The Daily Agenda: Lunch Take

lunch take | St. Paul Skyway Survey + Topless Ban in Blaine

Mike Maybay — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:26:02 GMT

From not enough to too much – there’s a flood advisory in effect for the Boundary Waters. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48VA3ep

One local business reported getting the first tariff refund today, $1.2 million of over $4 million they are owed.

This isn’t good:

The biggest drops in job optimism, according to the Gallup poll, were among women, the highly educated, and those who don’t already have full-time jobs. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4dzlBeG

In south Minneapolis, a crash this morning killed the driver of a truck and sent a Metro Transit bus careening into a house. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u7B8Z8

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

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

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

Sunday Take featured Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya discussing her campaign, the war in Iran and what the GOP can do to win statewide. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3R09IG0

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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BATTLE LINES

MIN WAGE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When the Minneapolis City Council approved a controversial $15 minimum wage in 2017, no one knew what would happen next . . . Nearly a decade later, businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul — which passed its own similar law in 2018 — say they’re stretched thinner than ever, and both cities have lost thousands of jobs. Pressure on the hospitality industry is particularly acute. Restaurants and other leisure-related businesses say shrinking margins have left them less able to weather economic shocks, such as the federal immigration crackdown that forced many to temporarily close this winter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ubAwBS

REDISTRICTING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Some Minnesota Democrats are openly discussing whether to try to redraw the state’s political maps if they win control of state government in November. Why it matters: Shaking up the district lines before the next scheduled redistricting cycle could impact both the makeup of Minnesota’s elected representatives and the balance of power in Washington. State of play: A mid-cycle partisan gerrymandering by lawmakers would be a major departure from local norms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ffsanP

NUDITY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The City of Blaine has moved to include a woman’s bare breasts in its definition of nudity and ban their exposure in public in response to a 2025 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling. Last week, the Blaine City Council passed an ordinance formally banning nudity in public spaces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wlRnDp

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

POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

ONE WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are lined up for the final sprint of the legislative session with several priority issues left unresolved. By next Monday, it’ll all be over. Legislative leaders have yet to make a big-picture agreement that will usher the session to a tidy close. Some priorities from fraud to infrastructure financing to school safety remain top of mind. Lawmakers are also racing to ink a deal to keep a critical safety-net hospital — HCMC — afloat. Despite that, some of the details and political dynamics in the narrowly split Legislature have made compromise hard to come by.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u2DND8

MORE: The Star Tribune identifies five things to watch in the session’s last days. READ: https://fluence-media.co/430kXkh

EXIT INTERVIEW: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) has stepped away from her campaign for governor. She’s also leaving her seat in the House of Representatives at the end of this legislative session. In this edition of Newsmakers, which is transcribed below, she reflects on that decision and considers her work as chair of the House Fraud Committee.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4whps7r

SOMALI: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Following the Friday prayer, leaders of the Somali community gathered at Karmel Mall in Minneapolis to condemn what they described as escalating anti-Somali rhetoric linked to ‘Operation Metro Surge’ and right-wing politicians and media. Community and faith leaders said hateful rhetoric is fueling harassment and threats, and spreading fear among Somali Minnesotans. Imam Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, said recent ‘attacks did not come out of nowhere. They are fueled by years of reckless rhetoric, political scapegoating, and media narratives that repeatedly associate Somalis with crime, danger and social problems.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pf5xoY

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)

CONFLICTS

ELLISON V. OIL: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration’s latest lawsuit against Minnesota aims to short-circuit a six-year effort by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office to hold two fossil-fuel companies and the industry’s top U.S. trade association accountable for what Ellison calls ‘a campaign of deception’ targeting his constituents. The two-term Democrat told the Reformer he won’t be cowed.” QUOTE: “This case has been pending for six years because the industry has been throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us,” he said. “Ellison won’t quit — never.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4twRqK3

BIRDS V. SIGN: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “In real estate, the saying goes: location, location, location. A pair of ospreys nesting above Highway 12 in Wayzata apparently agrees — and no amount of orange cones was going to change their minds. The birds have built a nest on a green road sign structure along Hwy. 12, a spot MnDOT had planned to remove and replace as part of ongoing road construction. The agency worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in March to secure a permit. The department said it carefully removed the nest after confirming no eggs or baby birds were present.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4twYcPD

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. Check out Donna’s story: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)

THE CITIES

SURVEY: Via Friends of the Saint Paul Skyway, results of a survey of skyway users:

See the survey summary HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tsKxta Full results HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4noERPh

THE GROUP: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Nancy Kehmeier, a resident of the Landmark Tower condominiums, loves downtown St. Paul’s elaborate, climate-controlled skyway system, which runs five miles and 47 blocks of interconnected floors and bridges two stories above ground level . . . But she’s the first to acknowledge that one of downtown’s greatest selling points for residents, especially seniors, has struggled since even before the onset of the pandemic . . . Alarmed by growing difficulties for skyway-level residents, workers and shop owners, Kehmeier joined forces with fellow skyway denizens to launch Friends of the Skyway in January. Part advocacy group, part social network, the nonprofit association, alternately known as Friends of the St. Paul Skyway, maintains an elaborate website (SkywayFriends.org) with online maps, invitations to group dinners and social hours, and new survey results highlighting the pleasures and pains associated with skyway living.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u65Rpq

REAL ESTATE: Via Fortune, a Redfin data analysis identified the hottest neighborhoods in the country – six are in the Midwest. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5fncc

FLINT HILLS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Kick off the summer in downtown Saint Paul with the Flint Hills Family Festival May 29-30, one of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind. The Festival offers free fun for people of all ages in Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, with performances and activities that provide something for everyone, along with world-class shows inside the Ordway for just $8! Now in its 26th year, this year’s Festival lineup includes Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, NOOMA: an opera for babies, and Click Clack Moo! More than one million people have experienced the Festival, including hundreds of thousands of students who have visited on field trips during the Festival’s School Days. Join us this year! LEARN MORE: Flint Hills Family Festival (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

AIRPORT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports the leases on 48 shops, restaurants, and coffee spots are set to expire in the next two years. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uEpXXF

TARGET: Via Marketing Tech, VERBATIM: “Target is testing its AI Trend Brain tool to help apparel teams identify fashion trends and adjust product decisions more quickly. The tool was introduced earlier this spring and is being rolled out to designers working on Target’s own brands, including Wild Fable and Universal Thread. It uses inputs like social media content, runway images, and purchasing trends to help the retailer assess where fashion demand may be heading. Target has been using Trend Brain in apparel, including swimwear, a category where the company wants to maintain its market share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4trTCCo

PROMOTIONS: Via SGB Media, VERBATIM: “Target promoted Gena Fox to SVP of design; Tara Russell to SVP of merchandising, apparel and accessories; and Sarah McMullin to SVP of owned brands product operations and manufacturing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uGaRRh

ANI: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ANIP) on Friday reported first-quarter profit of $29.5 million. The Baudette, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.28 per share . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The drugmaker posted revenue of $237.5 million in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d3mMTp

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GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via New Prague-based Electromed, VERBATIM: “Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD), a leader in innovative airway clearance technologies, today announced that it will issue its financial results press release for the fiscal 2026 third quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 after the close of the stock market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48qqjIU

WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Regis, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, will issue financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026, before the market opens on May 13, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48MROwh

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

THIS WEEKEND: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “There’s a certain rhythm to Northeast Minneapolis in May—streets buzzing, doors open, and creativity spilling into every corner. As Art-A-Whirl takes over the neighborhood, Earl Giles once again leans into the moment with the return of Earl-A-Whirl Market & Bizarre and Earl-A-Weed (1325 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis), a three-day event that captures the intersection of art, culture, and community in one place.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pu1Dc5

BDAYS: Walmart’s Lisa Nelson, Rep. Brad Tabke, lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel, communication pro Dennis Stauffer, lobbyist Lori Grivna, marketer Ruth Glaser

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

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lunch take | Cyber Attack Impacts UofM, Other Universities

Mike Maybay — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:37:49 GMT

U.S. employers added 115,000 jobs in April. Unemployment nationally remains at 4.3%. READ: https://fluence-media.co/42HqAUB

The Taste of Minnesota returns this summer, this time with an all-Minnesota lineup. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42mtIoI

From Minnesota Monthly, a guide to summer camps. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tgTTrD

The Pentagon this morning began releasing UFO files – the truth is out there. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4f4Ekjq

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

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)

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

Sunday Take was all about the playoffs as sports historian Dan Whenesota and sports take’s Howard Sinker discussed why things feel different in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4w6ZraL

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

FRIDAY FEED

TODAY: Via Somali American Coalition of Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Today, Friday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m., following Friday afternoon prayers and ahead of Mother’s Day weekend, Somali American leaders, faith leaders, and community advocates will hold a press conference to address the escalating attacks and harmful rhetoric targeting Minnesota’s Somali community in what leaders are calling ‘Operation Metro Surge 2.0.’”

MERGER: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Three years after a deal with Fairview was called off, South Dakota-based Sanford Health is getting into the Twin Cities market with a new merger. On Friday, the health system announced that it will combine with North Memorial Health. Under the merger, Sanford says the organization will invest $600 million to strengthen the Robbinsdale hospital and double the Maple Grove hospital’s size.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tma7Qs

US BANK STADIUM: In a letter to Sen. Ann Rest, Chair of the Senate Taxes Committee and Reps. Greg Davids and Aisha Gomez, Co-Chairs of the House Taxes Committee, the Minnesota Vikings argue against a provision in the Senate Tax Bill the team says would “eliminate one of the City of Minneapolis’ payment obligations” used for U.S. Bank Stadium “repairs, replacements, and improvements.” The team says that would lead to a loss of $62.4 million in stadium capital funding. LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/49ADPdc

CYBER ATTACK: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A cybersecurity breach is affecting universities across the country, including the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin. Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, which students at the U of M use for online learning and to submit assignments, is unavailable as of Thursday evening. An image that appears to be a message from a hacking group known as ‘Shinyhunters’ is circulating online, in which the group takes responsibility for the hack and states that affected schools should ‘consult with a cyber advisory firm and contact us privately… to negotiate a settlement.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4whkSGp

MORE: Via Wired, VERBATIM: “Higher education has long been a target of ransomware gangs and data extortion attacks. But never before, perhaps, has a cyberattack against a single software platform so thoroughly disrupted the daily operations of thousands of schools across the United States . . . Though the hackers have been advertising the breach and attempting to extract a ransom payment from Instructure since May 1, the situation took on additional immediacy for regular people across the US and beyond on Thursday because the Canvas downtime caused chaos at schools, including those in the midst of finals and end-of-year assignments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f4tDgM

LAWSUIT: Via news release from the Attorney General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today he has filed a lawsuit against We Push for Peace, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, and two of its former directors, Trahern Pollard and Jaclyn McGuigan, alleging numerous violations of charities laws for misusing over $6.5 million nonprofit assets, engaging in numerous governance and oversight violations that enabled the rampant abuse of assets and caused other risks to the nonprofit, lying to the AGO in the course of its investigation, and ultimately causing the demise of the nonprofit to steal its business for personal gain.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4niLG53

BACK TO WORK: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Best Buy will require hybrid employees to work in the office four days a week starting in September, a move the company says will help keep teams aligned after several inconsistent sales quarters . . . In a note to employees Thursday, Best Buy’s executive team — including CEO Corie Barry and incoming CEO Jason Bonfig — said Monday is a ‘critical day in retail’ and that the consumer electronics retailer’s strategy is ‘complex, iterative and depends on us being highly collaborative.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4de3cCY

CD2: Via Everytown for Gun Safety, endorsements in U.S. House races – among them: Kaela Berg who’s running in Minnesota’s Second District for the seat being vacated by Rep. Angie Craig. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QOqnMF

MORE: From Kaela Berg via X, VERBATIM: “I’m honored to earn the support of the UAW and the incredible workers who have built the backbone of America for generations.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4eBBhz1

MORE: Via MinnPost, a deep dive into the candidacy of Sen. Eric Pratt, the GOP-endorsed candidate. READ: https://fluence-media.co/431FHIh

HOUSING

NEW THIS MORNING: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “In an unfortunate first, the Twin Cities region has failed to meet three annual goals related to housing production and homeownership. That’s the key takeaway from the most recent update to our Regional Housing Affordability Dashboard, a tool that tracks the region’s progress toward these goals, alongside other indicators measuring the health of the housing market. Those other indicators offer further evidence that the region’s housing market is trending toward a less affordable future.”

The overall trend:

One bright spot:

READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P5JvoO DASHBOARD: https://fluence-media.co/4tlpEQo

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A construction boom helped the Twin Cities surpass the 18,000 threshold each year from 2019-2022, but production has fallen short the last three years . . . Developers say a mix of high construction costs and interest rates, coupled with slow rent growth in recent years, has made building apartments difficult financially, though single-family production has fared better.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ORphPD

THE LOCALS

NEXT WEEK: Via news release from Rep. Tom Emmer, VERBATIM: “Ahead of National Police Week, which starts on Sunday, Congressman Emmer and Daniel Rosen, the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, hosted a roundtable with sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials of the Sixth Congressional District on Thursday. Congressman Emmer had the opportunity to hear from law enforcement about their needs, ongoing fraud concerns in the state, and how Congress can best support law enforcement . . . In the roundtable, they discussed the need for cooperation between the U.S. Attorney’s office and local law enforcement agencies to best address crime, including increased gang violence and drug trafficking. This coordination will also help tackle the rampant fraud in Minnesota.”

OWATONNA: Via MPR, the City of Owatonna is facing pushback over plans to replace its police and fire stations. VERBATIM: “City officials say fixing and repairing the two aging structures would essentially be throwing money away, so instead of renovating these properties, the city council approved a plan earlier this year to issue $65 million in bonds to pay for new facilities. Those bonds would be paid off over two decades with tax dollars. That means the owner of a $300,000 home would be hit with a $420 annual property tax increase. Projects that serve public safety are usually popular. But some Owatonna residents are fighting the plan to build new police and fire stations because they feel like the city made a decision without their input during the multi-year process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tn0ReQ

ST LOUIS CTY: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ground was broken Thursday on the new $45 million St. Louis County Central Range Transportation Facility that will serve an area including Hibbing, Chisholm and the surrounding communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTZ2ag

MPLS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “All but two members of the Minneapolis City Council are opposed to a proposal that would strip its power to confirm the mayor’s picks for some of the city’s top roles. Eleven of the 13 city council members wrote a letter to the Minneapolis Charter Commission ahead of its next meeting, asking commissioners to separate the item from a wider package of amendments to the city charter, saying it’s ‘striking at the very core of a system of shared powers.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Re5MBn

BLAISDELL AVE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “An emotional moment at Thursday’s Minneapolis City Council meeting as members voted to rename part of Blaisdell Avenue in honor of late Officer Jamal Mitchell. Mitchell was responding to a shooting call on May 30th, 2024 near Blaisdell and Franklin in south Minneapolis, when he stopped to help a person he believed was injured. There, he was ambushed and fatally shot.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4deK9rW

TO THE LAKE

THIS WEEKEND: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Fishing Opener—one of the state’s biggest outdoor traditions—is this Saturday, May 9, marking the start of walleye and northern pike season across Minnesota. Here in southern Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR expects good walleye numbers and with warmer conditions, they’re hoping for a hot bite to start the year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49mNyDX

MORE: Via DNR, fishing outlooks for regions of the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42Wti8A

GAS PRICES: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The average price of gas is now hovering around $4.21 a gallon in Minnesota, and it’s making people explore other options to commute. One of those ways is to use Metro Transit, which has seen a slight rise in ridership recently says General Manager Lesley Kandaras.” KANDARAS: “Transit is an affordable way to get around,” she says. “And this year, we’ve seen ridership climb month over month. We’re just a bit above where we were this time last year, but we encourage people to try transit as an affordable way to move around our region right now.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4weOPH2

COMMERCE

CHOOSE MN: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced the launch of the ‘Choose Minnesota’ initiative, a statewide effort to encourage ongoing support for local businesses and to strengthen Minnesota’s economy . . . As part of the initiative, DEED will partner with business owners and other leaders to host a series of roundtables – all of which are open to credentialed members of the press – in communities across the state this summer. These conversations will highlight the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and identify ways Minnesotans can support local businesses that power local economies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dtzD1n

MEDTRONIC: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Medical device maker Medtronic is restructuring, merging multiple businesses in its large cardiovascular segment to fuel growth as the company’s stock price continues to decline. The Fridley-run medical device company is combining its aortic and cardiac surgery businesses into a new cardiovascular surgery division, as well as merging its structural heart, coronary, and renal denervation businesses into a new interventional cardiology therapies business, according to an internal email obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42nGgfn

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Datasite, VERBATIM: “Datasite, a provider of AI‑powered solutions that enables private market investment, today announced it has acquired Valu8, a leading Swedish private market intelligence platform specializing in proprietary European company financial data.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uGB5n4

THC: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal cites Office of Cannabis Management data in reporting that Kwik Trip holds the most licenses for low-potency hemp edibles, followed by Target and Coborn’s. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nlDb9l

(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)

GYM: Via Crunch Fitness, VERBATIM: “Crunch Fitness today announced the upcoming opening of Crunch Eagan in Eagan, Minnesota. The $5.5 million, 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility will open its doors this fall. Operated by Crunch Fitness franchisee The Undefeated Tribe, Crunch Eagan will be located at 1646 Diffley Road, creating a new fitness offering for residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tpQQh1

RETAIL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new boutique has opened its doors in the Crystal Gallery Mall. It’s called Unique Fashion & Accessories, and for its owner, it’s been a long time in the making. Inside, you can find exactly what the store’s name suggests: a variety of unique clothing and accessories.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ewDFqR

EARNINGS: Via Stock Titan, VERBATIM: “[St. Paul-based] AgriBank (AGRIP) reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, 2026, showing $294.0 million net income, $320.2 million net interest income and strong capital and liquidity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Racjgo

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: Via Doors Open Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Doors Open Minneapolis is FREE and offers a behind-the-scenes look at 75 venues around the city. Building owners and caretakers will share what makes these places central to our city’s identity.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tsekSt

TOMORROW: There will be 50 food trucks in Hopkins. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cZXYvy

THIS SUMMER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “One of the last big Bemidji events of the summer, the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, is set for July 30th through August 1st this year. This is the 20th annual event, where around 40 to 50 teams will make their way onto the water for the dragon boat races…and hundreds will be cheering from the sidelines.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nitdpf

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

TOMORROW: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Lynx play their home opener on Saturday, May 9, against the Atlanta Dream. The team is three games into its preseason, beating the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, and Nigeria’s national team in competitive matchups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nd4VwE

lunch take | Bipartisan Attention to Property Taxes

Mike Maybay — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:09:04 GMT

An analyst from Gas Buddy says there’s hope for lower gas prices in Minnesota in the coming weeks. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uFaG9b

27% say the U.S. is a great place for immigrants. 61% say the it used to be, but isn’t now. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4tgnUIg

The drought situation continues to improve – the new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 30% of the state abnormally dry, down from 35% a week earlier. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take dives into the playoffs, a mammoth payday for the Gophers and our newfound fondness for Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. All that and more coming later today.

