The Daily Agenda: Morning Take

morning take | Minnesota Winning ?!?!

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:37:43 GMT

BIG WINS

Saints win, Twins win, Wild win, Wolves win. Wolves and Wild advance.

Frost playoffs start tomorrow.

The DNR spotted a cougar with kittens near Voyageurs — the first evidence of cougars breeding in Minnesota in over 100 years. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cKd7kG

ASCE gives Minnesota’s infrastructure a “C” overall — “B-” in aviation and parks, but “D+” in roads. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4cT2evv

AP’s Steve Karnowski and KARE 11’s Belinda Jensen have retired after three decades, while MPR’s Paul Huttner retired after four decades.

The U.S. Senate voted to prevent its members from placing bets on prediction markets. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4cJ8fft

The DHS shutdown is over after 76 days. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/3OAXeUr

Happy National Loyalty Day.

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On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz

MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r

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WAYMO IS READY FOR MINNESOTA: With 13x fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans, Waymo is already making roads safer in major U.S. cities where we operate — from multi-lane expressways to dense city streets, including the demands of winter weather. We are ready to bring these safety benefits to Minnesota, and look forward to working with the state legislature to pass a law that allows us to provide rides in the state. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/waymo (SPONSORED: Waymo)

It feels like Minnesota deserved something like the sports wins in 2026. It’s an example of perseverance – something we’ve earned. Grit and patience pays off. It’s not about the politics, but rather the 11 months of intensity, which has worn on the psyches and community pride. The more we can cheer for teams, the less likely we are to be posting, or scrolling with the doom stream of debate over the issues our state has faced.

It’s a better algorithm. That’s what our state needs a better cadence, a new enertia in a different direction and if teams can help – let them. Of course, plenty of Minnesotan’s aren’t lifted by sports, however they are cheering for Minnesota to have better news and momentum forward.

Between Spring and sports let’s hope for a new birth of optimism in the state in the coming days, weeks and months. Yes legislators, this means your posts and speeches too.

Have a great weekend.

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will be in Portland, ME today to help U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner “kick off his campaign,” per social media. Platner is the only prominent Democrat challenging GOP Sen. Susan Collins after Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign earlier this week. Walz commended Mills before announcing his visit to see Platner. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tJYx2F

MORE: From the Walz official calendar for today, “On Friday, May 1, 2026, Governor Tim Walz has no public events scheduled.”

TOMORROW: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison are also scheduled to attend. The event is at 5:00 p.m.

MEDICAID: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration on Thursday notified Minnesota that it’s deferring an additional $91 million in Medicaid funding, due to fresh concerns about vulnerabilities to fraud. … The announcement from Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, cited searches by federal agents on Tuesday at childcare and learning centers. … Gov. Tim Walz called the action part of the Trump Administration’s retribution campaign against Minnesota. … CMS approved the state’s corrective action plan in March, but has yet to free up any of the $243 million it withheld earlier.” READ:https://fluence-media.co/4w0jqrE

FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota officials are seeing a massive spike in new reports of fraud in social services programs, overwhelming the ability of investigators to handle all the cases. That’s led state authorities to farm out more cases to federal investigators, and delayed their ability to hold providers who committed fraud accountable. … It may take years to get through the backlog of fraud referrals, Minnesota Department of Human Services Inspector General James Clark said.” CLARK: “Investigative capacity, technological capacity, has not [had] a corresponding increase to meet the volume we’re facing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cJMiwY

BOCK: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The judge presiding over the Feeding Our Future case is limiting convicted ringleader Aimee Bock’s access to confidential case documents from jail after she allegedly directed her adult sons to send the files to reporters and elected officials. … Federal prosecutors on Tuesday asked U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel to prohibit Bock from speaking with her sons prior to her May 21 sentencing hearing, but Brasel said at a Thursday hearing that would be a step too far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RdkvMN

HCMC/TAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee sent a tax bill to the Senate floor that could help save HCMC while also making Minnesota the first state to impose a social media tax. The HCMC funding would come from shifting an existing 0.15% sales tax [to] health care. … There will also be funding for North Memorial Medical Center that must all be dedicated to ‘uncompensated care,’ [but] HCMC will have more flexibility in how it spends its revenue. … The Senate tax bill also includes a social media tax that would range from 10 cents to 50 cents per user, depending on the platform’s size. It would be imposed on the social media companies.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OST2iU

MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A 24-hour prayer vigil is currently taking place outside HCMC as lawmakers in St. Paul debate what should be done to try to save the financially struggling safety net hospital. … Organizers emphasized that the fight now shifts to securing a plan for permanent, long-term funding.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OCibyl

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SESSION SLOG

RELIEF: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate on Thursday passed a zero-interest, $100 million forgivable loan program for businesses across the state that lost revenue this past winter because of the federal government’s immigration crackdown. … $18 million would be available for businesses in greater Minnesota, while the remaining $82 million would go to the seven-county metro area. Businesses must be in good standing with the state, operate a physical location and demonstrate that they experienced a revenue loss between December and the end of February compared to the previous year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pef8MP

RESPONSE: via Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, NELSON: “The Minnesota Forward Fund exists to bring high-impact, high-paying jobs to our state, and we raided it to send $100 million to the metro area. I know many of us are frustrated by how the immigration enforcement operation was conducted earlier this year, but this bill represents the wrong priorities. … There are so many better ways we could have used this $100 million.”

BONDING: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “The [bonding] bill has been called into question this week, with champions of the bonding efforts reporting mixed messages on the progress of negotiations. … Sen. Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, [said] this year feels ‘quicker’ than last, but ‘we’ll need more conversations with leaders.’ … Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, [said] she had to admit she’s ‘kind of nervous.’ … Rep. Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis, said he’s not concerned — yet.” LEE: “If we go into next weekend, [and] we don’t have any ideas…that’s when I’ll be concerned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PeeSNR

SAFETY/WAGERS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The 81-page public safety policy bill, with its 91 sections and language from more than a dozen other bills, passed the House Thursday on a 116-16 vote. Because the House amended [it], the bill must now return to the Senate for concurrence. … The bill would amend the authority for the attorney general to issue administrative subpoenas to include information related to a law enforcement investigation of financial crimes and fraud. … Members [also] adopted language that would ban predictive market wagering.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OQjVUG

PROPERTY TAX: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Legislators are running out of days to do something about property taxes, and so far there’s little consensus beyond a basic agreement that they are high. A DFL bill that would’ve issued property tax refunds, scaled so that lower earners get more than higher earners, failed in the House Tax Committee. … Over in the Senate, DFLers are coalescing around a proposal from Sen. Grant Hauschild of Hermantown for $100 million in property tax relief. Republicans, meanwhile, have authored big-swing proposals, like a cap on property taxes and a $4 billion refund.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42rFcax

TERM LIMITS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to place a limit of two terms on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor beginning with candidates elected in 2026? That’s the question Rep. Jimmy Gordon (R-Isanti) wishes to pose to Minnesota voters in November. He sponsors HF1849, which would put the question on the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. … The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee approved it on a voice vote and sent it to the House Floor Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t101UN

TAKE: Considering the tied House and one-vote Senate there should be more issues offered to voters to decide on the ballot this fall.

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DC + MN

TECH: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter urging Governor Tim Walz to provide funding to update Minnesota’s outdated systems for administering Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4tJQend

ICE AGENT: via left-leaning Daily Beast, VERBATIM: “The ICE agent who fatally shot unarmed mom Renee Nicole Good has been quietly relocated to a different state and allowed to resume work. … Senior Department of Homeland Security officials have told the Daily Beast [that] agent Jonathan Ross, 43, [is] now performing administrative and investigative duties. … Senior officials [said] ICE’s internal affairs division cannot begin its administrative review until the FBI probe concludes, freezing the agency’s accountability process for Ross.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZucWs

WAREHOUSES: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is cosponsoring the Ban Warehouse Detention Act. … This legislation would [prohibit] the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from establishing, operating, expanding, converting, or renovating any warehouse or similar building or structure for the purposes of detaining people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QGy8UK

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 FEED

FLAG: MinnPost looked into how much money could be lost if a bill to reduce funding for municipalities flying the old state flag passes. VERBATIM: “The bill, introduced by DFLers at the Legislature, proposes a 10% cut to local government aid, or LGA, for cities flying the outdated state flag. … [The bill] would wipe a whopping $214,192 from Wadena’s budget and only $4,862 from Elk River’s. … The bill is likely going nowhere this session, but that doesn’t mean a future Legislature wouldn’t rekindle it if control of the bodies changes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ph7xgx

SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed ten bills. … HF 3467 allows the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to direct agency resources to veterans’ initiatives. … HF 3718 modifies provisions relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. … SF 3832 modifies eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative. … HF 4241 modifies the Hennepin County medical examiner selection process [and more]. … HF 4118 authorizes credit unions to obtain insurance. … HF 3699 adds requirements for the state park license plate contest. HF 3437 modifies the application of certain residential mortgage loan fees. … HF 1410 modifies disciplinary procedures for correctional officers. SF 3958 modifies the reporting date for the disaster assistance contingency account. SF 3622 makes technical and clarifying changes to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48C4TIJ

TARGET FIELD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Concession workers at Target Field, unionized with Unite Here Local 17, will hold a strike authorization vote [today]. … The roughly 500-person unit will vote on whether to authorize a strike in response to not coming to terms on a new contract with the Delaware North Company, which employs concessions workers at the Twins’ stadium. Unite Here will host a press conference in front of the team store at Target Field on Friday afternoon, with the vote scheduled to begin afterwards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w1yvt5

REJECT 340B EXPANSION: A new Minnesota Department of Health report shows hospitals made at least $1 billion dollars from a federal drug discount program known as 340B. The program should help patients, but experts say there is little accountability for where the money goes. The report was delayed and only recently released, showing the program isn’t working as intended. But Minnesota politicians are fast tracking a bill to expand the 340B program anyway. Lawmakers: reject House File 3609 / Senate File 3769. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uUobCQ (SPONSORED: Community Action for Responsible Hospitals)

METRO

MPLS: via Patch News, VERBATIM: “Thirty-four Minneapolis groups will split $1 million in city grant funding meant to help local businesses recover from Operation Metro Surge. Mayor Jacob Frey announced the grants Thursday, saying the money will go to community organizations across all 13 wards. The funding is meant to help neighborhood business districts bring customers back through marketing campaigns, branding, public events and direct outreach to businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eUsfgC

MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed an effort to extend the pre-eviction filing notice period by 15 days, weeks after shooting down a similar measure that would have extended the period by 30 days. … Frey defended his decision to veto the proposal, arguing it does not solve the root issue of whether a tenant can afford rent.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tD9Yce

GRANDMAS RIDE ATVs TOO: Check out Donna’s story — a powerful reminder that ATV riding is about more than trails; it’s about people, community, and connection. Donna’s message reflects what so many riders across Minnesota believe: responsible riding, strong local economies, and protecting access for future generations all go hand in hand. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. Check out Donna’s story HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)

MENDOTA HGTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “It’s probably the most common concern that Mendota Heights Mayor Stephanie Levine hears when out in the community: ‘Why can’t Mendota Heights have good cell service?’ An effort to fix part of that issue [has] frustrated some residents though, as the city of Mendota Heights has been reviewing a proposal to install a new cell phone tower. … The criticism comes from the size of the tower, as it will rise well above the tree canopy. … Residents are most concerned about the visual impact, as well as any negative impact to nearby property values.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42F9ciX

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

ACROSS MN

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Beginning [today], all new Mayo Clinic job postings will either be on-site or hybrid, not remote. … For staff members hired in a hybrid role, they must live within 100 miles of the Mayo Clinic campus to which they are assigned. … Mayo Clinic said in a statement [that] ‘We are always seeking ways to strengthen collaboration across roles and disciplines.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cYqexp

HERMANTOWN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Hermantown is considering a multimillion-dollar tax break for Google’s sprawling data center, the largest project that’s ever been proposed in the Duluth suburb. Google has offered to pay around $130 million for necessary public infrastructure, as well as contribute $450,000 in taxes each year after the data center is complete, in exchange for an annual tax rebate of about $1.2 million, totaling an estimated $33.5 million over 28 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZu5Kw

340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion in profit in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate, and Congress should fix the federal 340B program so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG (SPONSORED: PhRMA)

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “MMIW 218 is set to host its annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives conference from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, in Bemidji. … The May 3 event will start at 11 a.m. with a march from the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues to the Sanford Center, where lunch will follow, along with welcoming the runners from the MMIW Awareness Red Lake run.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4um19Ui

PRODUCTIVE FARMS, STEWARDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn farmers are demonstrating that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through widespread adoption of practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, and targeted nutrient management, farmers have improved soil health, reduced erosion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and protected water quality across millions of acres in Minnesota. That’s all while implementing advances in seed genetics, fertility management, and precision technology that have improved on-farm productivity.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4stHjG5 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

FOR PLANNING

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Ethics will hear complaints related to Reps. Elliott Engen, Walter Hudson and Alex Falconer. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for E-12 education, human services, and health professional licensing. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4uqZkW9

TODAY: The House Ethics Committee has scheduled hearings for GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer starting at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: via news advisory from UNITE HERE, VERBATIM: “UNITE HERE Local 17 members employed by Delaware North Company at Target Field are holding a press conference to discuss their vote to strike May 1st at 1:45 in front of Target Field team store.”

TODAY: SEIU and related groups will commemorate International Workers’ Day, also called May Day, with picketing, marches and other events throughout the Twin Cities from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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BDAYS: DC reader Lou Jacobsen, insurance man about town Shalin Johnson, Lockridge partner Heidi Silton. SAT: comms guy Bryan Brignac, State Auditor Julie Blaha. SUN: lobbyist Rochelle Westlund, hockey guy Dave Aus, insider Char Briner

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.

morning take | OIG Deal Looks Done

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:57:27 GMT

BIG GAME DAY

Game night the Wild at 6:30 and Twolves at 8:30.

The next 72 hours will turn us into a smokin’ hot sports town -- or leave Minnesota sports fans frustrated at what could have been. Sports Take explains it all later today.

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan is predicting “new records” for Midwest gas prices soon. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mZnMLN

Crude oil prices hit $120 per barrel yesterday, the highest since 2022. BBC: https://fluence-media.co/425FbZv

The war in Iran has cost the U.S. around $25 billion so far, according to the Pentagon. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/4t61AkA

Footage from the DC gunman’s arrest indicates the hospitalized Secret Service agent may have been hit by friendly fire. WAPO: https://fluence-media.co/4w0PWdl

A school district in Texas saw library book checkouts increase by over 24% after banning cell phones. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/3RaYPAV

It’s National Oatmeal Cookie Day – the best kind of cookie with butterscotch or chocolate chips.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz

MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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We’re starting the song lyrics on the Senate floor era of the session, so Bad Medicine is one song chosen by Sen. Torey Westrom yesterday, but HCMC has clergy outside today to rally suggesting they are Living on a Prayer. Send me your best Session clips of the floor sessions.

The bill that would create the Office of Inspector General will be on the House floor today. The bill is pre-negotiated between the House and Senate authors, making it likely to head to Gov. Tim Walz for a signature.

Via statement from Sen. Heather Gustafson, VERBATIM: ““I am pleased to see further cooperation and movement on this important legislation,” said Senator Gustafson. “The Senate passed my bill overwhelmingly because of the honest bipartisan work that went into it. This isn’t the end-all-be-all of fraud prevention, but our proposal is the most significant, meaningful step towards our shared goal of protecting state tax dollars to date. I commend the House authors for their work, I and look forward to continued progress in the future.”

When it comes to the X banter between the FBI’s Kash Patel and Gov. Tim Walz – “…the truth is, baby, you’re all that I need.”

When BCA agents are on site for the raids, would confirm that the state had some role in the investigation – even if sentiment “Please don’t make me make the same mistakes but it’s too late”

GAS PRICES: Via Bring Me The News, a deeper look at the latest spike in gas prices, with data that shows a statewide average above $4/gallon could happen as soon as today. VERBATIM: “As of Wednesday, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.93, a 13-cent jump in 24 hours, almost 30 cents more than a week ago, and just over 50 cents more than a month ago. … The price per gallon has been creeping closer to, or has already exceeded, $4 in many parts of Minnesota, particularly in the southern half of the state. The average in the Twin Cities is $3.98 on Wednesday, up from $3.84 on Tuesday. The Rochester area saw an even bigger jump in a day, rising from $3.84 on Tuesday to $4.02 on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dfESBD

ENERGY: The 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet will be released today, developed by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. EXCERPT: “For the sixth consecutive year, zero‑carbon sources (renewables and nuclear) supplied a majority of Minnesota’s electricity. In 2025, these resources accounted for 55% of total generation, compared with a national average of 43%. … Imported electricity fell to 7% of total use in 2025, down from 9% in 2024, demonstrating stronger in-state energy production and reliability. … Minnesota ranked No. 11 nationally and remained the top‑ranked state in the Midwest for overall energy efficiency.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4dfzxKE

SENATE RACE: David Hann has suspended his campaign for U.S. Senate in Minnesota.

CD2: Via The Intercept, a look at why some activists are accusing Matt Little, DFL candidate in CD2, of using anti-ICE activism for political gain. VERBATIM: “The Intercept spoke with nearly a dozen people involved in ICE rapid response networks in and around the Minneapolis suburbs, including in leadership positions, several of whom felt that Little was ‘cosplaying’ as an observer and overstating his activism for political clout. Others speculated that the outrage was manufactured to ruin his chances at the nomination. … Little says that he’s ‘only posted a small margin’ of the work he’s done on ICE and seemed confused by accusations that he was chasing clout.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QD8Si9

SOCIAL MEDIA: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A tech industry group filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging a Minnesota law that requires social media companies to start showing users health warning labels on their sites. … NetChoice — an industry group representing social media and tech companies like Amazon, Google and Meta — is suing Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham in federal court. NetChoice argues in the complaint filed Wednesday that part of the law violates the First Amendment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dgyTfO

ETHICS: Via House Session Daily, the House Ethics Committee has scheduled its hearings for GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer on Friday starting at 10:00 a.m. These hearings will be focused on determining veracity of claims, not disciplinary action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PeIdrv

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IN THE HOPPER

IT SYSTEMS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has its counties operate eligibility and benefits for [social] programs, and the technology these counties use is [old] and may lead to social services fraud. But as the Legislature lurches into its final weeks of session, it is unclear how (or if) lawmakers will agree upon financing an issue whose solution necessitates savvy about both computers and the social safety net. … Gov. Tim Walz has vowed to veto bills that dramatically raise state spending, but even the governor has proposed spending $46 million over the next three years to address ‘legacy IT systems.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w5yoNm

BONDING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats are urging passage of a $1.4 billion capital investment bill to fund state and local community projects. [However], legislative leaders and the governor continue meeting to discuss a target for the proposal. … Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, said following some of the adverse economic impacts of the federal immigration enforcement surge in the state, lawmakers should pass a significant bonding bill to bring additional construction jobs to Minnesota. … In his State of the State address, [Gov. Tim] Walz floated a smaller capital investment target: $907 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4de87Vn

PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES CONTINUE TO SOAR: While Minnesota’s safety net hospitals navigate bleak financial outlooks, drug manufacturers continue to raise drug prices at rates that far outpace inflation, rising 23% in the last year alone. By strengthening the 340B drug pricing program, local hospitals can weather these soaring prices and continue to deliver the care and treatments that Minnesotans need. MNLEG REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/48xEXhB (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

GUNS/SCHOOLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Senate Finance Committee passed a bill with several measures aimed at guns and school safety. It goes next to the Senate floor. The bill includes a ban on the sale of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, along with bans on ghost guns and binary triggers. It also regulates safe gun storage and designates $20 million for school safety and $14.7 million for mental health programs.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w2vadj

WEALTH TAX: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4845, a bill sponsored by Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul), would create a new fifth income tax tier, an idea that seems to surface annually. Hollins’ bill would establish the tier at a rate of 10.85%, applying it to Minnesota taxable income in excess of $1 million for married joint returns. … What’s different about this year’s model is the recipient of the revenue from the tax: It would increase local government aid (LGA) and county program aid (CPA) by $155.5 million each annually. The bill was laid over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uidLvq

NOTE: Start a list of issues that would cause major angst in another DFL trifecta further slowing the growth of Minnesota’s economy.

DAMAGE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Two bills to help people if their home is damaged by police passed the Minnesota Senate yesterday with bipartisan support. … One bill says homeowners insurance can’t exclude damage from police if the homeowner is an innocent third party. Another bill says police must disclose chemical irritants used inside buildings. Both bills passed chamber floor votes and are headed to the governor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4de87Vn

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HEALTH CARE

HCMC: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The House Health Finance and Policy Committee [heard] three potential solutions for HCMC, but no action was taken. … HF4841, sponsored by Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Mpls), would increase a 2007 Hennepin County sales tax [from] 0.15% to 1%. … HF4892, sponsored by Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount), would temporarily use the state’s General Fund surplus to help cushion HCMC. … Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) presented a yet-to-be-numbered bill that would dedicate $250 million from the General Fund each year to go to HCMC and North Memorial Hospital.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/492sCC0

MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate have approved a measure to help HCMC. … The bill that passed would provide HCMC $50 million this year and $100 million next year. It’s considered a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix. It passed in the Senate on party lines.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tIZLLi

MEDICAID: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A bill to bring the state into alignment with the Medicaid cuts, changes and restrictions included in HR1, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ awaits action by the full House. Included in the omnibus health finance bill, the language would primarily bring the state into alignment with the federal law. As amended, HF4466 was approved 15-13 by the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday, with Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley) reluctantly crossing party lines to offer support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cUur53

INSURANCE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A Rochester lawmaker aims to reinforce a 2010 Minnesota law that requires health insurance to cover home care nursing services for people — often children — with complex medical needs. … Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, [said] ‘That is the law. They should be doing it.’ … Boldon’s bill, if made law, would bar health plans from limiting the quantity of covered home care nursing services. In the Minnesota Senate, the bill advanced and is now part of the chamber’s commerce omnibus bill. However, its House companion, HF 4347, failed to pass out of committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t20CFJ

DISPARITY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A new analysis of health inequities shows that racial and ethnic disparities are widespread and persist in all 50 states, including Minnesota. … Minnesota is one of the top states for overall healthcare system performance, surpassing 38 other states, according to the report. White people in the state experience the best healthcare outcomes, scoring in the 91st percentile among all population groups nationwide. In contrast, American Indian and Alaska Native people face the poorest healthcare outcomes in the state, scoring only in the 13th percentile. Additionally, when compared to other states, Minnesota’s healthcare system performs below average for Black residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QTVVR0

Check today’s health take at 3:30 p.m. for more of the latest healthcare headlines. LINK: https://fluence-media.co/3QH98N5

FRAUD

ANTI-FRAUD: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “A slate of anti-fraud proposals remain in legislative limbo at the narrowly divided Capitol, with less than three weeks until the adjournment deadline. One bill to create an independent inspector general [had] another House hearing [yesterday]. Another closely watched proposal that would give agencies more power to cut payments to suspected fraudsters sailed through the tied House but is awaiting action in the DFL-majority Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QIoP6C

RAIDS: Via FOX 9, more details on the discrepancies over how much state and local officers contributed to Tuesday’s federal anti-fraud raids. VERBATIM: “Vice President JD Vance, who leads the administration’s anti-fraud task force, [said] ‘We really did not get much help at all from the governor’s office. Where we actually did get help was from state and local law enforcement officers who we assigned to the task force because the state government wasn’t doing anything.’ … The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension told FOX 9: ‘We’ve been working on the investigations related to yesterday’s warrants with FBI, HSI and other federal partners for months.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4264wm4

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The federal raids at child care and autism centers in the Twin Cities, part of a sweeping investigation into alleged fraud in safety-net programs, are renewing questions about individuals who own or operate multiple businesses that bill Medicaid. Public records show that some of the companies under investigation are connected through shared ownership.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQGSHi

MORE: via KARE 11’s Lou Raguse, VERBATIM: “After the Shakopee Day Care was raided on Tuesday, several kids entered. … Day care fraud most often involves overbilling, not empty day cares. The process involves comparing the attendance rosters on the billing to how many kids are there.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/42D7FtL

DHS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A former state fraud investigator told lawmakers a child care fraud unit was undermined before it was shut down, and he has ‘no doubt’ that oversight could have prevented some of today’s fraud concerns. … Jay Swanson, a former criminal investigator for CCAP under the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), testified Tuesday that the unit began with strong agency support in 2014, [but] the unit was ‘harassed and bullied’ [by DHS] starting in 2017 and lost authority over which cases to prioritize.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48zaIXv

DC

WHIPPLE: via USAO-MN advisory, VERBATIM: “United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen today announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko with assaulting a journalist while she was reporting on an anti-ICE protest on federal property in St. Paul Minnesota on April 11, 2026. Christopher Ostroushko and Paige Ostroushko are also charged with willfully and forcefully injuring and intimidating that journalist.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424MUqM

MORE: via HCAO advisory, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charged Christopher Ostroushko, 51, with one count of fifth-degree assault for his actions during an incident at the Whipple Building on April 11. … After a thorough review of the available evidence, the fifth-degree assault charge was determined to be appropriate. … Insufficient evidence led HCAO to decline charges against three other individuals arrested as part of this incident.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPikxK

TERRORISM: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Tina Smith [and others] introduced the bipartisan Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026, which is essential to economic security by safeguarding the availability of terrorism risk coverage. … Given that the current threat landscape remains elevated, allowing a similar lapse in terrorism coverage would expose policy holders to unnecessary financial risk and uncertainty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n1BIVA

PRIVACY: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives successfully advanced his legislation, HR. 1919, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, to the U.S. Senate. The bill, which was first passed by the House in July 2025, has now been attached to the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act and awaits consideration in the Senate.” EMMER: “We must never allow this weaponized surveillance tool to be adopted here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QIse5o

ICE: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in opposition to the inclusion of $70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol in Republicans’ budget resolution.” OMAR: “This effort is even more incomprehensible considering it comes after [Donald] Trump and Congressional Republicans already created an 85 billion dollars slush fund for ICE during the last budget reconciliation process. … We cannot send this rogue and unaccountable agency another cent.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cUoRQ9

ACROSS MN

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “City leaders said they have put together a plan to keep people safe [this summer]. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said police are shifting more attention to auto thefts by partnering with the Hennepin County Auto Theft Task Force. The move comes as car break-ins have increased across the city. O’Hara also said police will continue the weekend curfew task force and create a 24/7 watch commander to monitor police calls at all times of day.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w1gxa4

ST PAUL: via MPR, VERBATIM: “St. Paul elected officials were at the state Capitol yesterday asking to extend a sales tax to help fund renovations to the Grand Casino Arena Complex. The city has reached a deal with the Minnesota Wild for a $600 million renovation. … To fund its portion of the deal, St. Paul wants to extend an existing half-cent tax to 2061. It’s currently set to expire in 2042. … St. Paul also plans to ask the Legislature for $200 million for the project. It’s not clear whether there’s support to advance the proposals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4de87Vn

OAKDALE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Oakdale voters approved a half-percent local sales tax in 2022 to bankroll a new public works building and improvements to the city’s police department and Oakdale City Hall. One of those projects — the city’s new $32 million public works facility — is set to open to the public next week, and construction on the police expansion and City Hall remodeling project will begin June 1.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/425JrIt

HERMANTOWN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A citizen’s group fighting a proposed Google data center in the small northeastern Minnesota city of Hermantown has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging it has violated state law in its pursuit of the data center. … The group claims the city of Hermantown improperly changed its 2045 comprehensive plan and rezoned the neighborhood where the data center is proposed to be built to allow the controversial project to move forward. The lawsuit also alleges the city violated Minnesota’s open meeting law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tK8Xze

FOR PLANNING

SESSION: House floor session at 2:00 p.m. No Senate floor session. FLOOR: The House will hear bills on transportation, housing, public safety, natural resources and more. HOUSE: Rules & Leg. Admin. hears term limits for governors and lieutenant governors. Taxes will hear a tax on defrauded money. Ways & Means will hear changes to forecasts for DHS, DCYF and P-12 education. SENATE: Education Policy has confirmation hearings for School Trust Lands and Professional Educator Licensing & Standards. Finance hears the omnibus for energy, utilities, environment & climate. Taxes will hear its omnibus. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4mY6sH3

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend the funeral for Yusef Mgeni and meet with legislative leaders.

TODAY: Sens. Ann Rest, Grant Hauschild, Scott Dibble and Aric Putnam, all DFL, will host a media availability to “discuss the Senate Tax bill expected to be approved by the [taxes] committee and advance[d] to the Senate floor,” per a release. The event begins after the committee adjourns.

TODAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will answer questions about March employment data at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: At HCMC, clergy will begin a 24-hour vigil to pray for the successful passage of legislation that aims to save the hospital. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Registered nurses will gather in Minneapolis on April 30 for a rally and community event to press lawmakers for long-term, sustainable financial solutions before legislative session ends to keep [HCMC] open.” The event is at 12:00 noon.

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will host a virtual event discussing “what to expect in the 2026 midterm elections,” per a release. The event is at 7:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: The House Ethics Committee has scheduled hearings for GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer starting at 10:00 a.m.

SATURDAY: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison are also scheduled to attend. The event is at 5:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: lobbyist Dana Bailey, restauranter Luke Shimp, woman about town Amy Mauzy

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

morning take | It's Complicated...

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:18:14 GMT

MIDWEEK MOOD

Wild win. Tomorrow two chances to win the series. Wild at 6:30, Wolves at 8:30.

Twins lose.

Overnight an incident in Richfield a suspect has been killed and an officer was wounded, a developing story with more details in lunch take.

Governor Walz will meet with legislative leaders at 12 noon.

No-shows and canceled permits at the Boundary Waters are up from the previous year. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4t4VMrt

Drivers are advised to be aware of a new school bus safety law in Minnesota. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4u8St3s

The number of white-collar crime prosecutions has fallen to its lowest level in 40 years. FT: https://fluence-media.co/4w3PjzU

The United Arab Emirates will leave OPEC next month amid tensions in the oil industry. BLOOMBERG: https://fluence-media.co/4ueNONp

On foreign policy… a majority (53%) believe the U.S. does not consider other countries’ interests much or at all. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4cE5a0f

Happy Zipper Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz

MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r

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IT’S COMPLICATED…

“It’s complicated”…was an apt descriptor from Gov. Tim Walz over the past seven years summarized on a another “Slow News Day” yesterday as federal raids preview the State of the State. Seeming to realize that the opportunities to make his case, and lean into accomplishments from his seven years in office, Gov. Walz seemed more centered and grounded in his address last night. That said, as legislative negotiations continue his role and seat at the table will be one of the final big tests. With one veto, how hard will be negotiate for his priorities? , From free meals in schools to child care the aspiration and accomplishments for families are notable the Walz legacy could be simple if that’s what Minnesotans remember most over time.

