeping up through traditional news channels is challenging enough. Add the phone, social media, notifications and an algorithm constantly deciding what deserves your attention, and voters are living in a swirl of information — and tumult.

That’s not exactly the ideal environment for voters to slow down, research candidates and issues, and make measured decisions.

It also means campaigns aren’t simply competing against one another for voters’ attention. They’re competing against everything.

MOOD: The first post-primary poll generally tracks with the sense of Minnesota’s political mood we’ve been watching. But polling is under scrutiny — again — after some misses in the primary.

That doesn’t make polls irrelevant. They remain among the best available snapshots of voter sentiment, which is why Morning Take will continue to use them — with the appropriate context and caution.

Think of polls like the weather forecast.

They’re right more often than they’re wrong. But you still might want an umbrella.

MN POLL: KSTP released its first poll of the 2026 general election just one week after the primary. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4c0dmXT

• GOVERNOR: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar leads at 52% with GOP Speaker Lisa Demuth at 36%, 12% undecided and 1% preferring someone else.

• SENATE: DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan leads at 46% with Republican Michele Tafoya at 41%, 11% undecided and 2% preferring someone else.

• ATTY GEN: DFL A.G. Keith Ellison and Republican Ron Schutz are both tied at 43% with 15% undecided.

DEMOGRAPHICS: In KSTP’s new poll, the three DFL candidates are all preferred by a majority of young voters under 35 — Sen. Amy Klobuchar has 62% of their support, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has 60% support and A.G. Keith Ellison has 53% support. The Republican candidates do better with older voters — Michele Tafoya and Ron Schutz both have 50% support with voters over 65 — but Speaker Lisa Demuth has less support than Klobuchar with voters in all age brackets. Political moderates prefer Klobuchar (57-25), Flanagan (44-36) and Ellison (41-34).

REACT: via X from top Demuth advisor Ben Golnik, VERBATIM: “If you believe this poll, you believe Lindell was +9 and +6 when Demuth won by 10. All one needs to do is look at how the 20 yr Senator has been attacking Demuth (along w outside groups) and realize the race is tight. Total garbage.”

RATING: Fox News moved its rating for the Minnesota governor’s race slightly to the right — from “Solid Democratic” to “Likely Democratic” — due to Speaker Lisa Demuth’s nomination and continued fraud concerns. VERBATIM: “Demuth will face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar this November, a formidable opponent who has criticized the state’s handling of fraud involving government programs. But that issue gives the GOP a rare opening in this blue-leaning state, and with this slate of candidates, the party is likely to invest here. Minnesota’s gubernatorial race moves from Solid D to Likely D.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQElp9

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THE TRAIL

BWCAW: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to use his authority to halt all state permitting of a proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine [near] the Boundary Waters will not stop the federal government from considering new permits for the project. … [But] at a press conference Tuesday in Ely, Walz said he is confident his executive order will withstand any challenge. … Joshua Huder, an expert on separation of powers at Georgetown University, said this is likely a case ‘where state law and federal law overlap, meaning Walz may be able to put in place a ban even if Congress [disagrees].’ … Walz’s successor will decide whether to keep the executive order, which sunsets 90 days after the governor leaves office, or scrap it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sf9o7c

CANDIDATES: Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Speaker Lisa Demuth both weighed in on the Boundary Waters executive order yesterday.

• KLOBUCHAR: Speaking to MPR, Klobuchar said she has concerns about mining near the protected wilderness, but “there is other mining going on across the Range, including Mesabi Metallics’ iron ore mine about to open up, and some other proposed mining projects that don’t endanger the Boundary Waters, that I think it is important to continue to allow pending environmental reviews to go forward.”

• DEMUTH: In a statement, Demuth said: “As governor, I will work each day to ensure mining is part of Minnesota’s future. We can do it safely here better than anywhere in the world, protecting our beloved outdoors while benefiting from the job creation and tax revenue these projects bring to northern Minnesota.”

• Via state Sen. Grant Hauschild, D-03, HAUSCHILD: “I strongly disagree with Governor Walz’s decision to ban non-ferrous mining in the Rainy River Watershed. A decision this significant to the people of the Northland should not be made through executive order by a Governor who leaves office in a matter of months. My constituents are tired of executive overreach by politicians who no longer feel accountable to the voters or the legislative process, whether that’s in St. Paul or in Washington.”

• Via U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-08, STAUBER: “It is disappointing, yet unsurprising to learn that Governor Walz has launched a spiteful and harmful attack against the hardworking people of the Iron Range. His radical, job killing executive order puts thousands of family-supporting union jobs at risk and ignores the will of those who actually live and work in Northern Minnesota. … The Governor’s executive order is an outright war on Northern Minnesota and our way of life.”