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QSuZBj

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THURSDAY HEADLINES

VA EMPLOYEES: CNN talked with Becky Halioua, a Veterans Affairs employees in Georgia who is being investigated for talking with the media at a vigil held after the killing of Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis. VERBATIM: “Halioua is not alone, several sources familiar with the matter told CNN. At least three other VA employees have been investigated for their interactions with the press, including at least one other related to Alex Pretti, according to one of the sources. As part of her investigation, Halioua says investigators emailed her photos of herself at the vigil from news coverage, which also included a brief interaction with a local newspaper. Someone had drawn a line around her image in some photographs, labeled with her name.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QU6rIg

MPD CHIEF: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Thursday that he is nominating Police Chief Brian O’Hara to serve a second term. Frey spoke alongside O’Hara during a news conference at City Hall. O’Hara is nearing the end of his term leading the city’s police department. To serve a second term, his nomination would need to be confirmed by the city council. It is unclear whether there is enough council support to confirm O’Hara.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cVwebt

SCHOOLS: MPR reports on a consequence of 2023 legislation that made school meals free for all students. VERBATIM: “While school leaders cheered the effort, the law led to changes in the way the state calculated what’s known as compensatory revenue. That’s money districts get to support students from economically disadvantaged families. Instead of counting the kids who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, districts were now only able to count kids who qualified for federal programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The math would mean a loss of $3.6 million for Columbia Heights if state lawmakers don’t continue a stop-gap, hold-harmless measure that’s set to expire soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4whiJu8

FISHING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When anglers hit the lakes for Saturday’s fishing opener — a spring ritual in Minnesota — many will bring a high-tech tool that can reveal what’s happening beneath the water in real time. Forward-facing or live imaging sonar allows anglers to spot fish, track their movement and even watch how they react to a lure. The technology’s rapid rise is transforming fishing and dividing anglers. Critics say it crosses an ethical line, giving users a significant edge that violates the idea of fair chase.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QTKxoq

TAXES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republicans and Democrats in Minnesota’s closely divided Legislature have found an issue that unites them in alarm: the steep rise in property taxes across the state. And key legislators from both parties are pushing measures to provide relief to homeowners, at least temporarily. Property tax levies across all local governments are set to rise by $873 million, or 6.8% this year. Rising home valuations are a key reason for higher bills, along with new funding pressures put on local governments by the state and federal governments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4whCguv

EARNINGS SEASON

STRATASYS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) on Thursday reported a loss of $23.8 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 28 cents . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of 3D printers posted revenue of $132.7 million in the period, also topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tlDW3A

DIGI: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (DGII) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $11.3 million. The Hopkins, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 29 cents per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of communication adapters posted revenue of $130.7 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RrBWt9

DIAMEDICA: Via Stock Titan, VERBATIM: “[Minnetonka-based] DiaMedica Therapeutics reported a net loss of $10.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with $7.7 million a year earlier, driven mainly by higher research and development spending.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4weKV0P

NVE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “NVE Corp. (NVEC) on Wednesday reported net income of $4.9 million in its fiscal fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.02. The nanotechnology company posted revenue of $7.7 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OS2HGx

AMENITIES

50 YEARS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Thursday marks 50 years since a group of people concerned about the future of the Boundary Waters and its miles of forest and water gathered at Tobies Diner in Hinckley — not for their famous caramel rolls, but to make a plan to protect the wilderness from motors, resorts, logging and mining. The challenges of 1976 facing what became Friends of the Boundary Waters Area Wilderness are similar to those faced by the group today after Congress overturned a federal ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4nl9Mw6

ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The historic James J. Hill Reference Library overlooking downtown St. Paul’s Rice Park has re-opened as Avalon event center following a $5 million renovation. Flashback: The railroad tycoon built the library as a gift to the city, but died before its 1921 opening.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4ushIhc

MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The next phase to renovate and expand the Maple Grove Community Center is moving forward, a project that comes with a slight cost upgrade due to several design changes. Phase two of the project includes new indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an expanded banquet hall, additional space for senior programs and a new indoor playground.” READ/RENDERINGS: https://fluence-media.co/4uzeV5Y

UPDATES TO ONGOING STORIES

ICE DETENTION: Via Minnesota Reformer, an update on a woman visited earlier this week by Rep. Angie Craig, VERBATIM: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it will not release a Minnesota woman facing deportation on humanitarian parole to receive surgery to remove a painful, tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst at risk of causing severe medical complications. Democratic lawmakers, clergy and human rights advocates have called for the release of Andrea Pedro-Francisco to receive medical care while her asylum application is considered, but ICE informed her lawyer on Tuesday that she must remain in detention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4Hys4

3M: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A six-year battle between 3M and the state of Minnesota over PFAS pollution at a factory on the Mississippi River has landed in court, where the company plans to present a novel defense: that it is not liable for the pollution because it was the result of work being done for the military. The Maplewood company that pioneered the use of PFAS in the last century is being sued by the state for failing to complete corrective actions at its Cottage Grove plant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tgOYHf

MORE: Via Senate DFL, from Senator Judy Seeperger, QUOTE: “This is a slap in the face to the people of my community who are facing life-threatening illnesses from the PFAS pollution that happened under 3M’s watch. By using this defense, 3M is trying to avoid facing the consequences of its own actions, something the families in my district struggling with cancer can’t.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u06Bwj

COMMERCE

POT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “After years of preparations and getting state approvals, Farmer’s Cannabis Co. in Aitkin held its grand opening this past Friday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nz9ge5

O’HARA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Later this year, one of the Twin Cities’ seminal interior design firms will say goodbye. Martha O’Hara opened her eponymous biz, now known as O’Hara Interiors, nearly 40 years ago in the Twin Cities and later expanded with studios in Austin and Dallas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P3HXvy

RESORT: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A resort on Leech Lake in northern Minnesota is the latest to come under the management of a Duluth-based hospitality company. Trapper’s Landing Lodge announced this week that it has struck a deal with Odyssey Resorts to take over its resort operations and reservations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f7LUtu

NEW COO: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced Dana McNabb has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, effective June 1, 2026. McNabb will continue to report to Chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening and join General Mills’ board of directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uzas31

NEW CCO: Via Maple Plain-based Protolabs, VERBATIM: “Protolabs (NYSE: PRLB), the world’s leading provider of digital manufacturing services, today announced the appointment of Bernardo Parlange as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective May 18, 2026, reinforcing its leadership team as the company continues to advance its growth strategy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uyMV2e

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: Via MPCA, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, May 7, join experts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as they present their outlook for wildfire smoke and ozone impacts to Minnesota’s air quality this summer. They will be joined by public health experts who will discuss the health risks of poor air quality and what Minnesotans can do to protect themselves and their families during air quality alerts.”

TOMORROW: Via St. Paul Area Chamber, VERBATIM: “Register to join us for the 3rd Annual Small Business Summit and Expo, presented by Wells Fargo. This event, brought to you by the St. Paul Area Chamber, the Minnesota Black Chamber and several other partner chambers, falls during National Small Business Week. It offers a day to learn, connect and build relationships that will help grow your business!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42gzyYF

NEXT WEEK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the traveling public and local community members to an open house to learn about upcoming 2029 improvements planned for Highway 2 between Fosston and Erskine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dfZWH9

NEXT MONTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After months of concert announcements, Twin Cities concertgoers now know when they can get their first look at Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Live Nation has announced that the new Shakopee venue will have its opening night on Saturday, June 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wgrHrI

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

LIST: Bookmark this page for when it gets warm again – MplsStPaul has a list of outdoor dining spots. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QXNHHE

BLACK HILLS: Minnesota Monthly strays west of its namesake’s border to explore a favorite destination. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uE5670

BDAYS: Eagan City Councilor Cyndee Fields, attorney Roy Ginsberg

lunch take | POLL: 67% Say MN Taxes Too High

Mike Maybay — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:16:21 GMT

The National Police Association this morning asked the DOJ to intervene in Hennepin County’s prosecution of an ICE agent who drew his weapon during an encounter with a protester in Minneapolis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/42QPCQZ

The Haskell’s on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior caught fire overnight. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42iKXag

82% of retirees say they’re financially comfortable. Only 45% of those not yet retired expect the same. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4tkXCoh

52% say they’re likely to vote for a Democrat for congress in November – 42% say Republican. 74% are very or somewhat enthusiastic about voting. MARIST: https://fluence-media.co/4d2Cn4o

75% say children born in the U.S. to parents on work visas should get citizenship. When the parents are in the country illegally, Americans are evenly split on granting citizenship. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4tgnUIg

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

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THE MOOD OF MN

The Minnesota Chamber this morning released results of a statewide poll it says shows “growing financial stress among Minnesotans, increasing pessimism about the state’s economy and rising concern that taxpayers are not getting the same value for what they pay in state taxes and costs that they have in recent years.”

A few slides from the poll results:

See all the poll slides HERE: https://fluence-media.co/42S1SRc

Read the poll memo HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4f1RkpV

BIZ PRIORITIES: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “Cutting costs remains finance leaders’ top priority, but growth has moved sharply higher on the agenda, according to the latest U.S. Bank CFO Insights Report. The results of this research are based on a survey conducted between March 19 and April 14 of 1,000 senior finance leaders. The respondents work at U.S. businesses with at least $100 million in annual revenue, and 30% work for a business that generates at least $2 billion. The survey finds that 39% ranked cost cutting as their top priority (up from 33% in mid-2024), while revenue growth rose from seventh to second (31%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f59d7l

ONE MORE SURVEY: Via Hometap, from a survey of small business owners, QUOTE: “78% of respondents say they are concerned about the current economic environment. On trade policy, 55% of millennials say tariffs have caused them to scale back investments, compared to 48% of Gen X and just 34% of baby boomers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tVQr6U

PREDICTION MARKETS: Via Semafor, VERBATIM: “As the Commodity Futures Trading Commission takes a growing number of states to court over prediction markets, Chair Mike Selig is monitoring Minnesota and other states that advance legislation that would ban or regulate them, a person familiar with his thinking told Semafor. Selig, who has so far filed lawsuits against five states that tried to crack down, praised a district judge’s Tuesday decision to block Arizona from suing Kalshi as ‘reaffirm[ing] what we all know: the CFTC has full jurisdiction.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Jrwev

SCHOOLS

MPS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Minneapolis school district leaders grapple once again with a budget deficit in the tens of millions of dollars, attention is expected to swing, at last, to its glut of underused school buildings. Twenty-nine schools, more than half of the district’s building portfolio, sit at less than 70% capacity, leading to calls to ‘right-size’ the school system to give more students access to expansive course offerings. The district also has six buildings that are vacant or not being used for district programming.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wsT0zg

DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Duluth Public School District is being forced to make changes after finding that one of their facilities is not in compliance with state guidelines. Duluth Public Schools Area Learning Center in downtown Duluth was found to be out of compliance with multiple state statutes after an in-depth review by the Minnesota Department of Education. That includes the institution’s four-day school week, student attendance, staff licensure and more.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tlsDsi

ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Robbinsdale Area School Board could ask voters to approve a bond request of between $450 million and $515 million this November. If approved, the funds would be used to update existing school buildings and create a single high school. It comes as the district continues to navigate financial struggles due to declining enrollment, aging buildings and an accounting error that previously left the district with a $21 million deficit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4evRPZk

STATEWIDE: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota legislature rarely agrees on anything. But the Minnesota House of Representatives has unanimously agreed on a bill that proposes a funding increase to school districts across the state. The Minnesota House on Tuesday approved legislation authored by Rep. Spencer Igo, R-District 07A, that would increase distributions from the Permanent School Fund to every one of the 329 public school districts and 181 charter schools and academies in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4te4xiV

THE CITIES

TOMORROW: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is expected to ban assault weapons in the city during its Thursday meeting . . . The bill approved by the council would ban certain semi-automatic weapons defined in state law that are commonly known as assault weapons. It includes AK- and AR- variants. The bill would also ban large capacity magazines, binary triggers and ghost guns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RncpBm

LRT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “As the Green Line extension to the southwest metro nears completion, Metro Transit is beginning a campaign to get people to ride the trains. Why it matters: Metro Transit is still struggling to win back passengers after the pandemic, as train ridership fell 14% last year and remains well below 2019 levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OMwJeR

METRO SURGE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “During the height of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, federal prosecutors charged three dozen people, mostly protesters, with assaulting ICE and Border Patrol agents. The alleged conduct is serious. But the government has dismissed more than a third of the cases after the allegations failed to stand up to scrutiny. Prosecutors are continuing to pursue others, including one case where a judge called the Justice Department’s actions ‘perplexing.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4upxJ7A

NEW HOPE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A former industrial site in New Hope contains a pollutant that poses risk to human health and the environment, according to investigators with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The site, located at 7516 42nd Ave. N., New Hope. used to be occupied by Electronic Industries, a former circuit board manufacturer and metal plating operation. The MPCA said the site tested for elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) in soil, soil vapor and groundwater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QRvg7y

UPTOWN: Via Southwest Voices, VERBATIM: “The Uptown Art Fair will make its highly anticipated return in 2026, reimagined as ‘Art on the Isles,’ a scenic new setting along Lake of the Isles Parkway, marking a major milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Uptown, according to new Uptown Association Executive Director Stefani Pennaz. After a two-year hiatus, the event returns to Uptown Aug. 7-9, 2026, once again welcoming nationally recognized, juried artists alongside a full weekend of community programming, live entertainment, and local business participation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PmNai4

EARNINGS SEASON

BIO-TECHNE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Biotech firm Bio-Techne on Wednesday missed Wall Street estimates for third-quarter revenue, as cuts ‌to U.S. academic funding weighed on demand for ‌its drug-development products . . . Bio-Techne’s quarterly sales came in at $311.4 million, below analysts’ expectations of $317.1 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. Uncertainty due to ‌cuts to U.S. academic ⁠funding as well as concerns related to President Donald Trump‘s tariffs have been weighing on ⁠the company’s clients.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d97qvt

DELUXE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Deluxe Corp. (DLX) on Wednesday reported first-quarter profit of $35.8 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 77 cents per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The payments and data company posted revenue of $538.1 million in the period, also topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d9iNDA

SOLVENTUM: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Solventum Corp. (SOLV) on Tuesday reported first-quarter earnings of $13 million. On a per-share basis, the Maplewood, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 7 cents . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The health care company posted revenue of $2.01 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTbneJ

COMMERCE

MINING: Via WPXI-TV, VERBATIM: “United States Steel Corp. will invest $1.9 billion at its Arkansas factory to produce direct reduced iron in what the company said will be the first facility of its kind in the United States. Direct reduced iron, whose pellets are gathered and processed at U.S. Steel’s Minnesota mines, is a premium and pure form of iron that takes the place of scrap steel in the electric arc furnace method of steelmaking. The process makes for more efficient steelmaking at its state-of-the-art Big River Steel Works plant in Osceola, Arkansas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dsvzOR

H.B. FULLER: Via St. Paul-based H.B. Fuller, VERBATIM: “H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL), the world’s largest pureplay adhesives provider, today announced the establishment of a new Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence—a purpose-built, certified manufacturing and innovation facility designed to accelerate growth across the aviation, space, and defense markets . . . Located in Charlotte, N.C., and expected to open in early 2027, the Aerospace Manufacturing Center of Excellence will consolidate specialized manufacturing, packaging, testing, and quality operations into a single, tightly controlled site engineered specifically to meet stringent aerospace requirements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uy78W1

DOWNTOWN MPLS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Linda Cao and Peter Bian—the couple behind Saturday Dumpling Co., which has grown from a pop-up to two brick-and-mortar locations plus a food hall stand in the past few years—are opening a barbecue restaurant in the former Izzy’s Ice Cream space in downtown Minneapolis. Jujube (pronounced ‘joo-joo-bee’), was born of an ‘East-meets-South’ vision, which will meld Texas barbecue traditions with East Asian flavors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48IHntG

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis-based Regis, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, will issue financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026, before the market opens on May 13, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48MROwh

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

THIS SUMMER: Via ASI, VERBATIM: “The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center announce its summer 2026 schedule, including a surreal photography exhibition Eyes as Big as Plates, the region’s largest Midsommar celebration, a traditional Swedish Crayfish dinner, and more than 100 programs for all ages.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4drPYnb

BDAYS: lobbyist Cap O’Rourke, New Hope Mayor John Elder

lunch take | Economic Indicators: Supply Chains, Restaurants & Magnets

Mike Maybay — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:16:55 GMT

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will host “a celebration of the Minneapolis sound” at the State Fair Grandstand. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42N6FDp

Today is Cinco de Mayo. While many celebrations happened over the weekend, some continue today. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4etHdtP

An Itasca County Deputy was injured in a shooting Monday. A suspect is in custody. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3P9c3NY

Last night a WCCO Radio 2-hour special – Minnesota Hospitals in Critical Condition featuring leaders and experts from across the state. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/MNHospitalsCriticalCondition

ICYMI… A special edition of sports take on the Wild, Wolves, and Frost all in the playoffs. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4naLp4b

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

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Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/491Nk5h

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

SUPPLY CHAIN: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “Shipper spending rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026 as tightening capacity and a surge in diesel fuel prices pushed freight costs significantly higher, even as shipment volumes remained largely flat, according to the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. National shipment volume edged down 0.3% from the fourth quarter of 2025, while shipper spending jumped 12.9% over the same period. This was the largest quarter-over-quarter increase since late 2020.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tc2D2f

MORE: From the report, QUOTE: “The Midwest led all regions in Q1, posting the strongest gains in both shipments and spending on a sequential and year-over-year basis. Shipments rose 5.4% from Q4—its third increase in four quarters—pushing volumes to the highest level since Q3 2024. Volumes also increased 9.5% from a year earlier, marking the first year-over-year gain in six years. The quarterly gains are even more notable given the storms that hit the region this winter; missed shipping days are rarely recovered with higher throughput after conditions improve.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3R6zLet

DINING: Via Hopkins-based Digi, results of a survey of adults about restaurants. VERBATIM: “Fifty-nine percent (59%) of consumers report worsening economic conditions over the past six months, reinforcing signals shown in reports of declining consumer sentiment and hiring rates. In response, 66% say their dining-out budget has tightened in the last year. When money is tight, consumers say they’re likely to reduce spending across every restaurant category.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u2xHTp

SMALL BIZ: From Rep. Kelly Morrison via Facebook, VERBATIM: “No better way to start out Small Business Week than to meet with small business owners in Maple Grove! Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am always amazed by their work ethic and their creativity. It’s an honor to bring their voices and their stories, and to advocate on their behalf every day in Congress.” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4te2V8I

MORE: Via CCX Media, more on the shop Rep. Morrison visited. VERBATIM: “The owner of Daily Dose, a coffee shop in Maple Grove, says it’s been tough to keep the business afloat and profitable. Tariffs raised the cost of coffee beans by as much as 50 percent. The business also saw a drop in foot traffic during the Operation Metro Surge immigration crackdown. Now there’s another hit — as gas prices go up, customer visits go down.” QUOTE: “We’re a luxury good,” owner Ben Havn said. “You might get one less coffee a week or cut that out entirely so you can pay for that $60, $70, $80 bill at the gas pump.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d0lU25

MAGNETS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Niron Magnetics is going bigger in Sartell – a planned 190,000-square-foot facility will now be 287,000 square feet. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uoP28Q

MINNEAPOLIS

TODAY: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is slated to deliver his ninth State of the City speech today at 11 a.m. The annual speech is his first since Operation Metro Surge overwhelmed the city with thousands of federal immigration and border control agents for 12 weeks, detaining thousands and shooting and killing two Minneapolis protesters. The standoff between Minneapolis residents and the federal government attracted worldwide attention and thrust Frey into the national spotlight again, earning him plaudits as the leader of the resistance to federal immigration methods.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Hl080

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Tuesday morning’s State of the City address represents a crucial reset moment for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Why it matters: Frey’s re-election campaign wasn’t built around a single signature policy project — and many civic leaders are starting to itch for one. Downtown property values have plummeted, commercial corridors are ailing, and progress on many of the solutions Frey has proposed for these challenges has been slow.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cR3VuH

STRIKE: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Concessions workers at Target Field have voted to authorize a strike as they seek higher wages and better benefits. Roughly 81% of the 500 union members with Unite Here Local 17 supported the strike authorization.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dlGUjL

AROUND MINNESOTA

HERMANTOWN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Following a packed meeting featuring hours of public testimony Monday night, the Hermantown City Council agreed to take more time to consider a plan to grant Google a property tax break that could reach $80 million, in exchange for building a nearly $2 billion data center complex in the northeastern Minnesota city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42fwbRK

WAITE PARK: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Any data center projects in Waite Park will be on pause for at least a year after the city council voted unanimously to implement a moratorium on any new projects at its meeting on Monday, May 4. While no projects have been proposed to date, the move is precautionary, according to Jon Noerenberg, the city’s planning and community development director.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uxJp8w

INVASIVES: Via KNSI-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lake associations have significantly cut down the spread of aquatic invasive species wreaking havoc on their waterways but they fear momentum will slip out of their hands when looking ahead to state funding changes. Since 2014, the state has provided $10 million each year for counties to work with local partners on preventing new infestations of disruptive water-dwelling organisms like zebra mussels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48BSbKc

HOUSING: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council. That includes homes, condos and apartments. If you go by total housing units added, at the top of the list is Lakeville, a city growing so fast it put a pause on accepting new building permits. It has added 4,861 units from 2020 to 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Flrj7

LITTLE EARTH: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “New roofs and better insulation. Updated appliances, new paint and security improvements. And a sense that it’s all transformative — and overdue. More than 50 years after the nation’s only Native-preference Section 8 housing project was established, Little Earth in south Minneapolis is undergoing a $50 million remodel that will last two years and cover all of its 212 units.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PitI62

MOVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A charter school has plans to move into a Catholic Church in Brooklyn Center. Eagle Ridge Academy got approval on April 27 from the Brooklyn Center City Council to open at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church. Saint Alphonsus operated a school at the church from 1959 until its closure in 2024.

Declining enrollment was cited as one of the factors in closing the school.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cSIjy4

EARNINGS SEASON

LIFE TIME: Via MarketWatch, VERBATIM: “Life Time Group Holdings‘ first-quarter net income rose and the athletic-club chain boosted its revenue projection for the year. The Chanhassen, Minn. operator of athletic clubs posted quarterly earnings of $88.1 million, or 39 cents a share, up from $76.1 million, or 34 cents a share, a year earlier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OVH7kp

INSPIRE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Inspire Medical Systems Inc. (INSP) on Monday reported a loss of $11.3 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Golden Valley, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 39 cents . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea posted revenue of $204.6 million in the period, also topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d6iZUb

TACTILE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Tactile Systems Technology Inc. (TCMD) on Monday reported a loss of $1.8 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had a loss of 8 cents. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations . . . The medical device maker posted revenue of $75.3 million in the period, topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f8vuky

OTTER TAIL: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corp. (OTTR) on Monday reported profit of $72.6 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Fergus Falls, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.73. The power company and manufacturer posted revenue of $347 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Po1E14

TENNANT: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Tennant Co. (TNC) on Monday reported earnings of $200,000 in its first quarter. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 1 cent per share . . . The maker of products for cleaning floors, parking lots and hospitals posted revenue of $297.9 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ntPxMR

COMMERCE

SOUTH MPLS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “We’ve long loved 50th and Xerxes, the south Minneapolis vintage and antiques hotbed, for afternoons spent treasure-hunting in stores such as Hunt and Gather, Loft Antiques, and A Rare Bird. And so has Julie Melendez, a vintage dealer who nabbed a spot selling at Loft nearly a decade ago after she brought in a particularly stunning pair of brass candelabras she found in a trash pile to sell in the shop (yes, that’s really how she got her start!). READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uvDnFn

ACQUISITION: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) (Donaldson or the Company), a global leader in technology-led filtration products and solutions, today announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Facet Filtration, an innovator in mission-critical fuel and fluid filtration solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f2ufDB

TENNANT: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Directors of Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) authorized a new share repurchase program of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, effective April 29, 2026. This authorization is in addition to approximately 560,000 shares remaining under the Company’s current repurchase program. With this new authorization, the company now has capacity to repurchase up to 2,560,000 shares which represents 15% of the basic shares currently outstanding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OIYG7h

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WHAT’S NEXT?

SUNDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “There’s a certain kind of Mother’s Day gift that lingers—and it’s not always the one wrapped in a box. It’s the morning that unfolds slowly. The shared experience. The moment where someone feels seen, appreciated, and, maybe most importantly, given time. This year, we’re leaning into that idea: gifts that feel personal and experiences that create something lasting. A mix of both—because the best celebrations rarely fall into just one category.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42g1ZWx

NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Fed and First Children’s Finance have conducted their sixth annual survey of Minnesota child care businesses. The Minneapolis Fed’s Tu-Uyen Tran and Suzanne Pearl, Minnesota Director at First Children’s Finance, will host a free webinar discussing survey results on the sector’s current health, capacity, and challenges.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4esf8Dl

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

ART FAIRS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “A sure sign that summer is coming? Minnesota has an art fair basically every weekend for the next few months.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/491wfsb

BDAYS: Cozen’s Julia Donnelly, Ctr. of American Experiment’s Bill Walsh

lunch take | Law Firm Takes Over Two Floors Downtown

Mike Maybay — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:35:32 GMT

A pilot made an emergency landing on Highway 61 in Duluth Saturday. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wfD4Aj

ICYMI… Sports Take Bonus Newsletter sent this morning jumps into playoff week for the Wolves, Wild and Frost -- and catches you up on other hot (and unexpected) topics. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4naLp4b

Tonight at 5PM on WCCO Radio – Minnesota Hospitals in Critical Condition a special Fluence Forum with conversations from across the state about how leaders are trying to tackle our latest health care crisis. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4f617v4

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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A BUSY START TO THE WEEK…

DOWNTOWN MPLS: Via Cozen O’Connor, VERBATIM: “Cozen O’Connor, a leading international law firm, today announced the execution of a new lease in downtown Minneapolis. The Minneapolis office, which includes over 80 lawyers, will occupy two full floors of the Wells Fargo Center beginning May 1, 2027. The new space provides the opportunity for further expansion as the firm plans for long-term growth, serving both local and international clients, and solidifies its commitment to downtown. Cozen O’Connor has already started space planning and design, with construction expected to begin later this summer.”