SOTS: Gov. Tim Walz delivered his final State of the State address last night. Walz began with a reflection on his time in office and acknowledgements of major events in Minnesota over the past year, including the assassination of Melissa Hortman. With less than three weeks left in the legislative session, the governor reiterated his calls to pass DFL priorities, including a bonding bill, AI regulations, taxes on social media businesses, gun safety measures and more. Walz closed out with a prediction that the policies he signed into law “will be here for decades.” The full speech can be viewed online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vYHgnN

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The governor didn’t bring up the fraud issue until he was about two-thirds of the way through his speech, and even then, he didn’t talk about how it was allowed to happen, just what he is doing about it right now. WALZ: “We’ve created additional checks and balances,” Walz said. “We have brought on more investigators, more auditors, and more law enforcement agencies, as well as an outside firm to look at high-risk programs. People who have ripped us off are getting caught. And they are going to jail. I’ve said the buck stops with me.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48PDtiT

REACTIONS: All four legislative caucus leaders — Speaker Lisa Demuth, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy — shared thoughts on Gov. Tim Walz’s final State of the State address with the press. The GOP expressed disappointment while DFLers showed support. GOP: https://fluence-media.co/4vXkhJB DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4w3Pzim

HCMC: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “County commissioners met at the Hennepin County Government Center on Tuesday, where officials indicated HCMC is ‘treading water’ with 20 days left in the legislative session. … Lawmakers are considering different plans to help [HCMC]. The Senate bill would raise the Hennepin County sales tax and send the hospital $50 million annually, while the House bill would raise the county tax more and generate about $300 million a year for HCMC. [Commissioner Jeffrey] Lunde said the Senate amount would not be enough to keep HCMC in business, while the House amount would be enough.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tMvAmM

SCHOOLS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Some Minnesota school district leaders are raising concerns about a change in how the state calculates funding for low-income students, warning that some districts could lose millions of dollars in funding and vulnerable children could be left without needed support. … The funding concerns stem from a policy change that followed the state’s move in 2023 to provide free school meals to all students. That shift triggered a new method for counting low-income students, which directly affects how much compensatory revenue districts receive. … Some district leaders said the new system does not capture all students in need.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cDMFcn

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FLOW OF FRAUD

HEARING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee took testimony about alleged fraud in Minnesota childcare centers. Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, criticized the governor for not taking part in the hearing given word of search warrants served in Twin Cities daycare locations.” ROBBINS: “This should be addressed by the governor before our committee, and I know he’s available today. He’s probably in the basement or somewhere in this building, because tonight is the State of the State address. He is somewhere here in the building, declining to join us, and that is incredibly frustrating.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMrQ4I

RAIDS: FBI Director Kash Patel accused Gov. Tim Walz of trying to “take credit for our work” after Walz said yesterday’s FBI raids were a result of state and federal cooperation, as seen in lunch take. Patel said the “FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today,” seemingly contradicting statements from local law enforcement. MPR reported that the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed it was “partnering with federal investigators to execute search warrants,” while the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said it had “squad cars on two scenes to secure the perimeter,” among other examples. TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4tGpN20 MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4cJeCOw

MORE: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer echoed the FBI director’s claims, calling out “more BS from our governor,” but a DOJ spokesperson told KARE 11’s AJ Lagoe that “the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation.” EMMER: https://fluence-media.co/3QOn33R LAGOE: https://fluence-media.co/4mV0TZM

MORE: Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed that yesterday’s FBI raids in the Twin Cities were executed “in collaboration with” his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to investigate “five sites for four businesses that accept Medicaid funds through the state’s Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program.” However, his office said it “did not participate in the execution of search warrants at any other sites today because those sites do not involve Medicaid funding” — specifically, the state was only involved in searching autism centers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dcffBF

MORE: KSTP has a list of all confirmed sites that were raided by law enforcement yesterday, including at least nine daycare centers, five autism centers, and one catering business. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4cU4N0A

BOCK: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The ringleader behind the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case has been accused of directing her son to leak sensitive materials to the media and elected officials in an attempt to minimize her role in the scheme ahead of her sentencing. … The United States Attorney’s Office filed a motion on Tuesday that says Aimee Bock, since at least February, has been directing her college-age son to ‘download large volumes of material related to her federal prosecution,’ and disseminate them to lawmakers and members of the media in what ‘can best be described as a public relations campaign.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tHRM1h

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SESSION

PRODUCTIVITY: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers have less than three weeks left, and Gov. Tim Walz has only signed a handful of bills in what has largely been an unproductive session so far. … Legislators have not passed bills related to [several] major issues facing Minnesota in recent months, including rising costs, addressing the fallout of Operation Metro Surge or bolstering school safety.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n7zO5J

BAIL: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Heard on an informational basis Tuesday by the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee, a yet-to-be-introduced bill would ask voters: ‘Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to prohibit monetary bail and provide for universal pretrial release for alleged criminal offenses that are nonviolent?’ … Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul) says her proposal would modernize the justice system. … Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) raised concern [about] the lack of services, such as mental health, available for someone who is released.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ORynvp

CHARTERS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Republican State Sen. Julia Coleman [is] sponsoring two bills that would direct more funding to charter schools. The two bills could generate as much as $73 million. … Senate File 1294 would allocate as much as $52 million toward local optional revenue. Charter schools cannot raise funds through a levy like traditional public schools, and the money would help make up for that. … Senate File 2576 addresses leasing aid and would add an extra $21 million to account for inflation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QCYZRB

OPIOIDS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota pharmacists could soon prescribe and dispense lifesaving drugs to people suffering through opioid withdrawals. Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, championed the bill that passed the House unanimously yesterday. The idea is to get people access to medication quicker to help them manage the excruciating process of withdrawal. The alternative, Baker said, is people relapsing and overdosing. … The Senate is considering similar legislation as part of a larger healthcare bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42msKZD

SPORTS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4949, a bill sponsored by Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township), would create a sports and events reimbursement program account in the special revenue fund designed to assist a local organizing committee with expenses related to attracting and conducting major events. … The funding would go toward the costs of both preparing for and conducting an event, including improvements to existing facilities or acquisition of new facilities to host the event. On Tuesday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzpcyU

CROSSBOWS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “In 2023, Minnesota legalized crossbow hunting, but that law is set to expire this year. [However], the House voted unanimously to remove the sunset provision in the law. The Senate did the same earlier this month. The next stop is the governor’s desk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42msKZD

ELECTIONS

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Star power is meeting skepticism as the ex-sportscaster [Michele Tafoya] works to win over the Republicans who will decide the endorsement. … Her pioneering role as a nationally known sports journalist gives her visibility and credibility in a crowded primary field and is helping her raise more cash than all of her GOP rivals combined this year. Her positions on several issues, including abortion, are also closer to the average voter in the state compared with some GOP candidates. But to have any chance at breaking the GOP’s 20-year losing streak in Minnesota’s statewide elections, Tafoya has to win over her own party first. That is no given.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vVg5Kq

COUNTIES: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State hosted election officials from all over Minnesota for the 2026 County Election Administration Conference. This biennial four-day event was an opportunity to share best practices, learn about election equipment and procedures, and discuss safety and security, all in preparation for the upcoming election season. … At least one election administrator from all 87 counties was in attendance for the conference.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4229ikE

DC

KING’S SPEECH: via Politico, VERBATIM: “King Charles III on Tuesday stood before a joint session of Congress and delivered among the most pointed comments any allied leader has given on American soil during President Donald Trump’s second term. Charles invoked NATO’s Article 5 response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a direct rebuke to Trump’s regular needling of NATO allies as not doing enough for the United States. He called for ‘unyielding resolve’ in defense of Ukraine and pointed to the establishment of the Magna Carta in 1215, which declared that even a king isn’t above the law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t386bO

MORE: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced that her guest at King Charles III’s address to Congress was Shane Higgins, the general manager at Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis. KLOBUCHAR: “Brit’s Pub has been a little piece of the UK in Minneapolis for over 30 years, and a significant part of that legacy is due to Shane and team’s commitment to carrying forward a great pub that so many people know and love.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mSPRUM

METRO

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis community organizations are seeing an immediate surge in renters seeking help as the city’s new emergency rental assistance program enters its second full week. The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is one of the community partners selected to help renters apply. Staff say the demand began as soon as the program launched on April 20. Housing manager Corey Baesler said the volume of calls is unlike anything he has seen. … He said the center is averaging about 40 calls a day.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41Y99P8

LEXINGTON: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The city of Lexington has entered into an agreement with a neighboring fire department to provide emergency services after terminating its fire chief and determining that its own department is no longer sustainable. Fire Chief Mike Mohler was terminated [on] the same day the city enacted an interim management and operations agreement with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department (known as SBM), which took over services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mXgyYB

INVER GROVE HGTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Inver Grove Heights is the latest city in Minnesota to switch back to flying the old state flag. The City Council voted 3-2 to make the change. … Some city council members questioned whether revisiting the flag was a good use of city time and resources. Council member Tony Scales said the issue should be left to the state. … He voted against switching back to the old flag, along with council member Mary T’Kach. Mayor Brenda Dietrich, and council members John Murphy and Sue Gliva, supported the switch. Mayor Dietrich said it will cost the city between $500 and $600 to replace the flags.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ebMC8P

ACROSS MN

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Roughly $1 million is expected to be added to Rochester Public Utilities’ contribution toward funding planned changes to Silver Lake Dam. A recommendation unanimously approved Tuesday by the city’s Public Utilities Board would bring RPU’s contribution for the estimated $7.2 million dam modification project to slightly more than $3 million. Todd Blomstrom, RPU assistant general manager of operations, said it’s expected to be the last adjustment to the commitment as an anticipated fall start for the project nears.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egzNtY

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “City councilors voted 7-2 Monday night to approve a change order that could add up to $515,016 to the cost of tearing down an abandoned parking ramp. The total cost to demolish the structure now could soar to upward of $3.045 million — more than triple the original bid of $967,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48sXwmS

STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBAITM: “The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Cloud Police Department have been invited to apply for a 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $35,173. … The funds will be divided between the two agencies. The sheriff’s office intends to use funds to purchase online report-taking software. … The police department will use funds for seven Armourer’s Choice Minotaur Lite handgun shields for use in active threat response.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEjNGR

FOR PLANNING

SESSION: No House floor session. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate hears a ban on “nudification” AI plus omnibus bills for health & human services, commerce and more. HOUSE: Taxes will hear bills on property taxes, local government aid and more. Ways & Means will hear the human services omnibus and the OIG bill. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for human services and the judicial branch. Taxes will hear its omnibus. Energy, Utilities, Environment & Climate hears wildfire safety plans. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4n31UiI

TODAY: GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, GOP Rep. Spencer Igo and advocates will host a press conference to “highlight the success of Minnesota’s innovative State Housing Tax Credit (SHTC) and Contribution Fund,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: At 9:30 Senator Liz Boldon, Senator Erin Maye Quade, Senator Alice Mann will hold at news conference to discuss legislation the state must enact to comply to avoid further cuts to federal Medicaid funding, and will result in hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans losing health insurance.

TODAY: Minneapolis Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and leaders from the city’s Office of Community Safety will present their “2026 Summer Safety Plan” during a city council committee meeting at 1:30 p.m.

TODAY: GOP Reps. Jon Koznick, Erica Schwartz and Bidal Duran will host a press conference introducing the Conservative Latino Caucus by “addressing core values and a focus on affordability initiatives,” per a release. The event is at 3:30 p.m.

TOMORROW: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Registered nurses will gather in Minneapolis on April 30 for a rally and community event to press lawmakers for long-term, sustainable financial solutions before legislative session ends to keep [HCMC] open.” The event is at 12:00 noon.

SATURDAY: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event is at 5:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Sen. Heather Gustafson, PR pro Jacqueline Hanson

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

morning take | One Minnesota, but Two Flags

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:07:27 GMT

WILD TUESDAY

Timberwolves lose. Wild play tonight at 7. Twins won in the rain last night.

WalletHub ranked Minnesota the 7th best state for working mothers. North Dakota is 10th on the same ranking. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vPhuSN

Around 2,600 unserved meals at the White House correspondents’ dinner were donated to shelters for abuse victims. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4u6cMP0

Over 1,100 officers at TSA have resigned during the ongoing DHS shutdown. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/48pEoWV

The White House paid two companies nearly $900 million so they would cancel their offshore wind farm projects. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3QBESmL

The high cost of living continues to top Americans’ list of the most important financial problems facing their families. The 31% citing it in an open-ended question is below the 41% peak in 2024 but similar to a year ago and among the highest in Gallup’s more than 20-year trend. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3OxY6sW

Happy National Blueberry Pie Day.

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On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz

MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r

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TAKE

Gov. Tim Walz’s State of the State at 7PM vs. Minnesota Wild at 7PM which will have more Minnesotan’s attention?

The state flag isn’t going to win elections, and it isn’t going to lose elections, but it does represent the change in Minnesota over the last seven years. More divided, more partisan and less serious about the issues that truly ail us. An appropriate precursor for Gov. Walz’s final State of the State.

Early early excerpts from the Governor’s speech:

“…Indeed, over the last several months, the world has seen our strength—a strength that comes not from our politics, but from our people. For all the work we do here in St. Paul, the real work of moving our state forward is happening in communities across the state, as neighbors build and rebuild the bonds that hold us together in difficult times. Tonight, I want to talk about what we’ve done here at the Capitol—and what we can continue to do—to support that work. But make no mistake: Minnesota is at its best when everyday people show up for one another—with compassion, with courage, with resilience. History may have its eye on our state—but we are writing our own story…”

“…The proposals I’ve made tonight represent the beginning of our last chapter working together. I’m hopeful that this chapter will be as productive as the previous seven—in fact, I’m insistent that it will. I still have eight months left in this job, and I intend to use every hour of every day to make as much progress as I can…”

“…I’m asking you to join me in getting our state ready for the economy of the future. I don’t want Silicon Valley deciding how artificial intelligence and other new technologies will impact our small towns and working families. I don’t want technocrats like Peter Thiel and Sam Altman and—yeah—J.D. Vance determining who wins and who loses. Nobody doubts that the rise of AI is good news for tech companies, who are making record profits. But as industries, business practices, and jobs are transformed by innovation, we need to take bold steps to protect and prepare workers for what’s coming. That’s why I’m proposing a social media tax—not on users, but on the big tech companies making billions off of our data. I want to use that revenue for workforce development initiatives designed to get Minnesotans ready for the age of AI and other emerging technologies…”

“…It’s been a complicated seven years. But when I look back at the story we’ve written together, I’m deeply proud of Minnesota. There is, I believe, no better place in America to raise a child…”

The legacy of the Walz terms as Governor – are that there were a lot of words, but in the mind of so many Minnesotans the words don’t match the actions or the record. Call it gaslighting, or exhaustion – either way the State of the State on Walz is frustrated regardless of party.

One well-connected Minnesota Democrat recently told me that Walz is more popular outside Minnesota than at home – with Democrats. Tonight’s speech represents one of Walz’s last chances to acknowledge his missteps as Governor, but instead he will likely avoid accountability. Including accountability for failing in the premise of his first campaign’s promise – “One Minnesota”.

Inauguration day is Jan 4^th - for those counting at home its 252 days, and for Walz who is promising to “to use every hour of every day to make as much progress as I can…” that’s hard to imagine.

PLANTING PARTISANSHIP

FLAG: House DFLers introduced a bill that would reduce local government aid for counties or cities that fly the former state flag instead of the current one. Specifically, HF 5077 directs the commissioner of revenue to reduce aid by 10% “beginning with aids payable in 2027.” The bill is not expected to pass, with Speaker Lisa Demuth saying on social media that “this Democrat bill has no path forward in the Minnesota House.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/3OGMJin DEMUTH: https://fluence-media.co/4cO7Zur

ETHICS: Via KSTP’s Tom Hauser, House ethics committee members will conduct a hearing this week to discuss complaints against GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer. The exact time and date is not confirmed yet. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3QzuhbX

GUNS: via House DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “DFL House members issued a letter to House Speaker Lisa Demuth requesting a full ban of guns in House spaces for any non-law enforcement individuals. … The Minnesota Senate banned guns in their gallery, which Senate Republicans agreed to. While this could be handled with House policy announced by the leader, a bill to ban guns on the Capitol Complex was introduced and debated in the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee in early March. The bill was voted down on party lines.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4w10oBM

RETIREMENTS: Via FOX 9, more info on the scope of legislative retirements in 2026. VERBATIM: “A total of 42 lawmakers out of 201 will not be returning to the Minnesota legislature in 2027. This number is higher than two years ago, when 23 left, but lower than the 60 departures in 2022. The reasons vary — some are seeking higher office, others are retiring, and a significant number are stepping away due to concerns about political violence. … ‘That’s at least part of the decision,’ said Rep. Chris Swedzinski, a Republican from Ghent.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4d88sZQ

PENSIONS: via Center for Fiscal Excellence, VERBATIM: “The Legislative Commission on Pension and Retirement [is considering] a proposal that would cut employee contributions and raise retiree cost-of-living adjustments for a fund that is only 70 percent funded — with the entire cost shifted to state taxpayers. … In 2023, lawmakers passed an early retirement provision for SPTRFA enabling its teachers to retire with full benefits at age 62. … SF 4860/HF 4812, currently laid over for consideration in the omnibus pension bill, would reverse half of the 2023 employee contribution increases, raise the post-retirement cost-of-living adjustment for retirees from 1% to 1.5%, and increase the employer contribution rate beginning from the current rate of 13.59% of salary to 16.29%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u8lSKX

RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In their competing campaign bids to join the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker and state Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega both sought the endorsement of the Ramsey County DFL this weekend, without success. A virtual tie in the first ballot left the two candidates quickly agreeing to walk away empty-handed. … As a result, they will meet again in the Aug. 11 primary if a third candidate files. Otherwise, without a third challenger, they both move on to the Nov. 3 election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48t4HLR

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SESSION

SECURITY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “House Ways and Means Committee members approved spending $24.2 million this biennium on enhanced security measures at the State Capitol and state courts. … Heading to the House Floor is the [bill] that, as amended, would appropriate funding to keep in place the extra Capitol security personnel and screening stations at entrances to the building that were installed before the first day of the 2026 session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeiz0g

BUDGET: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “In a non-budgetary year, the House plans to spend nearly $41.13 million in new money compared to the February forecast base for the 2026-2027 biennium. That is the budget resolution approved Monday by the House Ways and Means Committee, [although] it may not be the final numbers. … $15.44 million is for a public safety finance bill; almost $1.51 million for a higher education finance bill; $358,000 for a workforce, labor and economic development finance bill; and $185,000 for an elections finance bill. A $2 million reduction is sought in a housing finance bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cRUJF6

RELIEF: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Despite questions about whether there are enough safeguards against fraud, a $100 million ‘economic recovery’ bill passed the Senate Finance Committee and is headed to the Senate floor. … [The] bill would allow businesses across the state impacted by the ICE surge to apply for five-year, interest-free loans ranging from a minimum of $2,500 to $200,000, with the maximum determined by the size of the business. The money would come from the $400 million Minnesota Forward fund.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48qIfD6

ICE STUDY: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “So far, the cost of Operation Metro Surge is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. … [But] quantifying the economic impact of the immigration enforcement surge has been a topic of debate this legislative session — and at least one bill would fund a nonpartisan study to gauge those impacts. … That bill remains in committee with less than a month left in the legislative session, however. … The measure has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers, who also point to the costs of illegal immigration and protest activity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeBGar

CRYPTO: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers are on the verge of banning cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota, citing a surge in scams and growing concerns from law enforcement. The Minnesota House has passed S.F. 3868, which [had] previously passed the Minnesota Senate earlier this month and now heads to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. … If signed, Minnesota would become one of the first states to ban cryptocurrency kiosks.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eNExY5

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THE FEED

WAGE THEFT: Via DLI advisory, an update on a wage theft story previewed in yesterday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “Construction contractors agree to pay $1.28 million in back wages and liquidated damages after the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) found that 26 workers were denied overtime and other wages for work performed on various construction projects, including the Viking Lakes project in Eagan, Minnesota. … It is the largest recovery in a wage and hour violation investigation by DLI.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEybis

SOMALIS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The third annual Somali Day at the Minnesota State Capitol took on a different tone Monday, with community leaders vowing resilience after months of turmoil from Operation Metro Surge. The Somali Day rally lasted more than two hours in the Capitol Rotunda, featuring speeches from all five Somali-American state legislators currently serving at the capitol as well as many other politicians and public officials.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vSLXiO

CONGRESS

MINING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The end of the mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is now official. President Donald Trump has signed a Congressional resolution that passed the Senate earlier this month on a 50-49 vote, reversing a moratorium on mining [in] the Superior National Forest. … Any mining project in the state would need to undergo environmental review and secure permits from state and federal agencies. That process could take several years, if not decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEyrhr

RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Pete Stauber, who carried the legislation, STAUBER: “Never again will any Democrat President be able to unilaterally ban mining in this strategic area of the Superior National Forest. Now, proposed mining projects aimed at unlocking trillions of dollars’ worth of critical minerals can move forward through the proper state and federal environmental review and permitting process. President [Donald] Trump is the most pro-mining president in American history.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cPEjgB

CHILDREN: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act. The legislation would protect children affected by immigration enforcement actions or proceedings against their parents. … [The bill] prohibits Federal personnel from using excessive force in the arrest or apprehension of individuals while children are present…and from deceiving a child for the purposes of immigration enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49cv0pM

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority is poised to work with two developers interested in land for 60 to 80 units of affordable housing on Jackson Street in the North End. … The $22.3 million project is a mix of workforce or family-friendly units spanning one to four bedrooms, 100 units of surface and structured parking, and an outdoor playground and amenity space. … The units would be targeted to those earning 30%, 50% and 60% of area median income, with 12 units set aside for very low-income residents with disabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEBg21

EXCELSIOR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “New details [are out] about a fire chief in the west metro who was forced out of his job earlier this month. … The Excelsior Fire District board says the now-former fire chief’s actions led them to take action. The allegations centered on financial misconduct. … The fire district board was split on how to handle the situation, saying Chief Curt Mackey had done a lot to move the district’s operations forward. But, while some argued for a second chance, the majority said some of his actions violated state law and put the district in legal jeopardy.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4txsS4h

ACROSS MN

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Duluth announced Monday that a new dean will lead the College of Education and Human Services Professions. Kimberly Zoder-Martell, Ph.D., has accepted the position, pending final approval from the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents. … Zoder-Martell will be taking over the role from Dr. Scott Carlson, who served as interim dean.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMFhkX

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “A ballot measure to amend the Bemidji City Charter may become a reality for voters this November. The proposed amendment would add a new section to penalize elected and appointed city officials who violate Bemidji’s charter under Minnesota Statutes 609.43. This amendment applies to those who serve on the city council, planning commission and charter commission, among other boards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oxb0Y9

BAXTER: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “A proposed new city slogan and updated logo, which was described as a modernization rather than an entirely new concept, was before the Baxter City Council for a workshop discussion. … Brad Chapulis, city administrator, [said] everything from letterhead to business cards to entrance signs, city water towers, parks and city vehicles would all be part of a logo update. … Council consensus was to follow the framework of a subcommittee presenting a few concepts for council review and then defining a public process after that and bringing something back to the council toward the end of the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sTiiDr

FOR PLANNING

SESSION: House floor session at 6:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate will hear a crypto kiosk ban, the health and human services omnibus and more. HOUSE: Rules & Leg. Admin. hears a ban on monetary bail. Fraud Prevention & Oversight hears from DCYF on the state’s Child Care Assistance Program. SENATE: Finance hears a gun violence prevention package. Commerce & Consumer Protection hears bills on social media rules, data privacy and more. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4eMPCbU

TOMORROW: GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, GOP Rep. Spencer Igo and advocates will host a press conference to “highlight the success of Minnesota’s innovative State Housing Tax Credit (SHTC) and Contribution Fund,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

THURSDAY: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Registered nurses will gather in Minneapolis on April 30 for a rally and community event to press lawmakers for long-term, sustainable financial solutions before legislative session ends to keep [HCMC] open.” The event is at 12:00 noon.

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BDAYS: The one and only Annie Paruccini, KSTP’s Kelsey Christensen, insurance guy Dan Maholias, Market Maven Mich Berthiaume, Jayhawk Business school student Lilyann Olson

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.

morning take | More Retirements? Security Rises Again

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:54 GMT

SWEET 16

Thanks to the dozens of new subscribers after yesterday’s sunday send.

I’ve long lost the first edition of morning take that was sent on Monday, April 26^th 2010…but last night thanks to some diligent digging I uncovered a Sribd post from Agate Plate Champion Lars Leafblad of the third edition of morning take.

We’re currently likely near 4,000 morning takes sent, here’s the excerpt from the 2010 copy of morning take #3.

The opening from April 29, 2010…VERBATIM: “I have been trying to find a format by which to share the tidbits and buzz I come across on a daily basis during this age of constant communication via Facebook and Twitter, etc. Inspired by POLITICO’s daily PLAYBOOK by Mike Allen, I thought I would start a fairly informal daily round up. I will be transparent about when clients are included, or if I am involved in some event. My plan is to start via email, daily – start small and build. Eventually maybe it will have a name, etc – but for now – consider yourselves my guinea pigs. Hopefully the list will grow, if you want to share, feel free. If you don’t want to be a guinea pig, just tell me and I’ll take you off the list. My goal is not to aggregate much news of the day, but rather preview the day ahead and help crystallize or foreshadow items on the horizon.”

The first few newsletters were sent to less than 100 people, now we have 500K reads per month. I’m grateful. Please share and send tips and feedback. After all, its an election year, another Governor’s race and there’s plenty of news just like 2010.

Now on with the day.

Wolves play at 9:30 tonight they can clinch with a win. Twins lost yesterday. Wild play tomorrow.

The trial between Elon Musk and the leading artificial intelligence firm, OpenAI, led by Sam Altman begins today. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/4vSu7wx

The gunman at the White House correspondents’ dinner was allegedly targeting federal officials, but only one person was reportedly injured. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/3OEUnK7

A plane crash in Brooklyn Park killed a North Dakota state representative. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4cM2ZX5

Reuters finds that 77% of voters think the president bears at least “a fair amount” of responsibility for rising gas prices. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/48n65Q9

On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz

ICYMI: Yesterday’s sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r

Happy National Gummi Bear Day!

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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Via Rep. Marion Rarick on Facebook, VERBTATIM “42 of 201 MN lawmakers have announced retirement or that they are running for another office. After last night, I think more will call it quits. We didn’t sign up for possible assassination or death of our family members in our own homes…And, yes, both my husband Senator Jason Rarick and I are still going to run again. We don’t have children that live with us anymore so we don’t have to worry that they could be killed.”

MORE: via the Star Tribune,VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers may create a new unit within the State Patrol to protect constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices and legislators after last summer’s deadly attack on two lawmakers… The change is among many safety measures legislators are considering following the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and attempted slaying of state Sen. John Hoffman… Eight state troopers would be assigned to the new protective services unit under the bill. As many as 30 more troopers would receive personal security training and be strategically placed throughout the state to respond to threats as needed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41XAv86

TOMORROW: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to deliver his eighth and final State of the State address to 134 representatives, 67 senators, and a handful of other state officials gathered in the House Chamber Tuesday evening. … Although these [addresses] are guaranteed to set out the general plans a governor has for their term — or what’s left of it — many are run-of-the-mill political stump speeches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eKrlDe

WALZ TRAVEL: Via Axios Twin Cities, a look at how Gov. Tim Walz has paid for recent trips to Spain and California. VERBATIM: “Campaign funds paid for the recent trips overseas and to Los Angeles, a spokesperson confirmed. … But taxpayers are still on the hook for some related travel costs. The reason: Walz’s State Patrol security detail accompanies him on out-of-state travel, even when the trips are for personal or political purposes. … Minnesota State Patrol spent over $700,000 in state funds to protect the governor as he crisscrossed the country between mid-2023 and the end of 2025, data obtained by Axios via a public records request shows. Destinations included overseas trade missions, family vacations and dozens of fundraisers and speeches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mUzXta

CONVENTIONAL?

In midterms gauging the electorate can take until mid-to-late summer. Despite mid-term trends being tough for the incumbent party the opportunity in open seats rests with candidate quality. In Congressional races, challengers must build early energy event if the party index of the races are not favorable. DFLers feel energy in CD1 and CD7 and yet they might starting to feel a little anxious in CD2. The reason is the contested race that has not energized delegates yet – but there is still time.

Next weekend’s endorsing contest will test the conventional candidate model that Sen. Matt Klein has tried to run, while creative candidate fmr. State Sen. Matt Little has built momentum. State Rep. Kaela Berg may be surging, and the energy that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has brought to the US Senate races suggests more than ever that delegates in CD2 could break conventional candidate endorsements.

CD2: DFL candidate for CD2 and state Rep. Kaela Berg told WCCO-TV this weekend that although she is trailing fellow DFLers Matt Little and Matt Klein in fundraising for the seat, she thinks her campaign is still building momentum. The district’s DFL endorsing convention is next week on Saturday, May 9. BERG: “We have picked up a lot of momentum. People hear my story, they relate to me. They see somebody who understands them, and they’re coming in and they’re joining our team.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ubDB4q

CD3: The CD3 DFL endorsed Rep. Kelly Morrison in her reelection bid yesterday. The CD3 GOP endorsed Quentin Wittrock.

CD7: As seen in sunday send, Rep. Michelle Fischbach was endorsed by the CD7 GOP despite challenges from right-wing activists. The CD7 DFL endorsed Erik Osterberg.

CD8: The CD8 GOP endorsed Rep. Pete Stauber in his reelection bid this weekend.

GPMN: via Green Party advisory, VERBATIM: “At their state endorsing convention, the Green Party of Minnesota (GPMN) endorsed four candidates for the 2026 election: Steven Young and Jane Kirby for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively, Seth Kuhl-Stennes for Secretary of State, and Ngone Niang for the District 39 State Senate seat.”

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DC SHOOTING

DC SHOOTING: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Rep. Tom Emmer were among the attendees at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner when a gunman opened fire in the lobby of the Washington Hilton. … Both are safe after the incident. Both Frey and Emmer praised the quick actions of law enforcement to stop the gunman. … Frey was at the dinner as a guest of MSNOW. … [The suspect] was stopped by the Secret Service and one officer was shot during the encounter.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421zQlY

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Frank Bi, a Minnesota Star Tribune product manager, was in attendance at the dinner and said he heard four shots ring out. … The Hilton remained open to regular guests during the event, and security had typically been focused on the ballroom rather than the hotel at large, with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4991T6M

MORE: As seen in sunday send, DNC Chair and former DFL Chair Ken Martin was also present at the White House correspondents’ dinner, as were KARE 11’s AJ Lagoe and Gary Knox. They were not injured. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4cOXx68

REACTIONS: Minnesota officials from both parties condemned Saturday’s shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner, which resulted in hospitalization for one Secret Service agent. DFLers said the incident points to a need for gun regulations, while Republicans argued for funding the Dept. of Homeland Security.

● Via Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, QUOTE: “Countless kids across America experience the fear of gun violence every day when they go to school. That it was new to many people in the room last night who have the power to change gun laws should be a necessary wake-up call.”

● Via GOP Rep. Tom Emmer, QUOTE: “The coward who attempted to attack an event celebrating our constitution and American values must not deter us as a nation. Political violence will never be tolerated.”

