The Daily Agenda: Lunch Take

lunch take | MN Firm Sold for $11.3 Billion

Mike Maybay — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:54:04 GMT

Two-thirds of Americans say they’ve suffered financial hardship because of the cost of fuel. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4xMHP55

Minnesota Aurora asked players to pronounce Minnesota city names. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uSaAdJ

We still need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 41% of the state in formal drought status, up from 38% a week earlier. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take coming soon: Lots of thoughts on the huge Wolves trade. Also, the NCAA gets something right, the Twins sell out and the end of Edina’s one-of-a-kind summer hockey league.

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Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/43Vzy12

Sunday Take covered the status of third parties in Minnesota with Chip Tangen, Libertarian candidate for secretary of state, and Jay Reeves, Forward Independence candidate for state auditor. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uICwRf

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tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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

$11.3 BILLION DEAL

ACQUISITION: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “German drugmaker Merck KGaA said on Thursday it will acquire [Minneapolis-based] biotech firm Bio-Techne Corp for $11.3 billion, its largest deal in over a decade, as it looks to strengthen its life sciences business. Shares of Bio-Techne rose 20% in premarket trading following Merck’s offer of $73 per share, which implies a 24% premium to Bio-Techne’s close on Wednesday. Merck KGaA shares were up 3%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QM55zg

MORE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Bio-Techne] has more than 3,000 employees, with 2,300 of them in the U.S., and has 15 manufacturing facilities. Last year, it had revenue of more than $1.2 billion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44yLgyE

MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The proposed deal comes as suppliers of life-sciences tools are positioning themselves to tap in to heavy investments by pharma companies in research and development and a recovery in funding for biotech companies, which struggled to raise money when central banks raised interest rates after the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. rivals Thermo Fisher Scientific and Danaher have also made multibillion-dollar acquisitions over the past year. The acquisition of Bio-Techne brings a portfolio of disposable lab supplies, instruments and services, while strengthening Merck’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the German company said Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4agREhx

ENDORSEMENT: Via news release from the Frazier campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, DFL-endorsed Hennepin County Attorney candidate Cedrick Frazier announced a major endorsement from Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith. Senator Smith’s backing marks the highest-profile endorsement of the 2026 Hennepin County Attorney race to date and underscores the growing momentum behind Frazier’s campaign.” Via Facebook, STATEMENT: https://fluence-media.co/4oO8yKf

DEBATE: Via release from the Kendall Qualls campaign, VERBATIM: “The Qualls campaign has accepted the first invitation from the Republican Party of Olmsted County on July 21st in Rochester. This debate will be televised by KTTC with partners across the state. Will Lisa Demuth show up or is she using Joe Biden’s bunker basement strategy to hide from voters?”

FED BLDG: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports the Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building in downtown Minneapolis is among eight the Public Buildings Reform Board recommends be sold. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0q9QK

EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, reports on Minnesota-based companies:

H.B. FULLER: “H. B. Fuller Co. (FUL) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $67.8 million. The St Paul, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.23 per share . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The adhesives company posted revenue of $950.3 million in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44tpQTA
WINNEBAGO: “Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) on Thursday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $14.5 million. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 51 cents . . . The results missed Wall Street expectations . . . The recreational vehicle maker posted revenue of $698.7 million in the period, which also did not meet Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SwnoJo

MORE: Via Winnebago, from CEO Michael Happe, QUOTE: “Industry retail demand was pressured by broader macro factors, including elevated fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and weak consumer confidence which continued to drive cautious dealer ordering and tighter inventory management across the channel.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b3R0UL

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)

LAW ENFORCEMENT

ICE HELP: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office’s cooperation with federal immigration agents continues to draw both public ire and support. Eight residents spoke during the public forum portion of the Tuesday, June 23, County Board meeting, seven of whom asked commissioners to consider withdrawing from agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. About four dozen people filled the benches of the Historic Courthouse. People have been commenting on this issue for months. But on Tuesday, many were answering the call of the Minnesota branch of the American Civil Liberties Union to pack the room in light of recent ICE activity in the region.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g58kML

RENEE GOOD: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The Justice Department is asking for an additional two weeks to return the vehicle Renee Good was driving when she was shot and killed by an immigration agent in January. Good’s widow, Rebecca Good, filed a motion to get the vehicle back from the government, and earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed for an extension.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vByqfg

MPD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A report released this week found that Minneapolis police often mishandled officer discipline cases in past years. The report was issued by Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA), the group responsible for monitoring the policing agreement between the city of Minneapolis and the state’s human rights department. It found that Minneapolis police in the past often wrongly routed discipline cases to coaching rather than harsher discipline, and that cases often went unresolved for long periods of time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eHu7rw

CAR THEFTS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth police say 2025 brought the city’s lowest recorded number of car thefts in more than a decade, and they credit Auto Theft Investigator Morgan Cekalla and new tracking technology for the drop. Duluth recorded more than 300 reported car thefts in 2021 and reported 115 thefts in 2025. Through past grants, Duluth now uses automatic license plate reader technology in squad cars and Flock stationary cameras placed throughout the city. The systems alert law enforcement when a stolen plate is located.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w4r3N2

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)

MINNESOTA ISSUES

SOCIAL STUDIES: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Social studies classes will look a little different for most K-12 students this fall when Minnesota’s new standards hit classrooms in all districts for the first time. State educational standards get updated every ten years. These have been in the works since the 2020-2021 school year. This time, the state made a couple of big changes in how it wants teachers to present social studies to your kids.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vvE9TP

HOUSING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A new report by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and New York University highlights Minneapolis as an example of how one city helped keep rents down. The report came on the same day that Congress passed the bipartisan federal Road to Housing Act, which aims to do some of the same things Minneapolis did: relax local regulations and encourage construction. President Trump said on Wednesday that he won’t sign it until Congress passes an election reform bill he wants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0b6GK

LAKES: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “University of St. Thomas biology professor Chip Small and University of Minnesota researcher Becky Forgrave are leading a project tracking water quality and visitors’ perceptions of water quality at urban lakes across the Twin Cities. ‘One piece there’s not been much data on is how this investment impacts how people are experiencing water quality,’ Small said. They are collecting data at 17 lakes in the Twin Cities. Students help Small and Forgrave collect weekly water samples measuring levels of phosphorus, E. coli and other variables that affect water quality. The project is also soliciting opinions from guests to gauge their thoughts on the waters they visit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vqPAfn

RELATED: Temperance River State Park is the third best place in the country to camp near water, according to The Dyrt. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4y6y81F

FAIRMONT: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Fairmont City Council approved a new amendment to section 2 of its City Charter on Monday. City Councilmember-at-Large Britney Kawecki says the change was meant to update old language and remove the possibility for misunderstandings surrounding the city’s weak mayor-strong-council system which it has had since inception.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Spej5e

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)

COMMERCE

WINE: Minnesota’s Laughing Otter Winery is among this year’s Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge winners. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/44w8N3i

HAIR CARE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “In a crowded category, Minneapolis-based hair care brand Odele Beauty, co-founded by Britta Chatterjee, Shannon Kearney, and Lindsay Holden (right), has carved out a fast-growing niche by doing something surprisingly simple: giving people something they didn’t realize they were missing. Holden, a Minneapolis native, built her career as a Target merchant—not a beauty or salon expert.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vADGQ8

FOOD HALL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports NEON Collective Kitchens, a food hall in north Minneapolis, has signed up two more stall operators. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QM6oOG

REBRAND: Via New Hope-based Mixly, VERBATIM: “Mixly Cocktail Co., the brand known for clean-ingredient cocktail and mocktail mixers, today announced its rebrand to Mixly Beverage Co., marking the company’s evolution beyond the bar cart and into a broader beverage platform built for the way consumers drink today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eGMHjd

SOCCER + CLOTHES: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Aurora FC is teaming up with the local indie-rock band Hippo Campus on an apparel collection. Official League, a lifestyle merchandiser focusing on sports, music, and more, debuted the Hippo Campus x Minnesota Aurora FC collection this month as part of a larger Local Legends series nationwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SqtjQh

TELEVISIONS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Best Buy announced Wednesday it is the exclusive national retailer for RGB LED TVs, putting the electronics chain at the center of a rollout the company calls the biggest change in TV technology in more than a decade.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f3Q2dC

NEW CEO: Via PUC, VERBATIM: “Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) has named Signe V. Harriday its next President and Chief Executive Officer. A nationally recognized executive leader, Harriday brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a 25-year relationship with PUC in a variety of roles.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eNFpKP

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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?

THIS SUMMER: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Lakeside festival grounds, downtown parks, and art galleries host a wide range of music, art, and outdoor gatherings each summer that bring people together from all across the state. It doesn’t matter if it’s a community performance, an art exhibit, or a huge weekend festival–these spots are sure to showcase the best of what summer in Minnesota has to offer.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4alClUJ

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

WATERFRONT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Being the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s only right that Minnesota has great dining to pair with an equally great view. Whether it’s a calm summer sunset on the patio or a busy Saturday night, there’s a spot waiting for you on the water.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3SspPga

BDAYS: community leader Elizabeth Patty, political insider Sarah Kruger, agency leader Patty Voje, CFAN’s comms leader Tim Loesch, truth speaker Billy Dinkel, professor Rand Park, Strib spin guy Chris Iles

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 | Are Senate Prospects Driving Klobuchar's Bid for Governor?