From Minneapolis Downtown Council president Adam Duininck, QUOTE: “To have a reputable international law firm say ‘yes’ to long-term growth in downtown is really a testament to the upward momentum we are experiencing right now. We are all working together to strengthen downtown’s identity as a place where people want to come to work, and I am so grateful that Cozen O’Connor has signed on for the long haul.”

From Minneapolis Regional Chamber president Mike Logan, QUOTE: “The team at Cozen O’Connor brings a client-centered, cutting-edge approach which seamlessly uplifts the vitality of downtown and our entire region. We are honored to have the firm continue their award-winning practice downtown and look forward to ribbon-cutting day.”

TODAY: Via SEIU MN, VERBATIM: “The unions and community groups who are the new owners will be joined by elected officials and architects to celebrate the construction groundbreaking of the Rise Up Center, a new training center in the former Uptown YWCA.”

TODAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Groundbreaking is Monday north of downtown Minneapolis for an 8,000 seat concert venue . . . The Upper Harbor Amphitheater project has been discussed for more than a decade.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cQry6Q

REAL ESTATE: Via Realtor.com, VERBATIM: “Last month, Minneapolis inventory jumped sharply, list prices dipped, and yet homes still sold faster than most of the country. The market is shifting — sellers face more competition, but demand hasn’t disappeared. If you’re buying or selling right now, this is a market that rewards preparation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wdk0Te

ECONOMY: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said Sunday that the prolonged Iran conflict increases risks of elevated inflation and economic harm, constraining the central bank’s ability to offer clear guidance on interest rate policy. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Kashkari said he remains focused on the Iran war’s effects on inflation and economic demand during the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global oil and gas supplies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cTEdEw

MORE: Via CBS News, the interview. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tUOEz6

DNR: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says they’re launching a modernized electronic licensing system and mobile app that will allow hunters, anglers, and boaters to purchase, store, and display licenses digitally. This new system replaces the previous 25-year-old platform. It enables linking family accounts and permits electronic harvest registration. It won’t be ready for the fishing opener, but it’s expected to roll out this summer.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4d2AODD

FRAUD: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Several anti-fraud bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate, but due to a 67-67 tie between Democrats and Republicans in the House, many of the bills have failed to make it out of committee. A package of anti-fraud reforms proposed by Governor Tim Walz to transform the Department of Human Services and improve oversight of Medicaid programs remains in limbo. But with less than three weeks to go, some proposals are inching forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPgPiL

OPERATION METRO SURGE

SURVEY: Via MPR, a University of Minnesota survey of school principals regarding the impact of Operation Metro Surge. VERBATIM: “Hundreds of school leaders — at least one in five — responded to the survey, which was conducted in mid-March. More than 80 percent said the surge negatively impacted their students’ ability to learn. About 75 percent said the surge led to thousands of students missing school with some 1,400 dropping out or unenrolling.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4url83Y

MORE: Via UofM, the survey. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tSLkVg

PARADE: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “After a remarkably difficult winter, the 51st Mayday parade in south Minneapolis was especially poignant. The festival of puppets, music and protest art has long highlighted immigrant communities and decried U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This year, anti-ICE sentiment was omnipresent, though accompanied by Mayday’s typical celebratory energy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wqurD9

THE LOCALS

ADDRESSES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins can find almost any house in Inver Grove Heights without a phone or GPS, which once made his daughter think he was ‘some kind of savant.’ He’s not — he just knows the system that much of Dakota County has used to name streets since the 1960s. The big picture: Once you learn the alphanumerical criss-cross, you can navigate huge swaths of the south metro — and see how the suburbs grew.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d0MWF5

DATA CENTER: MPR reports on the incentives for communities to approve data centers and those who oppose them. VERBATIM: “That split-screen is playing out in Hermantown, about eight miles outside Duluth, where the city council is poised on Monday to vote on a plan offering an estimated $70 million tax abatement to Google. The company says it will invest up to $2 billion on a massive proposed data center complex in a rural corner of the small northeastern Minnesota town. In return, Google is offering to pay to extend utilities and infrastructure to the project site as well as tens of millions of dollars to the city and local school district. The vote is less than a week after about 50 people from a local grassroots group gathered outside Hermantown city hall to announce a lawsuit against the city to block the project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42N55kY

NEXTGEN

NETFLIX: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Students from across the Northwest Metro may soon find themselves in the national spotlight. Code Ninjas in Plymouth recently hosted a casting event for a new Netflix series called ‘Schooled,’ giving local youth an opportunity to showcase their science and technology skills on a bigger stage. The competition series will be hosted by a former NASA engineer and pits children interested in STEM against real-life engineering challenges.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wdfpAw

MPS: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis School Board got great news Tuesday when the board’s Finance Committee learned that an additional $10 million in revenue will be available to the district both this year and next year. The Minneapolis School Board had been budgeting for a $50 million deficit and cuts had been planned including reductions in school counselors, social workers, library specialists and adult education teachers. School officials said the windfall will be aimed at restoring some of those cuts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n8jGRj

COMMERCE

MOVE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Retired KARE 11 anchor and meteorologist Belinda Jensen is joining Kowalski’s as a brand ambassador. Jensen made her final regular appearance on the station Thursday night after 33 years, though she was back on the air for her final show as the anchor of ‘KARE 11 Saturday.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RjvCDW

THEATER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “In January, the Jungle Theater in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis announced the cancellation of its remaining season, reporting financial troubles. The board and directors Christina Baldwin and Rachel Murch-D’Olimpio have been using the uncertain period to reimagine what their theater could be. This week, nearly four months after the initial announcement, the Jungle shared in a statement that its building is for sale in an effort to ease its financial burden and rethink how resources are spent on ‘artists, audiences, and the work itself’ instead of property taxes and maintenance. The theater sees a silver-lining in the change.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w9DIPx

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: Via Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) will issue a news release announcing first quarter 2026 financial results after the stock market closes on Monday, May 4, 2026, and will host a live conference call and webcast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the corporation’s financial and operating performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vwjtv3

TODAY: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its first quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42kqVfv

TODAY: Via Golden Valley-based Inspire, VERBATIM: “Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP) (Inspire) will release financial results for the first quarter 2026 after the close of trading on Monday, May 4.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mfH92I

WEDNESDAY: Via Hopkins-based Digi, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (NASDAQ: DGII) will release its financial results for the second fiscal quarter 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, after market close, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sDyMQc

WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Sezzle, VERBATIM: “Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its first quarter 2026 results after the market close on May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48AYGwA

WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, will report first quarter 2026 financial results pre-market on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OV59Mg

WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Clearfield, VERBATIM: “Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), the leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, today announced that it will release results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after the close of the market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Qqr0A

WEDNESDAY: Via Minnetonka-based DiaMedica, VERBATIM: “DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DMAC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), today announced that its first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after the markets close on Wednesday, May 6th.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Cz27h

NEXT WEEK: Via Eden Prairie-based NVE, VERBATIM: “NVE Corporation (Nasdaq: NVEC) announced that it plans to release its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 after the close of the Nasdaq Regular Market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RbeP60

THURSDAY: Via Minnetonka-based Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Company plans to hold the conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u3bHaD

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

MOTHER’S DAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, Jason DeRusha’s Mother’s Day brunch picks. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/42cdkHi

BDAYS: Minneapolis writer David Brauer, MADA’s Scott Lambert, fmr. Rep. Tom Tillberry

lunch take | Gov Candidate Drops Out + NFL Draft Here?

Mike Maybay — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:01:19 GMT

61% of Americans say the economy is off on the wrong track – it was 43% in January of 2025. REUTERS/IPSOS: https://fluence-media.co/4tKNGFH

The Kentucky Derby’s tomorrow – Minnesota Monthly has local events and where to shop ahead of time. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wb3eEj

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

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

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

OPTIMISM & UNCERTAINTY

GOVERNOR: From candidate for governor Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-37A) via Instagram, VERBATIM: “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Governor of Minnesota. It has become apparent that the establishment political class, media, and donors have anointed Amy Klobuchar, despite her refusal to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tOu0AG

MORE: Robbins talked about her decision with Fox News Digital, VERBATIM: “In terms of what’s next, Robbins says she hasn’t had the time to give that much thought but said she is focused on closing out the current legislative session and said ‘there’s a lot of big things going on in the front committee.’ ‘I know where the bodies are buried,’ Robbins said about the fraud situation, pointing out that there is much more work to be done to get answers on how the billions of dollars in fraud was allowed to go unchecked for so long.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424i2GZ

BUZZ: Could there be a chance Robbins runs with Kendall Qualls?

NFL DRAFT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal cites “numerous sources” in reporting the Twin Cities is “a clear favorite” to host the 2028 NFL Draft. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f1oBS2

TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, has long been a global movement for labor organizing, protest and solidarity. In Minneapolis this year, that tradition continues — but organizers say the stakes feel higher than usual. People across Minnesota are preparing to rally, march and speak out this May Day, reflecting both on the historical roots of the day and the challenges workers face right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tdoO89

US SENATE: Via release from the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “On May Day, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s campaign for U.S. Senate announced the endorsement of UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota’s hospitality workers union representing more than 6,000 workers across Minnesota, including hotel workers, food service workers, airport employees, and workers at convention centers and major sports venues throughout Minnesota.”

OIG: Thursday’s morning take reported a bill to create an Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud advanced to the full House this week after passing in the Senate last year. From MinnPost this morning, VERBATIM: “But one detail could still cause problems: The Trump administration, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, must green light the Minnesota Office of Inspector General investigating Medicaid fraud. This is the very part of the Trump administration that, on Thursday, once again announced it is cutting off Medicaid funding to Minnesota. The need for federal approval raises larger questions about whether the IG office duplicates existing parts of state government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dhCIkW

ECONOMY: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari wrote Friday that heightened inflation risks from the Iran war led him to object to the Federal Reserve policy statement that followed this week’s meeting, because the statement implied that the Fed’s next move is likely to be a rate cut. Before the Iran war began, Kashkari wrote in essay, he was confident that inflation was on track to cool gradually. But now, an oil-market shock that shows no signs of easing is threatening to fuel more price increases, he wrote.” KASHKARI: “If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, it is hard to see how oil, gas and other important commodities produced in the Middle East could find alternative routes to market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4emkkIS

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS

ELECTRIC CARS: Via Sierra Club, VERBATIM: “Minnesota made meaningful progress on rolling out federal EV charging dollars in 2025, but the vast majority of funding remains unspent, according to a new Sierra Club report out today.” QUOTE: “The federal government is doing everything it can to prevent Minnesotans from accessing federal funding for EV charging — that’s why it’s so important for the state to pick up the pace,” said Joshua Houdek, Senior Program Manager for Sierra Club Minnesota’s North Star Chapter. “The faster we can spend these dollars, the more we can secure the future of Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure and climate goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ujZsX8

MORE: Via Sierra Club, THE REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4t4A0UR

GREEN BANK: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Kari Swan has been busy. There is a mile between the Capitol building and the new offices of the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA), which she took over in November 2024. She’s been making the walk regularly, often both ways and in heels, as she charts a course for the future of Minnesota’s ‘green bank,’ the financing authority that the state created a few years ago to boost Minnesota’s competitiveness in the climate tech industry. MnCIFA has a unique ask for the legislature this year—it doesn’t want public money. Instead, it needs authorization to receive private investments, which right now isn’t allowed under state law. Swan and her team believe they have ‘tens of millions of dollars’ in potential private investments on the line. All they need is a yes from the legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tbdObD

DOG PARK: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When a Native American prayer camp sprang up in the shadow of the Fort Snelling immigration court this winter, Dakota leaders were among its loudest critics. Galled by what they saw as an inappropriate occupation of a sacred site, tribes issued a flurry of letters demanding the camp’s closure. The incident exposed intense differences of opinion about the right way to behave at Coldwater Spring, an understated blufftop prairie also called Mni Owe Sni. Now, the site is at the center of another debate over its proper usage, one that could have serious consequences for a beloved 6-acre ramble of woods and beaches managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: the Minnehaha Dog Park.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6UyvC

COUGARS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “In what might be a first, at least in modern times, a cougar with kittens was spotted in northern Minnesota, just south of Voyageurs National Park. ‘Oh, it’s amazing, it’s frankly surreal to us,’ said Tom Gable never expected to see four cougars together, marking the first time that breeding has been observed in over a century. Gable is project lead of the The Voyageurs Wolf Project, who captured video of the cougars. He says the discovery was unexpected as they were working on a project to track deer mortality.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Qzpyap

STATE UPDATES

TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The path to a pardon in Minnesota starts with the Clemency Review Commission. On Friday, it is scheduled to hear from 27 people who are seeking pardons. At least one of the applicants will sign on from immigration detention outside the state. Immigration status is a driving force behind several of the applications. Legal experts say that pardons can be an effective tool for immigrants who had permanent status in the U.S. but lost it due to a criminal conviction. In some cases, it may be the only tool left.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vZrh9b

THIS MONTH: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz is proclaiming May 2026 as ‘Hire a Veteran Month’ in the State of Minnesota and drawing attention to the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair on May 20. The proclamation highlights the unique value veterans bring to the state’s labor force, encourages Minnesota employers to hire veterans, and recognizes the challenges veterans may face when transitioning to civilian employment or looking for work after returning from a military deployment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42G8fa6

EARNINGS SEASON

PIPER: Via Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, today announced its results for the first quarter of 2026 . . . Net revenues of $474 million for the first quarter of 2026 and adjusted net revenues of $470 million represent our strongest first quarter on record.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uhh31X

SPSC: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “SPS Commerce Inc. (SPSC) on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $19.7 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 53 cents . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of supply chain software services to businesses posted revenue of $192.1 million in the period, missing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49mUHUJ

PROTOLABS: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Maple Plain-based] Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) reported first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with shares jumping 9.1% following the announcement on Friday. The digital manufacturing services provider posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.54, beating the analyst consensus of $0.36 by $0.18. Revenue reached a record $139.3 million, surpassing the $132.7 million estimate and representing a 10.4% increase YoY from the first quarter of 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48UHCCb

COMMERCE

ST PAUL: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Groundbreakings for new grocery stores typically don’t make news. So why does this one in St. Paul? Because it’s another sign of downtown St. Paul’s comeback, says President of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance Joe Spencer.” QUOTE: “It’s essential as we hope to grow the number of people who work and live in downtown St. Paul, and just grow the density of downtown,” Spencer says. “You just need to have groceries available. It’s just a fundamental thing.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mYRBvK

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In the bowling world, all eyes are on Brooklyn Park. The Professional Bowler’s Association (PBA) is hosting the World Series of Bowling in Brooklyn Park this year, bringing the sport’s top competitors to town hoping for a perfect game.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6Mo6I

WIRTH PARK: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A local bakery is partnering with its neighbors in Northeast Minneapolis on a new cafe at Theodore Wirth Regional Park’s Trailhead. Starting in May, the Trailhead Cafe will offer a food menu by Aki’s BreadHaus that leans heavily on the German-style bakery’s fresh bread, alongside beverages from Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative and Curioso Coffee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n5AeJS

ST PAUL: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “My most anticipated restaurant of 2026 is now open, and it’s in St. Paul. Restaurant Auburgine‘s soft open absolutely delighted. In fact, a friend of mine who is a chef and an instructor called it the most professional and smooth soft opening he’s ever been to.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4td3a4a

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: Cinco de Mayo events on St. Paul’s Westside. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cVHWSa

SUNDAY: The Twin Cities Bike Swap in Richfield. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48CNTlD

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

THIS MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “After a years-long hiatus, Glamorama—Minneapolis’s high-octane collision of fashion, music, and spectacle—is returning this May. But the name ‘Glamorama’ is just one chapter in a longer legacy. The event began in 1992 as Cause for Applause—a high-style fashion event supporting pediatric cancer research—under the Dayton’s brand. After the merger with Marshall Field’s, the show evolved into the glossier Fash Bash. It officially became Glamorama in 2003, after Dayton-Hudson transitioned all their stores under Marshall Field’s, which later folded into a broader retail umbrella—marking a shift toward a multi-city production (with iterations in places like Detroit and Chicago).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4unZXQ9

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

lunch take | MN Unemployment Holds Steady While Nation's Ticks Down

Mike Maybay — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:07:48 GMT

75% of U.S. adults think the media here have a lot of freedom – that’s down from 86% in 2022. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4n06ldT

This morning we learned the U.S. economy continued to expand in the first three months of the year, despite all the impacts of the war with Iran. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4vXlcKl

Recent precip has helped – the new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 9% of the state in drought, down from 21% a week ago. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take: How hot will the Minnesota sports calendar be in May? We’ll have a better idea by the end of the weekend when the Wild and Wolves playoff series conclude and the Frost start their quest for a third straight title. There’s also Vikings front-office drama and draft aftermaths plus the Lynx starting the WNBA season. Read about those -- as well as another odd high school coaching move – this afternoon.

The Media Insight Project conducted a study and learned teens get their news from social media while those age 65 and older get it via TV. Shocking. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uq4Atb

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QGvDll

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THURSDAY FEED

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate in March held at 4.5% while the national rate ticked down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.3%, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cJMfRG

FARM BILL: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The House on Thursday voted to strip pro-pesticide policies, which have been a source of controversy and GOP infighting, from the farm bill. The amendment to take the provisions out of the farm bill, which sets the nation’s agriculture policy for five years, was adopted in a 280-142 vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7eDC6

MORE: Via Rep. Brad Finstad, QUOTE: “In building upon the Agriculture Title of the Working Families Tax Cuts, the most significant investment in the farm safety net since the 2002 Farm Bill, the 2026 Farm Bill invests in conservation funding, ensures farmers and rural communities have access to the financing they need to maintain and improve their operations, and addresses California’s egregious Proposition 12 mandate. I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I have put in to deliver the strong farm policy that farmers, producers, and rural communities need and deserve.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/496aqYd

MORE: Via House Ag Democrats, today’s floor speech delivered by Rep. Angie Craig. QUOTE: “From tariffs that have cost our farmers’ markets, to a war that has increased the cost of fertilizer and diesel, farmers are struggling to hold onto that 3rd or 4th generation farm. The so-called ‘skinny’ farm bill in front of us today does nothing to stop these losses or to help offset the $54 billion in losses farmers have had to absorb. Worst yet, it doesn’t fix any of the underlying policy choices by Republicans and this administration that caused the problems in the first place.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dgEm6p

ARENA: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pushing the City Center complex as a potential site for a new Timberwolves/Lynx arena, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. Why it matters: The idea — first floated by Axios — would mean demolishing one of the city’s tallest towers and bringing an NBA arena onto the struggling Nicollet Mall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cUxWbF

DOWNTOWN: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Lumber Exchange has its first new tenants, as the 12-story building in downtown Minneapolis comes back to life for creative types under the vision of new owner Kristi Oman. Eleven tenants have signed on since Oman bought the roughly 140-year-old edifice for $1 in February. The tenants include creative agencies, artists, an antiques seller, two lawfirms, and a therapist, she says.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mXGF1u

SETTLEMENT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota trans athlete JayCee Cooper has reached a settlement agreement with USA Powerlifting, after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the organization violated her rights by barring her from women’s competitions. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled last year that the powerlifting organization violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Cooper is represented by the nonprofit Gender Justice. Legal director Jess Braverman said in a statement that this is a victory for Cooper.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RbSGV7

EMMER: Rep. Tom Emmer talked with Fox Business this morning about a wide range of topics including the midterm elections, funding DHS, and disagreement between Vice President J.D. Vance and Governor Tim Walz over this week’s federal raids in the Twin Cities. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tHbOJ0

EVICTIONS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Eviction filings across the Twin Cities metro jumped nearly 19% in March 2026 compared to one year earlier, as the region reeled in response to Operation Metro Surge. In Minneapolis alone, they spiked by more than 60% to 452 filings, according to quarterly data released by HOME Line, a tenant advocacy nonprofit. The city’s eye-popping percentage increase comes with an asterisk: March 2025 numbers trended low, in part due to the start that month of an ordinance requiring landlords issue a 30-day pre-eviction notice to delinquent tenants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cI6Ju5

TAX CREDIT: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Housing advocates, legislators and community members gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday to call for the extension of one of the state’s most popular affordable housing programs, a tax credit that has drawn rare bipartisan praise and fueled housing development from the Twin Cities to rural Minnesota. Few housing programs inspire bipartisan support and touch lives across both metro and rural areas like the State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund. Created as part of a sweeping 2023 spending bill, the program allows individuals and companies to contribute between $1,000 and $2 million toward affordable housing developments and receive a tax credit worth 85% of that contribution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uknQrQ

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

ICE ARRESTS: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “A quarter of immigration arrests since August were labeled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as ‘collateral,’ a type of arrest and detention that’s been challenged in court as an end run around civil rights. Public outrage and lawsuits over the arrests may be tamping down the large-scale sweeps that foster them, but tens of thousands were arrested this way between August and early March.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ukIsQP

MPD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Months before several thousand federal agents would descend on Minneapolis, dozens of city police officers worked with the regional Homeland Security Task Force. City officials didn’t disclose details of the ongoing investigations the officers have been assigned to, but they said it’s not related to civil immigration enforcement. While federal and local law enforcement collaborations are common, some say the optics surrounding the timing of this previously undisclosed task force are concerning given the federal government’s treatment of Minneapolis residents during this winter’s surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vVJlkh