DHS: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer spoke to Fox News on Sunday about his experience at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and why he thinks it underscores the need to fully fund the Dept. of Homeland Security. EMMER: “These Democrats are literally playing with the safety of Americans. … The fact that [Secret Service] performed so flawlessly last night while under the stress of wondering whether they’re going to continue to get paid and all the rest of it is even more impressive.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eJAImD

RHETORIC: Members of both parties blamed their opposition for escalating political rhetoric following the shooting in Washington, D.C. For example, in response to Gov. Tim Walz saying Saturday that “political violence has become all too prevalent,” the Republican National Convention highlighted a previous quote from Walz saying “no one has ever been more dangerous to this country than Donald Trump.” The RNC claimed that Walz’s “disgusting rhetoric is inciting these violent attacks.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4cT6YBz

SECURITY: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Nearly a year after the assassination of a Minnesota legislative leader, lawmakers across the U.S. have worked to fortify security in state capitols and improve safeguards when officials are in their communities. The changes have followed a rise in political violence nationwide. … Twenty-five states, including Minnesota, now formally allow candidates to use campaign funds for personal security. … [And] it’s not just happening at the state level. Security spending for congressional and presidential campaigns has jumped fivefold over the past decade.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vU65RO

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THREE WEEKS

SPENDING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Faced with critical needs but a relatively small pool of money to address them, Minnesota lawmakers are mulling creative outlets to spread the love — and resources — around… Legislative leaders agree on some must-tackle items this session. That includes new funding for safety net hospital HCMC and a pipeline to upgrade aging computer software counties use to provide healthcare and other public services…With a narrowly-split Legislature and differing views about whether to extend or raise taxes, some have proposed leveraging a state public construction projects bill — or asking Minnesota voters to grant them the authority to make that move later on.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41YzfkY

MN HOUSE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “House GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska and House Speaker Lisa Demuth said conversations between legislative leaders and the governor are ongoing, but they don’t anticipate taking on proposals that haven’t moved forward in their chamber.” NISKA: “We aren’t really excited about the fact that the way the Senate is doing business is sending those things over. … A lot of those look like they’re sending over things that just don’t have bipartisan support in the House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cxEgXT

MN SENATE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says the bulk of the chamber’s priority bills will have moved through the chamber by the end of [this] week. The St. Paul DFLer said a safety and security package and health and human services bills will come up for floor votes. Also expect proposals banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. … The firearm and immigration proposals have stalled in House committees, but Murphy said she’s hopeful they can come into play in end-of-session negotiations.” MURPHY: “We’re going to push as much as we can…and we’re going to keep pulling the House along.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cxEgXT

HCMC: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers are expressing confidence about keeping Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) afloat amidst financial crisis. … [But] right now, there are two major tax bills in play, both of which tack on an increase to the 2007 Hennepin County sales tax used to fund construction of the Minnesota Twins stadium. … The Senate bill would increase the tax to .25%, up from the current .15%. … The House bill features a much steeper 1% rate. … Details remain hazy about how lawmakers would reconcile the competing bills if they pass. However, lawmakers [said they] remain confident that HCMC will avoid closure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5NT17

SENATE RACE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The head of the Minnesota Republican Party is calling on U.S. Senate candidate Royce White to suspend his campaign over allegations of domestic abuse. … Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash says that the party can’t force anyone out of the races, but candidates ‘must demonstrate sound judgment, behavioral discipline, and respect for the law. These reports raise serious questions about all three.’ … White called Plechash a ‘fruitcake’ [in response].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mNKRAM

IMPACTS

RELIEF: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Months after the wind-down of the federal government’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, local businesses and governments are still assessing the full impact of the operation. Some Minnesota lawmakers want to spend state money to soften the blow, but their proposals face uncertain prospects in the Legislature. … [Proposals] range from forgivable loans to a $100 million package to provide grants directly to small businesses. … At least one Republican, [Rep. Dave Baker], has publicly acknowledged how ICE activity harmed business, though he has not signaled direct support for any aid proposal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QzcqSv

EVICTIONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “By the end of the first quarter of 2026, about 6,400 eviction filings were made statewide, up slightly from last year. In Minneapolis, where much of Operation Metro Surge was focused, filings climbed sharply between January and March, surpassing last year’s rate of eviction filings in the city. And statewide through mid-April, eviction filings are still above 2025’s record pace.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QBnBtS

ARRESTS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “At the peak of the [ICE] crackdown, carloads of masked immigration officers were a common sight in the streets of Minneapolis, while thousands of people were being arrested every week in Texas, Florida and California. … [But] in late January, the killings in Minneapolis of two American citizens by immigration officers and growing concerns over the government’s heavy-handed tactics led to a shake-up of top immigration officials. In the weeks that followed, ICE arrests across the country dropped on average by nearly 12%. … Those arrest numbers were still higher on average than during much of [2025].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d6mZ8e

COURTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “In his first interview since Operation Metro Surge, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz explained how ICE strained Minnesota’s federal courts during the unprecedented immigration enforcement operation. … Judges faced a record surge of lawsuits from detained immigrants, with more than 1,100 habeas cases filed through March. The fallout from the surge, including disputes over court order violations, is expected to impact Minnesota’s federal courts for years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41Zh0Ml

ACROSS MN

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis may put a moratorium on data centers, even as some see the facilities as possible saviors of the downtown commercial tax base, which has plummeted in value in recent years. … The council scheduled a vote on a moratorium for May 21, giving members time to see whether state lawmakers enact statewide regulations. The council is largely split on the issue along its usual political divide, with more moderate Democrats worried that a moratorium would put the brakes on an emerging market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eFnXJW

ARDEN HILLS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The federal government has auctioned a section of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant property in Arden Hills to a private ownership group for $3.58 million. … A written statement from the GSA does not elaborate on the new property owner’s plans for the land parcel, but GSA Administrator Edward Forst is quoted as saying the sale will ‘save taxpayers approximately $3 million and create economic opportunity for the region.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cAVEeg

INVER GROVE HGTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Inver Grove Heights could become the latest Minnesota city to switch back to the old state flag. Its council will vote on switching back to the old state flag at a meeting on Monday evening. … A memo included on the council agenda notes it will take four to eight weeks for delivery [and] installation of the replacement flags at a cost of about $3,000.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cIoPuI

ST LOUIS CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A northeast Minnesota county at odds with the Trump Administration over local union labor agreements appears primed to prevail. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) warned St. Louis County last month that its policy to use local union workers for federally funded road construction projects put it at risk of losing millions of dollars. … Some county commissioners called it union busting. [But] Rep. Pete Stauber, the Republican who represents the county in Congress, [said] he had worked with the White House and federal transportation department to allow the county to go forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42BusGh

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Options for opening the Rochester Regional Sports Center to increased community use are set to be discussed Monday by the Rochester City Council. … The sports center has seen an additional $14 million in support through city sales tax funds since it was constructed, but material prepared ahead of the meeting points to the potential for funding another $55 million over at least five years to address deferred maintenance and potential expansion in an effort to meet indoor recreation needs that align with recent community feedback.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tSGFCR

CHURCHES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Nearly three dozen [churches] in central Minnesota [are] slated to close as part of the most drastic reduction of Catholic parishes ever seen in Minnesota: merging 131 parishes down to 48. … The St. Cloud Diocese, which stretches across 16 counties in central Minnesota, is planning the closures in response to steady declines in both the number of priests and parishioners, as well as trends of people becoming less religious.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P3WAyL

COMING UP…

SESSION: House floor session at 1:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House will hear the education omnibus and bills on campaign finance, local government, health jobs and more. The Senate will hear business relief and omnibus bills on jobs & economic development, education, and labor. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear the labor and industry omnibus plus bills on public safety, veterans and more. SENATE: Finance hears business relief and omnibus bills for jobs & economic development, education, and labor. Transportation hears presentations on accountability, wheelchair accessibility and wayside detector systems. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4cIiHmg

TODAY: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” on Monday, April 27, starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m. Speakers will include DFL Sen. Omar Fateh, GOP Sen. Jim Abeler, DFL Rep. Samakab Hussein and DFL Rep. Cedric Frazier.

TOMORROW: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, GOP Rep. Spencer Igo and advocates will host a press conference to “highlight the success of Minnesota’s innovative State Housing Tax Credit (SHTC) and Contribution Fund,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.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: SOS leader Julie Strother, public affairs veteran Joe Weber, Minneapolis lobbyist Loren Olson, 2^nd Harvest’s Zach Rodvold

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.

sunday send | MPR Sponsors Left-Aligned Rally + 16 years after the launch the State of MN Media...

The Daily Agenda — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:16:10 GMT

SPRING SUNDAY

Sixteen years ago today, I decided to launch the morning take. Little did I know…what it would mean. One thing that’s changed enormously is Minnesota’s media - a premium post below.

Wild tie the series. Wolves win but two major injuries will haunt their chances.

Via the Timberwolves official injury report on Dante DiVincenzo, “revealed a ruptured right Achilles tendon, and he will undergo surgery this afternoon in New York by Dr. Martin O’Malley of the Hospital for Special Surgery, in collaboration with Timberwolves. DiVincenzo is out indefinitely, and further updates of his progress will be provided when available.”

On Sunday Take, Sen. Ann Rest on the tax bill dynamics and Rep. Mary Franson on the bonding bill dynamics. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48kKSq3

Last night at the White House Correspondent’s dinner, someone who apparently rushed the stage was shot, dinner was evacuated – including President Donald Trump. Mayor Jacob Frey was at the dinner as a guest of MS Now, so was DNC Chair Ken Martin and his wife Jennifer. KARE 11’s AJ Lagoe was at the dinner too, with photographer Gary Knox to receive a reward for covering state government. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4ePe9gm

A few pre-Monday updates on Minnesota’s political scene.

Three weeks left in the legislative session, here’s the full conversation from the legislative leaders at last week’s re-launch of the Twin West Legislative Breakfast presented by Fluence Advisory. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eJgGbW

DFLers endorsed Erik Osterberg in CD7 and Republicans endorsed Rep. Michelle Fischbach. DFLers endorsed Doug Chapin in CD 6 to challenge Rep. Tom Emmer.

King Charles and Camilla will visit DC this week, and after his trip to LA Gov. Walz hasn’t had anything on his schedule, is he prepping for his final State of the State speech? What do you want to hear from him? bloisolson@gmail.com

April showers continue this week…May flowers better follow.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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16 YEARS OF MEDIA SHIFT

It was on this Sunday sixteen years ago, in my own mind – without telling anyone I decided I would send the first email that now drives how I start every weekday. So today, we try something new – after all, if you don’t try it – you’ll never know.

Today is a “hybrid” version, part weekend update, part premium content. It’s meant to be a quick read with the potential for a deeper dive into a topic that is part of my daily life – the media.

Since hybrid is part of so much of our lives these days – Fluence between Fluence Media and Fluence Advisory is a hybrid media centric operation. Therefore we encounter media daily in most of Minnesota’s outlets. It’s also a question that is raised socially very frequently – “What’s up with the media?”

The more important journalism that is done, there seem to be more fringy and cringy stories and conspiracies that come from coverage or lack of – that polute the credibility of the credible and the brains of those that are susceptible.

So here’s today’s deep dive, a look at three local outlets - MPR, the Star Tribune and Twin Cities Business – two with Minnesota’s largest newsrooms, and another that might be losing its way.

Subscribe, enjoy and send feedback: bloisolson@gmail.com

Blois

morning take | Session Expectations

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:15:47 GMT

WEEKEND READY

Wolves win. Twins lose. Twins go to Tampa. Vikings pick DT Caleb Banks.

Play your Saturday Wild at 4:30 and Wolves at 7:30.

Millions of Americans are now also considered Canadians under a new citizenship law. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ct08DL

A U.S. soldier was charged with betting on the outcome of his own mission to earn over $400,000 on Polymarket. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4e1WUbx

There are “zombie fish” growing in population in Lake Superior. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/3QtPZhB

YouGov finds that 46% of Americans say the Trump Admin. is “very corrupt,” while 33% say the same about the Biden Admin. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4cNQ5Ih

Six in 10 U.S. adults say they see people treating others with kindness and respect either “very often” (20%) or “often” (40%), GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4911eUT

Tommorow is Independent Bookstore Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured four leaders at the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast — GOP Senate Ldr. Mark Johnson, GOP House Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska, DFL Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and DFL House Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long — discussing the final month of session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbCY1

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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With soldiers and lawmakers getting caught on prediction markets, it’s probably time to acknowledge that I didn’t even think to bet on a prediction market when I knew Gov. Tim Walz was going to announce he was leaving the Governor’s race. On one hand, I laugh that it was a missed opportunity, but on the other its clarity that it wasn’t a motivator to providing readers the information we have over the last 16 years.

Monday will mark 16 years since I opened my email and sent out the first edition of morning take, now the kids who grew up knowing nothing different than dad waking up to do the newsletter and radio are subscribers.

The newsletter audience has grown every year thanks to you – the readers. There may be some more reflections in the days to come, but if you have an idea this weekend – give it a shot – you never know what it might create.

GOV RACE: GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins released a new digital ad for her governor campaign that calls her a “conservative fighter” who has “taken on the fights others wouldn’t.” A press release adds that as chair of the House fraud prevention committee, she is “the only one holding politicians accountable,” likely intended as a comparison to other Republicans in the race. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mP04BQ

SENATE RACE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan posted a social media video addressing recent ads that claim Rep. Angie Craig is standing up to ICE and Pres. Donald Trump, as seen in Monday’s morning take. Flanagan accused “out-of-state billionaires” of “acting like we’re stupid” and trying to “rewrite Angie Craig’s story.” Craig responded directly: “I’m happy to discuss my record on standing up to Trump and ICE. Instead of tweeting videos, let’s debate on TV before the convention. Deal?” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4cKFj5J

WHITE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Republican U.S. Senate candidate Royce White is subject to a no-contact order after a Minnesota judge ruled there was credible evidence of threats of harm toward his ex-wife and one of two children. … In an interview, White said his ex-wife ‘has a personal vendetta.’ … White said he is pressing forward in his [Senate] campaign. … The court case overlaps with his campaign in financial ways, too. According to campaign finance disclosures, White began paying attorneys [with] three $5,000 installments from Senate campaign funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eAy8PW

CD5: Former GOP Rep. George Santos, a New Yorker who was expelled from Congress in 2023, announced on social media that he is willing to run against DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Via X, SANTOS: “If Congress doesn’t move to remove illegitimate Rep. [Omar] I’ll run again just to remove her from office in 2028. Think I can’t win? Try me, my life is an open book and I’ll take aim at any seat and primary someone out just to prove a point, the American people rather vote for someone who is open about their life and past and seeking truth than someone who is shady and full of secrets. Remove [Omar] NOW!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4mPSmXZ

TAKE: Stay home George, we’re not interested in more drama. We have enough.

SD7: Hibbing School Board member Kim McLaughlin announced she is seeking the DFL endorsement for Senate District 7. McLaughlin said in her announcement that she will work “across the aisle” and her priorities are “strengthening public education, making healthcare affordable and accessible, creating and protecting jobs, and building safe, supported communities.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3QDX8vF

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Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.

STATUS

THREE THINGS: The Star Tribune highlights three things that might pass in a divided legislature.

1. HCMC Relief

2. Fraud Measures

3. Bonding

READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OZM4Zl

FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A longtime employee at Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS), who blew the whistle on DHS’s oversight of taxpayer money, is renewing those concerns as the state’s largest agency grapples with an unprecedented crisis….Allegations of widespread fraud in multiple state Medicaid programs are driving state and federal investigations, as well as proposed reforms at the legislature. BERNSTEIN: “I would love to just say ‘I told you so!’” said Faye Bernstein in a rare, on-camera interview with 5 INVESTIGATES.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w6OtT1

CONFERENCE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Traditionally, the Senate and House would pass bills that match or have similar issues within them that would get negotiated into a final draft in a conference committee. But with the tied House, several bills have stalled. That means Senate bills that have passed don’t have a companion and conference committees don’t automatically bring members of each chamber together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vPdSQH

MORE: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and GOP Sen. Eric Pratt spoke to reporters about the difficult path to conference committee negotiations this session.

MURPHY: “[I hear] a lot of questions about what’s happening in the other body. And I wish I was a person with the crystal ball on what’s happening there. We all know that they are in a tie, and that has, I think in this session, perhaps made things less clear.”
PRATT: “It feels like the Senate is going rogue on this one. We’ve just decided we’re going to do it this way. We don’t like omnibus bills, but we’re going to put everything in an omnibus bill and move it forward. I just wish we were working better between the two chambers.”

TRANSPORTATION: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate, led by the DFL majority, passed a transportation bill that includes some Republican-backed ideas. However, the bill does not address autonomous vehicles. … It does include a clearer definition of e-bikes [and] requires driver’s education classes for anyone under the age of 21. … Republicans have made it a priority to set up rules for companies like Waymo, [but] lawmakers say the chances of passing statewide self-driving vehicle legislation this session is slim.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sUFq4D

(DISCLOSURE: Waymo is a Fluence sponsor)

HCMC: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing [HCMC] in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation. … The commission gathered Thursday to finalize their strategy on getting lawmakers to sign on to a 1% sales tax in Hennepin County. That would mean buying a $40 dinner would now have an extra 40 cents tacked on, and buying a $30,000 car would cost an extra $300. … Lawmakers have three and a half weeks to make that emergency save, [but] county leaders say they have hope because there is some support from state leaders in both parties.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mMUSOT

MED FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A KARE 11 Investigates review of Medicaid billing records, corporate filings, state, county, and city grant contracts, along with social media videos and document metadata, reveals a network of interconnected healthcare businesses billing government programs considered high-risk for fraud. Clients tell KARE 11 some bills are for services they never received or were improperly provided.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sOL7kn

WFH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously [that] a Dakota County employee who was injured while loading her car with work equipment after being told to return to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic is entitled to relief under the Workers’ Compensation Act. It’s one of the first instances of the state’s highest court examining when an injury suffered as a result of the world’s new hybrid work reality is eligible for medical benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d2WK2x

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

ISSUE TRACKING

EVENTS: via Senate GOP advisory, VERBATIM: “The Senate Taxes Committee on Thursday heard a bipartisan bill authored by Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) that would give Minnesota a permanent funding source to compete for major sports events. Senate File 5101 creates the Sports and Events Reimbursement Program. … [It] would capture tax revenue generated by qualifying large-scale sporting events, and route that money to a special revenue fund allowing organizations like Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) to use for future event bids. This is a performance-based funding model, and no existing state funds would be used. … The bill was laid over and will be considered for a larger tax bill.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4mQhi1N

COMMERCE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A virtual currency kiosk ban received the green light from the House Thursday when it was included in the omnibus commerce policy bill, HF4188, that, as amended, was passed 122-12. The bill now goes to the Senate. … The omnibus bill includes consumer protections, broker dealer changes, unclaimed property and technical law changes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mRdhKn

POLICE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Thursday to enact harsher penalties for people who impersonate law enforcement. … A companion bill in the Senate passed last month, also on a unanimous vote. The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature. … The bill also includes a provision that requires law enforcement to identify themselves by their agency, name and badge number. This section explicitly excludes undercover officers but does not mention federal law enforcement.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mT7Smc

SECURITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats say they’re prioritizing a Capitol security package as part of their priority list. … Under an executive order from Gov. Tim Walz, Capitol security officials put in new safety measures in the building this year, including enhanced patrols and weapons detection technology. Lawmakers are proposing to keep those measures in place beyond the end of the legislative session. The bill would also create a protective services unit under the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tasked with ensuring the safety of state legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vPdSQH

FRAUD TAX: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Senator Steve Drazkowski [wants to] impose a 100% tax on the money that fraudsters steal from Minnesota taxpayers. ‘This would allow the Department of Revenue to collect this money and get the taxpayers’ money back,’ Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) told the Senate Taxes Committee on Thursday. … The bill passed the Senate Taxes Committee unanimously.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4urfOxB

DEEPFAKES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Anyone can take a non-explicit photo of someone, upload it to a platform that offers an AI ‘nudification’ feature and create a non-consensual, sexually explicit image or video of the person. … HF1606 would prohibit a user to access, download or use a website, application, software, program or other service to nudify an image or video. The advertising of any such service would also be banned, and a legal avenue is provided for the victim against the violator. Passed 132-1 by the House Thursday, it now goes to the Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48kyuX6

MONEY…

GAS PRICES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Gas prices are surging due to the war in Iran, and a home-grown fuel made from corn is being promoted as part of the solution. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is investing millions into expanding access to blends of gasoline with high concentrations of ethanol. … E15 is only available at about a quarter of the gas stations in Minnesota, so the agriculture department is offering gas stations up to $199,000 each through its Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program to subsidize things like gas pumps that can handle higher amounts of ethanol.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sWXHOx

(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Corn is a Fluence sponsor)

SNAP: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) in demanding Governor Tim Walz comply with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) verification and enrollment data given the recent federal warrants served during Operation Cold Snap and charges served for SNAP fraud in Anoka County.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4ublgoa

ICE/DHS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Senate Republicans are preparing to push through funding for [ICE] and [DHS] using budget reconciliation, a process which allows the legislative body to pass spending measures using a simple majority. … The 50-48 vote came early Thursday morning, clearing the way for $70 billion in funding. … Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar voted with Democrats against the measure, as did Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Rand Paul (Kentucky). The move sets out the blueprint for funding the departments without requiring Democratic support, allowing them to ignore Democrat calls for reforms to ICE.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tv6VD3

FUNDING: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “The U.S. House Appropriations Committee marked up the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) funding bill, ultimately passing the legislation by a party-line vote of 34-28. Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted no on the bill because it cuts funding for the Small Business Administration and ends the IRS direct free file program. … The committee considered an amendment offered by Congresswoman McCollum that would study the financial impact of increased federal immigration enforcement on Minnesota’s small businesses. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 31-26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cvO1G5

ACROSS MN

MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In a lengthy and often tense Minneapolis City Council meeting Thursday, council members approved ordinances to decriminalize drug paraphernalia and extend the city’s eviction notice timeline. The two new ordinances are subject to mayoral approval. The council also left the leadership of the city’s Office of Community Safety uncertain. Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated current commissioner Todd Barnette to continue leading the office, and vetoed an earlier council vote to deny his reappointment; the council today failed to override that veto. That leaves Barnette stuck in the nomination phase, while the council lacks the votes to either confirm him or deny him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sSQcs6

MPD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “5 EYEWITNESS NEWS refreshed questions to every city council member and the mayor on where they stand with their support for Chief Brian O’Hara. The new round of inquiries was sent the day following a very critical audit highlighting the MPD’s handling of two high-profile cases. … Frey’s office [said] ‘The audit has no role in the decision the Mayor will make.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4txjSw4

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Weeks after the city completed the demolition of the derelict CVS Pharmacy building at the corner of Snelling and University avenues, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has announced that Dr. Bill McGuire, an owner of the Minnesota United, is acquiring the site to build market-rate apartments over future street-level retail. The private redevelopment, announced Thursday, will be led by 499 Snelling Realty Company. … [McGuire] said he hoped to break ground on a development ‘by next year at the latest,’ and he’s received a number of ideas for potential ground-floor retail.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OIN8AO

FOREST LAKE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “John-Paul ‘JP’ Jacobson, an 11-year veteran in the Forest Lake Area School District, has been tapped to be the district’s next superintendent. The board voted 6-0 [to] enter into contract negotiations with Jacobson, with an anticipated start date of July 1.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u1oF8M

DULUTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Port of Duluth-Superior has received a $27 million federal grant to help build up the Duluth Lake Port pier, a project that could revitalize a key part of the city’s working waterfront. … The U.S. Department of Transportation grant is expected to be used for the reconstruction of 1,150 linear feet of dock wall, the addition of 7.5 acres of new laydown space, the removal of out-of-use grain elevators and installation of utilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMAfOc

BELTRAMI CTY: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners delayed its budget discussion to Tuesday, May 19, as just four of five commissioners were present during [the latest] meeting. The board will only discuss the budget when all five members are present. … The board will next meet on Tuesday, May 5. [But] Commissioner Tim Sumner will miss this meeting, which pushed the budget discussion back by an additional two weeks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tqfkYh

COMING UP…

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: No committee meetings. SENATE: Finance hears bills to rename buildings after Kari Dziedzic and Melissa Hortman; omnibus packages for consumer protection, agriculture, higher education and more; and rules for online sweepstakes and prediction markets. Judiciary & Public Safety hears the health and human services omnibus and numerous technical changes. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3OJdcvF

MONDAY: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” on Monday, April 27, starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m.

TUESDAY: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

NEXT WEEK: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event is at 5:00 p.m.

SEPT 22: The Star Tribune is hosting its second annual North Star Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 22 in Minneapolis. There will also be a VIP dinner on Monday, Sept. 21 and a networking workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event will invite “national and regional leaders” to discuss “issues, ideas and solutions for shaping the future of the Midwest,” per a release.

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BDAYS: NYT’s Ernesto Londono, Sen. Ann Rest, Rep. Emma Greenman, public affairs veteran Tonya Tennesen SAT: Greater MN thinker Steve Greenfield, journalist and data guy David Montgomery, WCCO Radio’s Lindsey Peterson. SUN: Essentia’s Andy Askew, cousin Steve Florman, health guy Al Tsai, trend driver Sarah Edwards.

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

morning take | Bets and Books

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:04:02 GMT

FRIDAY EVE…

Breaking this morning, The Basilica Block Party is done after nearly 30 years.

Wild lose in 2OT’s. Frost lose to Hannah Murphy and the Seattle Torrent. Twins lost.

Wolves play tonight. Sports Take out early afternoon…

If a referendum in Virginia survives legal challenges, Democrats will likely net larger gains from mid-decade redistricting than Republicans. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4vMgoHA

The Pentagon privately told lawmakers this week it will likely take six months to clear the mines set in the Strait of Hormuz. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4cEfdRF

52% of adults ages 18 to 29 say they mostly get up-to-date information about news events by chance, compared with 28% of adults ages 65 and older. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/3QuqSLu

Happy National Cherry Cheesecake Day!

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LATE NIGHT…

Last night while Minnesota was watching the Wild game, Gov. Tim Walz on The Jimmy Kimmel show he called the No Kings rally the greatest day of his life after his marriage…and suggested there may be a ghost in the Governor’s residence. VERBATIM: “I think he (Trump) hates Minnesota we take care of our people and we invest our people, we invest in people, we feed our people.. Well, I want to help elect people who are out there, good people. I was 40 and never went to a political meeting at all. Never did anything. Minnesota happened to have the infrastructure to do this… I know I can go find people who are better than the clowns and fools we have doing this right now and help them…”. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48CwI3R

BOOK: via Ryan Faircloth, at the Star Tribune, VERBATIM “Gov. Tim Walz is writing a book inspired by Minnesotans’ resistance during Operation Metro Surge…“Good Neighbors” will be published next year after the second-term DFL governor leaves office, publisher W. W. Norton & Co. announced April 22…The publishing house described the work as a “passionate ode to tolerance, decency, respect and empathy, and an inspiring reminder that we are capable of changing the world for the better, one block at a time.”…In a statement about the book, Walz pointed to the “compassion, courage and resilience” Minnesotans showed during the federal immigration operation.

NEXTQUESTION: How much was the Walz book advance?

CD2: via CNN, VERBATIM: “The prediction market Kalshi suspended three political candidates from its platform on Wednesday for ‘political insider trading’ after an internal probe found that they bet on their own campaigns. … One of the ‘suspicious’ trades Kalshi flagged came from Minnesota state Sen. Matthew Klein, a Democrat who is running for an open US House seat. … Klein said he learned from friends that Kalshi had a market about his race, and ‘was curious about how it worked,’ so he bet $50 of his own money in October that he would win the nomination. He said he cooperated with Kalshi’s investigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mQN7Yi

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “State Sen. Matt Klein [said] he learned in March he violated the online platform’s rules [and] paid a roughly $540 penalty. He is suspended from the prediction market platform, Kalshi, for five years. … Klein told MPR News he will continue his congressional campaign. … State lawmakers are considering restrictions to prediction markets over concerns about insider trading, and [Klein] is a cosponsor.” KLEIN: “That was the only wager I have ever made on a predictions market. This was a mistake, and I apologize. … My experience, like many other Minnesotans, points to the need for clearer rules and regulations for these types of markets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d4ytbt

MORE: via Matt Little, DFL candidate for CD2, LITTLE: “I thought this might be a good time to say that I do not have a Kalshi account.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4vFuDhb

IRONY: As of yesterday afternoon, Sen. Matt Klein’s Kalshi scandal has already caused Kalshi users to begin losing faith in his ability to win the DFL primary for CD2, placing his betting odds below 30%. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Ong4yd

TAKE: Unforced errors like this from Sen. Matt Klein create a buzz that he hasn’t taken the Congressional race as seriously as is expected. The DFL endorsing convention for CD2 is May 9^th.

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SESSION

TECH: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Local officials are pushing the legislature this year to shore up support to bring their IT systems into the 21st century. … Matt Hilgart with the Minnesota Association of Counties [said] in Wisconsin, one person doing human services work can handle 900 cases. In Minnesota, that same person can only manage 300 cases. … Hilgart said if lawmakers don’t throw counties a lifeline this year, [then] counties would need to shift more cost burdens to local homeowners. … A proposal moving through the DFL-led Senate would earmark $70 million over four years for these upgrades. A separate measure [is] a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to borrow money like it can for infrastructure projects, known as ‘bonding,’ for this IT modernization.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OWI2B1

TEACHERS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Health insurance costs have long been a problem for smaller, rural school districts because their smaller staff sizes give them less bargaining power in the marketplace. But in recent years, school districts of all sizes are getting hit by huge health insurance price increases. … Educators are rallying around new legislation that could offer some relief. The proposed Educator Group Insurance Program, known as the EGIP bill, would create a statewide health coverage plan — one huge health insurance pool for all public school employees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tugQZB

ENVIRONMENT: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A bill to spend $102 million on projects supporting the Earth Day mission took an important step closer to becoming law. Specifically, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund bill, HF3426, was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday and sent to the House Floor. … [But] the bill does not contain a recommended $1.25 million grant to the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness for an ‘Outdoor Learning Professional Development for Educators and Administrators’ project. Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa) said Republican support for the bill is contingent on not providing funding for the ‘controversial’ project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41U73zI

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MINING: via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Range was dealt another blow with news of more than 70 people losing their jobs as a manufacturing company will be permanently ceasing its operations in Chisholm and Hibbing…Seventy-seven employees, 73 hourly and four salary positions, are being eliminated with the impending closure of Minnesota Twist Drill and Triumph Twist Drill in Hibbing, according to a WARN notice sent out earlier this week. The two plants manufacture drill bits and cutting tools… Minnesota State Senator Rob Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) provided the following statement on the closure. FARNSWORTH: “I am truly sorry to hear about the layoffs at Minnesota Twist Drill and Triumph Twist Drill,” Farnsworth wrote in an email. “I share the frustration of many who have reached out with concerns that these jobs are likely heading to states with lower taxes and less burdensome regulation. Our state’s policies continue to make it harder for manufacturers to stay and grow here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mNWMP5

BWCA: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Angered by last week’s Congressional vote to overturn a federal mining ban near the Boundary Waters, hundreds of Minnesotans flooded the state Capitol on Earth Day to rally in support of clean water and ask the state to block several proposed projects.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QqanjA

MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In the fight over copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters, opponents of such projects suffered a blow on the congressional front [with] the Senate joining the House in overturning a moratorium on mining in the wilderness area’s watershed last week. … The theater will mostly move from Washington, D.C. to Minnesota, [with] a coalition of environmental, sporting and tribal leaders eyeing regulatory, legislative and legal strategies. … Twin Metals will need to pass a slew of [state-level] regulatory checkpoints in order to start mining.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4txOkpO

HCMC: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “According to hospital data, HCMC currently has about 7.7 days of cash on hand — the money available to cover payroll and day-to-day expenses. By comparison, the national average for safety net hospitals is 119 days. … One small win for HCMC came this month when it managed to make payroll using its own revenue without tapping into county funds for assistance. [But] without significant changes — or additional public support — leaders say HCMC’s financial path remains uncertain.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vRptiu

DHS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Former Department of Human Services employee Dana Nelson [spoke] in defense of Zion Baptist Church after the state filed a $2.4 million lawsuit. Nelson is the former DHS worker who, according to a legislative audit, managed the grant at Zion Baptist Church, then quit her job and became a consultant paid by Zion to profit from mismanaged taxpayer money. … Nelson [said] the state is mischaracterizing her role and wrongly blaming Zion for misusing $2.4 million of grant money.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cqnUjL

NATIONAL

HOMELANDSECURITY: via Stateline, VERBATIM: “Nearly all Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee failed to show up for a Wednesday hearing convened by Democrats to highlight President Donald Trump’s aggressive tactics in his mass deportation campaign. … Democrats used the opportunity to call witnesses who are U.S. citizens and were harmed, in some cases shot, by federal immigration officers. Lawmakers also focused on two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. … Ryan Ecklund, a real estate agent in Minnesota whom federal agents detained after he filmed them, [attended]. … Ecklund criticized federal agents within DHS.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48C8O8D

RFKJR: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the state of America’s health. Smith pressed Secretary Kennedy about his cuts to preventative services. … Smith sits on the Senate Finance Committee, which conducts oversight hearings of HHS annually.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QCsvqs

METRO

FREY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey has earned glowing attention in the national media since the federal immigration surge, with talk show appearances and magazine mentions and even a hint of presidential buzz. … But some Minneapolis progressives say Frey spent too much time talking to national media and not enough getting down in the trenches with protesters. Council Member Jason Chavez — whose two uncles were deported during the surge — has been particularly critical of Frey. ‘It’s very easy to cuss at ICE; it’s actually harder to do policy work to help people stay in our city,’ Chavez said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oz9aWI

MPD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis city auditor says procedural errors at the Minneapolis Police Department weakened its response to reports of domestic violence and racial harassment in two cases — the death of Allison Lussier and the non-fatal shooting of Davis Moturi. Auditor Robert Timmerman presented the review of those cases to the city audit committee and members of the Minneapolis City Council Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42m1w55

SPPD: Via KARE 11’s Lou Raguse, the St. Paul Police Department spent $88,465 on the “No Kings” rally on March 28, primarily on overtime costs. Specifically, the city spent around $83,000 on “staffing pay,” $4,000 on “fencing,” and $625 on “warning lights.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4toGUVJ

EAGAN: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The city of Eagan announced Wednesday that it has appointed a new fire chief after Chief Hugo Searle announced his retirement in February. … Holly Mulholland, who has more than 17 years of fire service experience, will take over the role.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCDCja

STATEWIDE

WILLMAR: via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities announced Cheryl Norman as its selection for the next president of Ridgewater College. … Norman is currently working in the Minnesota State system, serving as the vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples.