• Via U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-MN, SMITH: “I strongly support Minnesota using all our regulatory powers to stop this mine. I also support the legislature taking action to stop this mine. At the end of the day, this is about a foreign company mining our metals, shipping them to China, almost certainly polluting the BWCA in the process, and then selling them back to us for their profit and our loss. I’m glad Minnesota is standing up to protect this precious place.”

• Via Doug Loon, MN Chamber of Commerce CEO, LOON: “Today’s executive order sidesteps the process. Halting permitting and environmental review sends the wrong signal to employers making long-term investment decisions in Minnesota – decisions that create jobs, tax revenue and opportunities for communities that need it. Our state already has some of the strongest environmental and mining standards in the country. We should trust that framework — not undermine it with executive action.”

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured a response to the Boundary Waters executive order from Mining Minnesota. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3TZJa9j

MISSING?: A response from US Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

CD2: From the latest MNSider for premium subscribers, August heat and haze hung over Minnesota Tuesday, the race in CD2 is becoming more clear. Two suburbanite white guys running, when women are leading the top of the ticket. That takes away a gender dynamic that helped Rep. Angie Craig. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ufae4

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THE TRAIL

NEW AD: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has released her first general election ad of the cycle. Titled “Results,” the ad focuses on Klobuchar’s plans and policies if she becomes the next Minnesota governor. KLOBUCHAR: “My goal as governor is going to be to keep what’s right and fix what’s wrong. … It’s time for results, not excuses.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SHr4IL

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When it was clear U.S. Rep. Angie Craig would not be the Democratic nominee for Senate, the congresswoman took to the stage at her election night party in St. Paul last week to call on her supporters to back her primary opponent. … [But] some of Craig’s supporters said they could not bring themselves to vote for [Peggy] Flanagan. A few went even further, saying they would vote for [Michele] Tafoya. … The resistance underscores the challenge facing Democrats, who have just a few months to mend those divisions as Flanagan pivots to the general election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bSbksY

DEMUTH: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Republican‑endorsed governor candidate Lisa Demuth on Tuesday outlined a series of proposals she said would crack down on fraud inside Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. … Demuth said her plan centers on tightening oversight of DHS programs, replacing agency leadership and adding new penalties for people convicted of stealing state funds. She said she would fire DHS commissioners and deputy commissioners, saying current leadership ‘has failed Minnesotans.’ … Ryan Wilson said the campaign would work with lawmakers to strengthen tools for recovering stolen money [and] bipartisan cooperation would be necessary.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hH1BJJ

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “In a 25-minute interview, [Lisa] Demuth answered questions regarding her anti-fraud plan, about Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order to prevent copper mining near the Boundary Waters, her wish to attract bipartisan support for her campaign, and her relationship with the Republican Party after a bruising path to victory in last week’s primary election.” DEMUTH: “Not everyone voted for me, but I believe that I should be able to have conversations and listen to people and learn from them. … That culture starts at the top.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cObdPj

SWING: What do Minnesota swing voters think? A survey of 947 swing voters by the Swing Voter Pilot provides insight in to the mood of the most coveted voters.. The poll defined “swing voters” as independent or undecided voters who “could plausibly support candidates from either party” based on key factors. LEARNMORE: https://fluence-media.co/4cw1k8M (SPONSORED: Swing Voter Project)

COURTS

TEXAS: Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he is suing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to force Texas to turn over an ICE agent in their custody who is charged with shooting a man during Operation Metro Surge. Ellison’s office said extradition requests are not optional under federal law. Via MPR, Ellison said it’s unusual for Abbott to ignore Gov. Tim Walz’s extradition requests, which are typically granted within 30 days. Via Star Tribune, Abbott said yesterday that he does not trust Walz “on anything” and he will not extradite the ICE agent until Minnesota officials “acknowledge their fault in the fraud.” However, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said Abbott has signed three other extradition requests for Walz since the ICE agent was first jailed, per Bring Me The News. DETAILS: MNAG | MPR | STRIB | BMTN

RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Hennepin County Attorney candidate, FRAZIER: “Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intentionally obstructing Minnesota’s ability to proceed with a criminal case. … Under the U.S. Constitution, Governor Abbott must sign the Governor’s Warrant; it is not optional. By refusing to do so, Governor Abbott and the state of Texas are actively and knowingly harboring a violent criminal defendant.”