Mike Maybay — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:21:14 GMT

Most Americans say it’s “very important” for ordinary people and elected leaders to demonstrate courage – 67% say courage is weaker than it was 20 years ago. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4b5fTzq

Tuesday’s rain forced the cancellation of the Dave Matthews show scheduled for Mystic Lake’s new amphitheater. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4etDM6a

AAA predicts more than 72-million Americans will travel 50+ miles from home over the Independence Day holiday.

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/4w8lddC

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

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

MIDWEEK POLITICS

WISCONSIN POLL: Via Gray, VERBATIM: “Three in 10 Wisconsin voters have little or no confidence that votes were accurately counted in the 2024 election, according to a Tarrance Group poll presented at a WisPolitics luncheon on Tuesday. Dave Sacket, with The Tarrance Group, said part of what drives distrust is how long it takes for ballots to be processed, along with voters’ unfamiliarity with the ballot counting process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aTlwkf

MORE: Via WisPolitics, VERBATIM: “Over 90% of Democrats were either ‘very confident’ or ‘somewhat confident’ that votes in the Wisconsin November election will be accurately cast and counted as opposed to 46% of Republicans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBlVKF

KLOBUCHAR: Via MinnPost, a deep dive into Senator Amy Klobuchar’s campaign for governor and how that gig compares to her prospects in the Senate. VERBATIM: “A member of the Democratic leadership in the Senate, Klobuchar has through seniority and grit climbed the ranks to win the No. 3 spot in Senate Democratic leadership as chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. But Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., who has worked closely with Klobuchar on regional issues, said Klobuchar may have been considering how much further she could climb. ‘She had to weigh, ‘Do I stay and see how that plays out or do I go back to Minnesota?’’ Hoeven said. Tim Lindberg, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota Morris, said Klobuchar may have suffered some frustration working in a closely divided Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vzCVHc

ENDORSEMENTS: Via news release from the Hao Nguyen Hennepin County Attorney campaign, VERBATIM: “After the DFL County Convention, I’d like to reiterate my support for Sheriff Dawanna Witt – and Sheriff Witt has endorsed my campaign as well.” Via Facebook, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eL803j

DEVELOPING STORIES

FRAUD: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Hundreds packed a Big Lake town hall as families and providers worried adult disability services could be cut off. The meeting happened on Tuesday as the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) continued to process appeals from disenrolled providers as part of a statewide fraud crackdown. Big Lake disability services provider Options, Inc. hosted the town hall with area lawmakers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oIAgrQ

PROTESTER: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “More than a year after protests broke out during a federal law enforcement raid last summer, a Twin Cities activist stood inside federal court to learn her sentence. Isabel Lopez was arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement last June. She was initially charged with four felonies for assault, but pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor Tuesday afternoon.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43PduVP

LAWSUIT: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota woman dragged out of her car and arrested during Operation Metro Surge claims federal agents violated her civil rights. On behalf of Aliya Rahman, the MacArthur Justice Center and a civil rights law firm filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday, requesting an investigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eI6rDa

AROUND MINNESOTA

VIRGINIA: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Dozens of community members spoke out Tuesday at a Virginia City Council meeting amid proposed cuts to the city’s police and fire departments. The council chambers were packed, with many residents speaking in support of first responders. With discussion about possibly moving toward a private ambulance service, there was also an agenda item Tuesday night directing city staff to look into a potential hybrid department structure.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44rfAv5

CHISHOLM: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The mountain bike trend is picking up steam with new trails and amenities at the Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm. Construction on a connector trail, providing a connection between downtown Chisholm and Redhead began this month and has a target completion date of August 22 of this year. The project is being funded by an Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Connectivity Grant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f28vao

DRONES: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Mosquito experts continue to deploy their latest tool to control the population: drones. ‘This is probably, a lot of us are of the opinion, that it’s one of the greatest leaps forward in our mosquito control technology in the last 10, 20 years,’ said [Metropolitan Mosquito Control District field operations supervisor Charlie Guenther]. Since 2019, the agency has grown to having about 10 drones that spread eco-friendly granules targeting mosquito larvae.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uZ41q3

BOATING: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to check boats and trailers, docks and boat lifts, and all other water-related equipment for aquatic invasive species (AIS), especially when buying or selling used equipment. DNR officials say that although we are past the initial spring shoreline equipment installation rush, the mid-season market for used equipment presents a much higher risk of spreading AIS.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wcqpNM

COMMERCE

SPS: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Supply chain software maker SPS Commerce is exploring a sale amid pressure from activist investors, according to three ‌people familiar with the matter. The company is working with investment bank Morgan Stanley on the potential sale, which is expected to draw interest from private equity firms, the sources said, requesting anonymity to discuss confidential matters . . . Minneapolis-based SPS Commerce provides cloud-based software that helps retailers, suppliers and distributors manage logistics, inventory and electronic data interchange across their supply chains. It serves more than 50,000 customers globally, including retailers Walmart, Costco, Macy’s, Best Buy, Adidas and Hershey.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oMjjN9

LAYOFFS: Via Peoria Journal Star, VERBATIM: “Ideal US Talent Worker OpCo LLC intends to lay off 1,395 workers in Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Kendall counties on July 1, according to a notice submitted in May via the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. Ideal, a Minnesota-based company specializing in temporary help services, cited restructuring as the reason for the layoffs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4etcSLx

MEDIA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Star Tribune announced layoffs and buyouts for 24 union employees on Monday as part of a broader effort to reduce its workforce. The company announced aims to cut about 15 percent of its employees company-wide earlier this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eHipgi

HIGHER ED: Via Rabata, VERBATIM: “Ribāṭ University has received conditional approval from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) to operate as a degree-granting institution in the State of Minnesota. The approval comes as the university prepares to welcome its founding cohort of 170 undergraduate and graduate students, underscoring the global demand for its unique model of higher education. In addition to its degree-seeking students, Ribāṭ University’s Quran certification programs have admitted 59 women, reflecting strong demand for advanced Islamic learning and the continued growth in women’s scholarship.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44sMT0U

NE MPLS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “What if, in this year of our lord 2026, you stumbled on a charcuterie board that knocked your actual socks off and cured you of your cynicism? You can find said glorious board at Bar Oscar, a new cocktail spot open on Northeast’s Central Avenue, where co-owners Jeff Luten and Michael Hoolihan, both industry veterans, have taken over the former Dutch Bar space.” READ:

NEW CEO: Via MarketWatch, VERBATIM: “[Eden Prairie-based] NVE named Peter Eames as its next president and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 6. Eames, currently vice president of advanced technology at NVE, succeeds Daniel Baker, who plans to retire from the president and CEO roles on the same date, the nanotechnology company said Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vvVg7W

NEW CFO: Via Minneapolis-based VisitIQ, VERBATIM: “VisitIQ, a leading AI-driven audience intelligence and activation platform, today announced the appointment of Conner Roos as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SYwJK8

NEW VP: Via Owatonna-based Wenger, VERBATIM: “Wenger Corporation, a leading provider of innovative products and solutions for music and theatre education, performing arts and athletic storage, today announced that Keith Juhola has joined the company as Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBMZIb

NEW VP: Via MacPhail, VERBATIM: “MacPhail Center for Music has appointed Michael Waldman as Vice President of Development, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience to the organization. In this role, Waldman will lead MacPhail’s advancement strategy, donor engagement efforts, and philanthropic initiatives supporting the organization’s nationally recognized music education programs and community impact.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Sq7Aba

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via Allina, VERBATIM: “Allina Health Cancer Institute will host a ribbon cutting event Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the launch of its mobile lung and breast cancer screening programs, LIFE – Lung Imaging for Early-detection and Mammo on the Move. The event will highlight Allina Health Cancer Institute’s commitment to bringing lifesaving cancer screening directly to the communities it serves. Both mobile screening units are designed to make early detection more convenient and accessible for patients who may face barriers to screening or live near clinics that do not currently offer these services.”

NEXT MONTH: Via Taste of Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis July 3-4, transforming Nicollet Mall and Washington Avenue into a vibrant, walkable celebration of Minnesota food, music, art and community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uXcREO

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

COOKBOOK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Fans of Sea Salt can soon savor some of the beloved summertime spot’s signature dishes year-round at home. What’s baking: A new cookbook celebrating the popular park restaurant’s two-decade history at Minnehaha Falls, by co-owner Kait Ziemer-Davis and retired Star Tribune journalist Gail Rosenblum.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vujIq4

BDAYS: Sen John Jasinksi, operative Joelle Stangler, Senate stalwart Krista Broton, WCCO Radio’s Jimmy Erickson, real estate pro Brooke Wolford, historian Patrick Coleman

lunch take | St. Paul's Drone First Responders

Mike Maybay — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:03:06 GMT

Most people in high-income countries say climate change is a real threat – but they don’t think their neighbors believe the same. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/43VC07E

Two DoorDash drivers told Fox9 they’ve been hit by scammers. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xHzjEe

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/4eIt36I

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

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

A BUSY TUESDAY

TODAY: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office is set to announce the results of its review of six convictions involving the work of Dr. Michael McGee, whose work has been called into question . . . Ramsey County Attorney John Choi started reviewing McGee’s work in 2023 after a federal judge ruled McGee’s conclusions and testimony in the death of Dru Sjodin were ‘unreliable, misleading, and inaccurate.’ The finding came as part of an appeal by Alfonso Rodriquez, who faced a death sentence for Sjodin’s death.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gBElMs