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “A recent study by Maxfield Research predicted Duluth will require about 9,000 more homes to meet its anticipated 2035 housing needs. While Mayor Roger Reinert sees many opportunities to build small-scale infill housing throughout the community, he views only three sites as likely hosts for large-scale residential development: The former Duluth Central campus; the shuttered Lester Park Golf Course; and underutilized downtown buildings that could be converted to housing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48C9k6z

WAITE PARK: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “A year-long data center moratorium will be proposed to the Waite Park City Council at its meeting on Monday, May 4. The proposed moratorium allows the city to study data centers for ‘the purpose of protecting the planning process and the health, safety and welfare of citizens,’ according to a draft ordinance. … Waite Park hasn’t received any proposed data center facilities as yet, [but] Waite Park is ‘aware of the potential for such uses to be of concern.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QTUOke

COMING UP…

SESSION: House floor session at 1:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House hears bills on “nudification” bans, penalties for impersonating police, and more. The Senate hears a legal age for kratom possession and omnibus bills for elections and human services. HOUSE: Taxes will hear numerous local sales tax bills. Ways & Means will hear omnibus bills for public safety, higher education, and workforce, labor and economic development. SENATE: Rules & Admin. hears a constitutional amendment to change permanent school funds. Finance hears the health and human services omnibus. State & Local Govt. hears a requirement for state agencies to write summaries for all RFPs. Capital Investment hears infrastructure requests. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/42pBrlE

TODAY: DFL Sen. Lindsey Port will host a press conference seeking humanitarian parole for a constituent who has been “held in DHS facilities in El Paso, Texas, for 76 days without appropriate medical treatment for a large ovarian cyst,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: Minneapolis City Council members will host a press conference to “discuss legislative actions taken at Thursday’s meeting,” per a release. The event begins 15 minutes after the council adjourns.

NEXT WEEK: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” on Monday, April 27, starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m.

NEXT WEEK: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

SEPT 22: The Star Tribune is hosting its second annual North Star Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

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BDAYS: MN GOP Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom, State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, outdoors icon Ron Schara, lobbyist Marty Seifert

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.

morning take | High Risk Program Growth + Walz to LA Today

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:15 GMT

EARTH DAY

Wild play at home tonight. Twins win.

Gov. Tim Walz is in LA and will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight.

This morning Best Buy announces company veteran Jason Bonfig will succeed Corie Barry as the retailer’s CEO on Oct. 31,

Prince fans gathered at Paisley Park to honor him 10 years after his death. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sSdfTQ

A Lakeville man created an app that uses AI to summarize and translate bills in the Minnesota Legislature. MINNPOST: https://fluence-media.co/4tZjA0y

The Trump Administration will require all 50 states to share plans for combatting Medicaid fraud. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3QACBbm

The president extended the U.S. ceasefire with Iran a few hours after saying he didn’t want to. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4eB32Yq

AP-NORC finds that Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy is down 8 points since March. His overall approval is 33%, with almost 1 in 3 Republicans disapproving. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4cDPdWF

Happy National Jellybean Day.

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THE AGENDA

In an important and impressive story by the newsroom of under 10…via the MN Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s spending across 14 Medicaid programs more than doubled in the five years before the Walz administration deemed them “high risk” for fraud, waste and abuse — and began taking drastic measures to rein in spending…Total spending across the programs, which include therapy for autistic children and services helping disabled people live independently, increased from $2.06 billion in 2021 to $4.32 billion in 2025, according to annual spending data from the Department of Human Services obtained through a public records request submitted in December. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7I33j

BUDGET: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota budget picture darkened a bit in the latest figures from the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget. The April quarterly update documents a dip in revenue compared to the February forecast of $182 million. That’s about 4.6 percent off the mark. … Minnesota’s economic consultant now predicts considerably slower economic growth for 2026 – 2.1 percent instead of 2.7 percent. Forecasts for inflation, unemployment and interest rates all moved in a problematic direction, too.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW

MORRISON: DFL Rep. Kelly Morrison announced that she is divesting ownership of all her stocks following two separate instances, both seen in morning take, where she was accused of having conflicts of interest. Via her announcement, MORRISON: “Trust in government is critically important, and even the appearance of a conflict of interest can erode that trust. I don’t want there to ever be a question of what I am fighting for and who I serve. That is why I am divesting from all public and private companies and will no longer own individual stocks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDmhOl

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Kelly] Morrison, whose private net worth is valued at $41 million, [is] one of the more active investors in Congress. During her 16 months in Washington, Morrison made 106 trades. … By comparison, over the last three years, Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, reported 13 trades. … Republican Rep. Pete Stauber had one trade, and the rest of the Minnesota delegation had none during that period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODqolx

EMMER: During a House Republican leadership event, GOP Rep. Tom Emmer slammed DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar for her recent changes to financial disclosure forms, as seen in Saturday’s morning take. EMMER: “In what world is a multi[m]illion-dollar correction to a person’s financial disclosure considered normal? … If Ilhan Omar is discovered to be involved in any or to have benefited in any way from any fraud, she must be held accountable to the fullest extent.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sSh4Zp

MANUFACTURING: The MN Chamber of Commerce released a new report on the state of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector. VERBATIM: “Manufacturing is Minnesota’s second largest sector, making up 12% of the state’s total economy. … Yet the sector faces distinct headwinds that impact its performance. Manufacturers operate with disproportionately high fixed and operating costs and are subject to complex layers of local, state, and federal regulation. … In recent years, Minnesota manufacturers have also experienced growing workforce challenges, limiting their ability to fill open roles and expand operations.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4u1HkBd

WHITE HOUSE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan to be the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, a key position for conducting analyses of the economy and the administration’s policies. If confirmed by the Senate, Phelan would succeed Stephen Miran. … Phelan has worked as a consultant with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCu6MV

INSURANCE: First in morning take, DFL Rep. Angie Craig will introduce a bill regulating health insurance companies today. Via her office, VERBATIM: “The Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act would create financial penalties for health insurers that deny more than 25% of claims in a given year according to an annual audit by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The penalty would total $10 million plus an additional $2 million for each percentage point above the 25% denial threshold. These penalties would be paid back to affected enrollees.”

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SESSION

THREATS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Senator John Hoffman proposed a new bill [calling] for a new unit within the Minnesota State Patrol to investigate threats against elected officials and provide follow-up protection when needed. … The proposal would add 30 to 38 new members to the state patrol, 11 of whom would be sworn troopers. … The state estimates that the proposed new protection services unit would cost about $13.1 million in the first year and just over $12 million the year after that.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cpsuyL

SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed five bipartisan bills into law. … SF2511 updates Minnesota’s liquor laws. … HF 3802 modifies exemptions to the state’s certificate of need requirement for energy infrastructure projects, helping streamline the development and modernization of transmission lines. … HF 3741 expands and clarifies educational assistance for veterans’ spouses and children. … HF 3544 updates eligibility for state-funded veterans benefits. … HF3479 clarifies the process for postponing mortgage foreclosure sales.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vK1aTp

PROPERTY TAX: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “One thing Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican legislators seem to agree on is that property owners need a break. But before that can happen, they’ll have to reach an agreement on just how much relief there will be and how it will be distributed. The Senate Taxes Committee on Tuesday heard one of the DFL proposals — a little more than $100 million in one-time property tax relief for an estimated 588,000 homeowners using the homestead tax credit. … House Republicans have advocated for a significantly larger tax relief bill that calls for $4 billion in one-time funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OQG4lE

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence is providing media support for the Hoffman family)

HOMES: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate passed a bill of rights to protect manufactured homeowners from losing their homes on Tuesday. The bill limits rent increases and gives residents a chance to buy their communities, but it is stalled in the House. … With seven in favor and six against, the motion did not pass. Residents from Lake Elmo were especially surprised when their Republican representative, Rep. Wayne Johnson, left the meeting before the vote.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eyasvt

ICS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities have used the Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program since it launched in 2021. … But providers and recipients also say the program’s design is flawed and the state’s lack of clear, consistent rules and enforcement has made it ripe for waste and abuse. … Some providers and lawmakers proposed shuttering the program in two years and having a study group create a replacement. … Rep. Brion Curran, DFL-White Bear Lake, is sponsoring the legislation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48eQMcj

NDA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A measure to ban municipalities from entering into certain non-disclosure agreements passed through the Senate. … The bipartisan bill was added as an amendment to a state and local government catch all bill. It bans local governments from signing non-disclosure agreements for major projects like data centers. … A similar bill failed to clear House committees, but the Senate vote means it will be part of final session negotiations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW

SAFETY: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate today passed the Judiciary and Public Safety omnibus bill, Senate File 4760, which includes Senator Andrew Lang’s (R–Olivia) provision designed to protect children from online blackmail by increasing criminal penalties for coercion and sextortion crimes. … Lang’s provision creates enhanced penalties specifically for sextortion cases that result in serious harm or death.”

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GOP PACS: Via MPR, details on some of the major PACs supporting Republican candidates in Minnesota to counter the DFL’s fundraising advantage. VERBATIM: “Restore Sanity is a political fund that registered in Minnesota in February and is upfront that its goal is to support Lisa Demuth’s [governor] bid. In its first report, it showed $1.2 million in fundraising, with about $1.1 million of that coming from one source — the Florida-headquartered Restoration of America PAC. … Another political group, Minnesota Strong PAC, registered last week with out-of-state strategists in the leadership roles. The group’s website doesn’t align with a specific candidate but says conservative leadership is needed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW

DEM PACS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, is vaulting into the midterms with a $15 million investment targeting Republicans in battleground districts. … The Human Rights Campaign is also supporting Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/490CGvc

CD1: The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) has endorsed Democrat Jake Johnson in the 1st Congressional District race.

CD8: Save the Boundary Waters has endorsed Democrat Trina Swanson in the 8th Congressional District race. Via the announcement, SWANSON: “Protecting the BWCA is not about choosing scenery over livelihoods. It is about protecting the resource so many livelihoods depend on and making sure it is still here for the next generation. The Boundary Waters is something we pass on, not gamble away.”

SD2: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County [DFL] held an endorsing convention for Minnesota Senate District 2. … Delegates backed Reed Olson for Minnesota House 2A, challenging incumbent Rep. Bidal Duran; Emily Thabes for Minnesota House 2B, challenging incumbent Rep. Matt Bliss; and Dan Rogers for Minnesota Senate District 2, challenging incumbent Sen. Steve Green. Duran, Bliss and Green were all endorsed [by] the Beltrami County GOP.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gPYnj

SD37: Republicans endorsed Brady Hoag in this top 10 MN Senate race. The open seat of retiring Sen. Warren Limmer.

SD50: Meteorologist Paul Douglas has endorsed Karla Hult, DFL candidate for SD50 and former KARE 11 reporter.

HD33A: Republicans endorsed fmr. Rep. Stacy Stout last night to replace retiring Rep. Patti Anderson.

CANDIDATES: via Office of Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Secretary of [State] Steve Simon announced a suite of new resources for Minnesotans looking to run for office. The new resources include reimagined webpages [containing] information on how candidates file for office, updated candidate affidavits, and the 2026 Campaign Manual. … This will be the first statewide candidate filing period where state and local candidates are required to show a photo ID and provide proof-of-residence to the filing officer when submitting their affidavit. Candidates also now have clearer instructions for keeping their address of residence private.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eCrpF3

MSP

UPTOWN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis officials say a directed police patrol unit is improving safety in Uptown and the city’s ‘safety ambassadors’ will begin work in the neighborhood later this year. At a press conference Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey [said] ‘We’re stepping up visible safety efforts, working with urgency, and pairing compassion with accountability.’ … Police Chief Brian O’Hara said [there’s] a dedicated patrol unit now responding to calls in the area and working to address livability issues. Narcotics complaints have ‘decreased dramatically’ this month, he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZ2NVO

EVICTIONS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council approved an effort Tuesday to extend a pre-eviction filing notice period by 15 days, weeks after a similar measure that extended the period by 30 days was shot down by Mayor Jacob Frey. Tuesday’s ordinance, which passed 8-5, would temporarily require landlords to wait 45 days — instead of the customary 30 — before bringing an eviction notice to the renter. It will be forwarded to the council for a final approval at Thursday’s meeting.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cMKX7s

DRUGS: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, April 21, the Minneapolis City Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of the Care Over Criminalization ordinance. … The Minnesota legislature repealed in 2023 the statute that criminalized the possession of drug paraphernalia. This ordinance would bring the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances into alignment with that legislative action.”

SCHOOLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More than two years after Minneapolis school leaders set off on a ‘transformation’ process — including exploring whether to close or merge schools amid the district’s worsening finances — board members are finally taking the next steps. This month and next month, school board members are receiving reports on possible school changes, including [a] possible return of grade K-8 schools. … By the end of May, board members are expected to give their feedback to Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams on how the district can best boost enrollment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/490Dosm

MVSCHOOLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Parents in Mounds View are questioning schedule changes coming next school year at Highview Middle School, specifically the plan to cut music instruction from every day to every other day…The issue was not on the Mounds View School Board agenda on Tuesday, but it brought at least 50 people out for regularly scheduled public comment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sPtGAj

SURGE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A survey of residents and business owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul finds that workers lost an estimated $244 million during the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement operation while businesses missed out on $610 million in revenue. The research from the University of California San Diego’s U.S. Immigration Policy Center is included in an amended complaint that the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office filed Tuesday in an ongoing federal lawsuit in which the state is asking a judge to declare the administration’s actions illegal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4umBhYv

HENN CTY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt is pushing back against claims that her office has mismanaged funds amid a multi-million dollar budget deficit. She [said] it’s the direct result of the county authorizing staff positions without the funding to pay for them. Witt clarified that while she is expected to fill 883 positions, current funding only covers 810 roles.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tYXbk5

ISSUES

MET COUNCIL: via Rep. Tom Emmer release, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer sent a letter to the Metropolitan (MET) Council to express his opposition to the Council’s proposal to use Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in awarding transportation funding in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, including Carver and Anoka counties. The Metropolitan Council’s 2026 Federal Funding Solicitation Guidance includes a ‘Community Consideration’ component when deciding which transportation project receives funding.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4tq8m5s

WISCONSIN: DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar has endorsed state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin governors race. Via her announcement, OMAR: “Francesca Hong leads with moral clarity, compassion, and unmatched courage. Her commitment to building the policies working people need and protecting our most vulnerable populations is essential in our current political climate. Voters are ready for change, and Francesca meets this moment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48PTg0T

RESPONSE: via Kollin Crompton, Republican Governors Association communications director, CROMPTON: “Francesca Hong is a self-identified socialist, so it’s no surprise that she is ‘honored’ to have Ilhan Omar’s endorsement. This should serve as a fire alarm for Wisconsin families: Hong wants to turn Wisconsin into Minnesota. … Anyone who Ilhan Omar says ‘leads with moral clarity’ should be disqualified from being governor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqmvtB

HEALTHCARE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of 22 states have secured a written federal court order blocking an unlawful attempt by the Trump Administration to threaten healthcare providers that provide care for youth with gender dysphoria.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e2Dq6I

BROADBAND: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig’s bipartisan bill to expedite broadband infrastructure projects on federally-managed lands and connect more Minnesotans with high-speed internet passed the House of Representatives. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act, if passed by the Senate and signed into law, would help improve access to high-speed internet in rural and underserved communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ttvn7N

RESEARCH: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Dina Titus (D-NV) yesterday introduced the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to the academic research of cannabis, protect universities and researchers, and promote the responsible study of marijuana.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDpddP

STATEWIDE

FENTANYL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data shows fentanyl arrests and seizures are rising in Minnesota as law enforcement says the drug is reaching communities across the state. Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie, a top DEA official, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the agency had made 103 fentanyl-related arrests in Minnesota through mid-April. The DEA made 148 such arrests in all of last year. … ‘Every community, every corner of the state of Minnesota is affected by fentanyl,’ Gillespie said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e1dSqz

NOBLES CTY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. A standing room only crowd at the Nobles County Government Center applauded the 3-2 vote, which will, for now, prevent any data centers from being developed in the southwestern Minnesota county. The vote delivers a blow to Geronimo Power’s $4 billion plan to build a data center complex on about 950 acres of farmland just east of Reading and north of Worthington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48IKu4M

SCOTT CTY: Savage resident and former Rep. Drew Christensen announced he is running for Scott County Commissioner. Via his announcement, CHRISTENSEN: “Scott County needs steady, practical leadership. I grew up here. I’m deeply involved and ivested in this community. I’ve earned the trust of voters here before. I’m ready to do it again.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4mIsihB

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: House floor session at 4:00 p.m. No Senate floor session. FLOOR: The House hears bills on “nudification” bans, travel insurance, penalties for impersonating police, and more. HOUSE: Taxes will hear numerous local sales tax changes. Ways & Means will hear social media regulations and grants for housing, public TV, meat processing training and more. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills on transportation, the judicial branch, and public safety. Human Services will hear a bill on Medicaid fraud prevention at the A.G. office. Transportation hears numerous infrastructure bonding requests. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4w1lDU3

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Crow Wing and Mille Lacs counties Wednesday to “meet with Tribal government leaders and county election officials,” per his office.

TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj

TOMORROW: DFL Sen. Lindsey Port will host a press conference seeking humanitarian parole for a constituent who has been “held in DHS facilities in El Paso, Texas, for 76 days without appropriate medical treatment for a large ovarian cyst,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

APRIL 27: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

MAY 2: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event is at 5:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: comms pro Bess Ellenson, retired attorney Jennifer Harper, public affairs veteran Jodi Boyne, new photographer Matt Passolt

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

morning take | Gandhi Confirmation Hearing Scheduled

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:20:59 GMT

PLAYOFF SLEEP

Wild lose. Wolves win. Both series tied 1-1. Twins in New York to play the Mets.

Prince died 10 years ago today.

Labor Sec. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is resigning — the third cabinet departure this year. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4vI2shM

Two U.S. House members, one from each party, are facing expulsion votes this week. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Qlr4g1

Between 60-70 homes were damaged or destroyed in the tornadoes last weekend near Rochester. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/42jlRrF

Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48ab0E6

Today is National Chickpea Day. Overrated.

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DRIVING TUESDAY

Gov. Tim Walz will meet with legislative leaders today at 11:30, Sen. GOP Leader Mark Johnson is once again not invited.

Despite the parking lot at Ridgedale being full last Saturday….“Consumer sentiment in the Twin Cities continued to decline in the first quarter, placing it near the bottom of a national downward trend…That’s according to the Metropolitan Consumer Sentiment Index, a quarterly index published by American City Business Journals in partnership with global decision-intelligence company Morning Consult. The index tracks consumer and business sentiments in more than 40 major metro areas based on more than 5,000 daily interviews...Minneapolis/St. Paul’s MCSI score for the first quarter was 87, down 0.2 from the fourth quarter. Scores above 100 represent positive sentiments…The score put Minneapolis/St. Paul fourth-lowest among the metro areas included in the data.” MSPBJ: https://fluence-media.co/4dZVZbE

On MS Now last night, Gov. Tim Walz, said he raised $50K in the launch of the new PAC. “If Democrats want to win in more places, we’ve got to start showing up in more places. That means organizing in small towns and standing with the teachers, veterans, laborers, and nurses who already know what these places need.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cBBGyR

HORTMAN: The Star Tribune published a new timeline of events from the night Vance Boelter allegedly shot state lawmakers, based on police documents received through a public records request. Notably, the newly published records show that police did not physically check on Speaker Melissa Hortman until half an hour after a drone spotted her due to concerns that Boelter could still be in the house. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eynDws

TODAY: via advisory from Mayor Jacob Frey, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City leaders will hold a news conference to discuss the efforts to improve safety and livability in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. WHO: Mayor Jacob Frey, City of Minneapolis, Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer, Ward 7, Commissioner Todd Barnette, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety, Chief Brian O’Hara, Chief, Minneapolis Police Department, Kevin Norman, Community Member/Uptown United”

SENATE RACE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Democrats are grappling with their support of Israel, [and] Rep. Angie Craig is among the lawmakers who have been caught up in the shifting attitudes of her party. Since she first ran for Congress in 2018, Craig’s campaign has received more than $800,000 in money linked to [AIPAC]. … Of that money, $400,400 was raised through the pro-Israel group in the months before she announced her bid for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat. … Yet AIPAC continued to help Craig, hosting about a dozen fundraisers for the lawmaker. … Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Craig’s Democratic rival for Smith’s seat, is a progressive who has never had the support of AIPAC. … Craig’s history of support from AIPAC could hurt her as she vies for the nomination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48epOBD

Rep. Angie Craig was on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar yesterday. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48f4qfz

WALZ PAC: Via KARE 11, reactions to Gov. Tim Walz’s new “Small Town PAC,” seen in yesterday’s morning take, from Mike Erlandson, former Minnesota DFL Chair, and Rep. Harry Niska, GOP floor leader. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QjKKAZ
ERLANDSON: “These PACs are a way to raise money for candidates, but they’re also a way for the governor and his team to visit different parts of the country. I think this fits perfectly into the long game.”

NISKA: “If Democrats want to win in small towns again, this is the last person they should listen to. In eight years as Governor, he has shown voters across Greater Minnesota that the DFL no longer represents them.”

Notable, a confirmation hearing for DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi is scheduled for May 5^th…order the popcorn.

DHS: DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi spoke to KSTP about why Minnesota was vulnerable to social services fraud and how the state will address the issue moving forward. Notably, Gandhi said 42 employees at DHS “reported information to our complaint hotline saying that they were concerned about something” last year. When asked if all 42 cases had been followed up on, Gandhi said: “Yes, we look into all of them.”… GANDHI: “We didn’t know then what we know now. So we were doing everything we knew to do,” she said, adding, “I think what happened was we were a trusting state. I don’t think anybody knew the scope of what was going on.”…When asked if we’re still a “trusting state,” Gandhi replied, “I guess I would say I’m not. I’m skeptical.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OSpKkn

FRAUD: The House fraud prevention committee invited Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify at its meeting on Feeding Our Future prosecutions later today, but he declined their request and released a letter explaining why. ELLISON: “As I am certain you already know, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is leading the criminal prosecution of [Feeding Our Future] cases. … [Meanwhile], the committee you chair has advanced exactly one minor piece of legislation to fight fraud. … Minnesotans must ask themselves whether you view fraud as a partisan weapon and not a problem they want solved.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dVm0Zy

CAPITOL: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “To date, 121,598 people have passed through the weapons screening to enter the Capitol during the 2026 legislative session. Capitol Security has turned away 52 weapons, [which] don’t include any firearms, and Capitol Security has verified 548 permits to carry, State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic told the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security Monday. … She said the longest wait times [were] 15-17 minutes. The biggest issue with the new security has been the wait on checking permits to carry, which comes down to staffing at each entrance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODNYi5

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SESSION

MNLEG: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “With big issues like a bonding bill and Hennepin County Medical Center’s potential closure, lawmakers will have their hands full in the final weeks of the 2026 legislative session. … One of the biggest hurdles to clear by the end of the session is getting a tax bill passed. ‘There’s a chance that we’re gonna get that done this year,’ Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said, [but] ‘we just don’t have a good feel from the Senate side of things what’s going to be actually possible to get through the House.’ … DFL Rep. Jaime Long has a more positive view of where it stands, though. ‘I know that Chair [Greg] Davids (R-Preston) and Chair [Aisha] Gomez (DFL-Minneapolis) have been having good conversations around that proposal,’ Long said. They both say they are hopeful to pass a tax bill that includes a measure to help [HCMC].” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eAmtR3

OIG: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A proposal to create a new independent watchdog agency in Minnesota to crack down on fraud in public programs could cost nearly $16 million over the next few years for set-up alone, a fiscal analysis shows. … The $16 million price tag estimate from nonpartisan staff does not include additional funds that are expected to cover how other state agencies would work with the new office. Rep. Ginny Klevorn, DFL-Plymouth, said she thinks the total cost across state government could total anywhere from $38 million to $60 million. … The House Ways and Means Committee — the final stop before a floor vote — discussed the [OIG] proposal Monday but did not advance it yet.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sLXkqg

MED FRAUD: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Andrew Myers (R-Tonka Bay) [sponsors] HF4425, which would increase the statute of limitations period for medical assistance fraud and other thefts of government funds from six years to 10 years after the commission of the crime. … His fellow representatives overwhelmingly agreed by passing it 133-0 Monday. The bill’s next stop is the Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u3egtp

GROOMING: Via WCCO-TV, an update on the anti-grooming bill. VERBATIM: “We now know how much the law would cost: roughly $1.45 million a year for the state Department of Education, mainly for more investigators, plus $48,000 for prison beds over the next three years. It sparked conversation about spending and ultimately passed the committee. … The bill could go to the House floor for a vote as early as next week. A companion bill is making its way through the Senate and will need to pass through both chambers.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4n0r5T3

E-MOTOS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “What those in the industry call an ‘e-moto’ [is] too big to be considered a bicycle, but not fitting into the current definition of a motorcycle. And there’s nothing in Minnesota statute regarding regulations on an ‘e-moto.’ Sponsored by Rep. Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove), HF3785 would categorize these vehicles as electric motorcycles and regulate them in much the same way as motorcycles with combustion engines. On Monday, the House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill, as amended, and sent it to the House Floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mE3neW

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https://fluence-media.co/electiontrackerCASH CONTRAST

MISC

HEATING: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) are urging the Department of Health and Human Services to release the remaining FY26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available to all states, including Minnesota. … LIHEAP provides families with payment assistance to help cover their home energy costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sPM0tc

DATA CENTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The data center industry has been raising ire in parts of Minnesota…so one developer proposing a massive power and data center complex in southwestern Minnesota is trying a different strategy: aggressive publicity. In and around Nobles County, it’s hard to miss Bloomington-based Geronimo Power’s radio ads, newspaper inserts and YouTube videos. … They have also not demanded that local government officials sign non-disclosure agreements, which some other companies have required. … Geronimo CEO Blake Nixon said he’s betting on gaining trust through transparency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vGjBbF

STATE FAIR: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “When you’re at the State Fair later this summer, take a good look around the 4-H building, because this is set to be the last year it’ll look as it has for nearly nine decades. The iconic 100,000-square-foot building, constructed by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration in 1939, is set to undergo major interior renovations and exterior improvements beginning in fall 2026, to be completed in time for the 2027 State Fair. … Besides making the building more accommodating and accessible, [this] project also aims to modernize 4-H’s ability to provide educational experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48XbayI

CANNABIS

YOUTH: via MDH advisory, VERBATIM: “There continues to be a steady decline in youth cannabis use since 2013, with 96% of students reporting not having used cannabis in the last month. … The 2025 survey, Minnesota’s first since adult cannabis use was legalized in 2023, showed healthier trends related to student use and perceptions of harms. Minnesota has seen a 57.7% decrease statewide of self-reported past 12-month cannabis use from 2013 (14.9%) to 2025 (6.3%) amongst eighth, ninth, and 11th graders combined. And more students now view using cannabis once or twice a week as moderately to greatly harmful, reversing the trend seen from 2013 to 2022.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OSihBR

HEMP: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bipartisan bill that empowers states and Tribal governments to regulate and ensure the safety of hemp and hemp-derived products, preventing a looming federal crackdown. … The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is also cosponsored by Joni Ernst (R-IA).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ck3s40

POT: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “[Yesterday was] 4/20, and for Minnesota cannabis users, it’s the first such holiday during which there’s a big enough industry to easily buy the stuff legally. The rollout has been slow as an influx of retailers awaits growers to produce enough to stock stores. But there are signs of progress. Minnesota has surpassed 100 marijuana dispensaries. … Monthly retail sales reached $13 million in March after hovering in the $8 to $10 million range between October and February, per state figures. Growers harvested 17,000 plants last month, up from the roughly 10,000 a month they were harvesting last fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIqYiD

LAW ENFORCEMENT

VOTER DATA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The federal government is escalating its push for voter data from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. … In a filing Friday, the DOJ seeks to compel that [Sec. Steve] Simon turn over records related to voter registration and other materials. The request comes on the heels of a Spring Valley man, who is not a citizen, being charged with registering to vote then casting a ballot in 2024. The feds are asking for records on Minnesota voter registration practices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41KxhEU

WHISTLEBLOWER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The City of Duluth is facing a second whistleblower lawsuit after a former employee accused leadership of retaliating after she reported concerns within the police department. … [The plaintiff] was a program coordinator on opioid response initiatives when she reported Duluth police officers for conduct that she believed was unlawful and discriminatory. In the lawsuit, she said police officers ridiculed her and subjected her to hostility.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u09tZF

ACROSS MN

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In her first 100 days as St. Paul mayor, Kaohly Her has helped road crews fill potholes and delivered food to people hiding from immigration agents. Her delivered her first State of the City address [and] said the impact of Operation Metro Surge is still being felt. … She also talked about downtown investments through renovations to Grand Casino Arena, Roy Wilkins Auditorium and River Centre, which she noted are city-owned properties and key to downtown’s economy. And she spoke of improving the overall climate for businesses and attracting development to help broaden the city’s tax base.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u1svyN

ROBBINSDALE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The school board for Robbinsdale Area Schools [held] a closed-door meeting Monday night to discuss negotiations for a new teacher’s contract. Parents joined teachers to show their support in a rally before the meeting. The current district proposal includes no pay raise this year and about 1% next year, with no additional benefits. Parents say the offer isn’t good enough.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Oja2yC

ELK RIVER: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “On Monday, the Elk River City Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-31 to ‘recognize the 1983 State of Minnesota flag as the official flag to be displayed on city-owned property.’ … City officials say that 74.6% of 1,053 survey responses said they supported the display of the former flag. Elk River Mayor John Dietz said the amount of responses received was more than he had ever seen for one issue during his 32-year tenure.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sObOWB

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: No House floor session. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate will hear the public safety omnibus, changes to education forecasts and more. HOUSE: Capital Investment hears numerous bonding requests. Taxes will hear numerous sales tax requests. Fraud Prevention hears discussions on Feeding Our Future and charter schools. SENATE: Finance hears the omnibus bills for housing and environment. Taxes will hear bills on ICE surge relief and property taxes. Capital Investment hears bills on infrastructure and tech improvements. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4tZCUuW

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon is traveling to Crow Wing, Morrison and Todd counties today to “meet with local business leaders and Safe at Home address confidentiality program partners,” per his office.

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with legislative leaders and host a reception for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers’ Women’s Basketball Team.

TODAY: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) will host a “Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol” to connect energy business leaders and lawmakers. A rotunda program advocating for energy independence will begin at 1:30 p.m.

TODAY: via news advisory from union “On Tuesday, April 21, at 10 a.m., unions and community groups will gather on Lake St. to announce multiple events happening on Friday, May 1st, they day known as International Workers’ Day or May Day. Groups will lay out details of worker actions, trainings around the recently announced Truth Commission and a huge march and celebration on Lake Street that afternoon.”

TOMORROW: Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Crow Wing and Mille Lacs counties Wednesday to “meet with Tribal government leaders and county election officials,” per his office.

TOMORROW: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

AUGUST 4-5: The 2026 Farmfest Forum schedule has been announced. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, candidates from CD1 and CD2 will speak at 10:30 a.m. and candidates from CD6, CD7 and CD8 will speak at 1:15 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 5, candidates for governor will speak at 10:30 a.m. and candidates for U.S. Senate will speak at 1:15 p.m.

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BDAYS: Lobbyist Robyn Rowen, GOP committee administrator John Hultquist, GOP operative Brad Biers, St. Paul booster Darren Tobolt, Olmsted County Leader Sheila Kiscaden

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

morning take | Walz launches "Small Town PAC"

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:09:06 GMT

PLAYOFF SZN

This morning’s sunrise…

Twins lose, Frost lose. Wild at 8:30, Wolves at 9:30 tonight – pre-game naps acceptable.