DEEPFAKES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison filed his opposition to Elon Musk’s xAI’s attempt to block the state’s new AI nudification ban on the eve of Wednesday’s hearing for a preliminary injunction. … [xAI] filed a lawsuit alleging the new law is a violation of constitutionally protected free speech under the First Amendment. The federal hearing will be on the motion for a preliminary injunction against enforcing the law, which went into effect Aug. 1.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qqdtC9

MORE: Via Office of the Atty. General, the motion opposing xAI is available online. MOTION: https://fluence-media.co/4qoMDdv

SURVEILLANCE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities community, education, faith, labor and healthcare leaders gathered Tuesday morning to condemn reports of federal surveillance targeting progressive groups during Operation Metro Surge earlier this year. … Advocates are calling on Minnesota companies to publicly reject surveillance and call for transparency.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gDHLOh

CHURCH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A U.S. District Court judge has ordered the federal government to turn over all grand jury materials for her review in the cases of 38 people facing conspiracy charges for an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church in January. … Grand jury proceedings are generally secret, [but] defendants had argued it was likely the federal government grossly misrepresented facts and misstated the law to grand jurors in order to secure an indictment. … Judge Laura Provinzino wrote in an order released Tuesday that the court will examine all grand jury materials in order to rule on the defendant’s objections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wM9NMI

FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair, improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3ymgGbZ (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

FRAUD

LIBERIA: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The revelation that a Liberian government official has been running Twin Cities group homes from thousands of miles away has led to bipartisan calls for reform in Minnesota and divided reactions in West Africa. Despite the outcry echoing on both sides of the Atlantic, the Walz Administration has remained silent. … Both of Minnesota’s major-party gubernatorial candidates said the investigation revealed serious gaps in state oversight. … [But] Gov. Tim Walz declined to comment, saying only that his team was discussing the matter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xN57Xw

MED FRAUD: GOP Sen. Jordan Rasmusson released a statement responding to the news that Salman Ahmed Elmi was charged on eight counts related to Medicaid fraud and sex trafficking, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. Rasmusson criticized Gov. Tim Walz and the Dept. of Human Services for giving Elmi an “Outstanding Refugee Award” five years ago. RASMUSSON: “The failures of Walz’s DHS have no end. … This is beyond an oversight problem; this is deeply rooted negligence by state government to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable people in our state. Once again, DHS proves they have no idea how to tell a good provider from a fraudulent one.”

METRO

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The liquor license renewal for Reign Event Center will now move forward after a mass shooting last month prompted the Minneapolis City Council to hold it for further review. … Such renewals are usually a formality, but council members opted to delay a vote until city staff could report back on Reign’s safety record and whether the business was complying with the requirements to keep its liquor license. In an update on Tuesday, Julianne Lynum, the city’s director of economic policy and development, said city staff and Reign ownership worked together to review and update the nightclub’s security and business plans.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4igPOBY

MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee unanimously passed an ordinance that requires any licensed business that sells liquor to post its dress code, if it has one, near the entrance. The ordinance still needs to be voted on by the entire council, but if it passes, it will go into effect in January 2027.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4go6FjS

CHASKA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Visitors and residents will be able to indulge in alcoholic beverages at select events in downtown Chaska. … City council members gave their approval to the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance’s plan, which had applied for multiple on-sale liquor permits for various events throughout the rest of the year. The move does not create a new so-called ‘Social District’ like other cities in the state, but will allow people to purchase alcohol at licensed downtown businesses and restaurants during select events and walk around with their drinks within a set boundary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xau2EJ

MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION: You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4q3pJZ2 (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)

GREATER MN

CROSSLAKE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Crosslake is reconsidering its use of automated license plate readers, commonly known as Flock cameras, as communities across Minnesota and the U.S. shed the technology due to privacy concerns. Mayor Jackson Purfeerst [said] the issue is being sent back to the Crosslake Public Safety Commission ‘to reevaluate the program, its capabilities, and the City’s participation, including the possibility of allowing the contract to expire and discontinuing the cameras.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xeYAFu

MARSHALL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A multimillion-dollar lawsuit alleging miserable conditions at a mobile home park in southwest Minnesota could be headed for a do-over, after a state appeals court ruled that a district judge made numerous legal errors at trial. … The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Aug. 10 granted [Keith] Ellison’s office a new trial after finding District Judge Tricia Zimmer made numerous legal errors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hIyPZ5

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Contingency funds, rather than natural gas fees, will cover the cost of a Rochester pilot program targeting sustainability efforts to help residents reduce energy use and cut costs. The Rochester City Council voted 5-2 to approve $100,000 for the program, following an April decision to pause the potential implementation of a natural gas franchise fee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gepeXC

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Sen. Tina Smith will visit Brainerd to discuss housing needs in the region with homeowners and local officials at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber will host a press conference in Virginia, MN condemning the governor’s recent executive order banning mining near the Boundary Waters. Other attendees include state Sens. Robert Farnsworth and Keri Heintzeman plus state Reps. Cal Warwas, Roger Skraba and Spencer Igo. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a press conference at 1:00 p.m. to announce the release of documents from his “straw buying” lawsuit against Fleet Farm, claiming in a statement that “the documents will reveal that Fleet Farm ignored an internal warning about selling to a potential straw buyer.”