EARLY VOTING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Early voting for the 2026 primary election starts Friday and election officials are expecting a spike in turnout. While Minnesota has famously high turnout in general elections, primaries always have fewer voters. Still, turnout increases ‘where there’s a lot of action and competitiveness on the ballot,’ said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. ‘And we certainly have that this year.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w9897V

DATA CENTERS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Despite their vocal protests, proposed developments hummed through local regulatory processes over the past two years — unless court orders forced them to pause, as they did in Pine Island and Faribault. Higher up the elected office chain, a host of bills seeking to rein in data center proposals failed at the Legislature last session . . . But campaign season presents another opportunity. With city, county and state offices in the balance across Minnesota this fall, [activist Aubree Derksen] said data centers should be seen as a key election issue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vX1tta

TOMORROW: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Google is holding a community open house for its proposed data center in Hermantown.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oHks8Z

SCHOOLS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Robbinsdale School Board is moving ahead with plans to put a bonding referendum on the November ballot. The board voted on June 15 to advance three ballot questions that could fund at least $343 million worth of the district’s future construction and maintenance plans. It’s been more than 40 years since the district last asked voters to approve a referendum.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eUSqU1

POOL: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “The city of Brainerd’s involvement in funding for a new YMCA pool remains up in the air, but a referendum in this fall’s election does not seem to be in the cards. Council members last discussed the issue during their meeting on June 15 after having asked staff to draft a question that could be put on a referendum ballot in November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3So5fh2

DRONES: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul police are now launching drones from the rooftops of three city buildings to potentially arrive before officers and survey the scene aerially with live-view cameras. Since the drone program began in St. Paul in 2023, specially trained officers would put up a drone at the scene of some incidents. The department’s new drones are called ‘drones as first responders’ by the companies that make them, though St. Paul Police Deputy Chief Kurt Hallstrom said he thinks that term gives the public the wrong idea of what St. Paul police refer to as a ‘docked drone’ program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aRpeuH

DAIRY: Via MPCA, VERBATIM: “After thoroughly reviewing comments received during the public comment period and in alignment with Minnesota state law, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has determined that an environmental impact study (EIS) is not required for Riverview LLC’s proposed expansion from a capacity of 7,855 cows to 18,855 cows at its West River Dairy facility near Morris.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vCK9tG

MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Some local residents, as well as sustainability groups, had called for an environmental impact statement, a report outlining the project’s potential impacts on the surrounding environment, including land, air and water. Sean Carroll, the policy director for the Land Stewardship Project, a sustainable agriculture group, said he’s disappointed that the pollution control agency won’t proceed with an environmental impact statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gzkFJ4

DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The City of Duluth has indefinitely closed a Skywalk pedestrian tunnel connecting the Radisson Hotel and Maurices buildings due to concerns surrounding health, safety and ‘unwanted behavior.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uWt8JP

ROAD WORK: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “MnDOT giving St. Paul commuters interactive view of upgrades being made to the I-35E bridge near downtown. A new public webcam is now archiving real-time images every 15 minutes, allowing residents to monitor the full history of the ongoing I-35E infrastructure project.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4w4l1vM

MORE: Via Earthcam, the webcam, SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4aMn3Zi

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

SHRIMP: Via Bridge Michigan, VERBATIM: “Scientists now have evidence that yet another invasive the aquatic species — the bloody red shrimp — is established in all five Great Lakes. Using traps and nets, researchers last summer collected dozens of adult and juvenile specimens, including pregnant females, at Wisconsin Point and the Montreal Pier in Duluth-Superior Harbor, according to a new study.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gAwKxB

NATIVE FISH: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “May 8, Gov. Tim Walz had signed a proclamation declaring the first ever ‘Native Fish Day.’ This was not just about walleye, bass and crappie. Native Fish Day was meant to celebrate the 26 other native species that have been here for thousands, if not millions, of years: redhorse, quillback, suckers, gar, bowfin and buffalo. The last of these is often mistaken for carp. But buffalo is not a carp. We’ll get to that later. Until recently, little was known about any of these fish. But thanks to the pioneering work of Alec Lackmann at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, we’ve learned that bigmouth buffalo, for instance, can live to more than 100 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QlLWnT

DEER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added five counties to a deer feeding and attractant ban to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spreading, following the detection of CWD in wild deer in new areas of the state last year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43SLDnx

PFAS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “For years, communities in the east Twin Cities metro have treated their drinking water to remove PFAS, sometimes called ‘forever chemicals.’ The water coming from the tap is safe to drink. But the PFAS contamination remains underground, and continues to show up in lakes, streams and groundwater. A new study from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recommends the state take action to contain the underground contamination plume and keep it from spreading to new areas. It’s still unclear who would pay for the plan, which could cost hundreds of millions of dollars in addition to what’s already being spent to treat drinking water.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uUqzbb

BEER

DULUTH: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “This year’s All Pints North craft beer festival will be the last one held in Duluth, according to an announcement Monday from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. Guild officials said the festival will continue in 2027 at a new, yet-to-be-announced location, marking the end of a 14-year run on the North Shore.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eYSwtO

ST PAUL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Last March, Saint Paul Brewing opened up the old Hamm’s Factory doors to celebrate 161 years of Hamm’s Beer with the inaugural Hamm’s Fest. With photo ops, memorabilia and decor, brewery tours, a Battle of Hamm’s between six local breweries, and the world’s largest functional Hamm’s can, the celebration recalled nostalgia for the beloved beer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eXAEiS

PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In a letter to the Plymouth Planning Commission, Tim Naumann, owner of Luce Line Brewing in Plymouth, wrote that monthly taproom sales at his business is down about 8 percent compared to the previous year . . . Naumann appeared before the June 17 Plymouth Planning Commission meeting to request a zoning ordinance amendment change to allow for more flexibility in using a tent for customers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44pLLuZ

COMMERCE

LIST: We count six Minnesotans on Ernst & Young’s list of winners of its Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Heartland Award. VERBATIM: “Regional winners were selected by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges evaluated candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, and significant growth and impact.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oF4Ana

3M + AIRBUS: Via 3M, VERBATIM: “3M and Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, have signed a long-term supply agreement to help drive the continued advancement of passenger comfort and aircraft performance on the Airbus A220 . . . 3M will provide advanced thermal and acoustic insulation solutions for the aircraft cabin. The thermal materials will help improve the aircraft’s operational performance, while the acoustic insulation will be integrated throughout the cabin to absorb and reduce engine and airframe noise, creating a more pleasant environment for passengers and crew.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oJYZMA

MINNEAPOLIS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Tribe Federal Credit Union opened over the weekend in the Midtown Global Market. It’s Minnesota’s second Black-owned credit union. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eUUcVb

BBY: Via Best Buy, VERBATIM: “Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today announced that Matt Bilunas will step down as Chief Financial Officer and depart the company at the end of July. Best Buy has engaged an external search firm for its next chief financial officer and expects to name a successor with previous CFO experience. Current CEO Corie Barry, who previously served as CFO, will provide financial oversight during the transition if needed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oTB9Or

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WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “This summer, Lake City will proudly host its 54th annual Water Ski Days June 25-28, which will feature not only expanded water ski programming but also a full slate of family-friendly activities. Each year, the festival attracts around 20,000 attendees, who come for the carnival rides, live entertainment, vibrant parade, and spectacular water ski shows.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f2nfVV

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

DINNER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Last year, Dinner du Nord brought together more than 40 different businesses to serve a taste of Twin Cities dining to around 2,000 attendees at its first iteration. This year, Dinner du Nord is running it back. On Thursday, September 10, Dinner du Nord will transform seven blocks of Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis into what is billed as ‘America’s longest dinner table.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oK0R85

BDAYS: fmr. County Commissioner Jim MicDonough, fundraiser Kaley Taffe, DFL insider Will Davis

lunch take | MN Composer Tells Congress About AI

Mike Maybay — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:25:20 GMT

What do you do when you’re driving and it starts to hail? PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4gAuOFn

We could be in for more stormy weather tomorrow. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4b1ncrS

37 leagues. 6,000+ players. As MplsStPaul puts it, Minnesota is “lousy” with small-town baseball. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vYcrPe

A new book explores the people of the Twin Cities – it’s called “The Cruelty of Nice folks.” NPR: https://fluence-media.co/4aMMCtf

RIP Alan Greenspan. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gzNTYg

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

Blois
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MONDAY MORNING FEED

SURVEY: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank released its fourth annual Small Business Perspective survey report today, highlighting how small business owners are navigating a more constrained environment, and how a new generation is building businesses differently.”

“The nationwide survey of 1,000 small business owners, including an oversample of 200 Gen Z owners, shows that while many small businesses are still expanding, fewer are growing than a year ago amid ongoing economic pressures and rising costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aK99H8

OFFER REJECTED: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “EasyJet’s board rejected [Minneapolis-based] Castlelake’s third 4.74 billion-pound ($6.27 billion) takeover bid, but the U.S. investment firm urged the carrier’s shareholders to support its plan to take the U.K. budget airline private after the Middle East conflict hit its shares . . . Castlelake said it wants easyJet shareholders to consider the proposal ahead of the Friday regulatory deadline to announce a firm intention to make an offer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SeolWP

REPORT: Via St. Paul-based Majority in the Middle, VERBATIM: “Today Majority in the Middle released the 2026 The State of Bipartisanship Report, offering one of the most comprehensive looks at how Minnesota lawmakers actually work together across party lines. The report shows that cross‑party co‑sponsorship of bills continue, while committee hearings are more likely to reflect majority/minority power structures. While high‑profile issues often break along partisan lines, the majority of governing work — the work that affects Minnesotans’ daily lives — is still shaped by negotiation, compromise, and problem‑solving across the aisle.”