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The annual Cinco de Mayo festival celebration in St. Paul carries more significance this year after months of fear and financial strain for Latino‑owned businesses during the height of Operation Metro Surge. ‘Coming together to celebrate our culture and West Side businesses is more meaningful than ever. The West Side community is like no other. We wouldn’t be here still if it weren’t for them,’ said Milissa Silva, CEO and co‑owner of El Burrito Mercado. The festival on the West Side along Cesar Chavez Street, which will be held May 1 to 2, has grown into one of the largest Mexican cultural events in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tDKaNb

EARNINGS SEASON

XCEL: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported first-quarter profit of $556 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 89 cents per share . . . The results met Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $4.02 billion in the period, which fell short of Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d09GoQ

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)

C.H. ROBINSON: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $147.2 million. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.22 . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The trucking company posted revenue of $4.01 billion in the period, which missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QJpXqC

API: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (APG) on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $57 million. On a per-share basis, the New Brighton, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 12 cents . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The company posted revenue of $1.98 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uhzqE1

IN THE CITIES

VALLEYFAIR: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “If you’ve been waiting for a reason to pack up the car, dust off the swimsuits, and commit to a full day of sun, snacks, and water slides—Valleyfair just handed you 13 of them. The Twin Cities’ biggest amusement park is debuting a major expansion to Superior Shores Waterpark on May 23, adding 13 new slides and attractions and bringing the total to 24 water experiences. That’s not a refresh. It’s a full-scale upgrade.” READ/RENDERINGS: https://fluence-media.co/4tKW73K

GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Five months after moving into a space formerly occupied by a Red Lobster, the new home of Chester Bird American Legion Post 523 in Golden Valley officially celebrated its grand opening. ‘I sensed when I arrived that I liked this building and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I liked this building,’ said Dan Wiley, national commander of the American Legion. ‘And then I found out it was formerly a Red Lobster. Yeah, I love Red Lobster. Mystery solved.’ The former restaurant’s new beginning is a rare success story. Legion officials say it comes at a time when many veterans’ organizations are closing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMPFli

MEDIA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “After a four-decade career guiding audiences through blizzards, tornadoes, floods, heat waves and a rapidly changing climate, MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner is retiring. Huttner’s final day at MPR News marks the end of nearly 20 years with Minnesota Public Radio and a career that began in operational forecasting at Chicago’s weather command in 1986.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w0CUwt

NEW FESTIVAL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A new Twin Cities festival is aimed at highlighting the homes, businesses, theaters, sports venues, and other architectural gems of the area—and the stories behind them. City Stories launches this weekend and combines two existing festivals—the MSP Home Tour and Doors Open Minneapolis—into one week-long party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cRavQI

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: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

RETAIL

TARGET: Via FreightWaves, VERBATIM: “Target has opened a new 1.2 million-square-foot supply chain facility in the Houston market designed to connect directly with global suppliers and respond in real time to store demand, the company said. The site — Target’s first-ever ‘receive center’ — represents a $265 million investment and will create about 185 local jobs, expanding the retailer’s growing logistics footprint along the Gulf Coast, according to the company’s website.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OAW4IB

MORE: Via Progressive Grocer, VERBATIM: “The facility, which is positioned strategically between Target‘s Import Warehouses in Georgia and Washington, allows the retailer to replenish inventory faster based on store and customer demand while cutting distribution costs, the company said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddWTAi

MORE: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target supply chain teams designed the 1.2 million-square-foot facility using immersive 3D visualization and simulation technology at our XR Experience Center in Minneapolis. We’ve leveraged this technology over the past several years to design and remodel properties, but this was the first time it was used end to end in the design process to create an informative and influential 3D digital model of the facility before construction began.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eSIvPa

MAPLE GROVE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes is welcoming another new tenant. Warby Parker will open at the Maple Grove shopping complex on Saturday, May 2. It’s the ninth Minnesota store for the low-cost eyeglass retailer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pd78M7

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT WEEK: Via Minnetonka-based DiaMedica, VERBATIM: “DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DMAC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), today announced that its first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after the markets close on Wednesday, May 6th.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Cz27h

JUNE: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its third quarter 2026 earnings conference call on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/426DLxT

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

NEXT MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “We’re just four months away from the Minnesota State Fair, but if you can’t wait, you can get a taste of it early. At the Kickoff to Summer at the State Fair, held over Memorial Day weekend from May 21–24, catch a sneak peak of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, with limited entry and plenty of attractions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODhdSp

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

lunch take | The Lobbying That Led to End of Mining Moratorium

Mike Maybay — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:54:30 GMT

25% of non-homeowners in the U.S. expect to buy a home in the next five years – that’s the lowest since Gallup began measuring in 2013. Americans don’t think much of the housing market, either:

MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4edfEoB

It’s been 50 years since a failing soccer franchise in Denver became the Minnesota Kicks. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3P6wACW

In the market for a golf course? There’s one for sale in Sartell. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuZJs1

From MPR, the story of the “Rebel Loon” tattoo. LISTEN/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uCy7jt

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

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

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

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

MIDWEEK CHECK-IN

NEW THIS MORNING: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down Louisiana’s voting map, finding that lawmakers had illegally used race when drawing up a new majority-minority district. The decision was 6-to-3, split along ideological lines. The conservative majority asserted that the opinion was a limited ruling that preserved a central tenet of the Voting Rights Act, but the court’s liberal wing, in dissent, argued that the justices had taken the final step to dismantle the landmark civil rights law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uk0nHj

VIKINGS: Via Minnesota Vikings, from Mark and Zygi Wilf, QUOTE: “With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders. We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization. Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.”

TOMORROW: Via Zacks, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy XEL is set to report first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 30, before market open . . . The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 91 cents, implying a year-over-year increase of 8.33%. The consensus estimate for revenues is pinned at $4.21 billion, indicating an increase of 7.69% from the year-ago reported number.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w4h4IA

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)

GAS: Via USA Today, VERBATIM: “Minnesota gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.75 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.66 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uiiP38

MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Mesabi Metallics moves toward production, legislators are moving to make changes in state minerals articles to direct future production taxes paid by the mining company to schools, cities and townships within the Taconite Assistance Area. Minerals articles authored by Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, and co-authored by Sen. Rob Farnsworth, R-Hibbing, would make a number of modifications aimed at benefiting area schools and municipalities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ed88dl

LOBBYING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The end of a 20-year mining moratorium in the Superior National Forest marked the culmination of a months-long fight on Capitol Hill between environmentalists, tribal leaders and a lobbying shop friendly with the president. Political momentum shifted toward pro-mining interests earlier this year behind a concerted lobbying push, and once congressional Republicans changed tactics. Public records show Twin Metals Minnesota paid $380,000 to the Bernhardt Group, a newly formed lobbying firm led by former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, between the second quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDJIZk

CHILD WELFARE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Minnesota counties are telling state lawmakers they need more financial support to launch a new law focused on communities that are overrepresented in the child welfare system. The African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act requires stepped-up social work to protect kids and families from foster care separation, and must be enacted statewide by January. But associations representing Minnesota’s urban and rural counties say that unless they receive additional funds to provide the necessary services, the law’s start date should be delayed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49fwlfy

LAW ENFORCEMENT

RICHFIELD: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Police fatally shot a man who was initially suspected of being a ‘car prowler’ in Richfield early Wednesday, with an officer shot in the hand during an alleged gunfight. Richfield Police Department says it was called at 3:24 a.m. to the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue by a resident who was reporting a car prowler in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49i8U5j

MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is handling the investigation. The agency confirmed that agents were responding to the scene Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officials remained at the scene, not far from Richfield Middle School and the Best Buy corporate headquarters, several hours after the shooting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddJpVd

NEW HOPE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The New Hope City Council approved nearly $2 million in police technology upgrades at its April 27 meeting, a significant investment that officials believe will help it to further promote accountability and transparency. The $1.8 million, 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise includes the purchase of new body-worn cameras, Tasers and squad cameras.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cOR5gJ

ICE IN MN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Between Dec. 1 and mid-March, about 90 people who were born in Laos and arrested in Minnesota were detained by ICE, according to detention statistics the Deportation Data Project obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. As MPR News has reported, the data is likely incomplete . . . Those who return to Laos do so with precarious legal status, according to Chanida Phaengdara Potter, managing director of ROOTS Laos, a group helping people rebuild their lives after deportation. She said, until they get permanent status, they cannot own property, vehicles or land. Those with health problems may struggle to access medical care, and those without language skills may struggle to find jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QFtupZ

NEWS UPDATES

WILD: Bring Me The News spotted a Minnesota Wild job posting for a media sales executive that talks about “a new home” for broadcasts. VERBATIM: “We can glean from this that the next broadcast partner for the Wild will feature streaming and local television access, meaning some games will be available via an app while others will be over the air on a local channel such as KARE 11, FOX 9, WCCO-TV, or KSTP-TV.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cH8700

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park City Council tabled a proposal on Monday to more than double the mayor’s salary. Currently, the mayor is paid $21,995 per year. If approved, the proposal would more than double that annual pay to $50,000 per year. That pay increase wouldn’t go into effect until next year, after the current mayor’s term expires and the November election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mY3brd

ST LOUIS CTY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County could soon be part of a new pilot program aimed at easing the local housing crisis. The ‘Minnesota Nice HomeShare’ program would pair seniors with spare rooms to adults seeking affordable housing, a renting an arrangement lawmakers call a win-win. Duluth’s housing crisis is a concern local leaders raise often.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Bs9D9

NEXTGEN: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced 10 workforce development grants from the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) program for seven Minnesota educational institutions partnering with Minnesota businesses to develop and deliver customized workforce training programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n9pkCT

AROUND THE STATE

NOG: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NOG) on Tuesday reported a loss of $522.8 million in its first quarter. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of $5.31 per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The independent oil and gas company posted revenue of $5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/423LNrs

TWO HARBORS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Two Harbors Investments Corp. (TWO) on Tuesday reported profit of $32.3 million in its first quarter. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 18 cents per share . . . The real estate investment trust that invests in mortgage-backed securities posted revenue of $88.7 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OXR2Wq

DULUTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Duluth’s iconic Grandma’s Saloon & Grill will close one of its restaurants this weekend as the building is sold to a Minneapolis-based cannabis company. Grandma’s Restaurant Group announced Tuesday that its Miller Hill building, where the restaurant has operated since 1992, has been sold to Vireo Growth Inc.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enaaaZ

CRYSTAL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The FAIR School Crystal recently held a ‘Parade of Honor’ along Adair Avenue to celebrate all of the students who made the honor roll, but the celebration was bittersweet . . . with the school being repurposed due to budget cuts, this was the final time parents, students and teachers will come together for the Parade of Honor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48tBy3b

COMMERCE

KOREA: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Building on the continued growth and strong performance of its Life Sciences business, Ecolab is further expanding its global bioprocessing capabilities to support biopharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. Today, Ecolab Life Sciences announced the opening of a new Bioprocessing Applications Lab (BPAL) in Dongtan, Korea, its first bioprocessing facility in Asia.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddZZUT

SOCIAL MEDIA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Before the doors even open, some Twin Cities retail concepts already feel personal. That’s because there’s a growing trend in today’s business owners using social media for more than an announcement of an opening date—they’re using their channels to authentically connect with customers, share the messy middle of building a business, and invite audiences along for the ride. For Madeline Warshaw, owner of Madge Home and Market in the Warehouse District, social media became a way to tell a personal story long before customers could browse the shelves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u9RAaM

CO-WORKING: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “In April, Northsider Jesse Ross hosted his first gathering in the commercial property he purchased in 2022. A once-cold warehouse at 2518 Second St. N. was broken in by a warm Northside welcome. The only fee? Laughter. It was a Northside event through and through. Comedian and Northsider Ashli Henderson brought a lineup of comics. The owners of Soul Bowl catered, jokes landed that talked about local institutions, like growing up at Willard Middle School and floating in a sound bath at the V3 Center. He bought the property out of concern for the lack of Black ownership in North Minneapolis in hopes of igniting a culture that prevents displacement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mYorNr

RESTAURANTS: Minneapolis chef and owner Ann Kim is among 20 chosen for OpenTable’s new Ambassador Council. VERBATIM: “Built on OpenTable’s deep-rooted relationships with restaurants and its commitment to serving them, the Ambassador Council introduces a new level of partnership to bring industry leaders into ongoing conversations with the business. Council members will meet with OpenTable’s executive team to discuss industry trends and happenings, exchange feedback on OpenTable’s products and priorities, and help shape short and long-term initiatives that directly impact restaurants and diners.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTAZcV

ECUMEN: Via Shoreview-based Ecumen, VERBATIM: “Ecumen today announced that Karen Flores will join the organization as SVP and Chief People Officer, effective May 4.”

EVEREVE: Via WWD, VERBATIM: “Evereve, the Edina, Minn.-based women’s fashion retailer with more than 110 stores across the U.S., has named Tammy Redpath chief marketing officer and Jocelyn Miller chief people officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w4gJWk

RAMSEY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Carbone’s Pizzeria franchise will take over the location of a former pizza shop that closed after a 40-year run. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cWkxA6

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, April 30, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will be available from 10:00-10:30 a.m. to answer questions from the press regarding the March employment data.”

NEXT MONTH: Via Hmong Times, VERBATIM: “The vibrant sounds of tradition and the spirit of community will come alive this spring as the 2026 Qeej and Hmong Arts Festival welcomes visitors for a day-long cultural celebration. Set for May 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this unique event will take place at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, offering free admission and an open invitation to all who wish to experience the richness of Hmong heritage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dbDnV4

NEXT MONTH: Via New Prague-based Electromed, VERBATIM: “Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD), a leader in innovative airway clearance technologies, today announced that it will issue its financial results press release for the fiscal 2026 third quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 after the close of the stock market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48qqjIU

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

LIBERTY BELL: Via Associated Press, the story of a Colorado man whose obsession with the Liberty Bell led to documenting replicas around the country, including one here in Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cOW6EE MINNESOTA BELL: https://fluence-media.co/4t4vg1u

BDAYS: Sen. Heather Gustafson, PR pro Jacqueline Hanson

lunch take | Feds Raid 22 MN Sites

Mike Maybay — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:37:15 GMT

Announced this morning: HARDY will play the State Fair Grandstand September 4^th. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QBqhHY

The Minneapolis Park Board will soon vote whether to add these to the craft you can rent to cruise the Mississippi River:

Keep reading – the story’s at the end of this newsletter.

31% of Americans expect use of driverless cars to be common in five years. Fewer say they’d get one. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/49cF2Y0

As noted in morning take, President Trump signed legislation overturning the ban on mining near the BWCA. It’s an issue that has Canada’s attention, too. CBC: https://fluence-media.co/48qBuBf

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

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

Going deeper on the Minnesota Flag noise, it’s not about the symbolism its about how it makes people feel and the flag is an illustrative example of how some Minnesotans feel about the past three years or longer – that their view doesn’t matter, or worse yet – that they are dismissed because of their opinion. A good listen on Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cDSYg6

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

A BUSY TUESDAY

NEW THIS MORNING: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Federal agents again swarmed sections of Minneapolis Tuesday morning. Officials with the U.S. Justice Department say the agents were exercising search warrants at several childcare centers for suspected fraud. There were no arrests, but it is an indication there is a refocused effort to investigate billion-dollar COVID-era fraud schemes in Minnesota. Reports say the raids happened in at least 22 locations across the Twin Cities.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vWjKYp

MORE: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The operation was among the boldest moves since the White House launched a task force to combat fraud in social services programs last month, which Vice President JD Vance was appointed to lead. A law enforcement official said agents from the F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security had obtained 22 search warrants as part of the investigation. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing law enforcement matter, said the operation was unrelated to immigration enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ukbOyS

MORE: This morning via X:

RENEE GOOD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The widow of Renee Good is asking a judge to force the federal government to return the vehicle that Good was driving when an ICE agent fatally shot her. In a Friday court filing, Becca Good argued the Honda Pilot belongs to her, and she needs it to pursue a potential lawsuit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QERLwk

CD2: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Democrats battling for Rep. Angie Craig’s congressional seat are locked in a last-minute scramble for delegates – but it’s not certain any of them will win the coveted DFL endorsement. State Sen. Matt Klein, former state Sen. Matt Little and state Rep. Kaela Berg are all wooing the 186 DFLers who will gather in an auditorium in Burnsville High School on May 9 to determine their favored candidate . . . since at least 60% of the votes are needed to win their party’s endorsement, all three Democrats may walk away empty handed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDtwr5

MOVE: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A major downtown St. Paul-based agricultural lender plans to relocate to Richfield by summer’s end. AgriBank, once known as the Farm Credit Bank of St. Paul, has informed prospective employees it will relocate to the southern suburbs of Minneapolis before fall. The customer-owned cooperative, a wholesale lender to Farm Credit Associations, has been based since 2011 in Wells Fargo Place at 30 E. Seventh St.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dbrcYo

PROPERTY TAX: Via Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence, VERBATIM: “Property taxes are the largest revenue source for local governments and play a vital role in municipal fiscal health. The Lincoln Institute’s 50-State Property Tax Comparison Study for Taxes Paid in 2025 documents the wide range of property tax rates for more than 100 US cities and helps explain why they vary so widely. By calculating effective tax rates, or tax bills as a percentage of market value, this annual study provides the most meaningful data available to compare cities’ property taxes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vMKV82

SLEEP NUMBER: Via Minneapolis-based Sleep Number, VERBATIM: “Sleep Number (Nasdaq: SNBR) announced today that it has reached an agreement with its lenders that provides additional $55 million of liquidity, including a $25 million term loan, and relief on certain financial and liquidity covenants. The agreement enables the company to continue to execute its turnaround plan, including its product and marketing initiatives, while continuing to evaluate strategic business and financing opportunities to deliver the best value.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vSnPwZ

SOLAR IN MN

REPORT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Maine dethroned Minnesota last year as the national leader in community solar per capita. That’s according to a new report from the nonprofit, Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Community solar is a way for individuals, businesses, nonprofits and other groups to purchase or ‘subscribe’ to renewable energy from a local source. Ingrid Behrsin is a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. She said community solar stalled in Minnesota because of two main factors – availability and policy changes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42xc0i7

MORE: Via Institute for Local Self-Reliance, from the report:

You can find the full report, including state-level data, HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4eeWw9M

EARNINGS SEASON

ECOLAB: Via Associated Press, “Ecolab Inc. (ECL) on Tuesday reported first-quarter net income of $432.6 million. On a per-share basis, the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.52 . . . The results met Wall Street expectations . . . The cleaning, food-safety and pest-control services company posted revenue of $4.07 billion in the period, exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49hDRqj

POLARIS: Via Associated Press, “Polaris Inc. (PII) on Tuesday reported a loss of $47.4 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Medina, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 83 cents . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The snowmobile and ATV maker posted revenue of $1.66 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OQnRVd

THE LOCALS

CLOQUET: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A longtime Northland sports collaboration could be breaking up. The Cloquet, Esko, and Carlton school districts have teamed up for hockey and other sports for years. On Monday, the Cloquet School Board voted to dissolve the collaboration with Carlton — but only if Carlton moves forward with a merger with the Wrenshall district.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t7E3zD

MONTICELLO: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Monticello City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to adopt an ordinance that could open the door to developers building massive data centers in the community 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The ordinance also includes new restrictions for data centers that city officials say are aimed at reducing negative impacts on people living nearby and ensuring Monticello residents don’t bear any financial costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeHEbw

MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “With Nicollet Mall at a crossroads, WCCO’s Taylor Rivera explores the city’s potential plans to transition it from a retail hub to a residential ‘downtown backyard’ in a WCCO In-Depth series, ‘The Mall’s Next Move’ . . . The city’s prime corridor for decades, home to anchor retail spots like Dayton’s, Neiman Marcus, or even further back Montgomery Wards, is in need of a makeover. And Minneapolis’ leadership knows it. Adam Duininck is the CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, and he says city officials are aggressively working to change that, and are moving to replace vanishing storefronts with a bold ‘Social District’.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uf8uoj

COMMERCE

NEW MARKETS: Via Minneapolis-based OurFamilyWizard, VERBATIM: “OurFamilyWizard, the pioneer of co-parenting technology trusted by more than one million parents and professionals worldwide over 25 years, today announced its expansion into France and Spain. With significant growth already occurring in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the company is excited to increase access to its products and educational materials across Europe.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wcfhkK

CLOSED: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Hangry Joe’s, the national chain known for serving chicken so spicy it requires a waiver, has abruptly closed all three of its Twin Cities restaurants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QwBZDP

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Before the doors even open, some Twin Cities retail concepts already feel personal. That’s because there’s a growing trend in today’s business owners using social media for more than an announcement of an opening date—they’re using their channels to authentically connect with customers, share the messy middle of building a business, and invite audiences along for the ride.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u9RAaM

SAMBUSAS: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “A cell phone rings, and Abdi Qani picks up the phone. Before he hangs up, he thanks the customer and heads to the kitchen, where he drops sambusas into a fryer . . . While filling the order, the smell of fried food wafted through the dining area, which was what Qani had smelled his whole life. The scent of home. A smell that meant people coming together. He opened House of Sambus in January at 527 West Broadway Ave. in the Broadway Center in hopes of bringing that feeling to the Northside.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sZcsjS

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Bowling is big in the Midwest, and it’s about to get even bigger. This year, from April 29 to May 12, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is set to welcome dual World Series of Bowling events in the greater Minneapolis area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QsI8AX

NEXT MONTH: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Join us for the latest webinar in our Latin America Series, ‘Caribbean Region: Successful Exporting to a Close Market’ This session will provide insights from the Minnesota Trade Office’s Caribbean partner, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) Central America/Caribbean Office, focusing on the lucrative and rapidly evolving opportunities in The Caribbean markets of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) including such countries as Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48t5CvS

NEXT MONTH: Via CVRx, VERBATIM: “CVRx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVRX), a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative neuromodulation solutions for patients with cardiovascular diseases, today announced that it plans to release first quarter 2026 financial and operating results after market close on Monday, May 11, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ekLmAp

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

HOT TUBS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Hot tub boats might set sail on the Mississippi River this spring. Why it matters: As our colleagues in Chicago found, taking in a scenic cruise while chilling in a warm whirlpool is ‘so much fun.’ Driving the bubbles: The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a proposal to launch ‘Spacruzzi’ watercraft rentals at Boom Island Park.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48unlmC