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will participate in a small business roundtable, interview candidates for vacancies in the Second Judicial District, chair a meeting of the Land Exchange Board, and meet with Consul General of Canada Beth Richardson.

TODAY: DFL Senate candidates Mark Legvold and Kristy Janigo will host a roundtable with local veterans on Wednesday, Aug. 19 to discuss the issues they’re facing. The event is in Richfield at 2:00 p.m.

TODAY: Minnesota Retailers will honor retiring DFL Sen. Ann Rest with the “Lifetime Leadership in Retail Policy Award” during an event in Minneapolis.

TOMORROW: Kandiyohi Indivisible will host a protest in Appleton to condemn the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility by ICE. The event is at 2:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Sen. Torrey Westrom and Rep. Paul Anderson, both GOP, will host a roundtable to discuss the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton at 2:30 p.m.

AUG 26: The Minnesota Truth Council, established by the Walz Administration to document Operation Metro Surge, will host the first of four public meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in St. Paul at 2:00 p.m.

SEPT 1: St. Cloud Live will host a debate between House District 14B candidates Republican Sue Ek and DFLer Zach Dorholt on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

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POLLING

18-34: Via CNBC, results of a poll of Americans age 18 to 34, VERBATIM: “Just under half of those polled, 45%, said the biggest pressure point on their finances was ‘housing,’ followed by 39% who said it was ‘finding a secure and decent-paying job.’ Also ranking high on the list of pain points were ‘student loans,’ ‘credit card debt’ and ‘healthcare.’ About half, 47%, said that due to their financial situation they have put off vacations, 32% said they have stopped plans to buy a car, 30% said they put off buying a home, and 28% said they have foregone healthcare.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ilZURY

HEALTH CARE: Via Newsweek, VERBATIM: “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has sparked debate within the Democratic Party after saying over the weekend that he does not currently support Medicare for All legislation . . . However, public polling shows that a substantial number of Americans support expanding the government’s role in health coverage. Large majorities of Americans have said in multiple recent surveys they believe the federal government should ensure access to health insurance, and support for a single-payer system remains significantly higher than it was a decade ago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4geva2H

GAMBLING: Via UPI, VERBATIM: “The percentage of U.S. adults who say they’ve taken part in any form of gambling over the past year has dropped from 64% in 2016 to 45% in 2026, a new Gallup poll released Monday said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zoNqPP

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MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)

HEALTH HEADLINES

MEDICAID: Via KFF, VERBATIM: “An estimated $60 billion in federal Medicaid spending in 37 states (including the District of Columbia) would likely exceed new federal limits on state directed payments for hospital services once fully implemented, a new KFF analysis finds.”

“The 2025 reconciliation law made major changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing, including new limits on how much states can direct Medicaid managed-care organizations to pay for certain services, including hospital care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g7RY5u

PREPAY: Via KFF Health News, VERBATIM: “After Thomas Zordani had flown all the way from his home in Denver to Phoenix for a consultation with a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon, he was surprised when he was called into the clinic’s financial office and told he had to make a $5,000 preservice deposit, even though his insurance had out-of-network benefits . . . Zordani’s experience is becoming increasingly common. Though traditionally patients receive bills after getting treatment, hospitals and other medical providers are changing things up, sometimes requesting payment before providing care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xIMiER

LYME DISEASE: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “For more than three decades, researchers have been tracking ticks, mice, oak trees and other wildlife in a New York forest to better understand what makes Lyme disease more likely to spread. Their latest findings challenge some long-held assumptions — including the idea that deer are a major driver of Lyme disease risk. Researchers at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, a nonprofit environmental research group, found that white-footed mice, not white-tailed deer, are closely linked to the number of young blacklegged ticks, the life stage most likely to infect people with Lyme disease.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bRuKy8