PULLTABS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Getting into the game is daunting, especially for new groups and small operators. The regulatory system governing where pulltabs can be sold is built on a labyrinth of state and city rules and handshakes with bar and restaurant owners who agree to host sellers. Getting in, it seems, requires a whole lot of luck. As a result, the most successful operators are gobbling up more of the profits. Even as the number of gambling sites grows every year, the number of nonprofits receiving the benefits has stagnated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xNiIPC

RURAL HEALTH: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration offered $50 billion in federal funding to states over the course of five years to ‘transform’ the rural health care delivery ecosystem, referred to as the Rural Health Transformation Program. But, six months after those grants were supposed to roll out, rural health facilities in Minnesota are still waiting on the promised money. Multiple rural hospitals told MPR News they’re frustrated with delays and the restrictions of the application. Some worried about applying at all because of the payment model and the burdensome application.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xIGbBs

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

THIS WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Thousands of people descended on Minneapolis from across the country Saturday evening for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games opening ceremony. The event kicked off a week of competition running through Friday, June 26.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SdbYKF

ECON IMPACT: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The weeklong event is expected to draw 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans and spectators. Organizers say the games could have an economic impact of $70 million in the metro.” QUOTE: “It just makes people come together,” says Savannah Carr, a Special Olympics participant, posting events on social media. “When people come together, they spend a lot of money.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aXA81V

GROWING ISSUES

MEDIA: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Star Tribune is expected Monday to carry out layoffs and announce buyouts that will shrink its newsroom staff by 15%. Why it matters: The cut raises questions about the coverage readers can expect after the newspaper that drives the entire Twin Cities media market — as a competitor, talent magnet and incubator of prize-winning journalism — scales back.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uNRs0E

AI + MUSIC: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “When Mark McKenzie first saw a synthesizer that could replicate the sound of an orchestra with one piece of equipment, the budding composer had a moment of gratitude. ‘I remember going, ‘holy smokes, I’m sure glad I’m not a musician,’’ McKenzie said. ‘‘I’m a composer, nobody’s going to replace me’’ . . . McKenzie, a Lake City, Minnesota native, serves on the board of directors for the Society of Composers and Lyricists. He traveled to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the board and other composers to testify before Congress as lawmakers consider legislation at the crossroads of creativity and artificial intelligence. The testimony covered ethics, legal issues, copyrights and even a bit of philosophy when it comes to machines and creativity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uTlIHA

AI + FAITH: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The rise of artificial intelligence has Minnesota faith leaders wrestling with questions that feel both ancient and newly urgent: How should they respond to a force rapidly reshaping daily life? And where is the line between using technology to, say, streamline church work and allowing it into relationships and spiritual practices long defined by what is human and what is divine?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eSQcEF

COMMERCE

ROCHESTER: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “North Rock Real Estate and a group of investors recently paid $8.98 million for the Rochester Crossings commercial center in northwest Rochester. Under the corporate name of Rochester Crossings LLC, the group purchased the 23-year-old center at 3780 Marketplace Drive NW, on June 11. Olmsted County estimated the total market value of the property at $7.12 million for 2026-2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0EgWs

GRANT: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “A $1 million state investment has helped dozens of people launch careers in healthcare and other fields, the Somali American Social Service Association announced Sunday. SASSA received the grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The grant funded training programs that helped participants earn diplomas and certificates in healthcare and computer programs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SmaHkw

MOVE: Via Baird, VERBATIM: “Today, Baird announced that The Kashian Karels Group has joined the firm’s wealth management office in Edina, Minnesota . . . The team joins from RBC, where they managed over $508 million in client assets and focused on retirement services for private clients and businesses, asset allocation strategies and lending solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SAS9Nh

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WHAT’S NEXT?

WEDNESDAY: Via St. Paul-based H.B. Fuller, VERBATIM: “H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) announced plans to report its financial results for the three-month fiscal period ended May 30, 2026, in a press release issued after the market close on June 24, 2026. The Company will hold an investor conference call on June 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. CT (10:30 a.m. ET) to discuss its financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vcdcV6

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 2027 first quarter results on Friday, June 26, 2026, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ugwuHi

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

THE FOURTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “From riverfront fireworks displays to suburban parades to live music, we have your Independence Day celebrations covered. Just pack some bug spray, chairs, and a blanket, and remember to play it safe when it comes to pyrotechnics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vUYIIQ

BDAYS: journalist Jane McClure, nonprofit leader Tuleah Palmer, writer Jess Fleming, Cargill’s Matt Swenson, musician Ali Gray, lobbyist Cristine Almeida

lunch take | St. Paul's $26 Million Problem

Mike Maybay — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:04:44 GMT

40% of U.S. adults say they plan to watch at least some of the World Cup – historical polling data shows that support is (not surprisingly) higher when it’s played here. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4ex41ai

ICE bought 11 warehouses for detaining migrants – now it’s trying to get offload seven of them. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4xAIiXS

AP-NORC’s polling has the President’s approval rating relatively unchanged since before the war with Iran. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vZ24un

ICYMI… morning take has Minnesota polling data on Trump, Walz, Klobuchar, and the war. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43M2JDz

The DNR has a new long-range plan for muskie. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QNu7OF

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

Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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

FRIDAY FEED

ST PAUL: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Mayor Kaohly Her is confronting the largest budget shortfall in St. Paul’s history, a $26 million gap that she says will require a combination of spending cuts, a property tax levy increase, and a longer-term push to attract businesses and development to the city.” QUOTE: “There are some tough decisions that are in front of us,” Her said. “There are many reasons why we have that gap, and this is not a fault of anybody. This is the nature of what is in front of us now, because of economic forces, because of decisions made in the past, because of just the way we run government and how we fund government.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xzu6i1

VIDEO GAME: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis family is calling out the gaming platform Roblox, popular among young children and teens, for hosting a first-person shooter experience modeled after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The simulation’s existence was a shock to Leah and Harry Kaiser, whose family is still recovering from the Aug. 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4elvbCu

PINE ISLAND: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Pine Island residents are looking for answers after an unexpected change in city leadership this week, adding to a growing list of questions in the community of nearly 4,000. Many people in Pine Island on Thursday declined to go on camera, but those willing to share said the resignation left the town feeling uncertain . . . Former Mayor David Friese stepped aside this week, and the city has now declared a vacancy in the mayor’s office.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4b0FKsi

RETAIL: Via Forbes, VERBATIM: “Hollister is taking its biggest step yet beyond apparel, teaming up with Target on a new home and dorm collection as the Abercrombie & Fitch-owned brand looks to capitalize on the fast-growing back-to-college living market. The collaboration, dubbed The Hollister Collection at Target, launches June 28 online, in most Target stores and at select Hollister locations. The first drop includes nearly 60 products spanning bedding, décor, sleepwear and loungewear, marking Hollister’s first-ever move into home furnishings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v5GzHP

TIX: Via SeatGeek, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Wild today announced a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the high-growth technology platform transforming the live event experience for fans, teams, and venues, making SeatGeek the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the Minnesota Wild and Grand Casino Arena. Beginning this summer, SeatGeek will power ticketing for all Wild home games and events at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota — giving fans one place to discover, buy, and manage everything happening at one of the NHL’s most celebrated venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Seb9RL

AROUND THE STATE

GRANDMA’S: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “This weekend marks a major milestone for Grandma’s Marathon—the race’s 50th year. A new economic impact study shows the weekend jam packed with events brings in nearly $40 million dollars for the region, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops across Duluth and the North Shore.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QyMff4

BEARS: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “In the past few months, several sightings of black bears in southern Minnesota came to light on social media. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed there has been more cases of spotting these animals throughout this year.” QUOTE: “There were over 20 recorded sightings in southeastern Minnesota,” Rochester Area Wildlife Supervisor Todd Proberg said. “It seems to be there’s a few more this year than there has been in the past.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fVgtDp

WINONA: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports lighting manufacturer Acuity has notified the state it plans to close its Winona plant impacting 86 workers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vQSZnm

EVENTS & MORE

TOMORROW: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Live Nation officially opens its 19,000 seat outdoor amphitheater Saturday in Shakopee. The Mystic Lake Amphitheater is slated to host 40 shows this summer, with tomorrow night’s Setting the Stage event showcasing a variety of Minnesota talent.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44py673

AUG: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Pull up with your family, friends, and dance crew. The Twin Cities Music and Movement Festival is back for a free day of music, dancing, food, and community at Western Sculpture Garden Park in Saint Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a6F1Wm

SEPT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has long been known as an arts destination, from its legendary music scene to its thriving community of photographers, makers, and creatives. This fall, the city will be the home of a brand-new festival that brings music and visual art together. On Sept. 18-20, MODE by Flickr will transform downtown Minneapolis into a celebration of photography, music, and visual storytelling.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4adpnbz

FOR SALE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Indus School in Baudette closed its doors nearly three years ago. The South Koochiching-Rainy River School District cited declining enrollment and budget shortfalls at the school, which covered pre-K through 12th grade. At the time, many residents rallied against the decision, calling it draconian. Now it’s up for sale for $1.7 million, a price that includes all ‘learning materials’ in the building. According to the listing, that means, ‘microscopes, pottery wheels, band equipment and everything needed for metalworking and building trades.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uOXDlc