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

lunch take | Ultimatum for Some Remote Target Workers

Mike Maybay — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:03:10 GMT

An alpaca farmer from North Mankato won $184K on “Wheel of Fortune.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4d8o53l

From Isle Royale in Lake Superior, an update this morning on the wolf and moose populations. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4vYMIqU

This year’s MplsStPaul Readers’ Poll has 160 categories. Too many? Not enough? SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mU0lU4

A new forecast predicts a “super El Niño” this summer, which could impact winter here. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQwEyH

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ugc4yM

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

Blois
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MONDAY NEWS FEED

TODAY: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Results of a state investigation into what leaders are calling widespread wage theft by two Twin Cities construction companies are expected on Monday afternoon. Minnesota leaders have already recovered some money but will announce how much during a news conference at 1 p.m.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P1kTgO

SENATE: Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash talked this morning on WCCO-Radio about recent allegations of domestic abuse against Royce White and why he believes White should drop out of the race for U.S. Senate. PLECHASH: “The no-contact order involving Royce White’s former wife and his son raises questions that frankly just cannot be ignored. Republicans believe in personal responsibility, respect for the rule of law, and protecting women and children.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ucmsHx

VOTING: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, told CCX News on ‘Newsmakers’ that several proposed federal changes could affect how Minnesotans vote. Those potential changes include new requirements for proof of citizenship and restrictions on mail-in voting.” QUOTE: “We have safe and secure elections already in Minnesota,” said Freiberg. “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon does a great job of making sure our laws are enforced and that as many people as possible are able to vote legally. You know it’s no coincidence that we have the highest voter turn out in the country.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e6zX74

MINING: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Several dozen people gathered at Lake Como in St. Paul, Minnesota, Sunday, hoping to have their voices heard as they protested the lifting of the mining ban near one of the state’s last true wilderness escapes. Despite hours of pleas from Minnesota lawmakers, the U.S. Senate recently voted to open up 225,000 acres of land to copper sulfide mining near the Boundary Waters. Sunday’s event was put on by The Singing Resistance, a grassroots organization that uses song as a form of nonviolent protest.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wc7jbp

PERSONNEL

TARGET: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “An ultimatum for 150 remote workers at Target: Move to the Twin Cities or move on. The Minneapolis-based retailer says those who accept the move will get relocation assistance, and those who don’t will get severance. This impacts two teams within merchandising and isn’t a company-wide mandate. A Target spokesperson said increased in-person collaboration will help sharpen focus and accelerate work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMVsav

MEDIA: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “When Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-Mpls) told the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday that the three AMPERS stations in her community are ;amazing community institutions that do all kinds of things for all kinds of people,’ the second half of that sentence was doing quiet work. KBEM, KFAI and KMOJ are licensed in Minneapolis. Their transmitters, though, reach across Hennepin and Ramsey counties and well beyond . . . A combined $3.5 million federal cut across the AMPERS network — more than 40 percent of the operating budget at some stations — is not a Minneapolis story. It is a metro story that happens to be anchored in Minneapolis. The bill moving through the House, HF4591, would put $165,000 toward shared services for AMPERS member stations and lower the minimum full-time staffing requirement from two FTEs to 1.5.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OpB1IU

BPPD: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “More women are answering the call to serve in Brooklyn Park. The city’s police department is reporting a rise in female officers. But leaders say they’re still not where they want to be on their recruitment target.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4d9mbzu

IMMIGRATION IN MN

IMMIGRATION COURT: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Nationally, asylum grant rates have decreased dramatically since the beginning of Trump’s second term. Only 7% of asylum requests were granted in February 2026 nationwide, according to the New York Times, while the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) puts the number closer to 5%. In Minnesota, attorneys say actions taken at Fort Snelling mirror those trends.” QUOTE: “We had two cases here in our office that I think in any other administration would have been easily granted as asylum claims,” [immigration attorney Brian Aust] said. “These were very classic political opinion, people who had been members of perceived opposition groups within their countries of origin, and had endured a fair degree of persecution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48V7ptI

DATA CENTERS

THE PROCESS: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Locally, the debate looks a lot like clashes over other big real estate developments, with pro-business groups touting generational economic development opportunities on one side and residents concerned about noise, traffic, water use, air pollution and secretive dealmaking on the other. Opponents say the larger scale of those potential impacts warrants special scrutiny, however. ‘There’s a total lack of meaningful process when it comes to these ‘hyperscale’ data centers…it’s a real glaring mismatch,’ Sen. Jen McEwen, DFL-Duluth, said in an interview, using the industry term for centralized data centers that can cover hundreds of acres and consume more power than a medium-sized city. The computing hubs Google is planning near Rochester and in Hermantown, near McEwen’s district, would fit that description if they’re fully built out.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mTRuBz

MONTICELLO: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Elected leaders in Monticello could decide Monday night whether to adopt controversial new rules for data centers. Faced with at least two proposals to build data centers in the small community about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Monticello staff and city officials decided to craft an ordinance to govern where and how they could be built. But some residents don’t think the ordinance is strict enough, and are frustrated that city leaders are considering allowing a data center to be built near their neighborhoods.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QwgK4Z

COMMERCE

AMBASSADORS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “On an absolutely beautiful April morning, Willie White and Luis Villanueva stepped out of the stuffy lobby of Minneapolis’ Lake Street Safety Center and started to walk their beats . . . It was an uneventful morning, but it’s not always. White and Villanueva are Community Service Ambassadors – contractors with the city to provide a welcoming presence in the neighborhood while responding to safety events that might not be taken on by a police officer. Overdoses are among the most common concerns – Villanueva used Narcan on someone just a few weeks ago. Now, three years after the City Council allocated the funding, the ambassador program is expanding into Uptown, where officials hope it can provide a piece of the puzzle to bring foot traffic and business back to the corridor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cUevQB

DAYTON’S: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A judge’s recent ruling approving the potential foreclosure of the Dayton’s Project sets up a thorny question: What’s going to happen to one of the biggest — and emptiest — buildings in downtown Minneapolis? Why it matters: If some creative developer can’t figure it out, there’s a risk that one of the city’s largest properties, in the heart of Nicollet Mall, could remain hollow and fall into neglect.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sUgZ7v

BEER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The last tab on a well-loved business is coming soon. When Karst Brewing opened in Fountain in 2017, the only employees were co-owners Sandra Seha and her husband Eric. Sandra said she and her husband were in their 50s when they started the brewery. After nine years, three expansions and new life changes, the business partners decided to close down.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mWwRVA

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) announced today that it plans to issue its first quarter 2026 financial and operating results on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after the market closes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwsRq3

TOMORROW: Via Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its first quarter 2026 results. A news release containing first quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on April 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uACR9X

TOMORROW: Via Polaris, VERBATIM: “Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it will release its first quarter 2026 financial results on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and will hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 AM central time on the same day to discuss the results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sJyh88

WEDNESDAY: Via Eden Prairie-based C.H. Robinson, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRW), announced today that it will issue its first quarter 2026 results after the market closes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The company will hold a conference call at 5:30 pm Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the quarterly results and answer live questions from the investment community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4meQgR8

THURSDAY: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will host a conference call to review first quarter 2026 financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c1PfqO

FRIDAY: Via Maple Plain-based Protolabs, VERBATIM: “Protolabs (NYSE: PRLB) announced today that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 before the opening of the market on Friday, May 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cgSRWh

FRIDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, will release its first quarter 2026 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, May 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ihTTM

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

JUNE: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey joined representatives from Paisley Park, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the city’s arts office April 16 at the Prince mural at 101 N. 9th St. to announce a free community sing-along as part of the 2026 Prince Celebration Block Party on June 6. The event is part of a larger five-day Prince Celebration running June 3-7, billed as a ‘10th Anniversary Celebration of Life’ marking a decade since Prince’s death in April 2016. He would have turned 68 this June.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t34K8L

JUNE: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “The People’s Museum for Prince opens June 7, Prince’s birthday, at Roberts’ Gallery, 2400 Plymouth Ave. N. It is a grassroots counter museum, not affiliated with the Prince estate. Gallery owner Peyton Scott Russell, who serves on the museum advisory board, painted the gold First Avenue star for Prince following his death, 10 years ago, on April 21.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ucpH1Q

BDAYS: SOS leader Julie Strother, public affairs veteran Joe Weber, Minneapolis lobbyist Loren Olson, 2^nd Harvest’s Zach Rodvold

lunch take | STUDY: Americans Fear Poverty More Than Death

Mike Maybay — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:08:30 GMT

The Minneapolis City Council found some common ground – repairing the “Witch’s Hat” water tower in Prospect Park. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QXZfKU

A Harvard analysis and others have said women are less likely to use AI and more likely to have their jobs impacted by it. Twin Cities Business talked with women who beg to differ. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4crKB7a

The Justice Department this morning announced it’s dropping its criminal investigation of Fed chair Jerome Powell. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4tzJ59c

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

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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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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FINALLY FRIDAY…

STUDY: Via Minneapolis-based Allianz, VERBATIM: “Americans growing worry about running out of money has increased significantly over the last five years, according to the 2026 Annual Retirement Study from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Two in three Americans (67%) say they worry more about running out of money than death. This is up 10 percentage points from 2022 (57%). Gen Xers (73%) are more likely to hold this worry than millennials (69%) or boomers (59%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzIZyi

PALANTIR: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The Swiss National Bank should sell its $1.1 billion stake in Palantir Technologies, campaigners from Minneapolis said at a meeting of the ‌central bank on Friday, citing the firm’s involvement in U.S. immigration enforcement operations. The ‌SNB held 6.24 million Palantir shares at the end of 2025 as part of its 725 billion Swiss franc ($922 billion) foreign currency investments, according to the latest filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Palantir, a data analytics firm co-founded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, won a contract last year with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to develop surveillance systems. Its work has come under scrutiny following the fatal ‌shootings of two U.S. citizens in ⁠separate incidents involving immigration officials in Minneapolis in January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pM6gb

CD2: Via email from the Westby campaign, VERBATIM: “Jeremy Westby, a Minnesota son who grew up in small towns across the state, today announced his candidacy for Congress in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District – switching his campaign from the Third District to answer what he called an urgent need for conservative leadership in the Second.” WESTBY: “I had been building a campaign in CD-3, but when Tyler Kistner announced his deployment to serve our country, it changed the picture in the Second District.”

$44 MILLION: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “A progressive voter contact group is spending $44 million on midterm engagement efforts this cycle, with a focus on key battleground states as Democrats look to retake the House majority and make inroads in the GOP-controlled Senate this November. The Progressive Turnout Project (PTP) is spending $44.1 million on five initiatives aimed at turning out voters ahead of November: $35 million on door knocking; $4 million on a program dedicated to electing pro-democracy candidates; $2.5 million to training campaign fellows on door knocking; $2.1 million for training members to send postcards to inconsistent Democratic voters; and $500,000 toward engaging beauty salons and barber shops on voter turnout.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5NznN

MORE: Via an email from PTP President Alex Morgan, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, PTP is placing Campaign Fellows on state legislative races to support Democratic State House and State Senate candidates.”

AT THE CAPITOL

GROOMING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When state Rep. Peggy Bennett heard Hannah LoPresto’s story of surviving what a police investigation described as a ‘pattern of predatory grooming’ by a former high school teacher, the Republican lawmaker from Albert Lea knew she had to do something. ‘It really brought back memories for me from quite a few years ago,’ Bennett told fellow legislators this month. ‘When I was a 10th grader in high school, I was groomed by my band director. And I just thought, ‘You know what? I think it’s time I tell my story too because I really haven’t shared it with many people.’’ Bennett worked with LoPresto to craft a bill addressing some of the gaps in Minnesota’s system meant to prevent misconduct, grooming and abuse in schools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42dvMPP

HCMC: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are one step closer to voting on a bill that would help fund the Hennepin County Medical Center. Leaders of the hospital system, the state’s top level one trauma center, say it could close this year if it doesn’t get funding help from the state. The proposal is part of a larger Health and Human services bill that passed its last committee hurdle in the Senate on Thursday. It’s now expected to hit the floor next week. Part of the bill includes giving HCMC $50 million this year and $100 million next year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eHkV7X

WALZ: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a nationally televised late-night interview. The big picture: The DFL governor’s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week’s announcements that he’s writing a book and launching a federal PAC, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e2LrZh

IN THE CITIES

BEER + COFFEE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Mount Olivet chapel, built in 1938 and standing at 1700 West 50th Street, is marked by disuse: asbestos, mold, water damage, a holey roof. Trespassers may be scavenging for copper pipes, senior pastor David Lose says, noting the security cameras. Just the parking lot remains in use . . . Lose wants to tear down the chapel and build a not-for-profit brewery and coffeehouse. He says community feedback has assured him this dense, affluent neighborhood—lacking competition in the brewery market—would support his social mission. That is to dispel some of the much discussed loneliness epidemic by means of a new ‘third space.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ctNft7

MIDWAY: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Just weeks after the cathartic demolition of the former CVS in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, there’s a plan to build on the vacant lot where it stood. The pharmacy, shuttered during COVID-19 and closed permanently in 2022, was an eyesore for years. Neighbors threw a party when the abandoned building was demolished in March — though the celebration was tempered with the knowledge that there was no plan for what would happen next on the highly visible corner. On Thursday, April 23, the city of St. Paul announced that the site would be developed by Bill McGuire, the Minnesota United soccer team part owner who is developing the United Village area around Allianz Field, kitty-corner from the former CVS site.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OkIQj2

MORE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “McGuire stressed that he would ‘ensure that the new building adds to and appropriately reflects the important history of the neighborhood and the dynamic future for those who live, work, and visit the area.’ He also said that he hopes his project will encourage others to invest in St. Paul. Molly Coleman, a City Council member who represents the Midway area, said that McGuire’s additional investment will ‘expand on the energy and excitement around what we all know should be the most vibrant, welcoming corner in St. Paul.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/491cLDF

THE LOCALS

DULUTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Citing financial pressure and staffing challenges, a Duluth childcare center says it will close its doors for good in the coming weeks. Lakeside Early Learning recently announced plans to permanently close on June 4, a move that will mean 60 families need to find new childcare, and multiple workers new jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vKNE1X

NORTH MPLS: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “In a wide-ranging community conversation hosted by veteran journalist Al McFarlane — part of an ongoing series of North Minneapolis investment and equity dialogues sponsored by U.S. Bank — leaders from across Minneapolis’ park system and its supporting institutions gathered to reflect on North Commons Park, its past, its future, and what it represents for North Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/499QFPt

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A developer is considering building a 203-unit, four-story apartment complex in Brooklyn Park near the Highway 610-Zane Avenue corridor. However, for the project to move forward, the developer is requesting between $8 million and $9 million in tax increment financing. Bader Development is proposing the complex on city-owned property at Xenia Avenue and Oak Grove Parkway, across the street from Burger King.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzEljQ

COMMERCE

EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, Minnesota-based companies’ earnings reports:

AMERIPRISE: “Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. (AMP) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $915 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $9.68 . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e87UEd
APOGEE: “Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) on Friday reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $16.6 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 78 cents . . . The glass products company posted revenue of $351.4 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d3vj8P

STILLWATER: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on the Stillwater Food Tour, founded by two moms, which will begin taking bookings today. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eFLydl

GROCERIES: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “People in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood got a chance to weigh in on a new grocery store Thursday. Ecolibrium3 is opening the new store on West Superior Street to fill a food desert in the area. Future shoppers gave their input on what they’d like to buy in the store and how they’d like it to be displayed.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QFe4BZ

NEW CFO: Via HealthPartners, VERBATIM: “HealthPartners announced that Blake Berquist has joined the organization as executive vice president and chief financial officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e7TuUC

NEW CHAIR: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, has announced the election of Paul R. Garcia as the independent Chair of its Board of Directors. Mr. Garcia has been a member of the Deluxe Board of Directors since 2020. He succeeds Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, who announced her retirement earlier this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwoEnA

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: From Insight Brewing via Instagram, Smash Fest featuring “burgers, brews & bluegrass.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4e7w4Pk

TOMORROW: The Yes! House, a community gathering space in Granite Falls, hosts a grand opening celebration. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42xBhbT

THIS WEEKEND: Mia’s Art in Bloom continues through the weekend. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4sXPSsa

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

JOE MAUER: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “There’s something undeniably fitting about Joe Mauer inspiring a musical rooted in kindness, humility, and doing the right thing. The St. Paul native and longtime Minnesota Twins star has always been known as much for his character as his career—and now, that legacy is lighting up the stage in a whole new way. At Stages Theatre Co., ‘The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story’ is charming audiences with a heartfelt, family-friendly production that feels as genuine as its subject.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48FDTIz

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.

lunch take | Exec Admits Target Fell Short & Lost Trust

Mike Maybay — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:09:14 GMT

Americans’ confidence in the economy dropped again this month:

The data is based on polling conducted April 1-15. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/497tHsf

Several brands honored Prince this week, including one that makes a car featured in one of his most iconic songs. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vMnQCo

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders this morning approved the company’s proposed merger with Paramount Skydance. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d0S8Kj

The temperature hit 97 degrees Wednesday in Olivia. TEMPS: https://fluence-media.co/4cPuIqe

The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows some improvement over last week – a section of southwest Minnesota remains in severe drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take: Guiding you through the NFL draft; playoff thrills from the Wild and Wolves, and the Lynx may be setting precedent for watching local pro teams after FanDuel Sports Network shuts down. Also, an agreement ends outrage over the termination of The Blake School boys’ basketball coach after he led the team to the state tournament for only the second time in school history. Coming this afternoon.

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sN1RbN

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THE AGENDA

NEXT WEEK: Via CEEM, VERBATIM: “The 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet, presenting the latest data on Minnesota’s clean energy economy, will be released on Thursday, April 30. Ahead of the release, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) will host a preview webinar at noon CT on Monday, April 27, featuring expert speakers who will discuss key findings on data center development, electric vehicle adoption, and grid decarbonization efforts across the state and how that fits into the national picture.”

CD7: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Army veteran Bret Bussman had one clear priority when he was elected to lead the Seventh District GOP in western Minnesota last spring: Bridge a long-running divide in the organization between the grassroots conservative base and the so-called establishment wing . . . One year later, Bussman has been kicked out by the party’s executive committee. The same factional tensions are now threatening to block U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach from getting the party’s endorsement at the April 25 convention — potentially forcing her into an August primary for the safely Republican seat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFIPxV

TARGET: Via HR Brew, VERBATIM: “Catalyst, a company championing workplace inclusion and women’s advancement, kicked off its annual Convene conference this week with an unexpected guest. While Target has largely shied away from talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion since President Trump returned to office, it sent Alisa Dalton, VP of community engagement and belonging, to open the event. She acknowledged that Target fell short and lost trust with customers, but claimed the company is committed to inclusion work.” DALTON: “We were not clear enough about who we are as a community, which led to a loss of trust with our guests, especially our Black customers.” she said. Under Fiddelke’s leadership, she said, Target will be “a place for everyone.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tXKmGK

U.S. BANK: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank announced today that former National Football League (NFL) player and veteran wealth management professional Steven Israel joined the company as a Wealth Management Consultant, serving as an ambassador in the company’s efforts to help professional athletes with their banking and wealth management needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u6JFuV

BEST BUY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “After the news broke Wednesday that Corie Barry will leave her Best Buy CEO’s position in six months, I immediately recalled how she didn’t want the job. Originally, she had no intention of becoming a candidate for Best Buy CEO. But she agreed to do so after then-CEO Hubert Joly encouraged her to pursue the top job. Two years ago, Joly spoke candidly about the process of nudging Barry to seek the CEO post. It was during an interview I did with him for a Twin Cities Business article. Joly described how he helped Barry recognize that she had the talent and experience to succeed him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48hqo1t

MINING: Via U.S. Steel, VERBATIM: “This year marks the 125th anniversary of U.S. Steel’s founding. As part of the celebration, U.S. Steel is launching ‘Steel on the Move’ – a nationwide tour featuring an immersive experience that brings the story of steel to life . . . Guests will also step inside the steelmaking process to see how steel begins as iron ore mined in Minnesota and becomes advanced steel produced in our manufacturing facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gFfJr

MINNEAPOLIS

COUNCIL: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council has hardly been a beacon of unity lately, earning more attention for tense discussions between its moderate and progressive factions and pointed language flying in both directions. So when an issue brings them together, it’s worth paying attention. In this case, what’s uniting them is a shared desire to hang on to their power (even if they fight about how to use it). Faced with a proposal by the Minneapolis Charter Commission (more on them below) to spare certain mayoral appointees from a Council approval process, Council members are united in a firm ‘nope,’ saying the move would strip them of crucial checks on the mayor’s power.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42uHZzn

PARTY’S OVER: More details on a story first mentioned in morning take, via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Organizers for the Basilica Block Party say the event has concluded, with the last block party being held in 2024. Last year, the block party was canceled, with Basilica of Saint Mary Pastor Daniel Griffith saying plans for the next year would be shared ‘soon.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sUXYSr

IMMIGRATION

AT THE CAPITOL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Immigration has historically been a politically toxic issue for many Minnesota Democrats. But after the surge of federal agents, they’re embracing the issue and betting it will animate voters in November. At the Minnesota Capitol, DFL legislators introduced dozens of bills seeking to restrict the power of federal immigration agents and support Minnesotans who were financially impacted by the federal agent surge. They say if Republicans block the measures, they’ll make them pay for it at the polls.” QUOTE: “They’re more interested in talking about things we don’t have control over,” House GOP Leader Harry Niska said this month, referencing the immigration bills. “They’re more interested in talking about things that are happening in Washington D.C. than about what we should do and can do here in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4coUsdW

NEW CHARGE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Far-right activist and pardoned-January 6th rioter Jake Lang is now accused of committing a bias crime in connection to an incident in St. Paul where he kicked over an ice sculpture on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol in February. It’s the second felony charged filed against Lang. There was an ice sculpture saying ‘Prosecute ICE’ on the steps of the capitol, which Lang said he viewed as graffiti.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42tnpzm

LAWSUITS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “It’s no secret: Actions of the approximately 3,000 federal agents in Minnesota this winter triggered a wave of lawsuits against the Trump administration. It’s been over four months since the first lawsuit was filed, and the ongoing process of gathering and evaluating evidence in several ongoing cases will likely play out for months. The plaintiffs include protesters, pastors, immigrants, K-12 school administrators, human rights advocates, local law enforcement and the state of Minnesota itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QhWfZP