TEAR GAS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Lars Lidahl drove a metal soil sampling probe into the ground of a south Minneapolis garden on a hot August morning, just a couple of blocks from where Renee Good was shot and killed by a federal agent last winter. Lidahl and a group of fellow University of Minnesota students were wrapping up their field work for a unique and timely project: studying the environmental impacts of federal agents’ tear gas use during Operation Metro Surge by sampling dirt and snow from numerous locations across the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zrg5DG

HEALTHCARE: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and western Wisconsin — supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership online. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)

DC + HEALTH

GRANTS: Via MedPage, VERBATIM: “More than two dozen Democratic senators called on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to rescind recent grant cancellations by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). ‘We write to express our profound concern and unequivocal opposition to the recent mass cancellations of lifesaving health research grants’ from AHRQ, and the ‘year-long refusal to faithfully execute’ the fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 appropriations laws, wrote Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), along with 28 of their colleagues, in a letter to Kennedy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gFvgBO

VACCINES: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Sunday said President Trump’s executive order that seeks to alter the childhood vaccine schedule is based on ‘crazy, stupid’ claims, and that is ‘why the president’s poll numbers are going down.’ During Cassidy’s appearance on CNN’s ‘State of the Union’ Sunday, host Jake Tapper reiterated the GOP senator’s words in saying that ‘someone needs to stand up to ‘crazy, stupid things being said that undermine faith in immunization’’ before he asked if Trump is ‘saying some of these ‘crazy, stupid things?’’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x8jUMw

EXEMPTIONS: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “The number of parents in the U.S. choosing not to vaccinate their children rose dramatically in the last school year, according to data released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All states require certain vaccines for children entering public school. During the 2025-26 school year, 4.2% of kindergartners, about 155,000 kids, had at least one vaccine exemption, up from 3.6% the previous school year. The vast majority of those exemptions were labeled as ‘non-medical,’ meaning that parents or caregivers were opting out of the shots for personal or religious, rather than health, reasons. Medical exemptions remained stable at 0.2%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45AFA81

MEASLES: Via ProPublica, VERBATIM: “The U.S. recently reached a grim milestone: As of July 23, more measles cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention than in any year since 1991. It took less than seven months to blow past the three-decade high recorded last year. This potentially deadly disease is easily prevented. Shots are widely available and, in many cases, free.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZYI71

CYCLOSPORA: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “More cases have been linked to outbreaks of cyclospora that do not have an identified source, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, meanwhile, has expanded to two additional states. There have been nearly 14,000 cases of domestically acquired cyclospora confirmed in the U.S. since May this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. That’s well over the roughly 1,180 cases reported from May through August last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4glqXui

ESSENTIA HEALTH SUPPORTS FREE CLINIC IN VIRGINIA, SERVING INCREASED NUMBER OF UNINSURED MINNESOTANS: Every Thursday night, physicians and care team members from Essentia Health-Virginia volunteer at the Project Care Free Clinic, providing treatment, screenings, and preventive care to patients who are uninsured or may be struggling to afford health care premiums. Essentia also provides lab and X-ray services at no cost to the clinic or its patients. Essentia is proud to support the clinic, ensuring everyone in the community can get the care they need. READ MORE: By volunteering at a free clinic, Essentia providers in Virginia ensure access to care for all | Essentia Health (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

INDUSTRY & RESEARCH

ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Fairview has informed employees it plans to sell its St. Paul Midway campus, the health care giant confirmed to Axios. Why it matters: Fairview’s departure — from a site it wasn’t fully using — frees 7 acres for redevelopment in a neighborhood already full of cranes and construction.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xPr1cR

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: Via Texas-based Concentra, VERBATIM: “Concentra (NYSE: CON), the nation’s leader in occupational and workforce health services, today announced completion of its acquisition of four Minnesota Occupational Health (MOH) medical centers in the Twin Cities. The acquisition strengthens access to specialized occupational health care for Minnesota employees and connects experienced local care teams with Concentra’s national clinical and operational resources.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wyg2U8

BREAST CANCER: Via University of Oklahoma, VERBATIM: “Researchers have uncovered a surprising way triple-negative breast cancer may turn the body against itself. Tumors appear to recruit macrophages—immune cells normally involved in healing and fighting infection—and use them to release a protein called BDNF that draws nerves into the tumor. Those nerves may then help the cancer grow, resist treatment, and potentially spread.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xSU7Z0

AI: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Patients and families are turning to AI to help pinpoint conditions. AI can be especially adept at flagging potential rare and hard-to-diagnose diseases, which may otherwise go undetected for years because doctors don’t often see them.” QUOTE: “I have been a little slack-jawed a couple of times by the difference” AI has made in helping to spot uncommon conditions, said Dr. Sarah Diekman, a doctor who specializes in a subset of nervous-system disorders like POTS. “I’ve seen patients who’ve had this for 50 years, and I was the first person to diagnose.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g3cKDo