COMMERCE

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the baking industry’s most trusted brands and a leading manufacturer for in-store bakeries and foodservice operators, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New Jersey-based Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, a manufacturer of premium cookies and baked goods known for its innovative product development, eye-catching packaging and strong retail partnerships nationwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4geM4Ab

MORE: Via GlobalData, VERBATIM: “Jimmy’s, founded in 1985, produces thaw-and-sell baked goods. The bakery’s key brands include its flagship Jimmy’s Cookies, the King Krumb Cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan breads. It also produces private-label products. The company operates more than 350,000-square feet of production capacity across three facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4evwVI2

GOLF: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a nine-hole golf course with a restaurant and bar has opened at the site of a former city-owned course in Sartell. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vhOEd5

RICHFIELD: From El Tejaban Mexican Grill via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Dear Richfield community and wonderful customers, after almost 20 great years of serving the community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently. We have gratitude for the support, loyalty, and friendships you have given us throughout the years. What began as a dream for two proud Mexican immigrants seeking the opportunity to build a better future became a reality because of years of support.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/43Pj76j

LAKEVILLE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Tapestry Coffee will open a second cafe this month, taking up residence in the former Lakeville home of Donut Star. For owners Scott and Kiley Van Daalen and Brad Heerema, it’s not entirely new digs. The team purchased Donut Star and its two locations last year, but closed both shops last month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eRmVdn

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: Minnesota Monthly has Juneteenth celebrations around the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xFokLs

TODAY: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Architect and photographer Patricia Mutebi uses her new gallery show to illustrate the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s immigrant and Indigenous communities. ‘Threads of Us: Weaving Identity and Place,’ which opens Friday at Modern Day Me gallery in Minneapolis, started as an architectural prompt, to take an object of significance and build a space around it. Mutebi saw an opportunity to turn the project inside out, and ask Minnesotans: What parts of home do you bring with you when you leave that place?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g0M32F

TOMORROW: From St. Paul’s Black Garnet Books via Instagram, VERBATIM: “Our Juneteenth Vendor Fair is baaaaccckkkk!! We’re welcoming 8 incredible Black vendors into our space for a full day of community, creativity, and celebration. Come shop handmade jewelry, art, screen printing, waist beads, skincare, and so much more — all surrounded by shelves filled with Black and Brown authors. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth to us.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4uMlqC2

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

BASILICA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It’s time for one of Minneapolis’s most historic and recognizable buildings to get a bit of a spa day—or should we call it a spa year? The Basilica has stood tall at the corner where Hennepin and Lyndale converge in Loring Park since the early 1900s, and it’s been decades since it’s had a larger-scale restoration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44jn5nT

lunch take | REPORT: Talent Retention is a Twin Cities "Superpower"

Mike Maybay — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:00:08 GMT

World Cup visitors have discovered our greatest treasure and are attempting to smuggle it back home. From the TSA via Instagram: “days since the last airport ranch incident: 0” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4uNBNhD

40% of adults from 120 countries say where they live is a good place for gay and lesbian people to live – higher than in two previous polls, but down from the peak in 2020. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4oBe2bm

The new Drought Monitor out this morning (reflecting data as of Tuesday) shows the percentage of the state in need of rain ticked up a bit. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take is feeling sad for Byron Buxton, glad for Olivia Miles and intrigued by a Minnesota teen who should be a first-round pick in next week’s NHL draft. That and much more coming this afternoon.

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/3SvMJDe

Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

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

THURSDAY HEADLINES

POLL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “More than 70% of nearly 1,000 Axios Twin Cities readers who took our survey picked northeast Minnesota — including the North Shore, Iron Range and Boundary Waters — as their ideal in-state summer vacation destination. Our poll was inspired by X user @TonyLiebert, who drew this map and then asked the region where you would vacation.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eqRbKN

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate inched down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4% in May, reflecting the state’s progress toward closing a gap with the national unemployment rate (flat over the month at 4.3%) according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a7iOY2

REPORT: Via UofM, VERBATIM: “A decade after Minnesota Carlson Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship Professor Myles Shaver first identified the Twin Cities region as a premier ‘Headquarters Economy,’ new research released in a white paper confirms the region’s superpower — talent retention — remains unshaken despite changes to the area and the world of work . . . While the region struggles to attract non-Minnesotans, it excels at keeping those who arrive. When presented with hypothetical job scenarios, respondents — including Minnesota transplants — reported a preference for switching industries rather than relocating from the Twin Cities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vev0yJ

MORE: From the report:

QUOTE: “We consider the increase in dual career households a tailwind with respect to talent retention in the region. This is because respondents in dual career households report being even less willing to look for opportunities outside of the region relative to those in one career households. Having two jobs encourages talent retention. Importantly, the Twin Cities region is a leader in providing career opportunities for both spouses.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4oJfGry

(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Business Partnership, which partnered on the research, is a Fluence Advisory Client)

PLYMOUTH: Via Plymouth-based Daikin, VERBATIM: “Daikin Applied, a global leader in commercial and industrial HVAC solutions, has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota . . . Designed as a centralized hub for technical, engineering, sales, leadership and customer training, the facility will help employees, partners and customers develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing HVAC industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QpWmmq

CD1: From Unrig Our Economy via YouTube, a new ad featuring a teacher from Alden calling out Rep. Brad Finstad for his tariff vote. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4er7QOl

LOBBYING: New data out this week shows who lobbied lawmakers at the state capitol this past session, but while lobbyists are required to disclose the subject matter involved, there’s no requirement to get super specific. Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “According to Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, executive director at Minnesota Common Cause, 18 states including neighboring Wisconsin require lobbyists to say what legislation they lobbied about and if they were for or against the bill in question. But in Minnesota, Belladonna-Carrera said, ‘there is limited accountability that obscures the real impact of lobbying.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egjLQl

ST CLOUD: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The District 742 School Board at its meeting on Wednesday night, June 17, approved a $194 million 2026-27 budget, driven by higher-than-expected enrollment and rising costs. The spending plan projects about $194 million in revenues and expenditures, an increase of roughly 8% over the current year, Executive Director of Finance and Business Services Amy Skaalerud told the board. Student enrollment is about 200 students higher than expected, increasing both revenue and the need for additional staff and classroom support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xCi6w2

DRINKS

BEER: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Most days at Modist Brewing Co., Bri Smith is focused on the same responsibilities as any head brewer: managing production, supporting her team, and solving whatever problems come up along the way.

At the same time, she’s navigating an industry where she doesn’t often see people who look like her. She is the first head brewer in Minnesota known to be a Black woman. Premiering on Juneteenth at Wooden Ship Brewing Co., Smith tells her story in a 10-minute film.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vitJ9M

WINE: Via Hoodline, VERBATIM: “Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is lining up Minnetonka and Woodbury for its first crack at the Minnesota market, a move that would drop the chain’s wine-club-and-tasting-room setup into two busy Twin Cities suburbs. If it comes together, the combo of full-service dining, in-house wines and a retail market would add another sit-down option to both communities’ shopping corridors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBynZD

HOUSING

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Brooklyn Park multifamily housing project is taking a step forward . . . Welcome West would be a 4-story building with 100 units that include a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. According to city documents, the apartments would be considered affordable, with every unit serving residents who make 60 percent of area median income (AMI).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oAuOHz

BAXTER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Baxter City Council members approved a new high-density, single-family residential zoning district during a meeting last month.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4a4bo86

MINNEAPOLIS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Hennepin County has dedicated $480k toward the redevelopment of a grain silo and elevator along Hiawatha Avenue into apartments. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qaqv9j

NUMBERS: New data from Zillow shows 89% of rental housing in the Twin Cities is considered affordable to median-income households – nationwide it’s 74%. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vlyeAD

COMMERCE

MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Vintage shoppers have a new option downtown Minneapolis this summer. Gabby Paulouse is setting up during the first week of the new downtown Vintage Emporium in the IDS center . . . It’s part of the Downtown Council‘s effort to revitalize the area, and draw in shoppers downtown. Paulouse says it helps that vintage is all the rage these days.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4a88wqI

ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Hanny’s Menswear is in the process of closing after serving the Rochester community for more than 80 years. The classic men’s retailer has been in business in the downtown subway since 1939, serving as a place to buy suits and ties for special occasions.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oAGWrS

ST PAUL: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Once home to Cub Foods, a Walmart, an At Home Furniture store, a Herberger’s department store and a number of smaller shops, the Midway Marketplace on University Avenue in St. Paul has limped through the past few years pock-marked by major retail vacancies. A property sale this month has renewed hope in some corners that new anchor tenants could be on the way. Kraus-Anderson Inc. sold the Cub and Walmart parcels of the sizable strip mall property at 1450 University Ave. W. to a limited liability corporation, Gsc Re Saint Paul LLC, based in Paramus, NJ.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43Fg6Wf

RETAIL: Minneapolis is one of the markets listed for a new retail concept: Bed Bath & Beyond + The Container Store. Via Bed Bath & Beyond, READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SjHBlA

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted payments and data company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Celero Commerce, a financial technology company focused on optimized payment solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and strategic partners, for $625 million, plus payment of certain seller transaction expenses and other adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmBOKO

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via UofM, Juneteenth events around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4egQPHV

NEXT MONTH: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its second quarter 2026 results. A news release containing second quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on July 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eqKoCl

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

TRAVEL: From Minnesota Monthly, recommendations for summer getaways that don’t require a passport. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4viXOWZ

PEACE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Irene Koski, a former Maple Grove City Council member who served during a time of rapid growth in the city, has died.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QnDCUD

BDAYS: retired lobbyist Tom Lehman, activist Cara Letofsky, County Manager Ling Becker

lunch take | MN Has 6th Largest Homeownership Disparity

Mike Maybay — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:01:37 GMT

66% of Americans say they plan to celebrate the country’s 250^th anniversary in some way.