POLITICS

MN GOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell, Royce White and Wendy Phillips held a town-hall-style event in Waseca [and] said that what unites them is a dislike of the GOP’s establishment and their outsider status. … They have intense loyalty to President Donald Trump and some of their views fall on the fringe of mainstream politics. … It’s too early to tell if any of the three are gaining much traction in their campaigns. Lindell has struggled in straw polls, [but] he has widespread name recognition within the party and plans to run in the primary even if he’s not endorsed. … Lindell waved away concern that he has little campaign cash, [saying] ‘I don’t need cash on hand. As fast as it comes in…I can raise all the money I want nationally.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tCJhEz

SESSION: Gov. Tim Walz spoke with reporters about his meetings with legislative leaders and expectations for the end of session. Via MPR, VERBATIM: “He said he’ll prioritize putting the state into a fiscally stable position with any new spending bills. Like legislative leaders involved in the meetings, he said top concerns for this session should include a capital investment bill, budget support for safety net hospital HCMC and anti-fraud measures. He also said that while proposals to offer property tax relief may be well intended, it will be a heavy lift this year given the state’s tight budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42tS67z

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz [said] he was feeling optimistic about several high-profile issues like a bonding bill, a rescue plan for [HCMC], and a House bill to create a fraud-fighting Office of Inspector General. … Walz also struck a more resigned tone toward several DFL priorities [like] gun control legislation after the Annunciation shooting and the effort to help businesses recover from Operation Metro Surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tCJhEz

SIMON: Sec. Steve Simon spoke with MPR about how he is preparing the state for the 2026 elections and possible federal actions. VERBATIM: “Simon, a DFLer who is seeking a fourth term this year, said he is working with the Attorney General’s Office on court steps that could be required if there are sudden federal changes. ‘We are ready to go to court on a moment’s notice,’ Simon said. He also said he’s [been] asked a lot lately if federal agents could be positioned at polling places; they can’t, nor can local law enforcement that isn’t affirmatively called in to address disturbances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42tS67z

KLOBUCHAR: U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, state Sen. Zaynab Mohamed and other DFLers spoke with Minnesota Reformer’s J. Patrick Coolican about what they expect from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar if she becomes Minnesota’s next governor. Notably, Mohamed said Klobuchar called all 101 DFL state lawmakers before she announced her run, with Mohamed adding that she does not expect Klobuchar to be a roadblock for progressive legislators. Smith, a former lieutenant governor, told the Reformer that she is helping Klobuchar prepare for the job. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Lm6M7

COMMERCE

DOWNTOWN STP: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Florida investor-led trust has bought the Great Northern Building in downtown St. Paul with plans to bring back ground-floor retail and the building’s event space. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QpTyFu

PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “An indoor baseball training facility is headed to Plymouth — but it won’t be in the spot where it was originally proposed. Thorney Training plans to set up shop in an 11,513 square-foot industrial building at 2155 Niagara Ln. In January, the company had considered opening in a larger warehouse property elsewhere in Plymouth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/493paaa

FINALISTS: Via EY, VERBATIM: “Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Heartland Award. Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and uplifting communities. The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations drive economic growth and help shape the future of business.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/48hHlJ9

ACQUISITION: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Onyx-Fire Protection Services Inc., an inspection-first provider of fire and life safety services in Canada, from funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OXocFJ

CLOSING: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Power-sport manufacturer Polaris announced it is closing its facility in Osceola, Wisconsin. In a notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Polaris said the closure will happen in phases, and it expects to be closed entirely by Jan. 31, 2027. In all, 189 workers will be impacted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cGRReh

BBQ: From Minneapolis’ Beast Barbecue via Facebook, VERBATIM: “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to announce the permanent closure of Beast Barbecue. Thank you to all of our friends, neighbors & guests who have blessed our presence at Beast since our opening in 2019.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4mIY1z0

EARNINGS: Via Seeking Alpha, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Graco (GGG), a manufacturer of fluid-handling systems and spray equipment used in construction, manufacturing and maintenance markets, reported results on Wednesday that missed Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. Shares of Graco (GGG) fell 4.2% in extended trading. At Wednesday’s close, the stock was up 8.3% over the prior 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4twmNFl

RETAIL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A recently shuttered Evereve store will soon return to St. Paul — right across the street from its former location. The women’s clothing retailer is moving into the former Pottery Barn store on the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Victoria Street this fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cuscXi

HIGHER ED: Via Normandale, VERBATIM: “The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Pakou Yang to serve as president of Normandale Community College. The appointment becomes effective immediately.” QUOTE: “Dr. Yang is a strong leader who has successfully guided Normandale as interim president over the past 10 months,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. “She excels at cultivating coalitions and consensus around what needs to be done and will no doubt continue to build upon Normandale’s solid foundation to position it well for the future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMCYHv

HIGHER ED: Via Dunwoody, VERBATIM: “As demand for skilled trade workers continues to surge, Dunwoody College of Technology is marking five years of its Pathways to Careers program, a scholarship initiative that has expanded rapidly while redefining how colleges support under-resourced students while delivering strong workforce outcomes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cBZxjj

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: The DNR will update its list of temporary road and trail closures this afternoon. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tWUdg6

TODAY: Via Timberwolves, VERBATIM: “Wolves fans will have the opportunity to bid on unique autographed items celebrating the 2025-26 season in the Wolves Back Auction, all to benefit The Minnesota Fastbreak Foundation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vMKfQ6

SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Readers, grab your tote bags and your walking shoes—Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) returns on Saturday, April 25. This annual celebration of literacy and community marks its 13th anniversary this year and encourages book lovers of all ages to patronize local shops in their neighborhoods or across town.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mLZMvv

NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Clearfield, VERBATIM: “Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), the leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, today announced that it will release results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after the close of the market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Qqr0A

NEXT MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Company plans to hold the conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u3bHaD

THIS SUMMER: Via Northern News Now, the lineup for this summer’s Movies in the Park in Duluth. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4eFhHBP

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

FARGO: Via Explore Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Explore Minnesota Film released a promotional video, ‘On the Case Again,’ inspired by the 30th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film Fargo, showcasing all Minnesota has to offer, from best-in-class filmmakers and authentic locations to supportive communities and hard-working cast and crew. Explore Minnesota Film and FilmNorth are partnering to launch the 10,000 Stories Fund, a new grant opportunity supporting film, television and digital media projects set in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pIpHm

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

lunch take | DQ Turns to AI

Mike Maybay — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:35:11 GMT

How dry is it out there? This morning the DNR added 27 more counties those under a red flag warning. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4ttqGuE

Americans still prefer solar and wind for energy production – but that’s waning. Support for nuclear energy is gaining steam. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4mMwJbh

What they don’t prefer, apparently, is Congress. 10% APPROVAL: https://fluence-media.co/4sR2v8l

The Lynx now say Napheesa Collier will miss the start of the season, likely returning to the court in June – not unexpected given she had ankle surgery last month. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3OQmG8p

The U.S. military will no longer require troops get the flu vaccine. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4vLEHoZ

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vL7dam

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

MIDWEEK FEED

DQ + AI: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “An artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant may take your next order at the Dairy Queen drive-thru. Bloomington-based DQ revealed its partnership with Silicon Valley-based automation company Presto this month, announcing that it’s expanding its use of AI to select franchised locations after testing the technology at corporate-owned DQs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OGzUo1

WATER + AI: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “With more than a century of expertise, Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention, delivers an expansive portfolio of cutting-edge water solutions that help customers unlock peak performance across more than 40 industries and 170 countries. This Earth Day, Ecolab announced Ecolab Water Navigator IQ, a new AI-enabled platform that gives companies an enterprise-wide view of water performance and turns data into action.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cG8pTA

BEST BUY: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “Best Buy said Wednesday that company veteran Jason Bonfig will succeed Corie Barry as the retailer’s CEO on Oct. 31, taking over as Best Buy tries to break a run of stagnant sales. Bonfig, 49, is chief customer, product and fulfillment officer and rose through the ranks after joining the retailer as an inventory analyst in 1999. He will become Best Buy’s sixth chief executive officer and join the company’s board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sKBao7

MORE: The Star Tribune sat down for an interview with Bonfig and Barry. Q&A: https://fluence-media.co/4cBtuhV

CD7: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “DFL Party leaders in Minnesota’s sprawling 7th Congressional District are feeling energized after watching Republicans lose seats in several special elections across the country. That, along with the low profile of Rep. Michelle Fischbach, the Republican who has represented the district since 2020, has put some wind in Democratic sails heading into the party’s April 25 convention near Granite Falls.” QUOTE: “We’re seeing districts flip. There is a general sense that the country is headed in the wrong direction,” 7th District DFL Party chair Jen Cronin of Pipestone said. “Our chances in November in all races are very good right now. I’m extremely optimistic. We are always used to running from behind. We learned how to do that from (former Rep.) Collin Peterson.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBh0JO

KIDS DETAINED: Sahan Journal dug through court and detention records and determined more than 70 children were detained by immigration officials in Minnesota between December 1^st and March 10^th. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QU1qPz

DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth public school leaders shared the tough decisions they feel they have to make amid a $4.2 million budget shortfall. At Tuesday’s Duluth School Board meeting, Superintendent John Magas shared a summary of reductions that will be made across Duluth Public Schools.” MAGAS: “Year after year, when we’re having to make reductions, eventually it becomes impossible to have those impacts on the classroom settings,” said Magas. “So this year we are making some reductions that are going to have a pretty significant impact.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mGOSHc

BRIDGEWATER: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (BWB) on Tuesday reported first-quarter earnings of $17.4 million. The bank, based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, said it had earnings of 58 cents per share . . . The company posted revenue of $79.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDTWrb

CAPITOL UPDATES

HCMC: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “With the Minnesota Legislature in its final few weeks, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have yet to strike a deal on how to assist the ailing Hennepin County Medical Center, but they are in agreement that they need to act . . . the proposals boil down to one-time money or a sales tax increase. Republicans throughout the session have been opposed to any tax increases. During a Tuesday press conference, Gov. Tim Walz didn’t signal which proposal he favors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4txDEro

KRATOM: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “The controversial supplement kratom is on its way to being treated like cannabis or alcohol in Minnesota. What we know: The House overwhelmingly passed a bill Monday raising the legal age to buy kratom from 18 to 21.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OEVbP4

AGATES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Here’s something lawmakers at Minnesota’s narrowly divided Capitol can agree on: It’s the state gemstone’s time to shine. Driving the news: The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a bill specifying that a new specialty license plate supporting state parks should celebrate the Lake Superior Agate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cYTg0Z

PERSONNEL

MOVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Hopkins School Board has selected Michael Thomas as the district’s new superintendent. Thomas is currently superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. He will replace current Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, who announced plans not to renew her contract in December 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cmZ5oQ

REAL ESTATE

NE MPLS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Graco‘s large Northeast Minneapolis campus is on track to sell soon, but don’t expect a quick redevelopment of the riverfront property, despite its prime location. Why it matters: Five to 10 years ago, this 40-acre piece of mostly industrial land would have developers salivating over demolishing warehouses and building housing. Yes, but: Times have changed, and multifamily housing development has gone from a gusher to a trickle.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTUYq0

EVENT SPACES: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Great venues do more than hold events—they set the tone for what unfolds inside them. Explore these spaces that shape celebrations, gatherings, and milestones across Minnesota, from intimate rooms made for connection to expansive settings designed for unforgettable moments.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vFzwHj

GROCERIES: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on plans to open a new grocery store on Lake Street – it will feature Latino, Arabic, and Somali goods. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFKnrV

COMMERCE

MEDIA: Via Victory+, VERBATIM: “Victory+, the premium free sports streaming service from A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC), today announced a multi-year agreement to become the exclusive local streaming home for the Minnesota Lynx. Starting with the 2026 season, fans across the Minneapolis/St. Paul region and surrounding markets can access a minimum of 18 games for free, expanding how WNBA fans can access their team.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbx6I

RETAIL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Minneapolis-based brand is Target’s biggest seller in the natural cleaning category. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NBMi0

ADVERTISING: Via MONO, VERBATIM: “MONO, the Minneapolis-based advertising and branding agency and part of the Stagwell network, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey Gorder as Chief Executive Officer, ushering in the agency’s next chapter of growth, modernization, and transformation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/492Basx

BANKING: Via Associated, VERBATIM: “Associated Bank today announced Lisa Buetow has joined Associated Bank as director of Private Banking, major metro markets. Buetow is based in Minneapolis and will be responsible for Minnesota, Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, Wis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cD3CCn

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city officials will receive a report Wednesday from the City Auditor about the death of Allison Lussier and the non-fatal shooting of Davis Moturi. Both incidents raised public anger and criticism of the Minneapolis Police Department.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42mpFsh

TOMORROW: Via HealthPartners, VERBATIM: “HealthPartners leaders will share an open, year‑in‑review look at organizational performance, financial stewardship and future priorities, including how the nonprofit system is responding to rising costs, growing care complexity and continued change across the health care industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ezCOWa

NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, will release its first quarter 2026 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, May 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ihTTM

NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, will report first quarter 2026 financial results pre-market on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OV59Mg

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

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Via 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, VERBATIM: “This June, Minnesota will host one of the most accessible and exciting major sporting events in the country. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete in 16 sports across the Twin Cities and Blaine, with free admission for fans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OV70AH

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

lunch take | 3M + UHG Earnings and TGT Goes THC

Mike Maybay — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:07:34 GMT

A grass fire closed a lane on I-94 in Rogers Monday – a good reminder that it’s still really dry in many parts of the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mD7Caw

The next Drought Monitor map comes out Thursday.

Gas is up 19.5% year-over-year in Minnesota – that’s one of the smallest increases in the country. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48yTKZp

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OSPWLG

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

FIRST: Via Minnesota Senate, VERBATIM: “In Tuesday’s Senate Taxes Committee, Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) presented his legislation delivering $100 million in property tax refunds to hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue estimate, Sen. Hauschild’s bill, SF 5010, would provide an average refund increase of $171 to 588,000 homeowners.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/48cIhOR

AND: Via USA Today, VERBATIM: “Kevin Warsh was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday for Senate hearings over his Federal Reserve chair nomination from Donald Trump. Nothing out of the ordinary about those proceedings, right? Except... everyone watching the hearings noticed a familiar face in the background behind Warsh: It appeared to be Arizona Cardinals legend and Hall of Fame Class of 2026 member [and Minnesota native] Larry Fitzgerald. Which then led to a lot of questions: Why was Fitzgerald there? Is he buddies with Warsh in some way? Was he there just to take in a Senate hearing while in Washington D.C.?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cT3nV7

BIG BUSINESS

3M: Via Bloomberg, VERBATIM: “3M Co. beat Wall Street’s profit estimates to start the year and reaffirmed its financial outlook, signaling that the conglomerate is finding enough areas of growth to counter the economic turbulence buffeting its business. Adjusted earnings climbed to $2.14 a share in the first quarter, the St. Paul, Minnesota-based company said Tuesday in a statement. That surpassed the $2 average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mLpPD1

MORE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The Post-it maker has been cutting expenses, hiking prices and rolling out new products and customer service initiatives to cushion its margins, as geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility increases costs and threatens to worsen ⁠inflation . . . surging oil prices due to the Middle East conflict may now pose a further risk to demand from industrial end-markets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4troEv3

MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul, Minn., manufacturing giant struck a conservative note during Tuesday’s earnings call, as executives said U.S. shoppers are remaining cautious about discretionary spending. ‘Given that we are early in the year and we are operating in a volatile macro environment, we think it is prudent to keep a contingency until we have more clarity about the rest of the year,’ Chief Financial Officer Anurag Maheshwari said. Earnings in the first quarter totaled $653 million, or $1.23 a share, down from $1.12 billion, or $2.04 a share, a year earlier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QixRqV

UNITEDHEALTH: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) on Tuesday reported first-quarter net income of $6.28 billion. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $6.90 per share . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectation . . . The largest U.S. health insurer posted revenue of $111.72 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42kvuGF

MORE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth on Tuesday raised its annual profit forecast and beat Wall Street expectations for the first quarter as the healthcare conglomerate kept costs in check and received improved government payments for its health ‌insurance business. The company now expects 2026 adjusted profit per share to be greater than $18.25, an increase of 50 cents from its ‌prior forecast of greater than $17.75 per share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42jM5u7

LATER TODAY: More on UnitedHealth’s earnings report and what it says about healthcare in America when health take lands in your inbox this afternoon.

MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Whatever plans Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has for Hibbing Taconite and Minorca Mine remains unclear. The Cleveland-based iron ore and steelmaker made no mention about the future of the two Iron Range taconite plants in its first quarter earnings call Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mPWPtW

ACQUISITION: Via Minnetonka-based Electro-Sensors, VERBATIM: “Electro-Sensors, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELSE), a leader in industrial monitoring systems, and steute Technologies GmbH & Co. KG., a portfolio company of investment firm Battery Ventures, announced today that they have entered into a Definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which steute Technologies will acquire Electro-Sensors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cSM32x

HIGHER ED: Via Concordia, VERBATIM: “Concordia University, St. Paul, announced today it has received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval to offer eight additional 90-credit, three-year bachelor’s degree programs, bringing the university’s total reduced-credit offerings to nine. CSP is now among a small number of institutions nationwide that offer fully accredited, reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. The university was the first private institution in Minnesota to offer a 90-credit undergraduate degree earlier this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eFO8jw

POT IN MN

REGULATORY ISSUES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Out at a farm near Farmington, a dozen greenhouses sit on 12 and a half acres of land that have been left untouched for over a year . . . Regulatory problems, namely getting local signoff, have the plans stuck in place. That’s led to litigation and is among a series of lawsuits cropping up around Minnesota as the still-forming legal marijuana industry is getting off the ground. Clashes between local authorities and would-be cannabis operations are leading to rearranged plans, court fights or resignation that some might not come to pass as planned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ez8qLC

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “This spring, Pot Mama’s Boutique Dispensary is opening stores in Edina and Mendota Heights, delivering a curated cannabis experience for all. Co-founders and sisters Shayna Hoechst and Erin Pash are centering their mission around education and experience, breaking down social stigmas, and providing a space to ‘connect, grow, and take a moment to exhale.’ The idea came from conversations with family and friends about using—and wanting to use—cannabis. But they felt unsure about where to start, pressure from the stigma around using it, and a desire for a space built around education and compassion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ti0tiu

TARGET: Via Marijuana Moment, VERBATIM: “Major retailer Target is expanding its participation in the hemp-derived THC beverage market, even as a federal law is set to ban the products later this year. Last year, the company began a pilot program involving sales of cannabis drinks at 10 select stores in Minnesota. That apparently went well, and now the company has obtained licenses from Minnesota regulators to sell lower-potency hemp edible products—including THC drinks—at all 72 of its stores in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vN9UIA

(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)

AMENITIES

FOOD HALLS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Big cities may have built the food hall industry’s brand, but the nation’s next wave of food hall projects will be built in suburbs and smaller spaces. Why it matters: That takeaway from the State of Food Halls report — recently presented to a gathering of industry insiders in Minneapolis — is another sign of how remote work has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.