BRAIN HEALTH: Via University of Texas, VERBATIM: “Exercise and healthy blood sugar levels in midlife may help slow cognitive decline decades later. Physical activity appeared especially beneficial for Mexican American adults, suggesting that some brain-protective factors may differ across populations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zrgu98

GUT HEALTH: Via University of Reading, VERBATIM: “Scientists studying three artisan British cheeses found that the microbes responsible for their distinctive flavors may also offer surprising benefits for gut health. As the cheeses matured, helpful bacteria transformed their aromas and textures while potentially producing compounds linked to reduced inflammation, cholesterol regulation, and appetite control.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SGZ87R

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

PEACE: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Robert L. Frye, M.D., professor emeritus of Cardiovascular Medicine, passed away on Aug. 4 at age 94. Dr. Frye helped shape cardiovascular medicine at Mayo Clinic and beyond through his pioneering work in coronary angiography, an X-ray procedure using contrast dye to show blood flow through the heart’s blood vessels, as well as his visionary leadership and mentorship of generations of cardiologists.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/468Use0

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FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: Project Clean Air Repair (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

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SUMMER FADING…

$38 MILLION: That’s the total raised in Bemidji State University’s three-year For the North campaign which wrapped up this summer. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xR1qQT

BOOKS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Terresa Hardaway says above all, she’s a connector. She thrives when building relationships and organizing and prefers to stay busy, hence her long resume including co-founder and owner of Blackbird Revolt, a social-justice based design studio; associate professor of graphic design at the University of Minnesota; and owner of Black Garnet Books. She was attending a monthly Black Bookstore Coalition meeting when the group got to talking about book festivals, and it struck her: Minnesota doesn’t have an event to celebrate Black booksellers and authors . . . Hardaway decided to launch and curate the first Midwest Black Book Fair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SGlUN5

LIBRARY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “A visit to the Bonna Educational Complex in Ghana sparked an international mission to give children access to books that reflect their culture, identity, and limitless potential here in Minnesota. St. Paul–based Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) invites individuals, businesses, schools, and publishers to help build a new children’s library filled with books featuring characters from the African Diaspora.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3U3TUU2

MUSIC: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “A Twin Ports nonprofit is working to make music lessons and instruments accessible for families by offering free or reduced-cost options. Noteworthy Kids hosted its ‘Amazing Teen Project Concert’ at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, where all proceeds supported the nonprofit’s mission to provide music education for everyone.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g3eUmv

NONPROFIT DAY: Via news release from Rep. McCollum, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) introduced a bipartisan resolution on Monday to designate August 17 as National Nonprofit Day, recognizing the 1.3 million nonprofit organizations and 12 million nonprofit employees in the U.S. who serve local, national, and international needs.” MCCOLLUM: “They employ more than 12 million Americans — including 370,000 Minnesotans — and deliver the services families rely on every day, from food shelves to after-school programs to elder care. By officially recognizing National Nonprofit Day, we honor the people who show up for their neighbors and make sure this sector has the support it needs to keep doing that work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RZNjtg

BIKE RIDE: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A Sunday morning bike ride in Two Harbors doubled as a fundraiser for childhood cancer, organized by the Buchholz family in honor of their youngest daughter, Lily . . . Half of the proceeds go directly toward Hepatoblastoma research in honor of Lily’s fight. The remaining half supports pediatric cancer foundations.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qp1oNA

AFRICA: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Anges Cole and her husband, Prince, run a nonprofit called Disability Motivational Network. It provides resources and quality healthcare for kids with disabilities in Africa.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x7SQgD

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FULLY CAFFEINATED

Lynx guard Kayla McBride has a new side gig – she’s opening up a coffee shop in North Carolina with her sister. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4gdNxVv

She should open another one here in the Twin Cities with her appropriately-named teammate, Hopkins alum Nia Coffey.