A previously unreleased Prince song will be unveiled tomorrow. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3QmMqto

U.S. customs will begin issuing refunds today to businesses that paid unlawful tariffs. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4tkFo6W

Iran and the U.S. both attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend, with Iran declaring the strait closed again. ABC: https://fluence-media.co/3OsVxby

NBC News finds that 33% of Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling the conflict in Iran, while 67% disapprove. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4ewGBDI

Some people celebrate 420 day, but it’s really National Pineapple

Upside Down Cake Day

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh and GOP Rep. Ben Bakeberg discussing education issues and what fixes are being considered this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cEc99g

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WALZ FUTURE

This morning TimWalz.com redirects to Small Town Pac, a new effort about his future. Via an email to supporters, WALZ: “When Democrats stop showing up in certain places, somebody else fills the void. … I think there’s a better path. It starts by taking small towns seriously. It starts by respecting people enough to tell the truth. And it starts by building power in places too many folks in politics have given up on. … If we want to build a stronger Democratic Party, we’ve got to be willing to show up, listen, organize, and compete in more places.”SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48ZalWa

MORE: The Star Tribune shared more info from Gov. Tim Walz about the announcement. WALZ: “[I’ve] spent a lot of time listening, reflecting, and thinking about what this moment demands of us. … [Midterms] will be decided in the places we’re willing to go. So that’s what I’m going to do. In the days ahead, I’ll have more to share about how I plan to help — the people I’ll be standing with, the fights I’ll be taking on, and the kind of politics I think is worth building right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sNAX3I

NOTE: Gov. Tim Walz has nothing on his schedule today, so there won’t be a chance to ask why he’s making this announcment now.

SPAIN: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Progressive leaders from around the globe gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to try and galvanize their forces. … U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were present alongside the leaders of Brazil, South Africa and high-ranking officials from other left-leaning governments. … [Walz] threw barbs at U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who [has] backed far-right parties in Europe.” WALZ: “Unlike our current vice president, I’m not here to arrogantly lecture or scold you. I am not here to pick a fight with the Pope or host a rally for any local wannabe authoritarians.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFqstj

USSEN: The Civic Progress Fund is running TV ads that simultaneously support and demand more of DFL Rep. Angie Craig. The ads praise Craig for advocating against ICE’s actions during Operation Metro Surge, but they end with a plea for viewers to “call Angie Craig” and “tell her to keep fighting ICE and the immigration reconciliation bill.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dWQM4n

TRUMP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Republicans chasing statewide office in Minnesota look for an advantage in competitive primary races, one thing can give them a decisive edge: an endorsement from President Donald Trump. … The path to winning that coveted backing, however, can be unpredictable. … A month out from the Minnesota Republican Party’s convention, where activists will make their own influential endorsements of candidates, it’s not clear if or when Trump will weigh in. … Trump regularly endorses candidates in Minnesota, though it’s usually after a contested primary is decided.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OzRkmm

ICYMI: A Saturday edition of morning take featured analysis of the fracture between Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the finances of Rep. Ilhan Omar and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42hmpyl

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MNLEG

SCHOOLS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State lawmakers returned to the Capitol this year vowing to address school safety in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August…But with a month left in the legislative session, they’ve yet to coalesce around a proposal that can pass the narrowly split Capitol…Across party lines, lawmakers agree that more funding is needed to augment safety in schools — and districts should adopt plans for violent incidents and implement anonymous reporting systems to flag potential threats.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tZKwgV

PAIDLEAVE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Demand for Minnesota’s paid leave program remains higher than predicted as debate over the program’s effect on companies continues to sizzle…Officials predicted 130,000 applications for the entire year; 62,000 people applied by the end of March. The deluge of requests is starting to lighten, state officials said, and early wrinkles in the system are getting resolved….Small-business employers report varied experiences with the program, with some grateful for the chance to offer workers a benefit they previously couldn’t afford while others bemoan the added cost and last-minute gaps that create administrative headaches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mEz9sn

SECURITY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Boosting security for lawmakers, both at their homes and at the Minnesota Capitol complex, has been a top issue for state leaders. … A bill moving forward in the Legislature this session aims to improve communication between local law enforcement and Capitol security and would create a dedicated protective services unit for lawmakers, statewide officials and justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vESqOd

HIGHER ED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are looking for a solution to combat the growing issue of ‘ghost students’ stealing college financial aid. A House bill allots $1.5 million a year for new software at Minnesota State that would confirm students’ identity when they register for classes. … The new state funding would pay for ‘automatic identity proofing’ software — the gold standard for stopping ghost students. The program uses biometrics, document authorization and behavioral analysis to figure out if students are real.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mH1oGM

MEDICAID: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The [Big Beautiful Bill] is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, leaving Minnesota lawmakers grappling with how to implement changes to the state’s administration of Medicaid funds before the legislative session ends. … Both Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature said they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon. … But some state legislators have raised concerns about the lack of clear guidance from CMS on how to implement the upcoming work requirement changes. This uncertainty puts the state at risk of noncompliance, which could result in the loss of Medicaid matching funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tWTATA

E-BIKES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A few years ago, state lawmakers passed legislation to subsidize e-bikes for Minnesotans, arguing at the time the motorized bikes would make car-free transport more accessible. Now, the Legislature is considering a bill to implement new safety regulations on e-bikes, citing a recent surge in injuries. … Some proposals on the table include requiring helmets for riders under 18, registration for e-bike owners and licenses for sellers, with fines for any violations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cPJuhH

TRANSIT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A bill directing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to study extending passenger rail service from the Twin Cities to Fargo and establish a new line to Kansas City has found new life. The measure, which failed to pass the House Transportation Committee last month, has been rolled into the Senate omnibus transportation bill. … More people than ever hopped on Amtrak trains in Minnesota last year, including nearly 200,000 in St. Paul [and] 264,600 people [statewide].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42gTomi

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

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STATE STUFF

UMN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Graffiti appeared outside the Chabad house at the University of Minnesota this weekend after a pro-Palestinian protest was held during a Friday night Shabbat dinner featuring a speaker who had served in the Israeli military. The demonstration and graffiti, which included messages including ‘death to the IDF’ scribbled in chalk on the sidewalk, were just the latest evidence of rising tensions on campus over the war in Gaza.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tOVQw4

DRIVERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Drivers associated with a non-emergency medical transportation company [held] a rally outside the state Capitol building in St. Paul on Saturday after an out-of-state brokerage firm abruptly canceled its contract with their Minnesota-based employer, putting nearly 100 jobs in jeopardy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYhIAM

TORNADOES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Cleanup continued Saturday after tornadoes damaged dozens of homes in southeast Minnesota on Friday afternoon. National Weather Service survey crews confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down in Minnesota. … The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office said about 30 homes were damaged — a dozen with significant damage — by a tornado in Marion Township, southeast of Rochester.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ttGE8c

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DHS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services filed a lawsuit against a North Minneapolis church, accusing the church of misuse of funds. … The state is accusing Zion Baptist Church of breaching a contract and unjust enrichment after accepting approximately $2,483,958 in funds to provide services that the state believes were not offered. The DHS seeks to recover [the funds]. … The church was granted funds to provide services such as ‘mental health, substance abuse, and violence prevention.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tXrmIu

FRAUD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A 76-year-old Hubbard County man is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly defrauded more than $250,000 from government assistance programs. … [The suspect] received assistance from state and federal programs including Medical Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Assistance, Group Residence Housing Benefits, Emergency General Assistance, the Medicare Savings Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tnQAQz

MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “An Edina man accused of stealing money from COVID relief funds has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. … The court says that [Mark] Erjavec ‘unlawfully obtained at least $550,000.01 in fraudulent proceeds’ as a result of the scheme. The plea agreement stipulates that the remaining charges will be dismissed [and] the government agrees to recommend a sentence no higher than 21 months.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42iaT5O

CLIMATE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “[Last week], the Minnesota Supreme Court denied a petition for review submitted by ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute after they failed to get Attorney General Keith Ellison’s climate deception lawsuit against them dismissed. … The Supreme Court’s ruling clears the way for this lawsuit to finally proceed to discovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sMcg7Q

DC

DRONES: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Federal Aviation Administration [has] walked back a rule barring drone flights within 3,000 feet of Department of Homeland Security buildings and vehicles. The government’s retreat comes a month after a Minnesota photojournalist sued the aviation agency. … The FAA replaced its ‘temporary flight restriction’ — which carried the possibility of civil and criminal penalties for violators — with an advisory of a similar nature, but with lower stakes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tS29iv

NONCITIZENS: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Immigrant Resettlement & Welfare Abuse Prevention Act, legislation which aims to increase transparency and accountability for tax-exempt organizations that assist non-citizens with resettlement or access to federally funded assistance programs. … It [requires] nonprofits to report the total number of non-citizens they assist with resettlement or relocation, as well as how many individuals they help access taxpayer-funded benefit programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QOQm6h

ACROSS MN

MPS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Public Schools has incurred over $5.3 million in tax penalties from the IRS since 2022. … That’s enough to pay about 40 teachers, given current district labor costs. The IRS penalties were assessed starting in June 2023 and continued into the current month, according to information provided by Ryan Strack, senior executive officer for MPS. The district has thus far paid out $770,000 of the penalties and is working to get the remainder reduced.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tpGC10

LAKEVILLE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “One of the hottest places to build in the Twin Cities is asking if it is growing too fast. … Lakeville Mayor Luke Hellier says growth brings opportunities, but also concerns. … ‘Having the infrastructure to keep up with schools and streets is difficult,’ Hellier said. Now, the city leaders are weighing the benefits of a one-year moratorium that would hit pause on new housing construction. … On the other hand, lawmakers at the Capitol are trying to keep a bill alive that would lower barriers to becoming a homeowner, including taking over zoning authority from local governments.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41EqWe5

ARDEN HILLS: City Councilor Emily Rousseau announced a campaign for mayor in Arden Hills. Via her announcement, ROUSSEAU: “My vision for Arden Hills is to have a city council ready to meet today’s challenges, rather than one tethered to the policies and culture of a quarter-century ago. … And while we are at it, let’s stay on the path to develop Rice Creek Commons (formerly TCAAP); it’s been decades since those 427-acres have been utilized despite its tremendous potential to add new homes, new businesses, and perhaps even a town center.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4vz8f9b

MOORHEAD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For a half century, downtown Moorhead was dominated by Moorhead Center Mall — and not in a good way. It was seen as a sin of urban renewal, with federal money used in the 1970s to tear down the aging buildings of a historic downtown and start anew. … When the struggling mall’s anchor tenant, Herberger’s department store, finally shuttered in 2018, the city had a black hole on prime land. Now the city on the Minnesota-North Dakota border is stepping out with its newest makeover. This weekend, [officials] celebrated the grand opening of the Loop, a $40 million library, community center and entrepreneurship center where the old mall used to stand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tp58zl

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: House floor session at 1:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House hears numerous bills on public safety and law enforcement, including a bill to withhold state payments under certain circumstances. The Senate hears omnibus bills for agriculture, local government and more. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear the OIG bill, benefits for miners, rules against grooming and more. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for Veterans and State & Local Govt. Transportation hears changes to planning processes and statewide standards. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4cY8qCL

TOMORROW: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) will host a “Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol” to connect energy business leaders and lawmakers. A rotunda program advocating for energy independence will begin at 1:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: KSTP’s Boston Marathoner today Tom Hauser, AI thinker Gia Vitali, fmr. Commissioner Gail Dorfman, non-profit leader Ethelind Kaba, lobbyist Scott McMahon, funny man Nate Dybvig

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.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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

saturday send | Accounting, Acrimony + Playoff Aspirations

The Daily Agenda — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:06:04 GMT

CHILLY SATURDAY

From Rustica…a cold gray Saturday with playoff games. It’s a metaphor for the Star Tribune’s Ryan Faircloth story about the fissure between Walz and Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan…see below.

Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz is in Spain to deliver a keynote address at the Global Progressive Mobilization.

The tee time was too cold to commit.

Yesterday was the rebirth of the TwinWest legislative breakfast thanks to the 100+ guests that came to hear a live discussion with legislative leaders. We’ll offer highlights as part of tomorrow’s Sunday Take on the discussion between Sens. Mark Johnson and Nick Frentz and Reps. Jaimie Long and Harry Niska.

In addition to the Twin West breakfast a back-and-forth to Duluth yesterday for a Long Term Care Imperative roundtable with Sen. Grant Hauschild, and Reps. Nathan Nelson and Natalie Zeleznikar. A lively discussion of issues that Minnesota will have to face for the future. It will be posted later this week.

It’s National Lineman Appreciation day… a nod during storm season.

Stay warm and cheer loud.

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FRIGID FEELINGS

The sense of the cycle is that Republicans are in reactive mode, and Democrats are charged to amplify anger and outrage. My golden rule in critical communication moments is that the side that is reacting rather than making the opposition react isn’t winning. When pressure mounts to respond, slowing down to speed up can help ignore the noise and drive your own message.

In Minnesota, DFLers are still in reactive mode on fraud – and Republicans are less reactive on guns but will definitely have to respond to the economy and the Trump war. It’s only April, but the next four weeks will be last major chance for Gov. Tim Walz shape a very mixed legacy.

That brings us to the Ryan Faircloth piece in the Star Tribune. I heard the story was coming and anticipated the strategy of Walz but more so Flanagan on how to deal with the political separation. The kids are saying the right things about mom and dad, but the passive approach of the parents has all the neighbors talking. Like so many Walz things, reading between the lines required, but not difficult.

VERBATIM: “When Tim Walz announced Jan. 5 that he was dropping out of the governor’s race, his second-in-command, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, was not in the room….Flanagan also wasn’t present at a meeting earlier that morning where Walz shared the news with staff and members of his Cabinet. In fact, Walz did not speak with Flanagan about his decision before going public, according to multiple people close to the governor’s office… People close to Flanagan said that Walz and his team have sidelined the lieutenant governor, excluding her from some briefings and not replacing departed staff. Some pointed to additional flare-ups, saying Walz’s team was upset that Flanagan gave them little notice before she announced her run for U.S. Senate in February 2025…Those in Walz’s circle say Flanagan is the one who has pulled back as she campaigns for the Senate against fellow Democrat Angie Craig.” READ:

TAKE: When conflict is avoided, we know it eventually blows up. The bubble wrapped Walz-Flanagan media strategy is one of the core reasons that they have lost approval points. It’s the latest illustration with Walz at the top avoiding critique and conflict.

As evidenced by not inviting Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson to the legislative leader meeting this week, and countless other examples over seven years – Walz is bad at relationships with anyone who ever he feels crosses him. Behind the scenes the First Lady Gwen Walz seems to cast out against critics of her husband from her office in the Governor’s office suite.

That doesn’t leave Flanagan off the hook as she runs for US Senate. She’s avoided questions about fraud and how the “Walz-Flanagan” administration handled it. However, dthe biggest question in the past year is: How many times has she been in the office? Security card swaps would tell the story.

While the divide means they now longer travel together – which was once criticized as a risk to the state - as Walz is in Spain this weekend, a fair question is, if something happened to Walz, would Flanagan be read-in enough to govern?

It’s only April, more questions should be asked – and answered.

Here’s the Star Tribune story: https://fluence-media.co/4u18EzT

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MISSING MEDIA?

On the drive to Duluth yesterday a billboard that flashed by for the Star Tribune rhetorically asked “Is something missing from your news?”, then suggested that people check out the Star Tribune. That’s a big question that may deserve its own premium post also including MPR.

Instead, as people fret the dying rural media and disinvestment in local media – there’s signs of optimism away from the big banners.

From the Senate vote on mining near the BWCA this week, to a request to me from KAAL about the impeachment vote in St. Paul – there is coverage in local TV that doesn’t get done in the MSP market. However, as for years, there is a literacy or depth issue from the often first job reporters in these markets. That should be a wakeup call to management and the news directors in these markets.

Media competition for the story is good, but grudges aren’t. The race between Rep. Brad Finstad and DFL challenger Jake Johnson will deserve an eye on balance and measured headlines – as to not use them for political ads and fodder.

The opportunity to coach and guide young reporters to not over amplify the protest voices at the expense of reality is critical. That was the case of the House Rules impeachment vote this week – close observers knew it wasn’t going anywhere – but it generated headlines. In the case of KAAL there was a sense that it could lead to something, which was the goal of advocates from the Freedom Caucus.

If the race between Finstad and Johnson is close, which it could be – the media will have a critical role in covering it, but not with clickbait with thoughtfulness and due diligence.

What’s missing? Deeper editing and more scrutiny before posting click-bait.

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontrackerCASH CONTRAST

While the headline of the week was Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s fundraising haul, while still with an advantage a look at party-affiliated groups shows that fundraising in the race for control of the Minnesota legislature is much closer.

COMPARING CASH

Here’s the chart on Q1 gubernatorial fundraising from the Fluence Election tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

OMAR ACCOUNTING ERROR?

OMARWEALTH?: via WSJ, VERBATIM: “Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, facing potential investigations pushed by President Trump and House Republicans, said she isn’t as wealthy as documents she previously submitted to Congress suggest because there were major accounting errors in her filing…An Omar disclosure filed last year showed she and her husband held assets of between $6 million and $30 million, a massive rise in wealth from her previous annual filing. ..An amended filing viewed by The Wall Street Journal shows the couple’s assets to be just $18,004 to $95,000. The forms don’t require exact values, only broad ranges.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sHUB0O

HUH: The disparity of the filing can’t be accepted as an “accounting” error. A venture capitalist without assets suggests he’s not actually a venture capitalist. It also suggests that his previous role as a well-compensated political consultant didn’t provide any wealth. There are more questions after this story than before. Omar owes her constituents full transparency – especially as a critic of the wealthy.

If you' don’t read sports take you should - a couple playoff nuggets from Howard Sinker this past week. Full edition here: https://fluence-media.co/4mFHgVF

ON THE ICE: The series is pretty much a toss-up, with a slight lean to Dallas. The Stars have been to the last three conference finals; Minnesota has lost their last eight first-round series. (Tap here for current odds) The Athletic’s detailed preview goes deep on how the acquisition of star defenseman Quinn Hughes made the Wild better even if their winning percentage didn’t change after he was acquired in December. VERBATIM: “The Wild’s early-season record was floated primarily by their goaltenders. In 12 pre-Hughes appearances, Jesper Wallstedt put up a .937 save percentage, saved nearly 13 goals more than expected, shut out four opponents and went 9-1-1. Filip Gustavsson, in 20 appearances, was solidly above average, as well. Those two helped wallpaper over intensely mediocre offensive numbers at five-on-five. . . .Wild general manager Bill Guerin recognized that, so he swung a blockbuster trade for an ultra-high-end player. Simple enough. And in the months since, Hughes has been as advertised: An offensive engine on the back end, capable of connecting effectively with Minnesota’s elite forwards and mitigating a lack of down-roster game-breakers.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/wild0416

WOLVES MUST FLIP SWITCH: Via Britt Robson at MinnPost. The Wolves-Denver series starts Saturday and Minnesota is a huge underdog. (Tap here for current odds.) The Nuggets will enter the playoffs on a 12-game winning streak while the Wolves sputtered their way through much of the season. VERBATIM: “The Wolves forfeited the right to be dubbed plucky by overestimating their commitment to a championship mentality, specifically by reneging on their promises to build teamwork and momentum game-by-game over the course of the season. ‘I’ve said it all year. We know this team — who we can be and who we have been,’ said head coach Chris Finch after practice on Tuesday, referencing the Wolves previous two years making the conference finals and its tendency to lock in and play the league’s best teams on equal terms this season. ‘It’s about whether we can maintain that. We don’t ever really want to be a flip-a-switch team but we do have a switch to flip and we have to flip it now. And when we do that, everybody becomes the best version of themselves and brings out that continuity and connection that we need.’ “

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

TUESDAY: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) will host a “Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol” to connect energy business leaders and lawmakers. A rotunda program advocating for energy independence will begin at 1:30 p.m.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: SAT: Rep. Jim Joy, repoter John Lauritsen, lobbyist Todd Hill. SUN: Sen. Omar Fateh, operative Linden Zakula, wine family leader Page Cowles, restaurant designer Jim Smart, teacher Lisa Johnson

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.

morning take | AI Campaign Pops Up

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:35:39 GMT

WEATHER SWITCH

See you this morning at Twin West.

Lynx training camp starts today. Wild and Wolves start the playoffs this weekend.

Food & Wine named Le Burger 4304 in Minneapolis as one of the nation’s best new burger joints. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vAOAFY

MIT ranked Minnesota in 1st place on its latest “Elections Performance Index,” with Wisconsin in 5th. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4sDTejO

The Minnesota State Fair is fundraising for a $35 million renovation of the 4-H Building at the State Fairgrounds. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ceIFPk

Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week, insiders say. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/41AkK6O

Todd Lyons, acting head of ICE, is planning to leave the federal government in June. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/3O9WaXr

Sunday Take will include hightlights from the Twin West Legislative breakfast at 9AM on WCCO Radio.

Have a great weekend and fee free to celebrate National Crawfish Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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THE AGENDA

AI: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “A Lakeville city council member and a former state representative voiced concerns on social media about a campaign text message. The message criticizes GOP Senate candidate Adam Schwarze and features what appears to be an image of him with former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley… A 2023 law bans deepfake campaign messages within 90 days of a nominating convention and the GOP’s convention is happening in May…FOX 9 spoke to a couple of legislators who worked to pass the political deepfakes law, and they agreed this is not something that would fall under the political deepfakes ban. They described the AI image as more of a cartoonist caricature and not realistic.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mBhf9F

ST PAUL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and the owner of the Minnesota Wild are again pressing state lawmakers for $200 million to help fund renovations at the Grand Casino Arena complex, formerly known as the Xcel Energy Center. Previous attempts to secure state funding have failed, including a $397 million ask last session that was eventually narrowed down to $50 million — four times smaller than the current request.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QeFSwV

TARGETING: The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) announced its state legislative targets for 2026, which includes Minnesota. EXCERPT: “With a tied 67–67 House, the path forward is to break the deadlock while also targeting the state Senate. Even marginal gains in either chamber could decisively shift legislative control. … In a closely divided state, even small shifts in voter confidence could prove decisive in determining control of the legislature. … A single-seat shift would deliver a [DFL] trifecta and open the door to aggressively redrawing maps to cement their congressional advantage in 2028.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4esPzln

MEETING: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz met for the first time [this session] to begin negotiating. … House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) called it ‘a very good first meeting’ and House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) [said] ‘there was alignment on several key priorities, including doing something to save HCMC, taking action to address fraud and getting a bonding bill.’ … Demuth previously said she hasn’t spoken with Walz since September, but she said Thursday that he called her the previous day to talk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vAKfma

MEDICAID: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans between the ages of 21 and 64 who apply for Medicaid will need to demonstrate that they have been working, attending school, or volunteering for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for or retain health insurance under the joint federal-state program…This requirement follows President Trump’s signing of HR. 1 into law, a sweeping tax and spending bill, last July…The new law is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, leaving Minnesota lawmakers grappling with how to implement changes to the state’s administration of Medicaid funds before the legislative session ends on May 18.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cfC5bk

FED AGENTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County authorities on Thursday charged an [ICE] agent with felony assault in connection with a Feb. 5 road rage incident. … Prosecutors allege that [the agent] pointed a handgun at two people in another vehicle after its driver briefly pulled onto the shoulder. … Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty [said] her office was able to file charges in the case because ICE cooperated with the investigation. … Moriarty said that her staff is continuing to investigate 17 other use-of-force incidents involving ICE and Border Patrol agents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tfOmlT

RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Cedrick Frazier, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, FRAZIER: “This is a breakthrough case with national implications. I have reviewed the criminal complaint and am confident in its strength. … The fight for transparency and accountability cannot — and must not — end with this year’s County Attorney election. As the next County Attorney, I will prosecute the federal agents who have violated Minnesota law.”

MORE: via Anders Folk, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, FOLK: “Accountability and the rule of law matter. Every step toward justice for Minnesotans whose rights were violated by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge is a step in the right direction. … Today’s announcement serves as an important acknowledgement that no one is above the law.”

HOFFMAN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and his family have filed a civil lawsuit against Vance Boelter, who is accused of shooting Hoffman and his wife. … The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Hennepin County, seeks the maximum damages permitted by law and accuses Boelter of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4chsZef

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence is providing media support for the Hoffman family)

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ELECTIONS

FUNDRAISING: With all finance reports now available, here are the remaining Q1 fundraising totals for major candidates not mentioned in Thursday’s morning take. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4tN2ZNr

GOVERNOR: DFL Gov. Tim Walz raised $169,091 last quarter despite dropping out of the race on Jan. 5, and he has $3,138,504 on hand.
ATTY GENERAL: DFL A.G. Keith Ellison raised $368,665 with $501,786 on hand. Republican Ron Schutz raised $149,936 with $269,993 on hand.
SEC OF STATE: DFL Sec. Steve Simon raised $133,727 with $396,484 on hand. Republican Tad Jude raised $16,789 with $7,393 on hand.
SENATE: Republican David Hann raised $130,443 with $18,177 on hand.
CD3: Republican Jeremy Westby raised $23,277 with $7,276 in loans and $29,973 on hand.
CD5: Democrat Latonya Reeves raised $12,038 with $1,444 on hand.
CD7: Republican Dave Hughes raised $23,051 with $17,294 on hand.
CD8: Democrat Trina Swanson raised $52,226 with $18,872 on hand. 6

ANALYSIS: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Fundraising helps signal which campaigns and races are actually competitive. … Amy Klobuchar raised more than the entire GOP gubernatorial field combined, and her $3.4 million total cash on hand is six times more than her closest rival. … [Angie] Craig ended the quarter with close to $5 million — four times [Peggy] Flanagan’s cash on hand. … [Meanwhile], the outgoing governor is sitting on $3 million that he can transfer to other state candidates and political committees. He spent over $800,000 on consultant bills, travel and refunds to donors, but hasn’t reported any significant contributions to other campaigns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tWrvvS

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

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MINING

BWCA: Via MinnPost, more info on the Senate vote to allow mining near the Boundary Waters, as seen in yesterday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “Despite hours of impassioned arguments from Sen. Tina Smith, the U.S. Senate ended a Biden-era moratorium on mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness watershed. … President Donald Trump is expected [to] sign. … Smith [said] the use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal the mining ban was ‘a dangerous precedent’ that would allow Congress to undo any action taken by an administration.” SMITH: “Future Congresses will be able to undo any order, even seven years later. … What goes around, comes around.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ciMUJO

MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Twin Metals, a subsidiary of the Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta, still faces major obstacles before it can begin mining. The company still needs to obtain the necessary permits and win in court in the face of inevitable litigation against the project. … The company [could also] face a hostile public.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Qds2A

REACTIONS: DFL Rep. Betty McCollum condemned the mining bill’s passage, but two GOP state senators from the Iron Range, Sen. Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing and Sen. Keri Heintzeman of Nisswa, applauded the move. Meanwhile, GOP Chair Alex Plechash criticized DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar for voting against the bill.

McCOLLUM: “We don’t allow mining in Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, Glacier, or any of our nation’s revered national parks — and we shouldn’t allow it in the watershed of the Boundary Waters, either.”
FARNSWORTH: “With Minnesota’s rigorous permitting process, I’m confident we can keep mining alive for the next generation while continuing to cherish and protect all the natural beauty that makes the Iron Range so special.”

SESSION…

TODAY: The Minnesota Legislature’s third deadline is today at 5:00 p.m. Major finance bills that have not received favorable action in committee before this time will be considered dead for the rest of the session. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3Otx5GU

AG OFFICE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Members of the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee agree they want more investigation and prosecution of fraudsters in the state. But their opinion of the state attorney general and how his office functions differ greatly. This led to an impasse Thursday that left only a year of funding for increased staffing for the state’s Medicaid fraud investigation unit. … Minnesota’s fraud investigation unit staffing is lower than that of comparable size states like Virginia, Washington and Arizona.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QeD82B

MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “GOP lawmakers watered down this bill to such an extent that the state will lose out on almost $4 million in federal matching money. That money would pay for 18 [more] full-time staff members toward a Fraud Control Unit, a division that now has 32 full-time employees. The Republicans’ reasoning is that they dislike the job current Attorney General Keith Ellison has done on prosecuting Medicaid crimes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vGkPDU

SCHOOLS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Two days after House Republicans’ school safety bill failed on a party-line vote, House DFLers’ school safety bill met the same fate in the House Education Finance Committee Thursday. … The DFL school safety bill would require: school districts and charter schools to implement an anonymous reporting system; firearm storage while on school property; [and more].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vzd02z

CHILDCARE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “As of this moment, there will be no omnibus bill coming out of the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, which came as a surprise to half the committee members. … DFLers presumed there would be bipartisan approval, [but] Republicans had no intention of passing any omnibus bills out of the committee this session. They said this was always the plan, while DFLers said if this was the plan, it was never communicated to them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/481xwio

RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Nolan West statement, WEST: “After years of work, we had a bill – brought by a Democrat and the department – that would have reformed the entire childcare system. … But Democrats voted it down because they wanted to transform it into an omnibus package stuffed with a plethora of other bills.”

340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion IN PROFIT in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate and Congress should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG(SPONSORED: PhRMA)

MORE MNLEG…

FRAUD TAX: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan proposal would create a 100% tax on the proceeds of fraud as Minnesota officials look to recover funds stolen from the state’s Medicaid program. The bill would target proceeds received not only by convicted fraudsters but those the state government determines obtained money fraudulently. … ‘If you stole money from the state, you owe every dollar back to Minnesota as a tax,’ said Sen. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, ‘on top of any criminal penalties or restitution you already paid.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mx3lFw

PROPERTY TAX: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Republicans are balking at some property tax proposals others have pushed forward, saying long-term fixes are needed. … A bipartisan bill would create a tax task force tasked with finding ways to lower homestead taxes. … Sen. Michael Kreun said at a press conference that a task force just kicks the can down the road and doesn’t address ‘unfunded mandates’ that he says are the root cause of high taxes. Still, the bill passed Senate Taxes yesterday with bipartisan support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vBG7lW

MEDICAID: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is about to upend many facets of Medicaid coverage in the state, and the Legislature needs to pass bills to be in compliance with these changes. Sponsored by Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley), the omnibus health finance bill, HF4466, would bring the state into compliance with many of these changes. … The committee approved the bill 14-8.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cPjVNK

SEATING: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4738, a bill sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead), would repeal the state’s sales tax exemptions on preferred seating and amenities at athletic events. While the windfall such a change would produce would go to the state’s General Fund, the bill would also appropriate [money] for grants to safe harbor shelters and housing grants. … The House Taxes Committee laid the bill over for omnibus bill consideration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cP36Cx

DC + MN

HEARING: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon was pressed by lawmakers in Washington, D.C. on the integrity of the state’s election systems. Sec. Simon was questioned alongside Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwabe. … Simon was questioned about a Fillmore County man who was charged with perjury and a voting violation after allegedly voting in the 2024 election without being a U.S. citizen. … The secretary was also questioned about the use of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) in Minnesota.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vzvvnF

SNAP: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Agents with several federal agencies executed search warrants at multiple SNAP retail locations in the Twin Cities on Thursday. … They worked with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify authorized SNAP retailers that ‘fraudulently trafficked in SNAP benefits,’ USDA officials said. … SNAP trafficking is a crime where retailers exchange SNAP benefits for cash or other ineligible items. In addition to executing the warrants, law enforcement agents served 20 retailers with administrative charging letters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/486Y2H6

CITIZENSHIP: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Naturalization appointments and ceremonies across the country were abruptly paused last September. … Federal officials started slowly rescheduling appointments mid-March, but local attorneys say most of their clients are still waiting. … Between January and March [last year], 3,368 immigrants were naturalized in Minnesota compared to 137 in the same period this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cNr0hQ

TPS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today co-led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s [effort] to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Somali immigrants. … The attorneys general are urging the court to postpone this attempted TPS revocation to prevent their states and residents of those states from suffering irreparable harm.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/488AnWK

SURVEILLANCE: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig (MN-02) joined 33 Members of Congress in demanding answers from the Trump Administration about its alleged use of surveillance and data analytics tools developed by Palantir. … Craig and her colleagues expressed serious concerns following public reporting that DHS has been using such tools to aggregate personal data for the purpose of identifying and locating potential targets of immigration enforcement operations.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4tT9bni

ACROSS MN

ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The future vision of both downtown St. Cloud and Division Street becomes perhaps a little more clear with the city’s release of a first draft of its comprehensive plan, a 10-year vision for development within the districts. … Plan goals include…making it a hub for businesses and entrepreneurs; creating a people-oriented environment; expanding housing opportunities; and prioritizing a transportation network for bicyclists, transit users, drivers and pedestrians.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tsUl6Y

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “After a brief detour, [Duluth] city staff may now proceed with a proposed purchase of eight gas-fueled vehicles for around $433,000. City councilors unanimously approved [the] purchase. … Just a few weeks earlier, councilors returned the same request to city administration, asking leadership to consider whether soon-to-be retired, gas-burning vehicles in the municipal fleet could instead be replaced with electric-powered models. … [But] officials say the city lacks the charging infrastructure or the ability to procure appropriate electric vehicles in a timely manner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4esii9Z

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: No committee meetings. SENATE: Judiciary & Public Safety hears numerous bills on license plate reader regulations, medicine for people in jail, Brady-Giglio lists, tenants’ rights to sue, attorney general responsibilities and more. Human Services will hear its finance omnibus. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4sJSPwn

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Rep. Steve Elkins, radio guy Scott Kozenowski. SAT: Rep. Jim Joy, repoter John Lauritsen, lobbyist Todd Hill. SUN: Sen. Omar Fateh, operative Linden Zakula, wine family leader Page Cowles, restaurant designer Jim Smart, teacher Lisa Johnson

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.

morning take | Campaign Cash Summary

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:14:58 GMT

SUNNY AND WARM

Twins lose.