When you isolate older adults and Republicans, the numbers get higher. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4a0k9A0

Sago and Ziggy are proud parents of the newest sloth at Como Zoo. PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4xADkdy

RIP Sister Roz. KARE-TV: https://fluence-media.co/4oANpmQ

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 Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

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

MID-WEEK CHECK-IN

NOTE: Tuesday’s lunch take shared newly-filed campaign finance reports from statewide races. While Adam Jennings filed a report in the race for State Auditor, he did not file to run in that race.

MANGIONE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Luigi Mangione will assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge said Wednesday. Judge Gregory Carro said Mangione’s lawyers have informed him they will attempt to show that he was suffering from ‘extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the occurrence.’ By asserting a psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively be admitting that he killed Thompson but did so because of mitigating circumstances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43CpgTk

TODAY: Via Minnesota IWOC, VERBATIM: “Over 100 men in the most dangerous prison in the state, MCF Rush City, hit their first week of canteen strike today. They are taking peaceful protest to demand safety, time out of cells, communication with loved ones, basic medical, mental health, programming and hope. To commemorate the first week of the peaceful action loved ones are rallying at Central Office to demand that officials go to Rush City, speak to the men, and make solutions to the problems that have been growing more toxic over the last 6 years, leading to multiple instances of violence, including the unnecessary murder last year.”

OWATONNA: Via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “Owatonna voters will decide whether the city moves forward with a $65 million police and fire station project after the City Council approved a petition. The Owatonna City Council approved the petition Tuesday night after more than 2,000 residents signed on to force a vote in November.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xARoUz

HOUSING: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has the 10th highest homeownership rate in the country, but the sixth largest disparity between Black and white households, according to a recent report by the Minnesota Department of Housing. While the overall homeownership rate is nearly 72%, Black households own homes at less than half that rate. ‘This has been a homeownership gap that’s been in the making for a long time,’ said Kayla Schuchman, assistant commissioner for single-family at Minnesota Housing.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uH0qN8

CHILD CARE: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “The director of Seward Child Care anticipates that the center will raise costs just to keep the staffing levels needed.” QUOTE: “We figured out the math that if we wanted to keep everything the same as last year, keep our same staffing schedule, keep our same benefits for our teachers, keep our same spending for our materials at school, and going on field trips, we would have had to raise our tuition by 20 percent, which is insane,” Director Johanna Villa said. “No family can absorb that cost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eMCP8R

ICYMI… Last week, lunch take share the Minneapolis Fed survey showing 80% of child care providers described the system as in crisis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/43qqaSJ

POLLING… today’s morning take shared new polling data on the governor as well as fraud in Minnesota and the president’s performance. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Q848RT

MORE: Reaction to the numbers from the Republican Party of Minnesota, QUOTE: “The latest Minnesota Poll confirms what Minnesotans already know: the DFL brand is collapsing because Tim Walz, Peggy Flanagan, Amy Klobuchar, Keith Ellison, and Steve Simon offer nothing but more of the same,” said Chairman Alex Plechash. “This year’s DFL ticket is Walz-Flanagan 2.0 — the same failed politicians, the same broken priorities, the same excuses, and the same disastrous results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SdpXA2

CD6: Via ABC Newspapers, VERBATIM: “The candidate field is now set for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, with U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer facing two challengers in the Republican primary and Hanover attorney Doug Chapin running as the lone Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate. The filing period for federal offices closed June 2. Emmer, a Republican from Delano who has represented the district since 2015, filed for re-election and will face Chris Corey and Mike Foley in the Aug. 11 Republican primary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vg5E3l

THE METRO

ST PAUL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The office vacancy rate in downtown St. Paul was 37.1 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to the commercial real estate brokerage Colliers . . . A loose coalition of local government leaders, businesses, philanthropies and investors is working now to transform downtown St. Paul’s empty office corridors into a hybrid neighborhood defined by a vibrant mix of residents, offices, retail, and entertainment. But it’s a massive challenge.” QUOTE: “There’s no question that the future of every downtown is that it’s going to be partly a residential neighborhood,” said Thomas Fisher, director of the Minnesota Design Center at the University of Minnesota. “The idea that downtowns are primarily for work, with just a few residents — those days are over.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4otXstK

ANOKA CTY: Via ABC Newspapers, VERBATIM: “Anoka County will receive another round of federal funding for a program that promotes alternatives to driving alone in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Anoka County Board approved a contract June 9 with the Metropolitan Council for a two-year, $210,000 grant through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program, or CMAQ. With a required 20% local match of $52,500 from the county transportation tax, the program budget totals $262,500.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fRdzPT

STADIUM ROOF: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank Stadium will be getting a partial roof replacement after hail damage from a 2023 storm has reignited questions about the material used on part of the building. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority originally defended the material’s longevity, but is now accepting proposals to replace the clear side of the roof with something different.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uGVxDM

MACALESTER: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Macalester College’s new residence hall and welcome center is designed to do more than add student housing. College officials say the $88 million project will reshape how prospective students experience the campus, how current students connect with it, and how the institution pursues its long-term climate goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4erRipD

ROBBINSDALE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “As Robbinsdale Middle School closes its doors this year, an adjacent gym and recreation center will shutter as well. Robbinsdale Community Gym and Fitness Center’s last day of operation is Aug. 30, according to a Monday announcement from the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eLGrIi

AROUND MINNESOTA

DEI: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm said that internal discussions led to the removal of LGBTQIA+ and other diversity-related sessions from last year’s Public Health and Human Services conference at the DECC. In a statement, county spokespeople said it was viewed as potentially conflicting with federal orders from the Trump administration in January of 2025, calling for an end to government DEI offices and positions and equity action plans or initiatives, among other things. Grimm said the board needs to give formal guidance on the issue, not just for the conference, but for broader county decisions on the topic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SbNrFH

DULUTH SCHOOLS: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Families, students and staff within the Duluth Public Schools system would find it normal to receive dozens of emails, newsletters and notifications from the district during any given month of the school year. However, a recent audit produced mixed results regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of those communications. While the district received relatively high marks from parents and staff for communications about school safety matters such as closings, serious incidents, and school crises, the report found that, across the board, families, employees and community members felt underinformed about ‘high-stakes’ topics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aBlhtY

FISHING: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Ah, the serenity of fishing. Just an angler, a fishing pole and maybe thousands of dollars worth of sonar equipment offering an exact image of what that walleye or bass is doing in the watery depths below. It’s called forward-facing sonar, and the hot-selling products are not only helping anglers increase their catch, they are raising questions about why people go fishing in the first place and whether fish populations can survive the new technology.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44edTB7

COMMERCE

THIS WEEKEND: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “Grandma’s Marathon is estimated to generate $40 million in economic benefits to the region and with the race celebrating its 50th anniversary, local hotels are preparing for an even larger influx of people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edLz7Y

MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Officials from Life Time and the city of Maple Grove on Monday celebrated the start of a development project that’s been years in the making. Construction on Life Time’s newest luxury club is now underway.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QMI1k0

NORTH MANKATO: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Hi Cloud Dispensary, a sister store to Hi Cloud Tobacco and 507 Tobacco in Mankato, says it is preparing to open North Mankato’s first combination medical and recreational marijuana store at the end of June. Michael McMahn, a manager at Hi Cloud Tobacco, says the business originally planned to open at 300 Belgrade Avenue back in November, 2025, but due to changes in regulations, it had to reapply for its license.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4evNfZo

MENDOTA HEIGHTS: From OneTen Cycles via Instagram, VERBATIM: “After much thought and many sleepless nights, I have made the difficult decision to close OneTen Cycles.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/44ghXRo

COFFEE: Via Dunn Brothers, VERBATIM: “Dunn Brothers Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee company known for roasting premium coffee in small batches daily, is proud to announce the signing of a new franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Chamberlain, South Dakota, further expanding its presence throughout the Upper Midwest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xuPNQh

CHEESE + ICE CREAM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A new Twin Cities ice cream shop is open just in time for summer. Bogati recently celebrated its grand opening at 740 Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins, serving a wide variety of helado con queso (ice cream with cheese).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S5obB1

NEW COO: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in cleaning equipment and solutions, today announced that Richard H. (Rusty) Zay has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Zay, currently serving as the organization’s Chief Commercial Officer, has been on the company’s leadership team since 2010.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ovkC2V

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon 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 May employment data.”