WalletHub says Minnesota’s the ninth most fun state. Our neighbors didn’t fare as well. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3X5rh6v

ABC this morning sued the FCC saying its efforts to regulate the network infringe on First Amendment rights. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4bUQfy3

The number of refugees admitted to the U.S. is on track to be the lowest in history this year. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4xOzgWB

38% of Americans say their community has experienced damage from extreme weather in the past year. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3U5EuP9

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Fluence Advisory has released its Insights memo on “The Next Legislature”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNSMV

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Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45yJ6jq

Sunday Take featured a recap of the Minnesota primary, a look at Wisconsin’s primary with political analyst Bill McCoshen and a talk with MN Chamber CEO Doug Loon about Minnesota’s economy. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SER8Ei

A BUSY TUESDAY

LIST: Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie all rank in the top 100 on the list of best places to live by U.S. News & World Report. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41F4uil

SURVEY: From a study by Minneapolis-based Allianz, VERBATIM: “Americans without children are least likely to feel confident in their ability to meet their retirement savings goal (54%), compared to Americans with kids (72%). Among parents, those with one to two children (74%) are more likely to feel confident versus those with three or more children (66%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g4bVdx

DEI: The Guardian cites the example of Target facing backlash for bowing to anti-DEI pressure in citing a new study that shows some brands fared better by taking a different path. VERBATIM: “New research published on Friday and shared exclusively with the Guardian found that companies that resisted the pressure and kept their DEI practices, including Costco, Apple and Delta Air Lines, performed just as well as their competitors who pulled back. For the research, Jacob Grumbach, an associate professor at the University of California at Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, analyzed how S&P 500 companies fared after Trump’s January executive order. He used what economists define as ‘abnormal returns’ – the difference between how a stock was expected to perform versus how it actually performed – to isolate the impact of a company’s DEI decision.” READ: GUARDIAN STORY | UC BERKELEY RESEARCH

BWCAW: Mining Minnesota this morning sent a response after Governor Tim Walz announced he’d signed an executive order to ban all nonferrous mineral mining in the Boundary Waters. QUOTE: “Governor Walz’s executive order is a political decision dressed up as an environmental one, and Minnesotans deserve to know the difference. The Governor’s own Department of Natural Resources concluded a six-year legal review that considered more than 4,000 public comments and the most current science available, and ruled definitively that Minnesota’s nonferrous mining regulations are strong enough to protect the Boundary Waters and its watershed. With this action today, the Governor is bowing to the demands of special interests, ignoring the findings of his own government and causing even greater delays for workers who need jobs, to the detriment of the Minnesotans he serves. Even though the order itself lacks legal standing and precedence, the negative impact on Minnesotans remains the same.”

MORE: Via DNR, the legal review mentioned in the statement. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wKHBK8

BACKGROUND: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “This comes after a 20-year mining ban across more than 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest was lifted in April at the direction of the Trump administration. The move cleared the way for various copper and nickel mining projects, including for Twin Metals, a company owned by Chilean mining giant Antofagasta, to build a proposed complex just outside Ely on Birch Lake, though the company still needed necessary state permits and approvals to break ground.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46edijP

MORE: A 2016 USDA news release announcing the denial of “an application for renewal of two hard rock mineral leases in the area, as well as initiated steps to withdraw key portions of the watershed from new mineral permits and leases.” It came several months after Governor Mark Dayton sent a letter to Twin Metals Minnesota saying he’d oppose any new mining on state lands near the BWCAW. READ: USDA RELEASE | WCCO ON DAYTON LETTER

FOR COMPARISON: Here’s today’s Executive Order from Governor Walz. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xHkuAQ

FRAUD: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “Republican gubernatorial candidate and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth unveiled a plan to combat taxpayer fraud if elected governor, including actions she would take during her first 90 days.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gGY8c3

NO CANDIDATES: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “No one is running for Red Lake County attorney. It’s not the only Northland county without someone on the ballot. No one is running in Mahnomen or Lake of the Woods, either. However, the situation in Red Lake is unique. No one is running because no one is eligible . . . Licensed attorneys must register through the Minnesota Supreme Court. As part of the registration process, they have to provide a postal code. Two lawyers come up when searching for Red Lake County’s ZIP codes. The issue is this: one is dead, and the other — Michael LaCoursiere — hasn’t renewed his license since he retired from the county attorney position in 2023.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4znxeOH

MORE CANDIDATES: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “One of several Minnesota cities eyed as landing spots for hyperscale AI data centers, Faribault highlights how the issue is beginning to shape elections. It is spurring newcomers to run for office on ‘transparency’ platforms in some of the same places where local officials signed non-disclosure agreements to keep data center details out of the public eye. MinnPost monitored city council filings in six cities prominently linked to data center developments over the last couple of years: Faribault, Farmington, Hermantown, Monticello, North Mankato and Pine Island. In all six, there was an uptick in candidate filings this year compared with 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hGAO06

HERMANTOWN: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “An audio recording of a June 16 Hermantown department head meeting is drawing criticism from community members and state lawmakers after city leaders were captured speaking disparagingly of data center opponents. The recording, shared anonymously with the Duluth Monitor, which first reported the story, captures city leaders, including Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace, using an expletive and other derogatory language while talking about data center opponents, including a Native woman and a woman running for city council. City staff mocked the woman running for city council for crying while making public comment.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3U3kfla