Time Magazine named Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vvpSqm

Mozio ranked MSP the least stressful major airport in the nation. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3OqzqSQ

Average tax refunds are up $300 this year, but they’re far below the $600-700 increase officials expected. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4mxkC1i

A shoe company saw its stock price rise by 582% — $127 million total — after announcing a pivot from shoes to AI. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/42eKt4M

For the first time since September, Governor Tim Walz will meet with all legislative leaders.

Happy Eggs Benedict Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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Last night on the Senate floor, a tearful Sen. Tina Smith and Sen. Amy Klobuchar opposing the repeal of the federal mining ban championed by Rep. Pete Stauber. That adds a new facet to the politics of Northeastern Minnesota, something Klobuchar will have to be mindful of despite her daughter of a ranger talking points. The vote will be today, but the battle will last for months if not years.

Meanwhile, back in Minnesota “Rocks and Cows” - a meme about rural regions of the state that won’t die – so it’s natural for agates and meat raffles to be two the shiniest objects of the session. Between that and happy hour for seniors, the heavy lifting is about to start – the question is what will be the dynamics of the negotiations and how big will the lift be?

Last year there was a sense that Republicans in the House didn’t hold out for enough relief from trifecta passed laws. However, there was a calculation about a government shutdown, this year that doesn’t loom. That said, the election looms and the electorate is as volatile as ever. As the third deadline approaches the key issues on the table offer a multi-sided negotiation with a Governor who is lame, but will want to secure a few legacy wins.

The Tax bill is the biggest unknown, and the biggest opportunity. That is where HCMC relief will live, a priority of many bipartisan legislators. Speaker Lisa Demuth has much at stake for her hope for a party endorsement, and a campaign platform. Her dream scenario would be a tax break, and big fraud fixes. Either way she could have a win – if they happen, she negotiated for them, if they don’t the DFL blocked them.

The known tension between DFL Tax Chair’s Rep. Aisha Gomez and Sen. Ann Rest creates a showdown that will require leaders from Demuth, new DFL Leader Zach Stephenson, Sen. Maj. Leader Erin Murphy and Gov. Tim Walz to exert their positions in the coming weeks. As the new player at the table Stephenson will need to balance his own strong political instincts with keeping harmony in a caucus that is growing in dissent between DSA minded Reps. like Gomez and others.

Walz has rarely publicly called out the positions of the caucuses like other Governors – and could triangulate in negotiations – but he hasn’t done that in 7 sessions – so why would he start now?

From property taxes to health care to economic development there is enough for everyone to claim victory – but snatching a defeat of no tax bill is more the sentiment of those who watch the movie more closely.

LAST CALL….Tomorrow…the Twin West legislative breakfast – re-launched with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber team, and Fluence. I promise probing and follow-up questions of the legislative leaders, including why can’t they compromise on key issues that mainstream Minnesotans – not the party activists want to get done. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4c4DAHP

THE AGENDA

DFL: Last night a new DFL group launched “The Humphrey Project”, from the website, VERBATIM: “Hubert Humphrey fought the communists for control of the DFL because he understood that a party pulled far from the mainstream cannot govern, cannot win, and cannot deliver for working people. His answer wasn’t to retreat — it was to offer a liberalism so grounded in results and democratic institutions that it could earn broad public trust…That’s what The Humphrey Project is here to do. We fight for a DFL that delivers — on public safety, affordable housing, good jobs, and strong schools — not one focused on ideological battles against the very system that makes progress possible.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4eq9scO

SD49: A new candidate running as an independent - Kris Babler, a former U.S. Army captain, entrepreneur, and longtime basketball coach, officially launched his campaign for State Senate District 49 today.

HCMC: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers seem to be in consensus that they need to come to the aid of HCMC, [and] the state is eyeing two potential solutions to try and make a dent. The first is expanding on a countywide sales tax that was initially created to pay for Target Field. Lawmakers want to jack up that tax from less than .25% to 1% of every dollar spent countywide. … The other idea floated Wednesday was to create a statewide hospital stabilization program. Under this, all hospitals could apply for state assistance.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42eOvtW

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CAMPAIGN CASH

FUNDRAISING: Here are the latest Q1 fundraising totals for major Minnesota candidates. More FEC reports will become available later today, so stay tuned for updates and analysis

NOTE: Annoying when campaigns file at 11 PM on the deadline day.

We’ll have updates as they happen at the Fluence Election Tracker. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

GOVERNOR

Republican Mike Lindell raised $495,987 with $41,065 on hand. GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins raised $61,217 with $201,607 on hand. GOP Rep. Peggy Bennett raised $60,770 with $41,651 on hand. Republican Patrick Knight raised $45,538 with $91,126 on hand.

SENATE

DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan raised $1,357,876 with $1,144,009 on hand. Republican Adam Schwarze raised $234,294 with $40,000 in loans, $3,308 in transfers and $223,427 on hand. Republican Tom Weiler raised $23,157 with $50,725 on hand.

HOUSE

CD1: Republican Rep. Brad Finstad raised $293,656 with $46,890 in transfers and $833,714 on hand. DFLer Jake Johnson announced he raised $461K and has $571K cash on hand.

CD2: Republican State Sen. Eric Pratt raised $50K and has $105K on hand. He previously loaned his campaign $105K Democrat state Rep. Kaela Berg raised $112,837 with $54,741 on hand. Sen. Matt Klein raised $132K and has $334K on hand. Fmr. Sen. Matt Little raised $132K and had has $299K on hand. Little has loaned his campaign $155K

CD3: Democratic Rep. Kelly Morrison raised $242,208 with $337,750 on hand.

CD4: Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum raised $247,978 with $669,540 on hand. Republican Paul Xiong raised $13,580 with $10,516 on hand.

CD5: DFLer Rep. Ilhan Omar raised $1.9 million and has $1.5 million cash on hand. Republican John Nagel raised $297,888 with $86,720 on hand. Republican Dalia Al-Aqidi raised $220,028 with $33,367 on hand.

CD6: Republican Rep. Tom Emmer raised $1,040,311 with $503,276 in transfers and $4,588,674 on hand. Democrat Doug Chapin raised $108,366 with $96,465 on hand.

CD7: Republican Rep. Michelle Fischbach raised $172,316 with $6,406 in transfers and $806,897 on hand. Democrat Erik Osberg raised $51,893 with $95,664 on hand. Democrat Heather Keeler raised $31,168 with $11,407 on hand.

CD8: Republican Rep. Pete Stauber raised $302,292 with $12,122 in transfers and $1,006,585 on hand.

ICYMI: Yesterday’s morning take featured totals for several candidates not listed above. Yesterday’s lunch take showed overall party fundraising. CANDIDATES: https://fluence-media.co/3Qcl750 PARTIES: https://fluence-media.co/4cKD4QW

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

CD2: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tyler Kistner, a three-time Republican candidate and Marine veteran, announced he is dropping out of the Second Congressional District race less than a year after launching his campaign, citing work-related conflicts, including a recent activation to deploy to the Middle East. … State Sen. Eric Pratt [is] now the only other Republican in the race, [but] Kistner did not say whether he would endorse Pratt. His campaign strategist, Billy Grant, later confirmed that the former candidate would not back the state senator.” QUOTE: “We will not be endorsing Eric Pratt due to his history of bashing President Trump and extremely weak record in the legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mFHMD2

RESPONSE: via state Sen. Eric Pratt, GOP candidate for CD2, PRATT: “I want to thank Tyler [Kistner] for his service to our country and for the commitment he has shown to this district. … His decision to forgo this race is not an easy one, and it speaks to the weight that public service carries for candidates and their families. … To those who have supported Tyler, your voice matters. I hope to continue earning your trust as we look ahead and focus on what’s best for the Second District.”

GOV RACE: CPAC officially announced that Republican Mike Lindell is their endorsed candidate for Minnesota governor, confirming Lindell’s previous unofficial statement that the organization had endorsed him. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cLgkQF

340B KEEPS RURAL HOSPITALS OPEN: With 30% of hospitals operating in the red, the 340B drug pricing program supports rural and safety-net hospitals that provide critical services to underserved communities. Thank you to the bipartisan group of Minnesota Senators who voted to support rural health care and stand up to Big Pharma. Now, we need the Minnesota House to do the same: strengthen the 340B program with real enforcement authority and ensure local hospitals can continue to deliver the care Minnesotans need. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Rural_Hospitals (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

CD1: via KTTC, VERBATIM: “KTTC reached out to Congressman Brad Finstad to meet up with the First District representative during his time in southern Minnesota. That meeting did not happen. … Questions KTTC planned on asking the second-term Republican included: What are you hearing from First District farmers? How are you directly being impacted by current economic factors? Is additional federal assistance for farmers likely? … Finstad’s social media pages make mention of a number of local visits and events during the spring recess, [but] there were no media advisories shared with KTTC for any of Finstad’s scheduled activities.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OjMcCP

MORE: Via Star Tribune, a summary of Rep. Brad Finstad’s stump speech to CD1 voters. VERBATIM: “Finstad made the case that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have delivered on promises to crack down on illegal immigration, pass tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, speed up permitting, slash funding for Planned Parenthood and green energy programs, and more. Finstad said if Democrats win the House, they would hamstring Trump’s agenda and the next two years would ‘be nothing but impeachment hearings.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4epFDsT

RESPONSE: via Jake Johnson, DFL candidate in CD1, JOHNSON: “It’s not surprising Brad Finstad won’t answer questions about rising costs because his policies are part of the problem. Finstad supports war overseas and reckless tariffs that are making life more expensive for Southern Minnesotans, and we deserve better.”

SESSION…

IMPEACHMENT: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A resolution setting up a process to investigate impeachment claims against DFL Gov. Tim Walz and DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison failed to move forward in the Minnesota House on Wednesday. The measure failed on a party-line vote after a heated hour-long debate in the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. … Democrats criticized the effort as ‘stupid’ [and] a misplaced priority with just weeks to go until the Legislature adjourns. … Republicans who brought the resolutions forward said they would not back down from their fight.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cu0aKe

RELIEF: DFL Sen. Bobby Joe Champion announced that his relief package for businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge cleared the jobs committee. Via a press release, VERBATIM: “The package includes $100 million in forgivable 0% loans for impacted businesses in both the Twin Cities metro area and communities across Greater Minnesota. To be considered, businesses must demonstrate a loss of revenue of 30 percent or more directly linked to federal immigration actions that occurred in communities around the state after December 1, 2025. … The funding comes from existing funds in the State’s Forward Fund.”

SCHOOLS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A constitutional amendment to increase public school funding may face voters in November. A bipartisan bill proposes amending the Minnesota Constitution to allow more money to be withdrawn from the Permanent School Trust Fund each year and sent to schools. … The State Board of Investment says the fund has done well in the stock market and doubled in the past 10 years, so more money could be put to use. … Some Republicans have expressed concern that the amendment overshoots its goal, [but] the bill passed the Senate Finance Committee on a bipartisan vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cuYS1I

ICE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Federal agents’ access to K-12 schools, their ability to wear masks, and the public’s right to sue over constitutional violations — the Senate DFL has opted to roll those topics and more into one broad bill that’s headed for a floor vote. … So far, there’s no date for the Senate floor vote. … The Senate bill gives lawmakers a chance to vote on topics that have already failed on party-line votes in the House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tgRWMQ

WASHINGTON…

MEDICAID: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The federal government has yet to release more than $240 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota. In March, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services accepted Minnesota’s plan to make changes to several Medicaid-funded programs. … Gov. Tim Walz said CMS should free up the money now that a fix got a green light. ‘It’s absolutely detrimental,’ he said. … The state has covered downstream costs with the expectation that federal reimbursement will come soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cuYS1I

TICKETS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general today won their lawsuit against Live Nation after a jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by eliminating competition and driving up costs for fans, artists, and venues across the country. … Ellison and the coalition will argue for remedies and financial penalties at a separate bench trial to be set soon. … [Previously], DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation, which some states joined. Attorney General Ellison and the coalition of 33 states rejected the settlement and chose to continue litigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7VroG

MORE: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren are leading four of their colleagues in urging the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to use its authority under the Tunney Act to closely scrutinize the Department of Justice’s proposed settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster to ensure the Department made its decision based on the public interest. The Senators warned the deal fails to restore competition and protect fans, artists, and independent venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Fhs27

ACROSS MN

VETO: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “After the Minneapolis City Council rejected Mayor Jacob Frey’s reappointment of Todd Barnette as community safety commissioner last week, the mayor pledged he would veto the council’s action. A memo from the city attorney now indicates Frey’s veto, officially submitted on Wednesday, will not result in Barnette’s renewal for a full term. Rather, the mayor must gain an affirmative vote from the council. … Barnette’s nomination can now only resolve in one of three ways: The council overrides the mayor’s veto, forcing the mayor to nominate someone else; Frey withdraws the appointment; [Or] the council votes to confirm Barnette.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dReVcA MEMO: https://fluence-media.co/4sAFXIC

RENTERS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council held a public hearing Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would limit how landlords screen tenants, including banning questions about immigration status, but did not take a vote. The proposal would amend the city’s housing maintenance code to prohibit landlords from asking about a renter’s immigration status and add protections against retaliation based on a tenant’s real or perceived status. It would also bar landlords from denying applicants solely for using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42eLLwE

INFRASTRUCTURE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis plans more than $320 million in infrastructure improvements this year. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is spearheading 37 projects. … Minneapolis Director of Public Works Tim Sexton said it’s a standard year as far as construction goes, but they are repairing more bridges than usual. … The city will resurface nearly 20 miles of street, reconstruct nearly five miles of street, restore three greenway bridges, rehabilitate nearly 18 miles of water main, and replace 1,827 lead water service lines.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sGiMNc

PETS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city officials say low-income renters have a harder time finding affordable housing that allows cats and dogs compared to people with higher incomes. A report presented to a city council committee on Tuesday showed that landlords sometimes charge prohibitive pet fees and deposits. … City officials said breed or size restrictions have contributed to a recent increase in the number of dogs surrendered to shelters. They said the number of pets surrendered to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control doubled between 2021 and 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q3H1aJ

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Before the end of June, the St. Paul Public Schools board is expected to vote on the district’s budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Until then, interim board member Brandon Lowe will be acquainting himself with his role as he prepares for that vote. Lowe, who was selected by the board for his seat last month, was sworn in as a board member Tuesday. Lowe replaces former board member Jim Vue on the seven-member board and will serve through Jan. 4, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/486bJpL

WAYZATA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Voters in Wayzata have approved a referendum that’s expected to generate more than $500 million for the local school district to help it accommodate more students. A special election was held Tuesday for voters to consider three referendum questions proposed by Wayzata Public Schools to renew its capital project levy. All of them were approved by voters, with results ranging from about 60% to 80% in favor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODLikF

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday visited Hoover Elementary School in Rochester to advocate for a child care tax credit that he’s hoping the Minnesota Legislature will take up. Walz is asking the Legislature to spend up to $150 million per year on the credit program, which would benefit around 60,000 families. … When asked about other ways of addressing the overall cost of child care besides the tax credit, Walz took umbrage with the claim that the child care industry is over-regulated.” WALZ: “There aren’t a lot of ways to save in this [industry] unless you’re not paying the workforce what they need, or you’re cutting corners on quality.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mz9DVo

SARTELL: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The city of Sartell has added data center provisions to its code of ordinances, which will require a conditional use permit and a public hearing before any approvals after the council voted for an amendment. … Kari Haakonson, director of community and economic development, [said] Sartell has not received any applications or inquiries regarding data centers, but the ordinance revision is to ‘protect’ the city in the future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/482X0f8

PLAINVIEW: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Plainview has become the latest southeastern Minnesota city to reject flying the new Minnesota flag in favor of the old one. … The city council voted 3-2 in favor of a measure allowing city administration to fly the old Minnesota flag on city-owned property, rather than the new one adopted in 2024. … Plainview, a city of 3,500 people located 20 miles northeast of Rochester, was the latest municipality to join a small number of cities expressing its preference for the old flag.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4txQhml

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Human Services will hear a program integrity omnibus. Workforce, Labor & Econ. Dev. hears its omnibus. Capital Investment hears numerous bonding proposals. Taxes will hear local sales tax proposals. SENATE: Education Finance, Health & Human Services, Commerce & Consumer Protection, and Labor will hear their omnibus bills. Taxes will hear local sales tax changes and property tax exemptions. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4td37WB

TODAY: Habitat for Humanity will host its “Day on the Hill” on Thursday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Sen. Lindsey Port, Rep. Michael Howard and Rep. Spencer Igo will attend.

TODAY: The State Patrol will swear in 38 new troopers during its graduation ceremony in Minneapolis today at 11:00 a.m.

TODAY: St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold will host a press conference to “reveal renderings and more information on planned $600 million renovations to the city-owned Saint Paul Entertainment Complex,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TOMORROW: The Minnesota Legislature’s third deadline is on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Major finance bills that have not received favorable action in committee before this time will be considered dead for the rest of the session. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3Otx5GU

NEXT WEEK: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: WCCO’s Susan Elizabeth Littlefield, pilot Mark Anderson, US Senate candidate David Hann, fmr. Sen. Dan Hall, comms pro Kristina Wright

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

morning take | Klobuchar raises 21x More than Demuth

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:02:27 GMT

TAX DAY

Wild and Twins win. Wallstedt should start the playoffs.

Might be a good day to play hooky and see the first place Twins – 70 degrees and a day game. The golf club opens today too…

Tomorrow we’ll get a peek at the Wild renovation designs.

Pew Research finds that 60% of Americans think they pay too much in taxes, but 61% say wealthy people don’t pay their fair share. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4vuDXob

The Yale Youth Poll finds strong youth support for Democrats — voters 18-22 are D+23 and voters 23-29 are D+30. Every age group under 35 has swung left by 10 points or more since Fall 2025 except for men aged 18-22, who are unchanged at D+3. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4vyXdAY

Candidate for Governor, Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be on WCCO Radio at 7:20 this morning. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

It’s National Glazed Spiral Ham Day…and National Rubber Eraser Day.

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MONEYBALL

The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is today. Fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be shared in the comparative races tomorrow in morning take and area always available HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

If Moneyball were about politics, the Minnesota Governor’s race will be a great case study. While Sen. Amy Klobuchar was expected to have a significant fundraising haul, the gap between she and Republican front runner Speaker Lisa Demuth puts a contrast on the capacity of the candidates in one key indicator. That said, Minnesotans are not 21x different in the issues of the race. That said, national money will be stunted for the Republican gubernatorial candidates – and local money is already planning to shift to legislative races. The biggest angst for the business community is another “trifecta”, not always because of the ideas but because of the arrogance and lack of dialog that was experienced during the last one.

The economy, gun safety, ag prices, health care, education and of course fraud are the issues that voters will decide the race on, that said cash dominance of Klobuchar and the DFL will be a morale challenge for Repbulicans.

KLOBUCHAR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign for governor announced a Q1 fundraising total of $4.8 million with $3.4 million on hand. According to the campaign, raising this much money in two months is “a record for a governor’s campaign in Minnesota.” Donations were received from “tens of thousands of Minnesotans” in all 87 counties, 90% of whom gave less than $100.

DEMUTH: Speaker Lisa Demuth’s campaign for governor raised $226,456 in Q1 with $543,000 on hand. Since she launched her bid in November, Demuth has raised over $730,000 total. QUOTE: “While other candidates’ fundraising pace has fallen off dramatically, we are just getting started. As Speaker, I have set fundraising records every year as caucus leader, and I am ready to do the same this year.”

QUALLS: Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls announced a Q1 fundraising total of $123,000, but he did not specify cash on hand.

WHITE: GOP Senate candidate Royce White announced raising $566,000 in Q1 with $83,000 on hand.

KISTNER: CD2 Republican Tyler Kistner raised $80,000 in Q1 with $27,500 on hand, per his campaign.

EMMER: Via MPR, more details on how Rep. Tom Emmer will spend his $9.2 million Q1 haul, as seen in Monday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “As a GOP leader, he’ll likely transfer most of that to party and candidate accounts as Republicans defend a very slim U.S. House majority. He’s already shared about $13.3 million of his personal haul since early 2025. Emmer has not faced competitive races in the 6th Congressional District that have required him to devote much time or effort campaigning in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tdnJOw

ICYMI: Other candidates who have announced their fundraising totals early include Senate candidates Michele Tafoya ($2.2 million) and Rep. Angie Craig ($2.5 million), as seen in previous newsletters.

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THE AGENDA

FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he remains confident in the Minnesota Promise Act despite acknowledging potential loopholes in the $100 million grant program following a 5 INVESTIGATES report that raised concerns about possible improper payments.”…Walz addressed the investigation publicly for the first time after the reporting identified multiple grant recipients who may not have qualified for taxpayer-funded assistance under the program, which provides grants to small businesses. WALZ: “My confidence level is high,” Walz said when asked whether sufficient checks are being done to prevent fraud. “But I will say this: Do I think fraudsters are targeting it? Yes. I think they target every program.”…The Minnesota Promise Act, created by state Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, continues to distribute millions of dollars in grants through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the state agency responsible for oversight. While DEED is reviewing questionable recipients flagged by 5 INVESTIGATES, Walz said he still believes the program is functioning largely as intended — though changes may be required.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48MwczY

TAX CUTS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “At a time when budgets are tight, dueling proposals at the Minnesota Capitol could put money back in your pocket. The Republican proposal is massive: up to $4 billion in one-time refunds to property tax payers that, depending on a person’s income, could reach $2,500. … Paul Marquart, the commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Revenue, [told] a Senate committee that the governor’s budget would cut the state sales tax by .075% but expand the sales tax to include services provided by financial planners, lawyers and others. It would also increase the dependent child care tax credit for families to a maximum of $2,100 per child and expand eligibility to families earning up to $124,000 with two children.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/480YruA

SOB: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “House operations and members are likely to return to a renovated and expanded State Office Building in September 2027. … Substantial completion of the State Office Building is scheduled to occur by July 2027 with final building commissioning, cleaning and operational setups for House IT, security and television broadcast occurring in July and August before tenants move in. … Assistant Commissioner Wayne Waslaski told the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday [that] thus far, $507.8 million has been allocated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t5EdZ4

MPS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Public Schools withheld nearly $3 million owed to an employee health care trust account beginning in 2024, according to a heavily redacted report prepared by the law firm Greene Espel late last year and obtained by the Reformer as part of a public records request. … The money was restored, according to the Greene Espel report, but the situation led to a high-profile termination and resignation and forced the district to spend heavily on an outside consultant to manage its finances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cvHee9

MEETINGS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz met briefly with reporters at the State Capitol on Tuesday — which, it turns out, is one more time than he’s met with Republican legislative leaders this session. … The [most recent] meeting on Monday was only with DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson. … Speaker Lisa Demuth and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson haven’t spoken with the governor since at least September, [but] sources say they will finally meet with the governor on Thursday, just over a month before the session deadline.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dOQoVu

SCHOOLS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Rep. Bryan Lawrence, R-Princeton, introduced a bill to the House Education Finance Committee that would put $102 million toward school safety proposals, and it was dead before the committee even met. ‘This proposal by my Republican colleagues isn’t serious,’ the committee’s DFL co-chair Cheryl Youakim [said] an hour before the panel met. … Lawrence’s measure included money for not just school districts but charters, tribal compacts and private schools currently cut off from some aid programs, a key issue for Republicans. … Lawrence’s proposal also advanced a bipartisan idea of schools developing an anonymous threat reporting system, [but] Julie Greene, DFL-Edina, [said] ‘That part of the bill doesn’t go far enough.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMkvS0

RESPONSE: Via GOP Rep. Ron Kresha, co-chair of the House Education Finance Committee, KRESHA: “Democrats made a deliberate choice today to block immediate action on a practical, bipartisan plan to strengthen school safety. … Conversations about additional violence reduction strategies can continue, but they should not be used as cover to block steps we can take right now to protect students and teachers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4te3Y9R

SPECIAL ED: via House GOP advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, the House Education Finance Committee passed HF 4114, authored by [Rep.] Ben Bakeberg (R-Jordan), to repeal a $250 million automatic reduction in special education funding and protect local school districts. Current law requires schools to plan for a $250 million cut in special education aid if projected savings are not met. HF 4114 repeals that reduction and removes the automatic enforcement mechanism while allowing the commission’s work to continue.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4cpJ93I

HOSPITALS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Jan Malcolm, Gov. Tim Walz’s newly appointed senior adviser on hospitals and health systems, told state senators [that] the state’s health care system needs to be reformed. … Malcolm’s testimony to the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Committee comes as lawmakers decide how to support [HCMC]. … Malcolm said many other hospitals are facing dire finances due to uncompensated care.” MALCOLM: “Any funding solutions [for HCMC] are going to run into the same structural challenges if we don’t also deal with the underlying business model problems that our professionals are calling out.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cHVcuG

MEDICAID: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “New rules in the federal ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ add work or community service requirements for Medicaid eligibility and require states to adopt those rules or lose federal funding. HF4428 would put Minnesota in conformity. Noncompliance is not an acceptable option, said Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers), the bill sponsor, noting that the state stands to lose between $1.5 billion and $3.5 billion in federal funds without conforming. … After adopting an amendment, the committee laid the bill over.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QobiAV

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BLUNDERS

VOTER FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A man in Fillmore County is facing felony charges for reportedly voting in the 2024 election despite not being a U.S. citizen. … [The suspect] allegedly told investigators he received a voter registration notice from the State of Minnesota and filled it out. Court documents indicate the notice was likely caused by the Minnesota system sending him voting information after he obtained his driver’s license. … An official with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State [said] the postcard ‘contained explicit language about eligibility requirements.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vAvLms

DISABILITIES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Months after a Medicaid-funded care provider shut down amid fraud allegations, disabled Minnesotans are still living without care, oversight or stable housing. In a St. Paul apartment building once leased by an Integrated Community Supports (ICS) company, residents say they’ve been left behind — caught between the state’s fraud crackdown and a system that has yet to step in to help them.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OhzMeH

MNLEG…

SOLAR: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden Program is now named for slain former House Speaker Melissa Hortman. … Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill Tuesday morning, telling reporters that he was ‘incredibly grateful’ that lawmakers at the divided Legislature could come together to quickly pass the legislation with broad bipartisan support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OsdB5n

MEDIA: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “[Advocates] hope the state will start funding an internship program for newsrooms. … The money would come through a bill proposed at the Legislature that would establish public funding for a local news talent pipeline program. Rep. Julie Green, DFL-Edina, and Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, introduced the proposals, gaining bipartisan support in committees. … [The bills] would give $500,000 worth of workforce development grants to the Minnesota News Media Institute.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OHwQIi

TAKE: If media is taking money from government, the potential for pulling punches in coverage becomes more realistic. Government already spends money on ads, but grants would add to the distrust chasm that media are already facing.

PLATES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The state House gave overwhelming approval yesterday to a bill to authorize a state park license plate design featuring Lake Superior Agate as a North Shore tribute. … The bill now awaits a Senate vote. Once enacted, a design has to come from a Minnesota resident and can’t be aided by artificial intelligence. The plate would be selected by Dec. 18.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tdnJOw

WASHINGTON…

CONGRESS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Congress is officially back after a two-week spring recess and will be faced with a number of hot topics as they return to D.C. … A war powers resolution to rein in the [Iran] conflict is likely to come up in the U.S. Senate this week, and possibly in the lower chamber, too. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith both plan to support the resolution. … Congress will also weigh funding the Department of Homeland Security, which has been partially shut down since February, and whether to expel members from both parties in the lower chamber over various allegations of misconduct.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OljgdC

BWCA: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) on Tuesday took to the floor to deliver a speech imploring her colleagues to oppose [a] bill which could allow a copper-nickel sulfide mine in the watershed of the BWCA. Smith says there are ways to be pro-mining, but this mine in particular would hurt Minnesota.” SMITH: “I would encourage my Republican colleagues, as you consider this, to take a look at who’s benefiting from this mine. … The real winners of this deal are the Chilean billionaires who will further line their pockets with profits from this mine.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mxDrS7

RESPONSE: via a Rep. Pete Stauber post, STAUBER: “Twin Cities liberal Tina Smith is directly threatening our way of life by supporting this illegal mining ban! Her actions threaten jobs and economic growth in our part of the state and she continues to show how out of touch she is with northeastern Minnesota!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4vrkmoV

THE FEED

APPOINTMENTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced the appointment of four department directors Tuesday with some new and some familiar faces. The directors are Deb Barber in the city of St. Paul’s Department of Public Works, Joe Harney in the Office of Financial Services, Andy Rodriguez in Parks and Recreation, and Jaime Wascalus in the Office of Technology and Communication.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sC6Yvv

COLLEGE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s college savings program shattered expectations as its total savings surpassed $4.3 million. The College-bound Initiative now has over 21,000 children enrolled, with the city originally providing an initial $50 deposit for St. Paul’s newborns. Director of the Office for Financial Empowerment Marcus Owens says the program’s growth follows a recent expansion that allows St. Paul Public Schools’ pre-K students to opt into the program even if they were born outside the city.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mvSonS

ISRAEL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Pro-Palestinian advocates are once again demanding that the board of St. Paul Regional Water Services cut ties to an Israeli cybersecurity firm. Under pressure from protesters who attended and at times disrupted meetings of the Board of Water Commissioners last summer, St. Paul Regional Water Services in January committed to issue a request for proposals this year for a cybersecurity vendor, allowing it to study potential alternatives to its current contract with Waterfall Security Solutions of Israel.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMkRYQ

MPLS: Minneapolis City Council Member Michael Rainville spoke to WCCO Radio about the fight to reappoint Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and Police Chief Brian O’Hara. Rainville said it’s one of many issues exacerbated by the ideological divide on the council, arguing that “the socialists don’t understand city government is about basic, core city issues.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48CgFmn

SPRING LAKE PARK: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Students across Spring Lake Park Schools will return to class on Wednesday after a ransomware attack resulted in a two-day districtwide closure. While there are lingering technology outages, the school district says its core systems — phones, building security, climate control and fire protection — are back online.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cpUIIu

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “After nearly a decade of planning and public engagement meetings, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will soon begin its portion of the State Highway 197 reconstruction project in partnership with the city of Bemidji. MnDOT staff shared the full scope of the construction that will take place throughout the summer during an open house. … Both the city and MnDOT hope that, once complete, the corridor will be safer and more accessible for all [residents] with the new addition of sidewalks, trails and crossings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vwNuuU

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: No House floor session. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Commerce hears the elimination of a prescription affordability council. Human Services will hear a program integrity omnibus. Rules & Leg. Admin. hears term limits for governors. Children & Families will hear its omnibus. SENATE: Taxes will hear the HCMC sales tax bill. Jobs & Econ. Dev. hears business relief. Judiciary & Public Safety hears an NDA ban for elected officials. Human Services will hear its omnibus bill. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3QFGyLR

TODAY: Members of the Minnesota Freedom Caucus announced that a hearing is confirmed for Wednesday in the House rules committee on potential impeachment proceedings against Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421ka1V

TODAY: In Rochester, Governor Tim Walz will visit Nucleus RadioPharma, a classroom to highlight his legislative proposal to make child care more affordable, and attend the Future Forward Welding Competition.

TODAY: Senate Republican leaders Mark Johnson, John Jasinski and Michael Kreun will host a press conference “to highlight Democrat tax hikes and proposals that contribute to higher living costs and affordability concerns for Minnesotans,” per a release. The event is at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will visit an elementary and early learning school in Rochester at 11:45 a.m. as part of his “statewide push on child care affordability,” per a release.

TODAY: GOP Senate candidate Mark York is hosting an “FAQ” event over Zoom to discuss the Republican state convention and his campaign. The event is at 7:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Habitat for Humanity will host its “Day on the Hill” on Thursday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Sen. Lindsey Port, Rep. Michael Howard and Rep. Spencer Igo will attend.