NEXT WEEK: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is inviting North Minneapolis residents and park users to help shape the long-term future of North Mississippi Regional Park, the 67-acre riverfront green space along the city’s northern Mississippi shoreline. At a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting set for Tuesday, June 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., attendees will review initial design concepts and offer feedback that will help planners merge those ideas into a single, final recommendation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43GXYes

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

MYSTIC LAKE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A vibrant new backstage mural, designed by illustrator Brent Schoonover and brought to life by muralist Adam Turman, serves as a colorful welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes—and a lasting tribute to the state’s creative spirit. The collaboration began as something much smaller.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4grBPZ3

BDAYS: fmr. St. Paul council member Jay Benanav, lobbyist Sarah Psick, health care advocate Kim Isenberg

lunch take | New Campaign Finance Data for MN Races

Mike Maybay — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:12:50 GMT

65% of U.S. adults say society would be better off if more Americans were religious – down from 75% in 2013. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4ovpogZ

Just one in three AAPI adults say the United States is a great place for immigrants – 64% say it used to be. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4euyI04

No Minnesota winners at the James Beard Awards – the first time that’s happened in three years. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oGaRiz

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4vOuOpE

Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

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

THE MONEY RACE

FIRST: New money totals in the race for governor – cash on hand as of May 31^st:

Klobuchar: $3.8 million (report: https://fluence-media.co/4xypIQ0)
Demuth: $517k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4a3tC9G)
Qualls: $34k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4uCag2A)
Lindell: $11k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3SeYBcG)

MORE: Reports from other statewide races:

Attorney General

Ellison: $579k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4a55seT)
Madgett: $0 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4xwhZlv)
Schutz: $292k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vWKGH0)

Auditor

Flipovich: $15k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3SIKkVM)
George: $5k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4epCRCt)
Jennings: $67k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vMKvxG)
Jensen: $80k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vK4Bsu)
Reeves: $2k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4em3SrL)
Wolgamott: $30k (report: https://fluence-media.co/43IeXNw)

Secretary of State

Jude: $8k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3QO0Hjn)
Kuhl-Stennes: $497 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4esAJtK)
Phillips: $225 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4goO5cR)
Simon: $416k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4aE4iar)
Tangen: $1k (report: https://fluence-media.co/43DZv56)

VOTING: Via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “As election officials across the country steel themselves for the midterm elections in less than five months, President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail threatens to upend their preparations. The executive order instructs the U.S. Postal Service to refuse to deliver ballots in states that don’t provide lists of voters or meet other requirements. It has created a sense of deep uncertainty and concern among election officials as they consider how to comply, according to a review of court documents and interviews with election officials and experts on election administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QjN4s8

RELATED: Here’s Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon’s statement released when the executive order was issued. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vXadQh

CHARGES: The U.S. Attorney’s office held a news conference this morning to announce charges against people accused of being tied to two Minneapolis-based antifa groups. Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Officials say the case involves multiple defendants accused of conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers and related crimes that ‘violently oppose immigration law enforcement.’ Last fall, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43EkgO4

MORE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The Immigrant Defense Network shared a press release, stating that HSI, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested a legal observer and raided a home in south Minneapolis . . . Ahead of Tuesday’s press conference, posts began circulating on social media, appearing to show HSI officers making arrests. Minneapolis Ward 9 City Councilmember Jason Chavez also posted to his accounts, saying it’s possible officers are targeting legal observers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uFeCq0

THIS WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council will host two hearings this week to hear the public’s feedback as it considers repealing the longstanding ban on adult bathhouses and venues where people can have sex. Adult bathhouses are community spaces that were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and ‘80s where people could engage in sexual activity or relax after going out to bars. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vgq5xi

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Proponents say the ban has driven sex gatherings underground, as Council President Elliott Payne said in April. They believe regulated bathhouses would encourage safer sex, with access to hygiene stations, condoms and public health professionals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xDUJ5p

THURSDAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A multi-year project on one of the busiest roads in the north metro gets underway Thursday. The five-year $168.2-million project on Highway 65 focuses on safety and mobility. Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Kent Barnard says a freeway design that includes interchanges will help curb frustrations felt by motorists stuck waiting at traffic lights.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4go1FNF

POT & MORE

THC: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Omar Ansari watches thousands of THC beverages roll through Surly Brewing’s production facility each hour, wondering if he’ll have to shut down operations in a matter of months . . . a federal ban on hemp-derived THC products scheduled to take effect Nov. 12 could jeopardize Ansari’s operation and the brewery’s future.” ANSARI: “We have to be full throttle,” said Ansari, owner of Surly Brewing. “The plan has been, like most people in the industry, is fight like hell to either have a delay or to have this product regulated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gllwgn

MORE THC: Via Foundry Nation, VERBATIM: “Foundry Nation, the Minnesota-based THC beverage brand known for reimagining nostalgic soda flavors, today announced the launch of two new additions to its 10mg Two Scoops THC Soda lineup: Classic Cola and Cream Soda.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fOFnEG

(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)

DOGS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Many of the people who walk the wooded trails and beaches of the Minnehaha dog park are rallying in hopes of halting a scheduled vote Wednesday at a Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting to close the popular off-leash area. Why it matters: The vote could determine the future of one of Minneapolis’ most popular dog parks while testing how much public input should shape decisions about culturally significant land.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vKPSxk

AROUND MINNESOTA

NEXT YEAR: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Coming off the success of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship last winter in St. Paul, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced Duluth will be the location for the 2027 Under-18 Men’s World Championship. Ten teams will play out the 29-game tournament at AMSOIL Arena, home of University of Minnesota Duluth hockey, as young talent looks to prove themselves to NHL scouts, fans, and media during the 11-day international competition. Bill Guerin, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Minnesota Wild and the gold medal-winning 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, knows the gravity of this tournament.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a1ZtYe

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Nearly $2.2 million is being added to construction contracts for the planned Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex to restore elements cut late last year to keep the project on budget. The Rochester City Council approved the change Monday, restoring plans for artificial turf on two rectangular fields, multiple outdoor basketball courts, dugout roof and spectator shade elements, as well as a connection to the future Willow Creek Trail extension.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4veDaas

WAITE PARK: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The District 742 school board will review and vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget, which includes approximately $192 million in general fund expenditures, during its meeting on Wednesday, June 17. Due to funding fluctuations at the state and federal levels, the district took a cautious approach to budget planning. … District 742 is projected to receive increased revenue from state English Learner funding and compensatory aid, while simultaneously facing rising special education costs that continue to outpace state reimbursement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a1WjUo

PINE ISLAND: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Thursday’s Goodhue County District Court hearing will take a next step in the case against the development of a data center in Pine Island. The hearing, scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, June 18, will see Judge Patrick Biren either set future dates for more discovery in the case [or] give parties a deadline for motions for summary judgment. … Currently, no new motions for discovery have been filed since the hearing date was set on May 29.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vf0C7x

COMMERCE

TOURISM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A new luxury resort is now open on the shore of Lake Superior in Two Harbors. The Harbors, approximately three miles south of downtown, features a collection of luxury villas and cabins, as well as geodesic dome tents for a shoreline ‘glamping’ experience.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vloUNe

AOR: Via Preston Spire, VERBATIM: “Preston Spire, the independent, employee-owned, Minneapolis full-service creative agency focused on delivering Good Wins, announced today it has been selected as Agency of Record by Meet Minneapolis, the city’s official destination marketing organization, in partnership with the Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District (MTID).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuZXiS

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “I honestly didn’t know if I’d live to see this day: H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., might be coming to St. Paul. Per the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal, an entity that appears to be H Mart’s real estate arm has purchased Midway Marketplace on University Avenue for $6 million. (If that price seems remarkably low to you, it is: Previous owner Kraus-Anderson bought the 324,000-square-foot property for $31 million in 2019; its value has plunged 80 percent following some big retail departures, including Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Cub Foods.)” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ux7zPT

RETAIL: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “By the time local Blaine officials stepped outside the front doors of Asia Village to cut the ribbon and officially inaugurate the space, sisters Rose and Duo Yang had been waiting in line outside the mall for almost three hours. ‘We feel so dumb,’ Rose said, laughing. The two had been the first to arrive, at 8 a.m. sharp. When they made it to Asia Village, the mall was deserted, save for employees setting up for the grand opening. For the sisters, the wait Saturday morning was worth it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4anBiUv

MEATBALLS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Jim Stone, who owns Sweet Taste of Italy in Brooklyn Park, also owns a line of food trucks called Kenny’s Meatball Wagon. He’s opening a brick-and-mortar Kenny’s Meatball Wagon booth at U.S. Bank Stadium, serving football fans, as well as concert-goers and other special event attendees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edpxSH

EGGS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Korean-style egg sandwich shop EggFlip will close in Rochester this month. Richard and Jennifer Veopraseuth, who opened the breakfast spot inside the First Avenue Food Court in November 2025, have announced the restaurant’s final day will be Friday, June 26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QKnNYb

NEW CIO: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank announced today that Daniel Farley, CFA, is its new chief investment officer (CIO) for the Wealth Management Asset Management Group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SaBRuA

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via Mall of America, VERBATIM: “Join us for a free public screening of two FIFA World Cup 26™ group stage matches in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. Portugal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo kicks off at noon, followed by England vs Croatia at 3 p.m.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SaI2yG

THURSDAY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Seagate wants to expand its Bloomington campus. The Bloomington Planning Commission will host a public hearing on the proposal Thursday. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vWBimK

THIS WEEK: The Twin Cities Jazz Festival runs Friday and Saturday with pre-festival shows on Thursday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eq6WBU

SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is about to welcome one of the biggest events in its history. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games arrive June 20-26, bringing together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and an estimated 75,000 fans from all 50 states.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QmYR92

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

BLOOMINGTON: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The Bloomington Farmers Market returned for its second week June 13 at Bloomington Civic Plaza, continuing a season that runs Saturdays through Oct. 17.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xsCEal