MORE: From Duluth Monitor via YouTube, the recording. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ilhlCa

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

AROUND MINNESOTA

MAGNETS: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, the company commercializing the world’s first rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, announced a $150 million loan from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) to advance the construction of its Sartell, Minnesota, magnet manufacturing plant. Today’s announced funding will support construction, equipment and operational readiness activities at Niron’s Sartell plant, advancing domestic production of rare-earth-free permanent magnets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wxxRmg

NATIVE BIZ: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Hoping to boost his tribe’s economy beyond gambling some 15 years ago, former Tribal Council member Earl Pendleton went searching for a project that could bring jobs and investment to benefit the entire Lower Sioux Indian Community . . . Pendleton’s vision took root in 2017 when the tribe signed on to a state pilot project to test-grow hemp, an opportunity made possible only after Congress legalized industrial hemp for research purposes in 2014. In 2024, the tribe opened its hempcrete plant. The operation is now part of a quiet, national surge in Native-owned startups, although steep challenges remain to keep the business growing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qlaydQ

SMOKE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mike Theismann sat inside his Grand Marais, Minn., home on a bluebird-sky day in early August, enjoying his time away from his work laptop during the mandatory two-week summer practice break for Cook County High School. The interruption to the school’s summer training period was planned. What Theismann hadn’t planned for was canceling a handful of practices in July as wildfires raged in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest, painting the region a hazy gray. Wildfire season — bringing choking smoke, extreme heat and strict orders to stay inside — has become a headache for Minnesota high school activities directors and coaches as more fires sweep the state and outdoor practice time shrinks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TYt3c5

TREES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Pests, disease and poor planning have decimated the urban forest in the Twin Cities, which has lost 11% of its tree cover over the last decade, according to an Axios analysis of state data. Why it matters: The numbers largely reflect the invasive emerald ash borer’s devastation of Twin Cities tree populations and represent a huge setback to Minnesota’s goals to put more communities in the shade. Trees cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, raise property values and even boost our mental health.” READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4bWyT3T

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

PUBLIC SAFETY

MANGIONE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Luigi Mangione‘s New York state trial is on hold following his guilty plea on federal charges in the 2024 slaying of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The big picture: Mangione, who admitted in federal court last week that he shot and killed Thompson outside an investor conference in New York City, was supposed to go to trial on separate state charges on Sept. 8.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46dLr3f

HOPKINS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “More than 200 people gathered Monday night in Hopkins to remember three members of a family killed last week in an apparent murder-suicide. The vigil at Downtown Park honored Kristen Brown, her 7-year-old daughter, Evie, and Brown’s mother-in-law, Alice Brown. Kristen Brown operated Brown Bear Daycare out of her Hopkins home. In a statement released Monday, families from the daycare described it as ‘a second home for our children’ and said Kristen was an exceptional caregiver and educator.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Uo4W6B

FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: Project Clean Air Repair (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

TOMORROW: Target will release its second quarter earnings. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4hGHhbq

MOVIE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Written and directed by Andrew Jack Zuckerman, a Minnesota native, ‘Good Sport’ is a heartfelt and hilarious feature, capturing the absurdity, chaos, and community of youth sports. The film follows a hungover father navigating his ex-wife’s remarriage while coaching a chaotic youth basketball game. ‘Good Sport’ will have a special theatrical run at the Edina Theatre, featuring daily screenings through August 20 and live post-screening Q&As with the cast and crew.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sm4iG2

AWARD: Via NAM, VERBATIM: “The National Association of Manufacturers announced that the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce was recognized by the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations with the first-ever COSMA Impact Award at the conference’s annual meeting this week . . . The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce earned distinction for timely leadership by uniting Minnesota’s business community and offering solutions and resources to manufacturers to respond to pressing cost and regulatory issues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4crnRUi

EDINA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “For vintage and antique art dealer Molly Oberstar, a painting doesn’t need to have a famous artist’s name attached to be exceptional. In fact, some of her favorite landscapes and still lifes aren’t by notable painters or illustrators at all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45DoTJ8

NEW PRESIDENT: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted payments and data company, today announced the appointment of Kevin Jones as President of its Merchant Services division.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sbr4k7

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “After just seven votes separated a winning and losing candidate in last week’s primary election for Brooklyn Center mayor, the city is planning a recount for Wednesday, Aug. 19.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qnZ09z