TOMORROW: St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold will host a press conference to “reveal renderings and more information on planned $600 million renovations to the city-owned Saint Paul Entertainment Complex,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature’s third deadline is on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Major finance bills that have not received favorable action in committee before this time will be considered dead for the rest of the session. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3Otx5GU

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Farm Bureau’s Loren Dauer, communicator Angie Andresen, civic thinker Steve Clift, communications veteran Mark Kulda, lobbyist Abby Parta, marketer Dave Wildermuth

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

morning take | Economic Literacy Lacking

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:09:55 GMT

TEPID TUESDAY

Hope you were spared by the hail and storms last night, if not hope you stayed safe.

Lynx pick Olivia Miles. Twins win. Wild lose.

Wild final game tonight at home vs. Anaheim.

Playoff push for Wolves starts in Denver Saturday.

Storm chasers caught a tornado on camera south of Mankato yesterday. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41AaFGX

Twin Cities gas prices are averaging at $3.79, and experts say they’ll keep going up. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4dKvcQv

Americans’ assessments of the environment are particularly bleak ahead of Earth Day, as a record-low 35% offer a positive rating of the environment’s quality and two-thirds say it is worsening. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4th2Hii

Happy National Ex-Spouse Day to those who observe.

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THE AGENDA

Another week of unsettled issues across Minnesota, a growing trade deficit and another notable restaurant closing. The lack of alarm or acknowledgment from the city council and others including Rep. Emma Greenman who refuses to discuss the fee she championed eliminating that paid for health care and other mandates creates a new level of frustration for those following closely.

Greenman’s former colleague Pat Garofalo on X last night compares prices at McDonalds in Apple Valley and Minneapolis. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4c8YO8S

The first and most notable difference is that the minimum wage is 50 percent higher in the city. Imagine the intersection of 50^th and France where the Minneapolis side operational costs are 50-60 percent higher than the Edina side. It’s not just wages - administrative, licensing, public safety, and property taxes are higher.

The policies have essentially priced residents of Minneapolis neighborhoods out of eating at their local restaurants. Last week’s Hospitality Minnesota State of the Industry report should be a reminder. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4svX9io

The exports report for the state adds to the stress and recessionary trend. Soon Republicans will have to acknowledge out loud that the trade and war policies that have impacted the pocketbooks of their constituents. The “Big Bill” tax breaks don’t change the reality of the grocery and gas prices. Most of all there is not a switch to flip and make things better before the midterm.

Trade literacy is also at an all-time low. Last week’s Economic Club event celebrating trade is a reminder that the world is a market, but politics and the vilification of trade has created a need for a more populous view. The punchline from Mari Pagestu, Indonesia’s Special Envoy for International Trade and local trade whiz Devry Boughner Vorwerk was – think about your shoes. Without trade, we wouldn’t have shoes…WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/427nlVS

The bottom line is that there are compounding factors to the fracture of Minneapolis’ economy, and there is a similar stress on Greater Minnesota based on labor shortages and more economic stress in ag country – it seems the economics literacy of the elected class is at an all-time low. Don’t look at the other side – instead look at your own party in the mirror.

Have an issue that deserves an agenda? Email me: bloisolson@gmail.com

SIGNALS

EXPORTS: via DEED advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $23.5 billion last year, a drop of $3.4 billion (down 13%) over 2024. … U.S. exports grew 6% in 2025, although about half of all states experienced declines that year. Exports of mineral fuel and oil to Canada — which surged in 2024 and was the dominant contributor to the state’s export growth that year — fell by $1.7 billion in 2025 and drove about half of the overall exports decline. … While vehicles (down 19%), machinery (down 10%) and optic and medical products (down 5%) fell significantly over the year, electrical equipment exports showed resilience (up 7%). Dairy, eggs, honey (up 62%), oil seeds, misc. grains (up 15%) and pharmaceuticals (up 23%) grew solidly.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dG1eNr

“TO-DO LIST”: via MPR, VERBATIM: “House leaders Harry Niska and Jamie Long [say] if you cut away at the areas where agreement seems impossible, you’ll find a very tidy to-do list from here to the end [of session]. Both say they’re intent on passing some kind of construction projects bill, known as a bonding bill. Confidence is high that an Office of Inspector General bill will get buttoned up. … School safety funding seems to be a lock, although the companion gun restrictions probably won’t get by. Productive discussions are occurring on Medicaid work requirements. … HCMC is drawing plenty of internal deliberation on a path forward for stabilizing [it]. … Some assistance for the St. Paul arena and convention center redo could still materialize, although the scope and amount don’t appear to be near settled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syIe7l

INVESTIGATION: Via AP News, more details on the new investigation seen in yesterday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “A Minnesota county is investigating the arrest of a Hmong American man by federal officers that was captured on video as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment. … Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher said at a news conference they are pursuing information from the Department of Homeland Security that they need for their investigation into the arrest of ChongLy ‘Scott’ Thao. … [Choi] also said St. Paul police were investigating another case related to the immigration crackdown for potential violations, but he declined to provide details.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t87QZD

RESPONSE: via ICE, STATEMENT: “ICE does not ‘kidnap’ people. … [This is] nothing but a political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement. … As with any law enforcement agency, it is standard protocol to hold all individuals in a house of an operation for [the] safety of the public and law enforcement.”

LIQUOR: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are one step closer to enjoying a happy hour in their facilities. … A fix for that, dubbed the ‘Grandparents’ Happy Hour,’ is in the omnibus liquor bill. … Passed as amended 129-1 Monday, the bill goes back to the Senate, which passed the bill 53-12 in April 2025. In addition to the happy hour provision, the bill would take care of a lot of local liquor law issues and allow some University of Minnesota campuses to serve alcohol at different types of events.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cpxQIU

(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)

MEDICAID: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Medicaid billing records show WellHub Inc. received nearly $14,000 in reimbursements from the recuperative care program, [but] the location of the business listed on the now-defunct website, 123 Recovery Street in Minneapolis, is an address that doesn’t exist. … Its [founders] are among dozens of people who own or operate multiple businesses that have billed Minnesota’s Medicaid program since 2018. … 5 INVESTIGATES found 72 individuals, or more than 10%, associated with multiple health care companies. Medicaid billing data, provided by DHS through a public records request, revealed that those companies collectively received more than $183 million in reimbursements from 2018 through 2025.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vmZlLT

MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Last year, Minnesota paid $4.32 billion in Medicaid reimbursements to the 14 programs now identified as being at a high risk for fraud — more than double what it paid in 2021. As more reimbursements have been finalized, a KARE 11 data practices request reveals the total since 2018 is $20 billion. … More than half of the $20 billion in reimbursements went through Personal Care Assistance or PCA — now called Community First Services and Supports, where providers help the disabled and elderly.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47WWOOx

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UNDER THE DOME

AG OFFICE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would bolster the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and increase the unit’s staffing from 32 to 50 members. In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats agreed to a so-called ‘friendly’ amendment introduced by Republican Sen. Michael Holmstrom that adjusted bill language to slightly limit the AG’s subpoena powers. ‘Because I need this bill, I’m not going to complain,’ [Keith] Ellison said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48uSLJq

FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The House fraud prevention committee took a look at several bills coming out of recommendations from the governor’s office. That includes funding new auditors at the Office of Management and Budget and more artificial intelligence used to find abnormal or suspicious claims. Republicans are still skeptical about gaps in the protections, but they point to the framework from program integrity director Tim O’Malley as a guide for solutions. ANDERSON: ‘I believe that if we just implement all of O’Malley’s recommendations, we will solve 90% of this problem,’ said Rep. Patti Anderson (R-Dellwood).” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tON7KE

TAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday morning, tax proposals from Governor Tim Walz will get a hearing in the Senate Taxes Committee. However, even if they pass that committee with a DFL majority, they’re unlikely to pass the tied Minnesota House. … The governor proposes a dependent care tax credit for families with young children, creating a new tax on social media companies and lowering the state sales tax by three-quarters of a cent, but expanding it to [new] services. … Republicans have very different ideas for a tax bill. They propose lowering license tab fees, eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime to conform with federal law and property tax relief.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4c5JY2Y

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DEBATE DEBATES

DEBATES: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign announced that she has scheduled appearances at two debates — one on June 12 with TPT, and one at Farmfest in early August. Both debates would occur after the endorsing conventions in May, but before the primaries on Aug. 11. Via a campaign spokesperson, Flanagan’s team says they have “made ourselves available to Congresswoman [Angie] Craig’s team to discuss a debate schedule in good faith.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4mpqcTs

RESPONSE: via Rep. Angie Craig on X, CRAIG: “The headline of this should be: Flanagan still refuses to debate Craig. Let’s do a fact check: The PBS/TPT forum is ‘not an official debate,’ per the invite. I asked the Lt. Governor to debate me 2 times before the DFL convention in May and once after. … I hope we’ve learned as a party that debates with one another make us stronger and are an important tool to help us assess who is best to put forward and beat Republicans.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/482Udmi

MORE: Flanagan and Craig will be invited to debate on Sunday Take or WCCO radio as well.

SD26: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Jon Pieper, who ran for Minnesota Senate in 2016, announced he is again running for the seat currently held by Sen. Jeremy Miller, who has been in that seat since first being elected in 2010. In 2016, Miller defeated Pieper 63% to 37%. Pieper [said] he is seeking the DFL endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tJdwcD

DC…

BISHOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota bishop is calling on President Donald Trump to apologize after the president lashed out at Pope Leo XIV and later shared an image appearing to depict himself as Jesus Christ on his social media account. Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester [said] Trump’s Truth Social post about Leo is ‘entirely inappropriate and disrespectful.’ … Barron, who sits on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, [said] high-ranking Catholics within Trump’s administration should meet Vatican officials so a real dialogue can take place.” BARRON: “No President in my lifetime has shown a greater dedication to defending our first liberty. All that said, I think the President owes the Pope an apology.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwb6Y2

MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV on Monday after criticizing the pontiff for his opposition to the war in Iran — and he sought to explain away a now-deleted social media post depicting himself as Jesus by saying he had thought the image was of him as a doctor.” TRUMP: “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. … I think he’s very weak on crime and other things.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t64SVB

CONGRESS: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Congress’ seemingly endless cascade of scandals reached a partial climax on Monday with two embattled House members announcing plans to leave Congress voluntarily rather than face possible expulsion. … Allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) prompted him to announce his resignation on Monday. … Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who came under Ethics Committee investigation after admitting to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, said he will file his ‘retirement from office’ on Tuesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cHpTjD

RESPONSE: via Rep. Betty McCollum statement, McCOLLLUM: “The allegations reported late last week against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) are deeply disturbing. … Sadly, Rep. Swalwell isn’t the only member of Congress facing such allegations. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) are also accused of serious misconduct, and like Rep. Swalwell, they must resign or be expelled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dGGrt9

NOTE: In her statement, Rep. Betty McCollum did not comment on the ethics allegations against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat who is accused of financial crimes. She and Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican, are both facing ongoing calls to resign.

METRO

MAYOR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey’s vow to veto the City Council’s rejection of a cabinet appointment could push the boundaries of the mayor’s power under the city’s charter. … It wasn’t immediately clear whether he has the power to veto a confirmation vote. It would be akin to the U.S. president vetoing the Senate’s rejection of a Cabinet pick. Asked about the legality of such a move, City Clerk Casey Carl told the Minnesota Star Tribune city attorneys are ‘carefully reviewing applicable state law.’ … Asked about the legality of a veto, Frey [said] ‘I stand by my decision to veto this action when it hits my desk.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sCcjTB

FLOYD SQR: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “We are getting our first look at the final design for George Floyd Square. Minneapolis city leaders released new renderings Monday that show what the re-envisioned site will look like once construction is complete. … Phase one of the construction starts in June and will wrap up by the end of 2026. Phase two will begin in early 2027 and will wrap by the end of next year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ek3ZUQ

GOLDEN VALLEY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The interim leader of the Golden Valley Police Department is officially becoming the city’s police chief following an extensive search. Golden Valley officials announced Monday that Matt Clark is permanently stepping into the role, with his appointment effective immediately. … READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Twll2

FOREST LAKE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Forest Lake Area School Board narrowed its superintendent search to three finalists. But one of those finalists, Jim Wagner, superintendent of the Le Sueur-Henderson School District, announced on Monday that he has withdrawn from consideration. … The two remaining finalists are John-Paul ‘JP’ Jacobson, director of teaching and learning for the Forest Lake Area School District, and Tim Schochenmaier, superintendent of Central Public Schools in Norwood Young America. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7oWZc

LAKEVILLE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Lakeville neighbors are sounding alarms about a plan that would seed a biodiverse corner of the southern suburb with hundreds of new housing units. Longtime residents point to the lush wetlands, an expansive hunting area and aged oak trees that distinguish the area. If the proposed construction proceeds, they’re concerned about everything from loss of trees to how the city seems to be rushing the development process. The situation reflects the rising angst about the rapid clip of construction in the city, which now has 78,000 residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4thnSRm

ACROSS MN

ST CHARLES: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “St. Charles Public Schools is getting ready to host a referendum in November to ask voters to approve an operating levy, although the district hasn’t solidified a specific amount yet. However, in a public letter, Superintendent Robert Routh said the district is ‘considering an operating levy of approximately $600,000 or more.’ A leading cause he cited for needing to ask for the additional investment from the community is declining enrollment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qbr8Pm

ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The St. Cloud Planning Commission will discuss numerous development projects at its meeting on Tuesday, April 14, including plans for the former ISD 742 Media Services Building. Gate City Bank has submitted plans to build a 7,000-square-foot bank at [the site]. The building was demolished in 2023. Gate City Bank currently has three locations in the St. Cloud area. … Commissioners also will discuss amending a planned unit development to allow the expansion of Youthset’s community center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cm7lEp

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear new requirements for medical transport providers. State Govt. hears changes to misconduct rules for public officers. Taxes will hear a one-time property tax refund. Education Finance hears a school safety omnibus. SENATE: Education Finance hears a school seclusion bill. Health & Human Services will hear the MAP Act and HCMC discussions. Taxes will hear auditor recommendations and the governor’s tax bill. Commerce & Consumer Protection hears bills on betting and wagers. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/482CGuu

TODAY: Reps. Ron Kresha, Peggy Bennett, Ben Bakeberg and Patricia Mueller will host a press conference discussing the GOP’s school safety package, HF3493, before it is heard in the Education Finance committee. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with the Minnesota Dental Association leadership and Minnesota Sports and Events.

TODAY: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting a “School Choice Rally” to support private school voucher legislation at the MN Capitol on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. The event is advertised as a response to the No Kings rallies, saying in a release: “They had ‘No Kings.’ Now it’s our turn.”

TOMORROW: Members of the Minnesota Freedom Caucus announced that a hearing is confirmed for Wednesday in the House rules committee on potential impeachment proceedings against Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421ka1V

TOMORROW: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.

THURSDAY: Habitat for Humanity will host its “Day on the Hill” on Thursday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Sen. Lindsey Port, Rep. Michael Howard and Rep. Spencer Igo will attend.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Walz digital advisor Holland Griffin, lobbyist Mike Erlandson

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.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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

morning take | A Truth Council?

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:54:50 GMT

FIRST: The Twins

First… this morning at 9AM, a Fluence Forum on Sports Betting with Sen. Nick Frentz and Jeremy Miller along with leaders from legal sports betting platforms discussing responsible gaming tools. Free to watch. JOIN: https://fluence-media.co/4c9aWqA

The Twins are leading the AL Central.

Wolves win. They’ll play Denver in the playoffs starting next weekend. Wild at St. Louis tonight.

Here’s what Lynx fans can expect in tonight’s WNBA draft. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4stpTIM

Storms with potential for hail and tornadoes will hit most of Minnesota today. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4vIopNR

The crew of Artemis II safely landed on Earth this weekend. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4tCVCIs

After peace talks broke down, the president said U.S. forces will “blockade” the Strait of Hormuz today to prevent ships from leaving Iran. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4stqsCo

CBS News finds that 59% of Americans think the Iran war is going “badly” and 62% think Donald Trump “does not have a clear plan.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4mqrzkZ

Happy National Scrabble Day…Wordle in 3

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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MONDAY LAUNCH

Launching into a new week where it is clear that concerts and sports can adjust the algorithm for the better…did you know that Gov. Tim Walz is launching a “Truth Council”…plenty of comments warranted. Here are the details. https://fluence-media.co/4vpKAb5

via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Blois Olson joined the FOX 9 Sunday Morning News to discuss how fraud in Minnesota could impact the governor’s race. Olson also discussed how Iran operations and gas prices could influence elections for Minnesota lawmakers.” QUOTE: “Republicans announced a massive proposal for tax cuts [that] may be more about running statewide than necessarily finding a way to make compromises with Democrats. … [But] I think you’re starting to see Republicans quietly acknowledge that the headwinds with this economy, especially after the Iran war and gas prices, are going to become an issue. I think one of the biggest risks for Republicans is they’ve built such solid support in rural areas…but if the Range is struggling because some mines are closed, and agriculture is struggling because they can’t get fertilizer because of the Strait of Hormuz, you could see a shift.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tM5vnm

ENDORSEMENTS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The party endorsement conventions for both parties in Minnesota, where each party will endorse candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House, are just weeks away. Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May. … In the U.S. Senate race, there is a possibility on both the Democratic and Republican sides that at least one candidate will go ahead to the primary even though they will have lost the endorsing convention. … There are three top [GOP] candidates, and one of them, Mike Lindell, says he is going on to the convention regardless.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vr8Tph

GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Now 10 weeks into her run for governor, [Amy] Klobuchar has largely focused on her current job in the U.S. Senate. … Klobuchar has reasons to be confident: She won all her Senate races by double-digit margins. … But Klobuchar has not faced a formidable opponent in a statewide race in two decades. … Speaker Lisa Demuth [and] other Republicans are trying to make the race a referendum on DFL governance. At the same time, they’re starting to sharpen their attacks against Klobuchar herself. Among them: Klobuchar’s slipping support in rural areas, her alignment with polarizing Democrats [and] concerns about how she treats her staff. Klobuchar could also face criticism from the left over her past work as a prosecutor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47SJRW6

MORE: Minnesota Reformer notes that although the national environment is unfavorable for Republicans, the DFL could still lose support over local issues. Car registration fees — one of the state GOP’s key issues this year — were part of what triggered the 2003 California recall election that ousted Democrat Gray Davis and replaced him with Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in the governor’s office. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OkpTg3

DISRUPTION: Last week, Climate Defiance activists disrupted a Klobuchar fundraiser. Via Twitter, VERBATIM: “This is what it looks like when politicians belong to capital, not to people and planet. What it looks like when corporate Dems are more committed to gaslighting activists than holding war profiteers and fossil fuel interests accountable. What it looks like when they carry on with business-as-usual as the world burns.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vqvbHz

56B: via Hattaway for House, VERBATIM: “At his campaign kickoff event, Andrew Hattaway, candidate for State Representative District 56B, announced a comprehensive plan to address affordability, public safety, and school safety across Minnesota. … The plan includes [eliminating] local property taxes on primary homes…[funding] mental health support, trauma resources, and retention programs for police, fire, EMS, and 911 dispatch…[and] statewide standards for School Resource Officers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syJmYL

SD49: via Krish for Senate, VERBATIM: “Dr. Krishnan ‘Krish’ Subrahmanian today earned the DFL endorsement for Minnesota Senate District 49 at the party’s endorsing convention at Eden Prairie High School, receiving 67% of the delegate vote. He will seek to succeed retiring Sen. Steve Cwodzinski in representing Eden Prairie, southern Minnetonka, and Chanhassen. … His priorities in the legislature will include…continuing Sen. Cwodzinski’s legacy of kindness and bipartisan problem-solving.”

A MUST ATTEND EVENT!….It’s BACK! The TwinWest Legislative Breakfast is on April 17, featuring Senate Min. Ldr. Mark Johnson, House DFL Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long, Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and House GOP Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska in a mid-session discussion moderated by Blois Olson and presented by Fluence Advisory. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4lWWmFM

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MNLEG SESH

THIS WEEK: Omnibus bills will soon be the norm as the Minnesota Legislature’s third deadline is on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Major finance bills that have not received favorable action in committee before this time will be considered dead for the rest of the session. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3Otx5GU

IMPEACHMENT: Members of the Minnesota Freedom Caucus announced that a hearing is confirmed for Wednesday in the House rules committee on potential impeachment proceedings against Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. A successful impeachment of either official is unlikely with a tied House and DFL-controlled Senate. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421ka1V

NDA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A bill that would ban municipal governments from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities failed to pass through a House committee. … While the bill isn’t dead, it is a major speed bump in getting the bill to the House floor. The bipartisan bill had passed through the House Elections Finance and Government Operations without opposition, but was then sent back to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, where it did not get through on a tied vote along party lines. … The bill has sponsors across the political spectrum, but business organizations spoke in opposition to the bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dOpddv

HCMC: Via MinnPost, more details on DFL Rep. Esther Agbaje and GOP Rep. Danny Nadeau’s bill to save HCMC with a repurposed sales tax, as seen in Friday’s morning take. VERBATIM: “Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL-Bloomington, said the proposed sales tax increase would mean most Hennepin County residents would be paying a cumulative rate of 10%, a figure that he said was too high. … Rep. John Huot, DFL-Rosemount, and Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, also questioned if Agbaje’s bill would be the best possible solution, with Freiberg asking whether it was fair for Hennepin County taxpayers to bear the brunt of the tax, noting the statewide reach of the hospital. … Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, also asked why HCMC’s charity care spending has increased substantially in the past few years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4msn7SD

SHROOMS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi. One of the bills would create a pilot program for psychedelic or psilocybin mushrooms to be used in medicine for the treatment of mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression. The other bill would decriminalize the substance, removing the current legal penalties that exist for anyone caught with some.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4syu4mC

COURTS + COPS

PROTEST: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office says it is recommending charges against four people stemming from protests outside the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday. In total, the sheriff’s office said four people were arrested — three of them are tied to the assault of a journalist and a deputy, while the fourth is charged with gross misdemeanor obstruction with force against a deputy. Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez posted on social media that she was ‘mobbed and assaulted’ while filming a protest at the Whipple Building on Saturday.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48smlze

MORE: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Federal authorities say the FBI is investigating the assault of a Turning Point USA journalist by protesters outside the Whipple Building on Saturday during an anti-ICE rally. … The exact nature of the FBI’s investigation is not known.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ODChIh

AWARENESS: The activity at the Whipple Building suggests that agitators and activists continue to protest without coverage, confirming that the organized noisemakers thrive on the chaos or protest a very different mindset than mainstream Minnesota.

MISSING: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in what Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the ‘largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution,’ has disappeared, according to officials. … Ellison said Said’s disappearance is ‘a deeply frustrating setback’ after Said failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing. … A warrant has been issued for Said’s arrest and a judge ordered his $150,000 bond be forfeited.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4syujy2

MORE: via Lou Raguse of KARE 11 on Twitter, VERBATIM: “The judge who set bail for the fraudster who fled the United States days before his trial, Juan Hoyos, was warned by a Minnesota Attorney General’s Office investigator that Abdirashid Said’s family lives in Kenya and he they worried he would run.” HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4sxKwDQ

FRAUD CASES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has figured prominently in President Donald Trump’s battle against fraud in federal programs. The state’s Medicaid-funded program for children with autism comprises a good chunk of the $9.4 billion in human services spending between 2022 and 2025 now under investigation. … [However], few cases have been brought to court. … So far, $34.2 million in fraud across 14 high-risk Medicaid programs has been alleged in pending criminal cases. … Months have passed since anyone else was charged with a crime in connection with the federal cases, [but] prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota [said] more are on the way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mn3zPA

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DC + MN

HEALTH JOBS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota will lose an estimated 21,400 jobs by 2029 as a result of cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and the Affordable Care Act under the [Big Beautiful Bill], according to soon-to-be-released estimates from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. … About half the job losses will be in health care. … Matt Varilek, commissioner of DEED, [said] ‘Cuts to Medicaid that would impact that network of critical care for all Minnesotans are very concerning, and, in fact, they would ripple throughout the state budget.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mmVWIS

DEPORTATIONS: via New York Times, VERBATIM: “A federal judge on Friday declined to block the Trump Administration from rushing deportations of Somali migrants. … An immigration law firm and a nonprofit from Minnesota had sued over the administration’s practices. They argued that the government has prioritized immigration cases involving Somali nationals, demonstrating racial animus. … Judge Carl J. Nichols wrote it was not clear the organizations that sued could prevail in the case because they have not been directly affected by the new policy. He suggested a suit brought on behalf of migrants themselves might be more successful. … Nichols wrote that he believed it did appear likely that the government was singling out Somalis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dIXzhY

CONGRESS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “U.S. House Democrats tried, but failed, to pass a war powers resolution [last week] that would tie President Donald Trump’s hands on the Iran war. … This was a bit of political theater that will continue [this] week when the House is back in session and another attempt is made to pass a war powers resolution. But wish as they may, Democrats don’t have the numbers to rein in the president. … Rep. Kelly Morrison [said] ‘He poses a direct threat to American lives, our national security, and the world order — and he must be stopped.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q8NhOg

LGBTQ: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representatives Angie Craig [and others] delivered a letter signed by 23 House Democrats opposing the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) rescission of a Biden-era rule aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ foster youth have access to safe and affirming placements. The members urged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to put forth an alternative rule.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6Xdqb

ON THE MINDS…

PROPERTY TAX: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Fueled in no small part by the St. Paul Public Schools special levy measure approved by voters in November, the owners of a median-value St. Paul home with an estimated market value of $289,000 can expect to pay about $558 more this year, a 13.4% year-over-year increase. … [But] relief may be in store. … Pat Chapman, the Ramsey County assessor, said he’s seen a significant slowdown this year in St. Paul home values, even as commercial, industrial and apartment values have picked up considerably. … Those numbers won’t factor into the property tax bills due this year, but they could have an effect in 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dIUVsC

SETTLEMENT: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced a settlement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), specifically NCL Bahamas, Ltd., following the multistate investigation of NCL’s sales practices and cancellations procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic. … NCL is required to pay $2,000,000 total to the States, including $110,695.52 to Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vvfrDu

JUDGES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Max Schafer-LaCoursiere and Symon Schindler-Syme as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. … Schafer-LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Anne M. Rasmusson for a seat chambered in Marshall County. … Schindler-Syme will replace the Honorable Jeffrey S. Remick for a seat chambered in Polk County.”

METRO

BROOKLYN CTR: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “About 50 people gathered on a rainy Saturday evening near the intersection of 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive to pay their respects five years after a Brooklyn Center police officer shot and killed 20-year-old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. … Soon after the shooting, the city of Brooklyn Center vowed to make sweeping, progressive changes to public safety. … Brooklyn Center Police Chief Garett Flesland said the department has made changes since 2021 in areas such as decision-making and de-escalation. … But Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said she has not seen enough.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cmTHRu

STILLWATER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Plans for a 108-unit townhouse development in Stillwater may be revamped after the Stillwater City Council split last week on a vote to move the proposal forward. The council voted 2-2 [because] council member Lindsay Belland was absent. People who live near the proposed development have raised concerns about the plans. Among them: an increase in traffic, challenges entering and exiting at the proposed development access on 80th Street, lack of sidewalks, lack of community space, and school bus access and maneuverability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tNfRDA

CHISAGO CTY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Chisago County Teamsters announced overnight that union workers are expected to hit the picket line as early as Tuesday morning. Teamsters Local 320 authorized the strike [after] weeks of negotiations with Chisago County. … In response to the intent to strike, Chisago County announced on Friday an immediate closure of the North Branch Health and Human Services Building, citing security concerns and an attempt to consolidate services.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t7gGXB

ACROSS MN

WINONA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Some Winona County workers were using paper and pen to do their jobs [after] the county fended off its second cyberattack since January. The attacks came from different groups, but officials said both are considered ransomware, with hackers demanding payments. While 911 services were never interrupted and most departments were back online by Friday…county motor vehicle services and vital statistics networks were still down. County officials declined to say specifically what information was taken or compromised, nor would they give more specific details, citing a criminal investigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c72Zlz

CARVER: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Carver has become the latest Minnesota city to approve a one-year moratorium on data center development as cities and governments across the country weigh their impact. The Carver City Council unanimously approved the moratorium last week. In a meeting memo, the city said the one-year pause would allow staff to review data centers’ impact on ‘both the natural and built environment.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egUtlh

PINE ISLAND: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion in Pine Island with approximately 30 city administrators to hear directly from local leaders about the needs of their communities and discuss federal funding opportunities available to municipalities across the First District.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7eK1h

AHEAD…

SESSION: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House floor will hear bills on mortgages, credit unions, liquors, veterans and more. HOUSE: Fraud Prevention hears a discussion of charter schools and the governor’s anti-fraud proposals. Ways & Means will hear presentations on the impact of Operation Metro Surge. Agriculture hears a ban on burning pesticide containers. Health hears a bill allowing parents to request one free birth certificate per child. SENATE: Judiciary & Public Safety hears changes to Medicaid fraud rules. Transportation hears its omnibus. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/421YtPn

TODAY: DFL Reps. Cedrick Frazier and Esther Agbaje will host a press conference discussing the impact of Operation Metro Surge ahead of a Ways & Means Committee hearing on the topic. The event is at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY: Rep. Angie Craig will host a press conference with advocates for Andrea Pedro-Francisco, a Burnsville resident detained by ICE, to demand she be released and given urgent medical care. The event is at 10:15 a.m.

TODAY: via SEIU, VERBATIM: “At 4 p.m., paras in the White Bear Lake schools who are members of SEIU Local 284 will hold an informational picket before heading into the School Board meeting where paras will share about their struggle.”

TOMORROW: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting a “School Choice Rally” to support private school voucher legislation at the MN Capitol on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. The event is advertised as a response to the No Kings rallies, saying in a release: “They had ‘No Kings.’ Now it’s our turn.”

WEDNESDAY: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.

APRIL 22: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 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: ag leader Les Anderson, Land ‘O Lakes comms pro Abby Duininck, Canterbury’s Randy Sampson, fmr. Rep. Jim Davnie, retired photojournalist Aethan Hart, media guy Dave Berggren, Ramsey County Commissioner Rena Moran, committee admin Joe Marble

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.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

Sunday Take | Will there be an Education Amendment This Fall?

The Daily Agenda — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:10:09 GMT

A LITTLE EXTRA

Yeah, I am red, you are blue… says Gaga.

I'm a little crazy, but the world's insane…says Wallen.

Two things can be true.

Sunday at The Master’s has some drama. KG back at TGT Center tonght. See you there.

Frost win. Wild lose. Denver is your NCAA hockey champion…again.

Mayor Jacob Frey was on the Impolitic podcast with John Heileman, and says “If you come for one of us, you’re coming for all of us.” In relation to Operation Metro Surge. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tGJgPp

At 9AM, Sunday Take will include Sen. Mary Kunesh and Rep. Ben Bakeberg on education funding and what fixes are on the table this session. At 9AM on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

Sounds like the Office of Inspector General – while very popular is very tangled in House politics, which have now reached Speaker Lisa Demuth and DFL Leader Zach Stephenson.

One local elected official that took issue with how I categorized her position didn’t seem to think the “everyday” citizens were as worried as they are about rising property taxes or decisions of local leaders that are impacting quality of life. It seem to help when I talked about my non-political neighbors who are as frustrated with local government as they are with Washington this year.

Either way, cold and gray Saturday will give way to a hot and sunny Sunday. Golf on the calendar next weekend.

On Friday, Morgan Wallen with my daughter gave a glimpse at the spectrum on age and location of the fans at US Bank stadium. Add Lady Gaga at Grand Casino Arena and another concert at The Armory would suggest the people are out and about.

Enjoy the warm Sunday – here’s your ““extra take”

Let me know what you think – bloisolson@gmail.com

Blois

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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SPORTS BETTING

Coming Monday a Fluence Forum on Sports Betting….with Sen. Nick Frentz and Sen Jeremy Miller.

Why now is the timing for legalizing sports betting, with Sports Betting Alliance President Joe Maloney, and responsible gaming experts from multiple sports betting platforms.

SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4vkWnYx

(SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)

AMENDMENT: Both Sen. Mary Kunesh and Rep. Ben Bakeberg suggest there is bipartisan support for a statewide referendum to a Constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall. The amendment would recalculate the distribution of public land dividends, costing taxpayers nothing but nearly doubling the funding for the public school fund. That means education will be a statewide discussion this election season. Something that has lacked for seven years with a teacher as Governor.

WAYZATA; via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “The fate of a $465 million bond proposal to bring new school facilities to Wayzata Public Schools now lies in the hands of voters….Residents in Plymouth and Wayzata lined up Saturday morning for early voting at the Wayzata Public School District Service Center to cast ballots on what is being called the largest referendum in the district’s history….If approved, the bond would fund a new elementary school, a middle school and expand the existing high school building. Doing so would also help address concerns in the district that its classrooms would begin to exceed capacity at every grade level by the 2027-28 school year…One of those in line Saturday to vote early was Jamie Richardson, a Plymouth mother of two children who attend Wayzata Public Schools. Richardson says her children receive an excellent education at Wayzata, and said voting yes on the bond just made sense.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41tsyqP

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THIS FRIDAY….If you attend one event in the next two weeks, it should be the Twin West legislative breakfast – re-launched with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber team, and Fluence. I promise probing and follow-up questions of the legislative leaders, including why can’t they compromise on key issues that mainstream Minnesotans – not the party activists want to get done. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4c4DAHP

SUNDAY READS

OVERTAX: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: Olmsted County officials on Friday announced they accidentally overcharged property owners by $1.5 million as part of this year’s tax levy….County officials in an April 10 news release said they recently discovered the error, which they attributed to a data entry mishap. Officials have since put more safeguards in place to prevent a similar overcharge and plan to set aside the $1.5 million as part of the county’s 2027 budget. GRANSEE: “This was a genuine human mistake,” County Administrator Travis Gransee said in the release. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mz4tZp

FISHING: via MPR, VERBATIM: : State auditors this week said they have “significant concerns” about the Department of Natural Resources’ plan to rollout a new app-based system that will allow hunters, fishers, boaters and users of off-road vehicles to purchase licenses on their smartphones. SASS: “I think there’s issues all over the place,” said Joe Sass, IT audit director for the Office of the Legislative Auditor, which released a special examination of the system Wednesday...The electronic licensing system, or ELS, was originally planned to launch in March of last year, but it has experienced significant problems and delays throughout the development process…According to the audit, part of the problem is the sheer amount of data that must be handled by the new system.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4csIBKO

CARP: via the WSJ, VERBATIM: “Asian carp have taken over the Mississippi River and dozens of tributaries, where they have menaced native fish by eating much of their food. They’ve also spent years terrorizing locals by leaping from the waves and crashing into boaters, water skiers and fishermen. CARTER: “I’ve had them hit me in the arms and legs,” says Carter, who recalls one bone bruise on his shin that took weeks to heal. On one outing near Carter’s home in central Illinois, a flying carp knocked his friend out cold. “It actually hit him between the eyes, dropped him to his knees,” he recalls. Another friend had his nose broken.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6jiVX

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NEXT WEEK

TUESDAY: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting a “School Choice Rally” to support private school voucher legislation at the MN Capitol on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. The event is advertised as a response to the No Kings rallies, saying in a release: “They had ‘No Kings.’ Now it’s our turn.”

WEDNESDAY: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5.

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.

Subscribe now

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.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Nothing Seems Easy

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:42:10 GMT

SPRING SHOWERS

Twins sweep. Wild let one slip away.

Wisconsin vs. Denver in the Frozen Four Final.

Rory McElroy and Sam Burns lead The Masters. Some reader’s of morning take had their clubs open yesterday.

USA Today readers ranked Winona as one of the Midwest’s top 10 small towns to visit. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/47Tf6Ab

A town in Wisconsin decided its mayor by coin flip after the election resulted in a tie. KARE: https://fluence-media.co/4vqrSQU

The Artemis II crew will return to Earth tonight at approximately 7:00 p.m. central. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3OxnvTk

The USPS will have a “temporary” 8% surcharge on packages starting April 26, with permanent price increases to stamps in July. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3PRvZ8p

Enjoy your concerts of choice this weekend…it’s National Siblings Day if you have them.

Sunday Take will be on schools - 9AM Sunday AM on WCCO Radio.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

On Sunday Take, GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska and DFL Rep. Matt Norris discussed what the Legislature did on break and what they expect to get done this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3O830wr

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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HERE WE GO AGAIN…

Lyrics from my high school anthem kick off the concert filled weekend…but the issue of non-support of law enforcement and remains gum on the shoe of DFLers which will test the unity the party has had for the past few years. The comments of Commissioner Marion Greene two weeks ago combined with the lack of support for Chief Brian O’Hara suggest that the DSA/Anti-police DFLers are ramping up again at a time when livability issues and the cities reputation should be front and center…meanwhile the economy and indicators suggest the headwinds are getting stronger.

Everyone touts “affordability”…the elected class should reflect and channel some Morgan Wallen…if we applied the “I’m the Problem” lyrics to both parties it fits too well.

You say I’ll never change
I’m just a go around town with some gasoline
Just tryin’ to bum a flame
Gonna burn the whole place down
And how do you explain
Ever fallin’ in love with a guy like me in the first place?
Then turn around say that I’m the worst thing

One week away…A MUST ATTEND EVENT!….It’s BACK! The TwinWest Legislative Breakfast is on April 17, featuring Senate Min. Ldr. Mark Johnson, House DFL Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long, Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and House GOP Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska in a mid-session discussion moderated by Blois Olson and presented by Fluence Advisory. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4lWWmFM

MPLS: via Fox 9, VEBRATIM “The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted 7-6 against reappointing Todd Barnette as the city’s community safety commissioner, a role that oversees the police department and other public safety agencies. Barnette, a former Hennepin County chief judge, has held the post since 2023. FREY: “We need to be concentrating on items like public safety right now, and I’m going to do everything in my power to keep Todd Barnette in this position,” the mayor said at a news conference on Thursday….You could have the city council suing the mayor, which would only escalate the tensions between the two,” said FOX 9 Political Analyst Blois Olson. “We’ve never seen this situation before, which is, I think, why the city attorney is reviewing case law to see just how much power there is.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dFe6Ds

The House at the mid-point of session channeling their best Gaga…”A little gamblin’ is fun when you’re with me…GOP BUDGET: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Republicans want to pass the largest tax cut in Minnesota history. Ringing in at $3.8 billion in reductions, House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and caucus leaders announced their budget plan Thursday, dubbed the ‘North Star Comeback.’ … The plan includes $1 billion for one-time property tax relief, an end to taxes on tips and overtime, efforts to lower child care costs, the elimination of car tab fees and hundreds of millions of dollars funneled into schools through scholarship granting organizations. Republicans also want to prioritize an investment in modernized IT systems for public services administered through counties, fund fraud prevention and compliance with President Donald Trump’s HR1, better known as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ckhHVi

TRANSPORTATION: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Democrats in 2023 passed a climate-focused transportation bill meant to dial back highway expansions in favor of more spending on transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects. Republicans have tried, and failed, to unwind the law since then. But now, some local governments are joining the chorus of detractors demanding changes. A handful of local leaders told the House Transportation Committee yesterday that the law could drive up costs for some road projects by up to 50%. … Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, [said] he will soon bring a bill to repeal the law to his committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ciacxW

AD TAX: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Advertising sales aren’t generally taxed, but a few states, including Washington and Maryland, are rethinking that policy. A DFL bill would lower Minnesota’s sales tax rate, but expand the tax to include nondigital and digital advertising. Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, a coalition of labor unions, told Minnesota Senators that big tech companies are raking in digital ad dollars and should be taxed. … Brian Cook of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce disagreed, saying Minnesota businesses of ‘all kinds and all sizes’ will bear the burden of the tax and costs will be passed onto consumers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48xefFt

CD3: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Democratic U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison violated a law that requires members of Congress to disclose financial trades within 45 days of making them. … Morrison was months, and in some cases more than a year, late in reporting several trades worth millions. … A spokesperson from Morrison’s office said the congresswoman’s financial portfolio is overseen by an investment manager and that she had ‘no prior knowledge of these transactions before they occurred.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sAnrQY

HCMC: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the first proposal for how to help [HCMC] overcome its difficulties arrived. Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Mpls) sponsors HF4841, which would modify a Hennepin County sales tax created for the development, construction and public infrastructure of Target Field, channeling some of its proceeds to grants for [HCMC] and the hospitals of North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale and Maple Grove. The bill would extend and increase the current sales tax in Hennepin County from 0.15% to 1%. … The House Taxes Committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion. Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) is the co-sponsor of the bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tAXyRA

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THE FRAUD FEED…

BIZ GRANTS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The head of the Minnesota agency overseeing $100 million in small business grants says fraudsters are targeting the program, highlighting the need for multiple layers of protection in an interview with 5 INVESTIGATES. … DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said [that] while safeguards are in place for the Minnesota Promise Act, they are not foolproof. ‘People are targeting this program for fraud,’ Varilek said. ‘That is unquestionable.’ … On Thursday, Varilek told lawmakers that they have referred 76 potentially fraudulent applications to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Those applicants did not receive grant money. However, when pressed further, Varilek told the committee that the agency has already clawed back some money in the neighborhood of $10,000.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t6iRuG

MED FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) provided an update Thursday afternoon on its effort to inspect and review more than 5,500 Medicaid providers statewide. … DHS officials [said] 550 providers have completed the process and been approved, 160 providers disenrolled, 1,510 applications are incomplete [and] 990 providers have not responded. DHS said they are moving forward to disenroll those 990 providers. … About 2,300 providers have yet to be reviewed by DHS.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QtwLZc

FEED FRAUD: via U.S. Attorney’s Office, VERBATIM: “Two more defendants — Suleman Yusuf Mohamed and his brother Gandi Yusuf Mohamed — have pleaded guilty for their roles in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. … Suleman Mohamed pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and has agreed to pay $8,662,287 in restitution. … Gandi Mohamed [laundered] $1.3 million of his co-defendant’s fraud proceeds, which he has agreed to pay back to the government as restitution.”

AG OFFICE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison, Representative Matt Norris, and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart’s legislation to combat Medicaid fraud passed the Minnesota Senate State and Local Government Committee. The legislation, known as the Medical Assistance Protection Act or MAP Act, will expand Attorney General Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), give them new investigative authority, and strengthen state Medicaid fraud laws. … [The bill] was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t4iFw7erns about her going over budget, ‘I think that they need to be more realistic [about] what the duties of the office of sheriff and the sheriff’s office are.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t26Eav

LEGISLATION

GUNS: via MN House advisory, VERBATIM: “Representatives Andrew Myers (R–Tonka Bay), Danny Nadeau (R–Rogers), Ben Bakeberg (R–Jordan), Jeff Witte (R–Lakeville), and Patti Anderson (R–Dellwood) are calling for a more coordinated, prevention-driven strategy to reduce suicide and gun violence. A plan spearheaded by the Suburban Solutions Caucus and supported by members of the House GOP Caucus was announced today: the Safer Communities Together Initiative, a layered plan centered on early intervention, better information-sharing, and proven models working in other states.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e8tAjy

PREDICTIONS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “If you log into prediction markets like Kalshi or Polymarket today, you could wager on whether Iran will conduct a nuclear weapons test this year. … Minnesota lawmakers say the sites have bypassed state gambling laws and created some legal gray areas around who can participate. They’re aiming to make it a felony to host or advertise a prediction market here. … After discussing it on Thursday, the House Commerce Committee set [the] bill aside for now. The Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced a companion bill Thursday on a voice vote. … The proposal has bipartisan backing in both chambers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t4koS7

CRYPTO: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate passed Senate File 3868, authored by Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL-Woodbury). After a surge in scams, this legislation would ban cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota. … The bill passed the Senate on a vote of 57-10. It awaits consideration by the Minnesota House of Representatives.” QUOTE: “We took a great step forward to enhance consumer fraud protection in Minnesota. Cryptocurrency scams have targeted some of our most vulnerable neighbors who have lost tens of thousands of dollars.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4ee1YcN

MORE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Bitcoin Depot, the company that sued the cities of St. Paul and Stillwater last year after they banned cryptocurrency machines, is dropping its lawsuits at the same time as the Minnesota Legislature takes up a statewide ban.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c6SwoQ

SOLAR: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “The state’s Community Solar Garden Program will now be called the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The new name honors Speaker Emerita Hortman’s work to start the program in 2013. … Following passage of the bill by a vote of 59-7, chief author Senator John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) released the following statement.” HOFFMAN: “Melissa was the driving force behind Minnesota’s Community Solar Program, which grew to become a national model for other states, and helped Minnesota become a nationwide leader in clean energy and climate policy. By renaming this program, we are honoring just one small part of her incredible legacy.”

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence provides media support to the Hoffman family)

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

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CAMPAIGN 2026

SENATE RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A new Democratic candidate in the Senate race has emerged. Howard Dotson, a health care chaplain and bereavement counselor, filed paperwork yesterday with the Federal Election Commission to build a campaign. He’s run for office before, launching a campaign for the Minneapolis mayor’s job last year. … He’s also gotten some media attention previously for service work around opioid addiction and being sued successfully for defamation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48xefFt

SOS RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Dave Meissner [is now] a Republican running for Minnesota Secretary of State. His background is in IT and supply chain logistics. He’s also the founder of a faith-based nonprofit called Nation Under God. … He said he’s running on a three-point platform that puts election judges more in the driver’s seat on ballot handling throughout the election cycle. Tad Jude and Wendy Phillips are also seeking the GOP nomination to challenge three-term DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48xefFt

THE ECONOMY

INFLATION: via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “The price index for core personal consumption expenditures (core PCE) continues to grow at a rate well above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent inflation target. This note assesses the claim that tariffs account for most of core PCE inflation’s overshoot of that target. We argue that the pattern of inflation within disaggregated PCE goods categories is inconsistent with the impact of tariffs predicted by a widely used accounting framework. If tariffs have not (yet) shown up in core PCE inflation, then other factors may be keeping inflation above target.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c0IVRT

NURSING HOMES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Unprecedented minimum wages for thousands of nursing home workers in Minnesota are delayed again. Leah Solo, executive director of the state’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, said at a board meeting Thursday that the Trump Administration has reset to day one its 90-day clock to review the wage floor. … [It’s] the second major bureaucratic delay over a wage floor that was set to go into effect Jan. 1. It comes as the first-of-its-kind workforce board faces a lawsuit from nursing homes calling for its elimination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t5sHNt

(DISCLOSURE: The Long-Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)

GAS PRICES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “While crude oil prices dropped this week following news of a tenuous ceasefire in the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, gas prices continue to rise in Minnesota. … The average price of regular gas in Minnesota on Thursday was about $3.74 a gallon. That’s up more than 15 cents a gallon since Monday, and close to 50 cents higher than a month ago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sAmwQw

DNR: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Department of Natural Resources’ new electronic licensing system has been held up by a number of problems. This is the system the DNR plans to use to provide electronic hunting and fishing licenses. … The Office of the Legislative Auditor released a scathing special examination yesterday that lays out ‘significant concerns’ about several aspects of the project. The system was supposed to go live in March 2025 but has been on hold.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48xefFt REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4svtpCt

IMMIGRATION

OVERSIGHT: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “U.S. Rep. Angie Craig made an unannounced visit on Thursday to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. … Craig [said] she came to verify the Trump Administration’s compliance with a judge’s order affirming that members of Congress may conduct unannounced inspections of immigration facilities. … Craig [said] she was told there was one person there in custody. She was not permitted to meet with that individual. … Craig said an ICE official told her on Thursday the agency made 43 arrests in the past week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41lzDd9

EVIDENCE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A U.S. District Court judge in Minnesota ruled Thursday that multiple federal agencies have three weeks to produce troves of unredacted evidence related to the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross. … Judge Jeffrey Bryan ordered the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota, the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to turn over the [requested] evidence to the court so that a magistrate judge can review it. … The order states that if any evidence is not available, the federal government needs to explain each missing item.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cklXEg

INVESTIGATION: via WIRED, VERBATIM: “On January 7, [ICE] officer Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good. … That same day, an official from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) texted a Federal Bureau of Investigation counterpart, repeatedly requesting access to the crime scene evidence. But according to records WIRED obtained through a public records request, the FBI did not respond for at least two days. … The texts provide new insight on a breakdown in communication between the two agencies that eventually contributed to [a] lawsuit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cmf9WN

ACROSS MN

MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted [7-6] against reappointing Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette to his post. Mayor Jacob Frey said he plans to veto that and keep Barnette in the job. … Council members voting against his reappointment took issue with his communication with the council, and cited concerns with the police department during his tenure, including the department overspending its budget by $20 million in 2025. … At a press conference after the council’s vote, Frey said council members who opposed his reappointment [had] voted out of frustration with the structure of the Office of Community Safety, and with his policies as mayor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t0RKAZ

MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said it was ‘difficult’ to be in the room as councilors voted against reappointing Todd Barnette as the commissioner of community safety. It’s possible that O’Hara’s anticipated confirmation vote could be equally divisive. … Both [LaTrisha] Vetaw and [Soren] Stevenson declined to say how they would vote; Councilors Aurin Chowdhury and Aisha Chughtai declined to comment. Councilors Jamal Osman and Jamison Whiting, however, are joining Mayor Jacob Frey in voicing their full support for O’Hara. Osman, who voted against Barnette, said that O’Hara has earned the respect of the city.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eebBYZ

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A new report commissioned by the St. Paul Port Authority finds that the capital city, which has struggled with how to grow jobs and its tax base, is sitting on an underappreciated gold mine of opportunity in its industrial sector. … While many of the capital city’s outdated downtown office buildings have seen their values trickle down, the value of industrial land is going up more than any other land use category in the city this year. The share the industrial sector pays of St. Paul’s property taxes is also going up, with relatively little demand in return for costly public services. … Overall, the city’s developable industrial land accounts for 6% of the city’s acreage, 9.3% of the city’s property tax revenues, 31,000 jobs and 17.8% of the city’s job base.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4siEB5b

MANKATO: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Committee on Small Business, hosted a roundtable discussion in Mankato with local small business owners to discuss legislation he has introduced to empower southern Minnesota small businesses and hear firsthand the positive impacts local businesses are experiencing from tax provisions within [HR1].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Dj0gN

DULUTH: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today visited Duluth, where he met with students, education leaders, and families at a local school to discuss child care affordability. The Governor also visited the Port of Duluth-Superior as the second stop on his statewide infrastructure tour. … At Piedmont Elementary School, the Governor read with preschool students and kicked off a roundtable discussion with the Department of Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart, child care providers, school leaders, and families. … Following the school visit, the Governor toured the Port of Duluth-Superior.”

COMING UP

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: No committee meetings. SENATE: Judiciary & Public Safety hears bills on psilocybin, penalties for assaulting transit workers, a ban on disability discrimination, the establishment of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and more. Rules & Administration hears restrictions on prediction markets and online sweepstakes. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/41sDDIL

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Blue Earth, Le Sueur and Nicollet counties today. Per his office, Simon will “meet with local election officials, voter outreach partners, [and] students at Saint Peter High School and the Minnesota State University-Mankato.”

WEDNESDAY: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5.

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BDAYS: Regent James Farnsworth, green guy Michael Noble, sage counselor and author Jon Austin. SAT: fmr. Congressman Mark Kennedy, lobbyist Bill Amberg. SUN: Rep. Dave Pinto, Freedom Foundation’s Annette Meeks

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.

morning take | Legislative Realities and Requests

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:50:22 GMT

FRIDAY EVE

Wolves lose. Twins win.

Masters and Frozen Four weekend, the couch is calling.

I’ll be the guest of the Economic Club of Minnesota today to have a conversation about trade with Mari Pangestu to discuss global trade. A timely and urgent topic.

The State Patrol and others providing security at the Capitol are doing a great job – but next session there should be more screened entry points, including a group entrance and another for pre-screened non-government employees.

GOP Gov. candidate Mike Lindell will have a town hall in Chaska tonight – measuring the crowd will be a signal of his level of support and impact on the GOP

The Strait of Hormuz is closed again after Iran accused the U.S. of violating its ceasefire agreement. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4vjyQHa

The Federal Reserve may consider interest rate hikes in response to the Iran war. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Qty7mI

Pope Leo XIV has reportedly decided to avoid visiting the U.S. for now, following a contentious meeting between the Pentagon and a Vatican official. INDEPENDENT: https://fluence-media.co/4t2egtu

Two tickets to Morgan Wallen tmrw night if you’re interested – shoot me a note.

Today is National Unicorn Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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THE OPENER

All the Michelin news is good - but the sliver of hospitality it represents isn’t significant economically. A guide isn’t going to save us, it’s a shiny object - we have a structural economic, reputation and regulation challenge that makes the Twin Cities and Minnesota an outlier.

If you want actual data about the State of Hospitality report released yesterday by Fluence Advisory client Hospitality Minnesota has it. VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s hospitality industry is on the brink of no return. The current economic environment in Minnesota is not sustainable.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4sWaIsx

As an optimist it’s hard to look at the trends in health care, agriculture, hospitality, job growth and investment in the state and not be concerned. Fluence will be launching more economic dashboards in the coming months, and there is plenty of analysis to be done on the campaign dynamics of the year, and how we got here. Stay tuned.

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REALITY CHECK…

RELIEF: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4477, as amended, would establish a small-business relief fund for Minnesota business owners that experienced significant financial losses during ‘federal enforcement activity.’ … Sponsored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), the bill would provide grants between $5,000 to $25,000 to businesses with less than $3 million annual revenue that experienced a 20% or more drop in business. … The bill, which includes fraud-investigation authority for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, does not specify an appropriation, though $100 million has been suggested. No committee action was taken.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cyHNoE

KICKBACKS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A possible gap in its own administrative rules could be preventing the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) from stopping payments to social safety-net service providers while they’re under investigation for alleged kickback schemes. … Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Theisen [said] the word ‘kickbacks’ is not included in DHS’s definition of fraud, and as a result, the state ‘could be required’ to keep paying providers while those investigations continue. … Rep. Patti Anderson, R-Dellwood, [said] several bills include the definition change, [but] no fraud prevention proposal has passed both chambers so far. … Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, requested that DHS begin the rule-change process even as lawmakers work on legislation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QtyJJ2

SCHOOLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Rocori High School shooting in 2003 — one of Minnesota’s first — left two teenagers dead and rattled the small city of Cold Spring in central Minnesota, where [Lisa] Demuth and her family lived. More than 20 years later, Demuth now has a pivotal role in how Minnesota responds to the mass shooting at Annunciation. … That Demuth had four children on the Rocori campus during the 2003 shooting is not widely known, but it has helped shape her response to Annunciation. The debate over how to respond is expected to dominate the final weeks of the legislative session. … She said addressing school safety is a ‘must’ at the Legislature this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4spLkKW

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “There’s cutting-edge technology on the market that schools can use to detect potential weapons threats on campus. Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill to provide $4 million to the Department of Public Safety to implement a pilot project using the technology at eight schools across the state. … No vote was taken by the committee, but the bill will be considered to be included in a broader public safety bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mt0zRN

HENN CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “While the sheriff says she’s seeking ways to tighten the budget, Dawanna Witt says her office being millions over budget isn’t all her fault. She’s pointing to the entity that approves her budget, the Hennepin County Board, claiming it’s not fully funding her for the staff she’s approved to have. … Possible job cuts and shifting role responsibilities are on the table. … Witt added, regarding concerns about her going over budget, ‘I think that they need to be more realistic [about] what the duties of the office of sheriff and the sheriff’s office are.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t26Eav

ECONOMICS

NDA: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “After local governments secretly approved data center projects across Minnesota, Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature have rallied behind a bill that would prohibit local government officials from signing nondisclosure agreements. … The bill (HF4077/SF4379) would require more government transparency around data centers, as well as any other project involving the use of taxpayer funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eazZuw

FUEL CREDIT: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan coalition of legislators created an income tax credit in 2023 to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel. However, no one has yet applied to receive it. So the taxes committee co-chair, Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), is sponsoring a bill to expand the tax credit and introduce a new set of environmental safeguards. HF1669 was laid over, as amended, for possible inclusion in an omnibus tax bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41mCouK

(DISCLOSURE: Delta Airlines is a client of Fluence Advisory)

FOR RURAL HOSPITALS, 340B ISN’T A WINDFALL — IT’S A LIFELINE: 30% of Minnesota hospitals are operating in the red. Savings from the 340B Drug Pricing Program help keep the doors open for safety-net hospitals that serve the most rural and underserved populations. Legislators can support access to local, high-quality care in their districts by strengthening the 340B program this session. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uPSZV1 (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

INFERTILITY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Twenty-five states have laws requiring some form of insurance coverage for infertility. Minnesota is not one of them. Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-Eden Prairie) sponsors HF4609 to require Minnesota health plans to cover infertility treatments. … No committee action was taken.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sVDuJP

LGBTQ: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Minnesota senators advanced two bills Wednesday, April 8, on conversion therapy — a practice that, as of now, is banned in the state. … Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, [said] ‘We are addressing two additional questions: What happens when that harm occurs, and in light of the decision last week, how do we ensure that our laws meet the constitutional standards articulated by the Supreme Court?’ … SF 4706 would make mental health providers who perform conversion therapy on minors liable for damages. … SF 4707, would bar health insurance coverage of conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48zHSWG

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

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CAMPAIGN 2026

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Four Republican candidates for U.S. Senate debated each other on Tuesday night in Apple Valley, drawing style and a few policy contrasts to woo delegates who will decide the GOP endorsement at the state party convention in May. But as they competed with each other, the candidates also repeatedly found common ground in rallying against a rival who wasn’t there: Michele Tafoya. The former sports journalist is seeking the Republican endorsement but was not invited to the debate because she has not promised to drop out of the race if she doesn’t get it. Tafoya took criticism for her stance on several issues, including abortion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cdD7mG

25TH AMEND: via Spectrum News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s handling of the war in Iran is sparking the first widespread wave of demands for his removal from office in his second term, including calls for his ousting through the 25th Amendment of the Constitution and moves to introduce articles of impeachment. … The president’s Truth Social post Tuesday morning in which he declared that a ‘whole civilization will die’ [was] a significant escalation for many Democrats in Congress, with dozens calling for his removal from office via the 25th Amendment. … OMAR: ‘Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove,’ Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., wrote in response.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c1LAuw

MORE: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) joined over 220 state legislators from 27 states today in signing a national statement [demanding] that members of the Presidential Cabinet and Vice President JD Vance invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office, and that Congress assert its constitutional authority and enforce its war powers under Article I, Section 8.” Signatories include 34 members of the Minnesota House and 19 Minnesota Senators, including Majority Leader Erin Murphy. LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/47RnErn

ICE FALLOUT

ICE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Minnesota heard arguments Wednesday on whether the Department of Homeland Security should be required to treat schools as protected areas free of immigration enforcement. … Lawyers for the districts offered examples of ICE staging operations in school parking lots, pulling people from their cars on their way to school and targeting people for detainment in school parking lots or near bus stops. … Judge Laura Provinzino said at the end of the hearing that this was an important case, [but] she did not indicate when she planned to rule on the matter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cx9qhQ

REFUGEES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For more than half a century, Minnesota welcomed immigrants fleeing war, ethnic violence and famine. From Southeast Asians after the Vietnam War to East Africans displaced by civil unrest, the migration has been an altruistic exchange. … But that social compact is fraying under President Donald Trump. … Over the last year and a half, the federal government has also taken unprecedented steps to make it harder for legal immigrants to work and stay in the United States. … The changes are forcing many immigrants to navigate an already complicated system alone. Some are giving up and choosing to leave the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48iAm2s

HOTEL: via MSP Business Journal, VERBATIM: “The Lakeville hotel that was a flashpoint amid the Operation Metro Surge immigration raids has sold at a steep discount to a Chicago-based hospitality firm. Lakeville Inn, which lost its Hampton Inn banner in January after refusing to lodge federal immigration agents, sold to an entity connected to Chicago-based Jamp Hotels on March 26 for $8.5 million. … The seller, Lakeville Hotel LLC, bought the building in August for $11.9 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cfTMWQ

HEALTH

PARAMEDICS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Records show Hennepin County paramedics are consistently operating below staffing minimums as emergency call volumes increase, leading to union concerns about mental health and burnout. … Union survey results show more than half of the staff are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels. … County leaders acknowledge challenges but say response times remain steady and staffing will improve soon.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41mA4Uw

HOSPITALS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “HCMC isn’t the only level one trauma center in the [metro] area that’s struggling financially. North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale has been sounding the alarm for several years, but despite sharing so many similarities with HCMC, it has never gotten any kind of extra financial help. … Like HCMC, the key safety-net hospital has more than 100,000 emergency room visits every year, and 75% of its patients are covered by government programs. It has already laid off employees, [but] in 2025, it still lost $50 million. … If HCMC [closes], North Memorial’s patient volume would double.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dCCw0l

DRUGS

ADDICTION: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In 2021, Medicaid covered substance use disorder treatments for about 102,500 Minnesotans. … Currently, Medicaid covers roughly half of all substance use disorder treatments in the state. … But Medicaid is about to change, and [advocates] worry benefits might be disrupted or disappear. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act [will] reduce spending on federal programs like Medicaid in part by culling its rolls. Even though the bill includes protections for people with substance use disorder, patients and providers fear they’re hardly a guarantee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Dt4X9

POT: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health is preparing to launch a cannabis education campaign. … The state’s health agency is seeking a contractor to develop a prevention and education program on the risks of cannabis use. The program will focus on educating individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant. … The contract is expected to start July 1 of this year and go through June of next year. Total funding for this project is up to $1 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sljkru

STATEWIDE

MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A measure altering zoning regulations and establishing ‘safe outdoor parking’ spaces for people experiencing homelessness has taken a step forward in Minneapolis. … Members of the city’s Planning Commission unanimously approved the amendment, recommending that the City Council approve the zoning changes. It’s still unclear when it will go before the full body for a vote. The amendment is modeled after similar programs in Duluth and Denver.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bYEgzQ

ROSEMOUNT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Carson Thomas was sworn in as Rosemount’s police chief Tuesday night. … Thomas joined the Rosemount Police Department in 2022 as deputy chief. … With Tuesday’s appointment, Thomas became the first Asian American police chief in Dakota County and just the second in Minnesota history — a milestone recognized by representatives from the Minnesota Asian Police Officers Association, who attended his swearing-in ceremony.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Or2aLm

STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Stearns County commissioners are weighing whether to ban rifle use for deer hunting, a decision that could reshape how residents hunt after a recent change in state law returned that authority to local governments. The debate drew a packed crowd, [and] more than a dozen residents spoke during a nearly two-hour public hearing. … Most speakers supported allowing rifles, citing safety, accessibility, hunting ethics and personal choice. Commissioner Joe Perske said he worried some residents who support a rifle ban may have felt discouraged from speaking.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cy9m1l

WILLMAR: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Three children have been arrested and are being held for felony threats of violence after Willmar Public Schools staff found a threatening letter on Monday, which led to all Willmar Public Schools being canceled on Tuesday. … Police say there is no further threat to school staff, students, or the public, and Willmar Public Schools are in session per usual on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41RiAQe

COMING UP

SESSION: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Commerce hears a prediction market ban and required coverage of infertility treatment. Judiciary & Civil Law hears a ban on municipal NDAs. Education Finance hears a bill on teacher wages. Higher Ed. hears a bill to fight enrollment fraud. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear a bill suspending Medical Assistance funds to providers accused of fraud. Labor hears its omnibus bill. State & Local Govt. hears partial bans on prediction markets and online sweepstakes. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/48l7qqw

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will visit a preschool to discuss his childcare proposals at 11:00 a.m. and visit Duluth as part of his statewide infrastructure tour at 12:45 p.m.

TODAY: Rep. Angie Craig will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new MVTA Bus Garage in Burnsville at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: Rep. Kelly Morrison will join advocates in announcing “nearly $1 million in federal funding” given to the City of Maple Grove to “expand a local pet rescue program,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

NEXT WEEK: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting a “School Choice Rally” to support private school voucher legislation at the MN Capitol on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. The event is advertised as a response to the No Kings rallies, saying in a release: “They had ‘No Kings.’ Now it’s our turn.”

NEXT WEEK: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.

APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 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: soccer superfan Sean Oyaas, housing advocate Shiela Delaney, business leader Nancy Lyons, lobbyist Allyson Hartle, retired chamber leader Tom Snell

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.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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