Nationwide, 14 of the 20 newest food halls opened in suburbs or small towns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vGWkGj

MORE: Via Colicchio Consulting, from the report:

REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4tqKXB9

MOORHEAD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The City of Moorhead celebrated the grand opening of its new $40 million library this past weekend. Named ‘The Loop,’ the library is the city’s latest attempt at revitalizing its downtown, which borders Fargo. The library has an indoor walking loop, an entrepreneurship center and a playground. The library was largely funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in years prior. Other sponsors helped with the funding, and U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar also helped secure $1 million in congressional funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDRf98

TRAIL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Three Rivers Park District has begun planning for a long-sought-after regional trail that would connect the cities of Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Corcoran. The Weaver Lake Regional Trail, deemed a ‘critical’ east-west corridor link, would be built in phases and span approximately 20 miles from the Mississippi River all the way to Lake Rebecca in western Hennepin County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48dt6F6

DULUTH

LAWSUIT: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “A second lawsuit has been filed against the City of Duluth, alleging retaliation and discrimination after a city employee reported alleged officer misconduct within the police department . . . This is the second employment lawsuit Storms Dworak LLC has filed against the City of Duluth in the past year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mJXtsM

CARGILL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Kathy Cargill appears to be clearing out of Duluth’s Park Point. Her limited liability company is selling what looks to be her remaining vacant properties on the point, and her beachfront home was listed last month as ‘coming soon’ in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for $4 million. Cargill, the wife of an heir to the Cargill company’s fortune, became known in recent years after buying and razing a dozen homes on Park Point, the strip of property separating Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OExZ3j

COMMERCE

MIDWAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “On University Avenue, two superblocks between Hamline Avenue and Snelling Avenue are undergoing significant changes. The area, which once held shopping centers filled with stores, local businesses and entertainment venues, looks little like it used to. One block is now home to Allianz Field, a loon statue, a playground and the long-anticipated United Village development, where construction cranes are now visible along the skyline. The adjacent block has seen the recent closure of a major grocery store and sits largely vacant . . . Bill McGuire, lead investor in Minnesota United and the driving force behind United Village, is now spending approximately $170 million to build two restaurants, an office building and a hotel near the intersection of Snelling and University avenues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ovvu3s

RIVERFRONT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A French ‘bistronomie’ serving Afro-Caribbean fare is moving into Owamni‘s spot along the Mississippi River. Why it matters: Owamni’s upcoming departure from the Water Works Pavilion, operated by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, opens up prime restaurant real estate overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u56ZJE

MOTHER’S DAY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Evereve is teaming up with Los Angeles-based fashion label Favorite Daughter just in time for Mother’s Day, dropping a collection that leans into something both brands do well: clothes that strike a balance between comfort and style.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cBbSTz

NEW VP: Via St. Louis Park-based Taco John’s, VERBATIM: “Taco John’s, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, bolsters its leadership team, naming Ian Poole as VP/Development. An experienced business development and franchising leader, Poole brings nearly 20 years of experience driving growth for leading restaurant and franchise brands.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqrRoI

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT MONTH: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its first quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42kqVfv

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

ABSTRACT: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “When the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum opened in Shoreview in 2022, art fanatics primarily touted it as a glass-art museum. And it’s true: A large portion of the modern and contemporary art collection amassed by businessman Gerard Cafesjian, who died in 2013, is glass sculptures. But after a recent programming expansion at the museum founded by his family, plus the addition of curator Jill Ahlberg Yohe (who spent the last decade at Mia), the Cafesjian is ready to expand its public perception with its new exhibit, Abstraction and Ourselves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sEJK82

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

lunch take | Target Caught in the Middle + Two Tariff Tales

Mike Maybay — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:32:04 GMT

Gallup warns of a “silver tsunami” – more than half of U.S. business owners are 55+ but only 54% say they’ve created a succession plan. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tV2bWV

A new ProPublica / Frontline documentary looks at the tactics and force used in the recent immigration crackdown as well as the observers who were swept up. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QnoqX4

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her this morning delivered her first State of the City address. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vEP11R

In downtown Minneapolis, an immediately-recognizable former office building is set to become a hotel. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QQouyH

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mCQj9A

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

MONDAY HEADLINES

TARIFFS: NPR this morning checked in with Beth Benike, owner of Oronoco-based Busy Baby about her struggles to use the system set up to get refunds for tariffs paid. BENIKE: “I paid about $50,000 over the course of the last year that I expect to get, but the damage is way beyond that. Because I had to leave my inventory [in China]. I ran out of inventory here to sell and I have a half a million in lost revenue.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sPAiif

MORE: Via Simply Wall St, VERBATIM: “Polaris Inc. said that recent tariff policy changes, excluding any potential refunds, are not expected to have a material impact on its 2026 full-year guidance, highlighting the support of its large domestic manufacturing base in states such as Alabama, Indiana, and Minnesota. This announcement underlines how Polaris’ US manufacturing footprint may help cushion the business against tariff-related cost pressures that could otherwise disrupt planning and profitability expectations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4czJXDf

GROCERIES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More grocery shoppers are picking a side: trading down to bargain chains or trading up to higher-end grocers, leaving middle-market retailers like Target with less room to compete. In the Twin Cities and across the country, the industry’s growth continues to concentrate at opposite ends of the market.” QUOTE: “You look at the overall grocery landscape — by and large, it has remained bifurcated,” said Amanda Lai, director of food industry practice at McMillanDoolittle. “The grocers in the middle are probably feeling more of the squeeze.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vEzqPZ

FIRE RISK: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A Red Flag Warning has been issued in 66 Minnesota counties as state officials warn that fires could spread fast in warm, dry and windy conditions on Monday. The warning runs through 8 p.m., according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and covers counties all across the state. Minnesota’s Weather Authority says wind gusts will range from 20-30 mph on Monday, and that wind combined with dry conditions creates dangerous conditions for potential fires.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vNeJ4D

BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “More information is now available on the fire and explosion that destroyed multiple structures in Bemidji on Thursday, where it appears an unattended campfire led to the incident. It happened in a residential neighborhood near the Bemidji State University campus around 2:30 that afternoon. More than 50 first responders were on scene to battle the blaze, and an entire block near Bixby Avenue and 15th Street was evacuated.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mCcAo0

FRAUD: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The fight over how to prevent fraud in Minnesota hit a snag last week. Committee work on a bill adding more investigation and prosecution of fraudsters in the state hit an impasse Thursday that left only a year of funding for increased staffing for the state’s Medicaid fraud investigation unit. Republicans blocked a measure that would have gave the Attorney General’s fraud prevention team more money. Those in favor say they want to hire more investigators to help address the growing number of referrals which tripled last year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cwLav5

FOOD

BROOKLYN CTR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A sweet treat with a healthy spin is now based in Brooklyn Center. FIt Butters, a nut butter spread company with sweet flavors and healthy ingredients, recently started production at its brand new headquarters.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/424aQux

ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “After more than 20 years in business, a Rochester brand is taking a step into the future, one kernel at a time. Carroll’s Corn, an iconic snack giant in the Med City, recently purchased the former site of Deutsch Furniture Gallery on Commercial Avenue SW to take its production to the next level. The move, according to CEO and owner Seamus Kolb, aims to increase the company’s output and efficiency, while automating certain processes.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mLnXdA

BUGS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Sujaya Rao arrived Saturday at the University of Minnesota’s student center in St. Paul with her usual trays of homemade brownies. But there was one key difference in Rao’s chocolate treats. ‘You can’t see the insect. You can’t smell it. There’s no odor, but tonight it’s going to chirp in your stomach’ Rao joked with curious passersby who sampled the brownies. The retired professor — a self-proclaimed ‘insect evangelist’ — tabled at the Great Minnsect Show. Rao, professor emeritus in the entomology department, helped start the event in 2019 to showcase the wonders of bugs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41FBnhs

IMMIGRATION

NEW CITIZENS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “About 100 Minnesota residents gathered on the 15th floor of the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis on a cloudy Friday morning and walked out of the building a couple hours later as new citizens. Many expressed relief, excitement and joy after taking their oath. Some told Sahan Journal that family members pushed them to apply for citizenship as President Donald Trump’s administration ramped up efforts targeting immigrants across the country. They also said the opportunity to make their voice heard by voting motivated them to complete the process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vEQzcr

IMMIGRATION COURT: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Washington, D.C., heard arguments last week from a Minnesota-based group that says the Fort Snelling immigration court is violating federal regulations and the First Amendment by restricting access to court proceedings . . . The case has national, as well as regional, implications. A successful injunction is expected to apply to all of the country’s immigration courts. The Advocates hope it will return predictability to how courts function – a departure, they say, from the inconsistent and unexplained rules that have characterized Trump 2.0.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424924J

HUMAN RESOURCES

AI: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Nearly half of college students say they’ve thought at least a fair amount about changing their major or studies because of AI’s potential impact, according to recent polling from Lumina Foundation and Gallup. Driving the fears: College graduates are entering a tumultuous job market that’s been rocked by a massive tech evolution, reshaping career prospects for entry-level workers. Concerns about the economy add to the stress. ‘The future feels uncertain, and a lot of these students, there is a lot of anxiousness moving forward,’ Marcos Cruz, associate director of career advising at Macalester College, tells Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Y1m7D

MEDIA: WCCO-Radio’s Steve Simpson says he’s retiring. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sN5Q8u

NEW PRESIDENT: Via Bayport-based Andersen, VERBATIM: “Andersen Corporation today announced the appointment of Shawn Brown as president of Bright Wood Company LLC. Andersen announced its plans to acquire Bright Wood in December 2025, initiating a leadership transition from the family-owned and operated company to an independently operated business owned by Andersen and managed by an independent local leadership team.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41FPlzV

HOSPITALITY

MINNEHAHA FALLS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Cloudy, rainy conditions didn’t take away the excitement at Sea Salt Eatery which officially opened for the season Friday morning at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. A line of about a dozen people braved the weather to get their first taste of the seasonal staple.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4dSvK6S

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Park’s Skaalvenn Distillery is known for pushing the boundaries of craft spirits. But this month, the atmosphere in the cocktail room feels especially lively. The vibrant colors of the Cambodian flag hang high above the bar. It’s a tribute to the heritage of co-owner Mary Schnitker. For many, that flag is also a beacon of community. Bar manager Luke Young admits that it played a huge role in why he chose to work at Skaalvenn.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4to206A

DULUTH: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “A German tradition celebrated in the Twin Ports since 1995 returned to the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth. The annual Bockfest is a celebration of spring and kicks off with the blessing of the bock.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4evrydo

STEAK: Via Fox Business, VERBATIM: “A Kansas-based restaurant group with several steak and seafood locations in Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, Nebraska and Iowa, has filed for bankruptcy. 801 Restaurant Group LLC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization last Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Kansas, the company confirmed to Fox Business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sOB4Mi

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via St. Louis Park-based Bridgewater, VERBATIM: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWB), the parent company of Bridgewater Bank, today announced that it will release its first quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Bridgewater will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cx0Akg

WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Graco, VERBATIM: “Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) announced today that it will release its First Quarter 2026 earnings after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/488Tyj4

WEDNESDAY: Via Barchart, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Bio-Techne Corporation (TECH) develops, manufactures, and sells life science reagents, instruments, and services for the research, diagnostics, and bioprocessing markets worldwide . . . TECH is expected to release its Q3 2026 earnings on Wednesday, May 6, before the market opens. Ahead of the event, analysts expect the company’s EPS to be $0.48 on a diluted basis, down 4% from $0.50 in the year-ago quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42hverR

THURSDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Ameriprise, VERBATIM: “Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) plans to release its first quarter 2026 results at approximately 4:15 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 23, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41pkuHv

FRIDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Apogee, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) a leading provider of architectural building products and services, as well as high-performance coated materials used in a variety of applications, today announced the company will report its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year results on Friday, April 24, 2026, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4veA2fa

THIS SUMMER: Via Treasure Island, VERBATIM: “Get ready to live ‘Young, Wild & Free,’ sip some ‘Gin and Juice’ and ‘Drop It like It’s Hot’ because Snoop Dogg headlines the Treasure Island Amphitheater Saturday, September 5, during Treasure Island Resort & Casino‘s 2026 Summer Concert Series.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48blMdd

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

HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “On the pleasant front lawn of Hibbing’s fine City Hall is a Statue of Liberty. It often catches the eye of visitors and on tours of the town Joe and I are always glad to give a quick history of the statue. But even we did not know many of the details that make the story of the statue all the more interesting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tQp6mm

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

lunch take | New Video of Whipple Scuffle

Mike Maybay — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:37:12 GMT

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open.” UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/41F3j56

The UofM’s women’s gymnastics team is headed to the NCAA finals for the first time. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ctneZE

The Lynx re-signed five-time All Star Napheesa Collier. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tShShy

What was it like to have Prince as a babysitter? A family remembers the neighbor they knew as Skipper. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tQvERP

As Skipper… er… Prince reminded us, sometimes it snows in April. FORECAST: https://fluence-media.co/4ciokbY

Luverne is the tenth best place to retire with a million bucks in savings – it’ll last 28.4 years there, according to GOBANKINGRATES: https://fluence-media.co/4tiaLiH

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

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

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

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

Sunday Take featured 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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

FRIDAY FEED

TODAY: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and shooting another is set to return to court on Friday, and prosecutors may update where their death penalty decision stands. Vance Boelter is accused of murdering House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, last June at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot at their home in Champlin but survived.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OOUId7

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence provides media support for the Hoffman family)

NEW VIDEO: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “New video shared with WCCO shows the scuffle in which a reporter says she got hurt outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday. The cases against three people arrested in that fight are now in the hands of the Hennepin County Attorney for potential charges . . . Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez said she was ‘brutally assaulted by multiple people’ for filming and reporting on Saturday’s protest.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mLfBCz

ST CLOUD: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “On a bright sunny day, cars are packed in the parking lot of the Star City Mall at 33rd Street and Third Avenue North in St. Cloud. People eat in restaurants, peruse the shelves at a market, and sit in a clinic waiting room. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos and fear that dramatically played out three months ago, on Jan. 12, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and protesters clashed here during Operation Metro Surge. Bystanders were pepper-sprayed, at least three people were arrested, and the St. Cloud Police Department responded in an attempt to calm the scene and control traffic. In the weeks that followed, the parking lot at the multicultural mall, which hosts numerous restaurants and other Somali-run businesses, was nearly deserted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41F8iTo

TRAINING: Via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “The state of Minnesota needs to maintain funding support for law enforcement training, Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen told Minnesota legislators. Last week, Wallen traveled to St. Paul to testify before the Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. Wallen said he and other law enforcement agencies are asking legislators to sustain funding levels in the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund. The fund helps reimburse the cost of mandatory training in areas like de-escalation, use of force training, and autism awareness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OzVydw

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

DC: Via Stateline, a broader implication of this week’s U.S. Senate vote to overturn a ban on mining near the BWCA, VERBATIM: “By using an obscure tool known as the Congressional Review Act to open the national forest for mining, lawmakers have called into question the validity of every management plan issued by the U.S. Forest Service over the past several decades. That could result in legal chaos for thousands of permits covering logging, grazing, mining and outdoor recreation. Over the past year, Congress for the first time has used the Congressional Review Act to revoke management plans for regions managed by the Bureau of Land Management, seeking to allow more mining and drilling. Such plans had not previously been considered ‘rules’ subject to lawmakers’ review.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4crwttf

ST PAUL: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A bill to ban local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs, has bipartisan support in a Legislature where that is a prerequisite to get anything done. Its co-authors, Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, and Rep. Drew Roach, R-Farmington, describe HF 4077 as simple and much needed legislation. They’re confident it would pass if it received a floor vote. But no such vote is in the hopper, after Republicans blocked the bill from moving out of a committee last week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTUb8O

VETERANS: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Legislature has heard roughly 60 veteran-related bills in this year’s session, and while progress is being made, veterans’ benefits still are not a major topic of conversation for lawmakers. Two bills, HF 3544 and HF 3467, made it to the Senate floor Thursday, April 16, and passed unanimously, with almost no discussion. HF 3544 clarifies that veterans or members of the armed forces who have forfeited federal benefits — for example, by being dishonorably discharged — then do not qualify for state benefits either. The other bill, HF 3467, allows the commissioner of veterans affairs to direct non-monetary agency resources, such as staff and time, to veterans initiatives.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sLOR6l

THE LOCALS

MINNEAPOLIS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has issued a veto seeking to reinstate his pick for public safety commissioner, despite the city attorney determining that he doesn’t have to authority to do so. The Minneapolis City Council voted 7-5 last Thursday against a second term for Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette, with the more progressive majority arguing that he hasn’t lived up to their expectations for one of the city’s highest-paid employees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QftzjX

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park City Council is considering giving its top figurehead a substantial pay raise. Currently, Brooklyn Park’s part-time mayor is paid $21,995 per year, plus a $50 supplement for attending certain municipal functions. And if you ask the council, that’s not nearly enough. The city’s governing body moved ahead with plans on Monday to raise the mayor’s pay to $50,000 per year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/483Ibcj

RETAIL

N/A: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Almost every nonalcoholic bottle shop in the Twin Cities has closed this year — and the only one remaining is on the brink of shutting down, its owner tells Axios. The big picture: Nonalcoholic drink sales are booming nationwide as Americans cut back on alcohol. Yes, but: The popularity of booze-free beverages means more establishments, including liquor stores and restaurants, are now stocking once hard-to-find products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cxzXuw

EDINA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Dugo is closing this summer as founder Nancy Shank retires, ending a run that helped define a niche corner of Twin Cities retail: elevated dressing for weddings, galas, and milestone celebrations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cr1vBy

STORE REMODELS: Via Walmart, VERBATIM: “Walmart today announced continued reinvestment across Minnesota, with plans in 2026 to remodel 16 stores as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the in-store and digital shopping experience – upgrading layouts, technology, and services to offer faster, more convenient shopping and delivery in as little as an hour for most customers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dNUa1k

STORE LEASE: Walgreens is looking to unload 60 leases, including the now-closed store on Central Avenue in Hilltop. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mGsMVy

COMMERCE

TARIFFS: Via Medina-based Polaris, VERBATIM: “Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it expects that the recent changes to tariff policy, excluding potential refunds, will not have a material impact to the Company’s 2026 full year guidance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41F6HwS

ACQUISITION: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wtech Fire Group, a comprehensive provider of fire protection, suppression, and detection solutions across Europe.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vrwG8u

100 YEARS: Via Minneapolis-based Graco, VERBATIM: “A century ago, in the depths of a Minnesota winter, a downtown Minneapolis parking lot attendant named Russell Gray grew fed up with grease guns that froze, failed, and injured workers while servicing cars. That frustration, and a belief that work should be safer and more reliable, resulted in the invention of an air-powered grease gun that solved a real customer problem, launching Graco Inc. This month, Graco marks its 100th anniversary as a $2 billion global industrial technology company.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OoFcoe

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via Bring Me The News, Record Store Day events. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4cr36Hy

NEXT WEEK: Via MplsStPaul, Earth Day events around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QLEAtp

NEXT MONTH: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fire departments from across Minnesota are joining together for Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota, a coordinated statewide initiative to introduce women to careers and volunteer opportunities in the fire service. Hibbing Fire Department is hosting Region 3 for the event on Saturday, May 2, at 2320 Brooklyn Drive.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tgDkNf

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

THIS SUMMER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Scores of local musicians will be performing in Minneapolis’s hip North Loop neighborhood this summer. The Hewing Hotel, Graze Food Hall, and North Loop Green have each announced outdoor concert series as the weather warms up.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tkh9Gc

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

lunch take | BWCA Mining Bill Headed to Trump + MN Unemployment Increases

Mike Maybay — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:27:24 GMT

42% of young men say religion is “very important” – 29% of young women say the same. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4sw76fP

A bear spotted in a tree near a school caused a bit of excitement in Hastings. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vyFmKd

The average price of gas in the Midwest hit $3.89 Monday, up from $3.77 a week earlier. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41ztEBB

Thanks to recent precip, the Drought Monitor’s looking a little better this week. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Two tornado drills today.

Sports Take: The first-place Twins? How is this happening? Also, misplaced anger by Lynx fans, Vikings draft options suddenly move in many directions and the Star Tribune goes deep on high school transfers in athletics. Opinions, news updates and a nice story about nice guys in sports. Coming this afternoon.

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

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

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OnaDzi

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.5% while the national rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4%, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” QUOTE: “February was a very challenging month for Minnesota communities due to the ICE presence, and that also contributed to it being a tough month for the state’s labor market,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “However, our state’s diverse economy remains resilient, with Minnesota job growth still outpacing the nation as a whole over the course of the last 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mzfGJj

SURVEY: Via NFIB, VERBATIM: “The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points in March to 95.8, leaving it below its 52-year average of 98.0. The last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025. The Uncertainty Index rose 4 points from February to 92, well above its historical average of 68.” QUOTE: “The drop in the Optimism Index highlights the struggle of owning and operating small businesses in Minnesota,” said NFIB Minnesota State Director Jon Boesche. “Between unnecessary regulations, rising gas prices, and supply chain disruptions, Minnesota’s Main Streets are having to find ways to make ends meet. Lawmakers must find ways to give small businesses relief if they want Minnesota’s economy to improve.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4cNKsLj

ECONOMY: From the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Beige Book entry released this week, VERBATIM: “Economic activity in the Ninth District increased slightly since the previous report. Employment rose slightly, recent labor demand was positive, and wage growth was moderate. Prices increased modestly overall, with higher input price pressures, particularly those related to oil. Growth was noted in manufacturing, commercial construction, commercial and residential real estate, and energy. Consumer spending, services, and residential construction activity were flat. Agricultural conditions remained weak.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cotvWw

MINING: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Congressional Republicans have sent President Donald Trump a resolution that would lift a federal ban on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, hoping to clear the way for a South American company to extract precious metals from the region’s pristine forests, lakes and bogs. House Republicans approved the resolution last month despite conservationists’ warnings that the move would lead to devastating pollution in one of the country’s last remaining wild areas. The Senate followed suit Thursday, voting 50-49 to send the measure to Trump for his signature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42aG5Ur

MORE: Via Mining Minnesota, from Executive Director Julie Lucas, QUOTE: “We don’t need a mining ban for the entire watershed to protect the Boundary Waters. They are already protected by strict federal and Minnesota laws that require environmental review and permitting processes for any proposed mine. Those processes are designed to rely on science, ask hard questions, protect our environment, and support Minnesota’s communities and its economy. This vote does not open a mine. It opens the door for a transparent, science-based review. Mining and environmental protections can co-exist, and our industry is committed to making sure that happens.”

BOOZE: Twin Cities Business has an update on Princeton-based Phillips’ decision, in response to tariffs shutting out the Canadian market for its Sour Puss brand, to move the brand’s production north of the border. VERBATIM: “After vetting 19 Canadian bottlers, the company entered a multi-year licensing agreement with Station 22, in Montreal. Sour Puss production began there in November. It’s now back on shelves in all Canadian provinces and territories, and shipping is simpler, [VP of marketing Laura Donnelly] says. Phillips averted Minnesota layoffs by replacing lost volume with contract work for other brands. Its Princeton facility actually grew volume by 20% in 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sDjFGs

OWATONNA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Owatonna’s fire department is still using a station house built in the early 1900s, when many firefighting apparatus were still pulled by horses. The police station is housed in a former bank and is more than 60 years old. Owatonna city officials propose building new fire and police facilities. But many residents have questions about the project and are pushing back, hard enough to force the question of whether the city should issue $65 million in bonds to pay for the police and fire stations to be put to the city’s voters later this year. Nearly 2,500 Owatonna residents signed the petition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sJ1OxL

JUDGEMENT CALLS

RULING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court in a split decision published Wednesday overturned the murder conviction of a Minneapolis man after finding that a police search for Google location data was too broad. But the justices did not ban law enforcement outright from using so-called geofence warrants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OrsjcQ

FLAG: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of Plainview became the latest southeast Minnesota community to decide to fly the old Minnesota state flag instead of the new one adopted in 2024. The Plainview City Council voted 3-2 at its meeting Tuesday to fly the 1983 version of the flag on city property.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3O7kGsb

CROW WING CTY: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County Commissioner Steve Barrows will not seek a third term to represent District 3. Barrows made the surprise announcement at the end of the County Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14. Barrows is known for recognizing weeks or months of note at the end of the meetings and Tuesday was no exception as he noted April 12-18 as Public Safety Dispatch Week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4taxgG8

20 RIBBONS: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the most trusted brands in the baking industry, announced today it was awarded 20 Blue Ribbons at the 2026 American Pie Council (APC) National Pie Championships, held April 8-9 in Orlando.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dX2ADL

DOWNTOWN MPLS

SKYWAY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “When Keiona Cook was 17 and working in the Wild Pair shoe store in IDS Center, she dreamed of opening her own shop inside the iconic downtown Minneapolis skyscraper. Why it matters: For decades, getting a prime spot in the Minneapolis skyway system was tough for small independent businesses as vacancies were tight and national retailers and chain restaurants paid top dollar. Yes, but: With the rise in remote work and a loss of daily customers, many skyway businesses have closed, giving more opportunities for entrepreneurs like Cook to be in the middle of it all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vyxEzL

MORE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “We see you, good people of downtown Minneapolis, enduring the slushiest of seasons and making good use of the skyway system, just as its 1960s masterminds intended. There are a few new skyway hot spots to take note of.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cdhYum

FOSHAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “One of the most recognizable buildings in the Minneapolis skyline is at risk of foreclosure after its owner defaulted on a mortgage. Deutsche Bank is suing the Foshay Tower’s owner, alleging that WMN Foshay LP failed to pay off the $51 million mortgage by its maturity date last May, and that it owes more than $40 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41WS741

CORPORATE EARNINGS

US BANK: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] U.S. Bancorp reported a 13.6% jump in first-quarter profit on Thursday, driven by higher interest income and fee revenue. Loan growth has been quite strong across the industry in recent months ‌as a string of rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the second half of 2025 encouraged businesses and consumers to take on more debt . . . The fifth-largest U.S. lender’s profit was $1.95 billion, or $1.18 per share, in the three months ended March 31, compared with $1.72 billion, or $1.03 per share, a year earlier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42hhNrT

WINMARK: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Winmark Corp. (WINA) on Wednesday reported net income of $9.3 million in its first quarter. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of $2.50 per share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vtbuyV

BUSINESS MOVES

MERGER: Via Allegiant, VERBATIM: “Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) and Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCY) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the joint interim exemption application of their respective airline subsidiaries that will allow both airlines to continue operating as separate carriers under common ownership after closing, pending further action by the DOT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPnqcH

MAGNETS: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, the leading manufacturer of rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, today announced the appointment of Mike Brommer as Chief Operations Officer. Brommer will lead the company’s operational strategy as it accelerates its commercial growth and commissions its first state-of-the-art permanent magnet manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minn., which broke ground in September 2025 and is expected to produce 1,500 tons of Iron Nitride magnets annually.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tLIvVj

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WHAT’S NEXT?

SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Although it’s not an official holiday, Record Store Day (RSD) is one of the most anticipated calendar pins of the year for analog-heads nationwide. Here in Minnesota, brick-and-mortar stores are gearing up for RSD 2026—this year on Saturday, April 18—which will feature special album releases and more. Here are six ways to mark the holiday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ayJjP

NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Sezzle, VERBATIM: “Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its first quarter 2026 results after the market close on May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48AYGwA

NEXT MONTH: Via Hopkins-based Digi, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (NASDAQ: DGII) will release its financial results for the second fiscal quarter 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, after market close, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sDyMQc

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

POT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “From skincare and chocolate bars to imaginative merchandise and pet-care products, cannabis-based gifts are no longer a niche category—but an ever-expanding market brimming with clever, covetable finds. Take advantage of these high-minded picks designed to spark curiosity, ease stress, and promote an enhanced state of wellness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPIO1q

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

lunch take | Party + Legislative Cash Comparisons

Mike Maybay — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:54:28 GMT

President Trump this morning said he’ll fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell if he opts to stay past his current term. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O8mnFM

Will the “Little House” reboot drive more tourism for Walnut Grove, MN? TRAILER: https://fluence-media.co/4cenKMl

Because it’s tax day (or, in some cases, because it’s Wednesday), BMTN has a list of restaurant deals. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tcAxop

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

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

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

CAMPAIGN 2026

Early signals that Sen. Amy Klobuchar knows she has to contrast herself with the administration of Gov. Tim Walz from WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. She talked the war in Iran, fundraising in the race for governor, and the state of the state she hopes to lead.

STATE GOVERNMENT: “We’ve gotta have a state government that can carry its weight and that can match the drive and ambition of Minnesotans, we need more growth. We need to make some changes to the way the government works.”
ON FRAUD: “I’m a former prosecutor, and I’ve been glad that the legislature is looking at a bipartisan basis, now at some sensible reforms so that this doesn’t happen again. So you not only root out the fraud and put people in jail, you also change the way things are working. That means an independent inspector general, and I think that’s a good start, there’s a bipartisan proposal on that, to criminal penalties and making a big focus on that, and just making sure we’ve got the technology – we’ve got old computers that still have blinking cursors and technology can be effective in catching these fraudsters.”

Start listening at 1:09:25 HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tQnqJv

CASH: Here’s a snapshot comparison of legislative caucus and state party fundraising in Q1. Follow more at Fluence Election Tracker. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

Tomorrow in morning take a full analysis of fundraising in Minnesota’s key races.

CD8: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “‘Summer House’ alum, actor and Iron Range-born Luke Gulbranson announced Wednesday he’ll challenge current Republican Rep. Pete Stauber for his seat in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District this fall. Gulbranson, 42, of Eveleth, went public in a new campaign video just weeks before the Minnesota DFL convenes in Rochester for its endorsement convention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vBOfD6

WEALTH TAX: Via Bloomberg, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are weighing legislation imposing what backers say would be the nation’s first true state-level wealth tax—a 1% annual levy on all ‘taxable wealth’ above $10 million. While several states have pursued special levies on income above certain thresholds, Minnesota’s proposal (HF 4616) would require taxpayers to annually evaluate their taxable assets in a manner similar to calculations for the federal estate tax, and then remit 1% of that total to the state . . . The bill was added last week to a list of revenue proposals for consideration in the House Tax Committee’s end-of-session omnibus tax bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/426OfgD

BYSTANDER ARRESTS: Via ProPublica, VERBATIM: “ProPublica and FRONTLINE combed through social media, court records and news stories. Reporters identified more than 300 protesters and bystanders who were arrested by federal agents during immigration sweeps and were accused of crimes such as assaulting or interfering with law enforcement. But over and over those accusations fell apart under scrutiny. Our reviews of court files found that statements made by the arresting officers were repeatedly debunked by video footage. In more than a third of the cases, prosecutors quickly dismissed charges that couldn’t be substantiated, refused to file charges at all, or lost at trial.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ctC1Ue

BISHOP: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A prominent Minnesota Catholic bishop with close ties to President Donald Trump is sharply criticizing the president for his social media comments over the weekend lambasting the pope . . . Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, who has been a close Catholic ally of the president, called Trump’s verbal attack on the pope ‘entirely inappropriate and disrespectful,’ adding that the comments ‘don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4teEgC4

AT THE CAPITOL

GROOMING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers working now to write a law to prevent grooming of children by adults in schools are parsing through the same questions district administrators, sports officials, caregivers and others have struggled for years to answer: What is grooming and how do we stop it? Experts say it’s incredibly difficult to recognize, legislate and prevent this aspect of child abuse — but it’s not impossible.” QUOTE: “The difficulty with grooming is that most of us can’t identify it,” said Dr. Mark Hudson, a Children’s Minnesota physician who specializes in handling cases tied to possible child abuse. “The things that are grooming are things that are normal activities oftentimes, and that’s where making specific grooming legislation is really hard,” Hudson added. “Then you have to get into intent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sEL4rw

SCHOOL SAFETY: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “We already knew the Legislature would not pass significant gun control legislation following the Annunciation school shooting. Less clear is if Republicans and DFLers might hammer out a school safety package sans gun restrictions to show Annunciation parents, ‘Hey, at least we did something.’ On Tuesday, lawmakers in the split House gave their answer for now: No, there will not be a bipartisan school safety bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mvAwcP

MEAT RAFFLES: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The deeply divided Minnesota Legislature hasn’t been able to agree on much this year, but it’s almost a sure bet to respond by upping the cap to $200. That will allow charities to offer more and bigger grill packs, and thicker, fancier steaks, while funding local youth sports teams and other causes. And it will ensure that the state’s beloved if quirky tradition of gambling for meat products will remain viable. ‘This is probably the best feel-good bill that we have going on in the Legislature right now,’ said Republican Rep. Jim Nash, lead House author of the meat raffle legislation.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tOIujA

LICENSE PLATE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Lovers of Lake Superior agates, the state gemstone, are campaigning for a state park license plate contest honoring the striped, iron-colored mineraloid and the North Shore. The campaign began when Shoreview resident and lifelong agate collector Lars Leafblad noticed how many specialty license plates already exist in Minnesota. Leafblad reached out to his state representative, Dave Gottfried (D-Shoreview), and the two of them worked out a plan to get the state gemstone on a license plate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41A5Opi

BUSINESS UPDATES

UNH: Via Forbes, VERBATIM: “Next week’s UnitedHealth Group quarterly earnings are greatly anticipated for signs the health insurance giant and its rivals are getting a handle on rising costs dragging down the managed care industry. UnitedHealth, which owns the nation’s largest health insurer in UnitedHealthcare, on Tuesday, April 21 will be the first health insurer out of the box to report first quarter earnings as the industry continues to reel from higher-than-expected medical costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tQDKKl

TARGET: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “Morgan Stanley believes Target is showing early but tangible signs of a turnaround, with analysts now seeing ‘a path to a credible improvement story.’ In a note following meetings with management in Minneapolis, analyst Simeon Gutman reiterated an Overweight rating and a $145 price target, saying ‘TGT is moving in the right direction.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cLqoZZ

INSURANCE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “This week marks Severe Weather Awareness Week and it’s a great time to take a look at your insurance policies to see how your home and vehicle are covered. Aaron Cocking with the Insurance Federation of Minnesota says insurance companies have been adjusting their policies in recent years due to the rising cost of insurance and consumers may be surprised to see how their policy has changed.” QUOTE: “A big change we have seen is with more insurance providers switching policies to actual cash value,” Cocking explains. “That means you are going to get the value of what the roof is worth right now, not necessarily a brand-new roof.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41B0p15

(DISCLOSURE: Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a Fluence client)

BATHHOUSES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council’s decision to start a process that could result in the decriminalization and legalization of adult bathhouses is a pivotal chapter in LGBTQ+ history in the city. Council members who support the measures say the ordinance was fear-based and needs to be updated to reflect modern times. Artist and activist Patrick Scully, owner of Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis, remembers what it was like before the bathhouses were extinct.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/480FF6B

GOLF: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. But as with any home lived in for that long, things need a refresh. For the championship 18-hole golf course, consistently ranked one of the best public courses in the state, that refresh is significant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47YVvie

THE LOCALS

TAXES: From Hamline political science and legal studies professor David Schultz via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Cities raise the money they need to function by taxing property within their borders. When the commercial and industrial share of that tax base grows, everyone benefits . . . When that commercial base shrinks, the burden shifts, homeowners pay more, and the city becomes a less attractive place to live, invest, or stay. That arithmetic is now playing out very differently across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the divergence carries lessons that no local official, homeowner, or business owner can afford to ignore.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48vJEbu

RAMSEY CTY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County is launching a new plan to sell off county-owned property and invest millions of dollars into development in downtown St. Paul. The county’s Board of Commissioners passed the wide-ranging economic development plan unanimously in a vote Tuesday. It calls for $320 million in investments across the county. The investments are aimed at rejuvenating downtown St. Paul and bringing in needed tax revenue — without raising property tax rates. County Manager Ling Becker said the county needs the funding boost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cdoFww

ST LOUIS CTY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The St. Louis County board voted 6 to 1 Tuesday to send a controversial land use ordinance back to the planning commission for further review. More than a hundred people filled the St Louis County Board meeting Tuesday to share their concerns about that land use ordinance. According to the county, this is the largest board meeting attendance in recent memory.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sDaNAB

COMMERCE

ACQUISITION: Via Missouri-based CTI, VERBATIM: “CTI, the largest privately held AV integration and events provider in the U.S., has acquired Nomad AV Systems of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Nomad strengthens CTI’s Justice Division with courtroom AV integration expertise that began with innovative mobile solutions used daily in courts across the United States, and later expanded to include full audiovisual design and integration services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41vEsAF

ACQUISITION: Via Morrie’s, VERBATIM: “Morrie’s Auto Group today announced the acquisition of the Beardmore dealership group in Bellevue, Nebraska, expanding Morrie’s presence into the Omaha metropolitan area. The acquisition includes Beardmore Subaru, Beardmore Hyundai, and Beardmore Chevrolet.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4th9CrI

CRYSTAL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The New Crystal Cafe & Grill has reopened with new owners and is bringing a Mexican twist to diner classics. Located at 2732 Douglas Dr. N. in the strip mall of Douglas and Medicine Lake Road, the restaurant offers a revamped menu.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sGLzRP

PARK RAPIDS: Via Park Rapids Enterprise, VERBATIM: “The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Missy Hendrickx as its new president on Thursday, April 2. She will officially begin her role on April 28, according to a news release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tetueQ

OTTER TAIL: Via Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) today announced executive leadership transitions in conjunction with the long-term succession plan approved by its Board of Directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dQbO4v

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) announced today that it plans to issue its first quarter 2026 financial and operating results on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after the market closes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwsRq3

NEXT MONTH: Via Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) will issue a news release announcing first quarter 2026 financial results after the stock market closes on Monday, May 4, 2026, and will host a live conference call and webcast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the corporation’s financial and operating performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vwjtv3

THIS SUMMER: Via U.S. Bank Stadium, VERBATIM: “WWE, in partnership with Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), today announced that two-day combo tickets for SummerSlam 2026, taking place Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, will go on sale starting Friday, May 1 at 10am CT via Ticketmaster.com.”

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

SHORT FILM: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A new short film in theaters this week reimagines a long-running Minneapolis mystery with a fantastical twist. The big picture: ‘The Boom,’ written and directed by local Ojibwe and Cree filmmaker Ajuawak Kapashesit, follows an Indigenous man as he investigates a mysterious noise heard during his food delivery route through Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41UfVWd

ART EXHIBIT: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “When the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum opened in Shoreview in 2022, art fanatics primarily touted it as a glass-art museum. And it’s true: A large portion of the modern and contemporary art collection amassed by businessman Gerard Cafesjian, who died in 2013, is glass sculptures. But after a recent programming expansion at the museum founded by his family, plus the addition of curator Jill Ahlberg Yohe (who spent the last decade at Mia), the Cafesjian is ready to expand its public perception with its new exhibit, Abstraction and Ourselves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sEJK82

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

lunch take | Duluth Rethinks Cruise Port + Influencer Banned from Parks

Mike Maybay — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:18:13 GMT

A Brit who’s called Minnesota home for 14 years shared her favorite Minnesota innovations via Instagram, SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cIttKl

The International Monetary Fund this morning warned the war in the Middle East raises the possibility of a global recession. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mw5YYk

Over in Wisconsin, today, lawmakers are holding a special session to consider a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vsREnl

From the National Weather Service via Facebook, hail in Rice County:

MORE PICS: https://fluence-media.co/4vwhmHL

The State Fair this morning announced a new Grandstand show. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ccd4xO

Usher and Chris Brown will play U.S. Bank Stadium in June.

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

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

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

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

TUESDAY FEED

CAPITOL SECURITY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A rise in political threats is driving a spike in Minnesota legislative security spending. Minnesota’s legislative leaders are now prioritizing multi-million dollar safety upgrades as a new report reveals that security costs for public officials have surged fivefold over the last decade. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) says right now she wants social media looked at more closely, and emphasized the role it plays in inciting physical danger against officials.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OjG3qc

ICE RESPONSE: Via Gray, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from several business owners, school district members, and city leaders on Monday, as testifiers explained the impact of Operation Metro Surge on their respective spaces . . . While some of the DFL’s ICE-related bills have faced some partisan pushback, the ones tied to economic impacts could get enough support to pass in the tied House. One such bill would establish a loan program for business owners.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mrzuP3

FOUR DAYS: Via Northern News Now, a pair of school districts last night decided on proposals to move to a four-day week. Ely approved the plan, ELY: https://fluence-media.co/4sCtRPb Rock Ridge voted against it, ROCK RIDGE: https://fluence-media.co/4vvcaUA

GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A familiar face is taking the helm at the Golden Valley Police Department. Matt Clark, who has served as interim police chief for about six months, has been named permanent chief.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t47HGK

SENATE: Via news release from the Tafoya campaign, VERBATIM: “Michele Tafoya announced today that her campaign raised $2.2 million in the first quarter, a strong early showing that underscores her momentum in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race.”

CRUISE PORT: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “City officials have stepped back to consider whether they should invest more money to better establish Duluth as a port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships in the face of dwindling traffic. To allow for that conversation, city councilors delayed action Monday on a resolution that would have authorized the expenditure of up to $500,000 in new baggage-handling operations for a cruise ship terminal it has operated out of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for the past several years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4caiA3V

ST PAUL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County leaders want to spend more than $170 million on downtown St. Paul development projects in hopes of catalyzing more private investment in the city’s struggling urban core. About $120 million would go to the long-stalled Park at RiversEdge development, which would connect the urban core to the Mississippi River, and $50 million would go toward housing developments in downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sAQC6l

THE LOCALS

PARK BAN: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota influencer who’s built an online brand around filming charitable acts toward homeless people has been banned from St. Paul parks for six months. Why it matters: Josh Liljenquist is part of a school of online influencers — including MrBeast and fellow Minnesota native Jimmy Darts — that turns random acts of kindness into huge audiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cax0AZ

CYBERATTACK: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Spring Lake Park Schools has cancelled all classes for a second straight day as it works to restore critical systems following a suspected ransomware attack. According to an initial release from the district on Sunday, an outside actor gained access to some school district systems and staff immediately shut down all systems to prevent further access. The response initially forced the cancellation of all classes, child care, community education and after school activities on Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syhgwC

HOPKINS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Hopkins School Board has named six semifinalists for the district’s superintendent role. The winning candidate will replace current Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, who announced plans not to renew her contract in December 2025.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3OfV78j

GREATER MINNESOTA

RIVER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A conservation group has listed a major river in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as the third most endangered river in the country on its annual list of threatened waterways. It marks the fourth time American Rivers has included the South Kawishiwi River on its list of 10 most endangered rivers — it was also selected in 2013, 2018 and 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egNwAQ

CRYPTO: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU) is stepping into the digital asset and cryptocurrency industry to help prevent members from drifting to national crypto platforms, and also to boost revenue. The credit union in March quietly launched its CU-Digital Asset Vault, a service that allows members to hold and manage cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC directly within SCFCU’s core banking system. Ordinarily, people choose to store digital assets on third-party exchanges like Coinbase connected to the internet. The rollout comes as digital assets continue gaining traction among institutional players, especially mega banks like Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4synpsy

MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “An iron ore industry research project that would have long-term benefits for the Iron Range is among highlights at a mining conference this week in Duluth. Development of a direct-reduced iron simulator at the Natural Resources Research Institute’s (NRRI) Coleraine minerals processing and metallurgy laboratory is one of the topics at the 2026 Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) Minnesota conference.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sABUw9

BSU: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The keynote speaker at Bemidji State’s annual Student Achievement Conference, Dr. Christopher Waller, spoke last week about how he went from the small-town university to Washington, D.C. to join the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve system.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41xAB6a

NECESSITIES

UTILITIES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A diabetic southeastern Minnesota woman heating her home off a generator after the local electric utility cut her service for nonpayment. An immigrant renter served an eviction notice for missing payments to the landlord’s third-party utility billing company. A ratepayer advocacy group shared these and other stories of ratepayers struggling with bills during a recent hearing of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the state’s utility regulator. In both cases, utility bureaucracy or gaps in Minnesota’s social service system made a bad situation worse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4co8uLD

HOUSING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The historic Minneapolis Grain Exchange campus is slated for an overhaul that would include 232 new apartments. Why it matters: This potential $123 million project by local developer Sherman Associates is exactly what city leaders have been hoping for to revitalize downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4el2beg

COMMERCE

POT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on a pair of siblings who’ve opened cannabis shops in Edina and Mendota Heights will plans to open three more. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4elnkFa

CARBON: Via Minneapolis-based EP Carbon, VERBATIM: “EP Carbon today announced the launch of Drawn Carbon, a new platform designed to help early-stage nature-based carbon projects overcome persistent barriers to quality, transparency, and investment. As scrutiny of carbon credits intensifies and buyers increasingly prioritize integrity, many early-stage ARR and REDD+ projects struggle to demonstrate quality, navigate complex requirements, and secure financing. Drawn Carbon aims to close that gap by giving developers a faster, clearer pathway from concept to crediting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqSKaP

DOORS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Kampmann Sash & Door in Brainerd has been serving central Minnesota’s custom doors and woodworking needs for over a century. In a world filled with low-quality and mass-produced goods, the company sees itself as an exception, adhering to a tradition of craftsmanship.” QUOTE: “I learned from the previous owner who learned from the previous owner who learned from the previous owner, and we kind of go hand-in-foot with that,” said owner Justin Pursell. “I had a contractor come in, probably two months, and just realized where he was getting his doors were coming on a container from China. If that’s what you want, that’s fine. But, they give the impression these doors are built here in America and they’re not.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Q0Gd6r

THE LOWRY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After 15 years on Hennepin Avenue, The Lowry will close its doors later this month. The all-day restaurant and bar in Lowry Hill announced on its social media pages Monday that April 26 will be its last day in business, saying ‘multiple compounding issues over several years’ have made the restaurant unsustainable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ypy0d

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “You never know where a creative spark will come from. For Sara Holst, it was an empty storefront next door to a client she was visiting. A business consultant for aesthetic clinics by day, Holst was in the midst of what she calls an ‘existential crisis’—and decided to sign the lease. Two months and a lot of DIY later, she and her husband, Matt, opened Mor, a women’s fashion boutique.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dHWB5u

COFFEE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Little Joy Coffee, a modest shop in Northfield (about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis), didn’t just create a viral drink—they gave it away. Their Raspberry Danish Latte, a spring seasonal inspired by the familiar pastry, quickly spread far beyond Minnesota after the team shared the full recipe online and invited other shops to recreate it. What followed was something rare: hundreds of cafes across the country—and around the world—adding a Minnesota-born drink to their menus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cGSt4K

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NOW: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A stretch of Highway 280 in the Twin Cities which is usually packed with traffic during peak drive times is closed for construction until late August.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tGI26U

TONIGHT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “One of the most iconic scenes in 20th-century American cinema unfolds in the movie ‘Fargo,’ where a villain loads a human foot into a wood chipper as a pregnant cop arrives to arrest him. Actor Peter Stormare played the villain, Gaear Grimsrud, and will be on hand Tuesday night for the film’s 30th anniversary screening at the Fargo Theater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tJ2GmR

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

FIDGETING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “NeedOhs are flying off the shelves of Twin Cities toy stores. Need-what? The brightly colored fidget toys, which snap back into shape when they are squished and stretched, are the latest ‘it’ toy to take off thanks to a viral TikTok trend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QkvoMs

BDAYS: Walz digital advisor Holland Griffin, lobbyist Mike Erlandson