BDAYS: AI thinker Lori Ryan, KSTP’s Jonathan Yuhas, advocate Erich Mische, attorney Matthew Haapoja, lobbyist Wendy Underwood, entrepreneur Cecilia Retelle Zywicki

lunch take | Target Hires Mizrahi

Mike Maybay — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:54:45 GMT

In a video we assume was shot at his Minnesota cabin, actor Josh Duhamel declares war on beavers. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ejC7i1

Why do Minnesotans call it Duck Duck Gray Duck when others call it Duck Duck Goose? LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4owlqof

Media consolidation continues – Fox this morning announced it’s buying streaming service Roku for $22 billion. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S0EKOv

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4vOuOpE

Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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FASHION-FORWARD

TARGET: Via Vogue, VERBATIM: “Isaac Mizrahi has been named Target’s creative director at large, a newly created role for the retailer that’s a homecoming of sorts for the designer. Mizrahi was the first major fashion designer Target collaborated with, starting back in 2002, creating a high-low fashion playbook that has since become commonplace.” QUOTE: “You don’t have to spend $8,000 on a sweater for it to be amazing. A good sweater can be $45,” says Mizrahi. “And I feel like Target invented that — we did that. So it’s fertile ground now for me to continue to prove that. It’s a bigger world now, but I feel like now it’s time for Target to claim that original stake.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vdPQOT

MORE: Via Fashionista, VERBATIM: “In this new role, Mizrahi will serve as a creative advisor to Target’s internal design organization, mentor design talent and elevate Target’s design credibility and cultural relevance. Target is launching a new mentorship program this summer where select Target designers will work with Mizrahi through design workshops and consultations, one-on-one sessions and creative immersion experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/449dPCC

WORKFORCE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “As many teenagers struggle to find work for the summer, local businesses are seeing applications far outpace their hiring needs. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development data from spring points to a tough job market for teens. The employment rate reached 13.2 percent in March 2026. The article said that this is worse than past years, when teen unemployment rates have hovered between five percent and eight percent. The data can be seen in action in the northwest suburbs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4emoQ8r

MOVE: Via news release from the Governor’s office, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today congratulated Nicole Blissenbach on her appointment to the bench and thanked her for her years of service to the people of Minnesota as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Deputy Commissioner Kate Perushek will succeed Blissenbach as commissioner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xqE1q1

FROGTOWN: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A cluster of vacant lots and empty buildings in St. Paul’s University Avenue could become ... something. In theory. If the right developer comes along. St. Paul is hoping to make that future a little easier for the high-profile corridor to find new life for half a dozen Frogtown parcels by buying an empty building for $600,000 that is surrounded by city-owned vacant lots, and making a half-block mega-property out of lots that once held small businesses and houses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aOmcXY

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “3000 athletes, 1500 coaches, and more than ten-thousand volunteers will participate in the games, which start June 20th in the Twin Cities . . . Organizers say the games could have a $70 million economic impact on the metro. It’s a welcome change from January and February, when the Minneapolis Downtown Council says hotel occupancies were down, up to 50%.” QUOTE: “We’re going to have more people staying in our downtown hotels, more people having lunches and dinners going out,” notes council CEO Adam Duininck. “Hopefully that continues to grow because the first part of the year was a real struggle for a lot of businesses downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v6Bdwt

THE CITIES

ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Organizers of a St. Paul campaign to empower tenants to make repairs to their rental housing, then bill their landlords for the work, announced they’ve gathered the signatures to put their measure on the November ballot. Why it matters: If enacted, the ‘right-to-repair’ ordinance would join St. Paul’s first-in-the-Midwest rent control policy and sweeping tenant protections as another local law giving renters more leverage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4osCxax

BROOKLYN CTR: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Currently, there are two Black members on the five-member Brooklyn Center City Council, including the mayor — [April] Graves and council member Teneshia Kragness. Both of their terms expire after the November election. Black leadership on the council could disappear after this year’s elections because of shifting political dynamics and the makeup of the candidate fields competing in the city’s mayoral and council races.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a0kJxF

MEDIA: The Star Tribune’s plan to pivot to a nonprofit business model landed CEO Steve Grove on NPR over the weekend. GROVE: “We haven’t yet launched this new structure. Part of the reason we talked about it last week as we restructured is we wanted to begin to build it with members of the community who care about our journalism. So we’re on a journey. We’re not at the finish line yet. But I think importantly, we’re not sure we ourselves would become a nonprofit, but our owner, Glen Taylor, wants to make sure the Strib lasts long into the future, that it remains independent and that others can contribute to it in a meaningful way.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SqlzO1

BEER: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Trove Brewing in Burnsville has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but will remain open. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uH4WLF

GREATER MINNESOTA

TONIGHT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “It’s been almost a year since a devastating storm hit Bemidji. The derecho brought with it hurricane strength winds that downed a vast number of trees and caused nearly $10 million in damages to city infrastructure. At Monday’s city council meeting Mayor Jorge Prince will be recognized for his leadership throughout the storm’s aftermath with a national award.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vNJDc7

PIPELINE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Members of the public have until June 22 to comment on a proposed oil pipeline near the pristine prairielands of Pipestone National Monument in southwest Minnesota, a source of a rare stone that is spiritually significant to Native Americans from more than 20 tribal nations. Magellan Pipeline Co. is seeking permission from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to rebuild a petroleum pipeline between Marshall, Minnesota and Sioux Falls.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vaD9nE

MINING: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “A memorial dedication recognized the more than 200 miners who lost their lives on the job throughout the mines in the Ely area on Sunday. At the Pioneer Mine site, two granite monuments now bear the names of 218 people who lost their lives working in the 6 mines around Ely.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3S6YVdz

COMMERCE

SURVEY: Via Minneapolis-based Jamf, VERBATIM: “Jamf, the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today released findings from a survey of 687 IT and security leaders that reveal a growing challenge for organizations adopting AI: the more deeply AI becomes embedded into daily work, the more likely organizations are to encounter cost or security issues. The survey found that 72.9% of organizations have already deployed AI in some form. But adoption isn’t reducing risk. Organizations with deeply integrated AI are 40% more likely to report an AI-related incident than organizations still in the exploratory stage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SGAyU6

$50 MILLION: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Two years after hitting the market, Lake Point Estate, the most expensive listing ever for a home built in Minnesota, still awaits its first residents. A modern-day monument to Midwestern opulence, the eight-acre estate sits on roughly 650 ft. of the eastern shoreline of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata. On the property are a massive main residence and five other buildings: a boathouse, pool house, lake porch, and two guest houses.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4vuBNoh

$1 BILLION: Via Blaze, VERBATIM: “Blaze is proud to announce the Blaze Retirement + Investment Services program offering securities through Osaic Institutions has exceeded $1 billion in assets under management. Since June 2014, when the program managed $11 million in assets, Blaze Retirement + Investment Services has experienced remarkable growth driven by a combination of consistent organic expansion, strategic development, and an unwavering commitment to member success.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eK6GPi

MEAT MARKET: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Visiting Conger, Minnesota, is like stepping back in time. The town had a population of just 153 as of the 2020 census, and several buildings in the tiny downtown—like the post office—date back to the turn of the 20th century, when the railroad came through southern Minnesota. On William Avenue, one small-town butcher shop has been operating for more than 90 years—and has withstood all those decades of change, including changes in the way people eat and shop for groceries. Now, family-owned Conger Meat Market is expanding its offerings to grocery stores around Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vbZWQb

FISHING LURES: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Maple Grove business is proving to be quite the catch. What started as a one-man operation in a garage has grown into world-class brand of custom fishing lures. Workers at Throwback Swimbaits create highly realistic lures that attract big-game fish like musky. Kyle Buchholz, a father of six, started the company after his wedding videography business stalled out during the pandemic.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vQZuqt

NORTH LOOP: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “I looked up into the vest-pocket space of Gavin Kaysen’s new 50-seat North Loop bistro, Bellecour—which is very, very different from his Edina quick-serve of the same name—and beheld the gunmetal fog of blue on the walls, the soaring woodwork, the pale veined marble of the bar, the inescapable sense that you stepped through a portal straight into a Parisian bistro in Manhattan, and I thought, ‘What am I even doing here? Just watching Gavin Kaysen play T-ball?’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vefsLq

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: Via BCA, VERBATIM: “A news conference to announce a reward of up to $25,000 offered in the investigation into the disappearance of Carla Beth Anderson of Wadena. The case is being investigated by the Wadena Police Department.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43DQjxz

NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Aquatennial is back. Now in its 87th year, Minneapolis’ signature summer celebration returns July 18-26 with a packed lineup of free events, returning favorites, and several new additions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43xSqmD

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

JUNETEENTH: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Northsiders got a headstart on the Juneteenth celebrations with events this past weekend at Shiloh Temple International Ministries, Bethune Park and Webber Park.” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3SI3M51

MORE: Via Sahan Journal and Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, guides to upcoming Juneteenth events. SJ: https://fluence-media.co/4v50CXs MSR: https://fluence-media.co/4vOnDxK

BDAYS: Rep. Paul Anderson, photographer Chris McDuffie, First Lady Gwen Walz, ag leader Amber Glaeser, environmental leader John Curry, lobbyist Jennifer Breitinger, conservative advisor Lonny Leitner, attorney Matt Pelikan

lunch take | Sleep Number Files for Chapter 11

Mike Maybay — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:05:34 GMT

President Trump’s support among independents is down 17 points from before he took office. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4vIPG1F

RIP David Hockney. See his work at the Walker and at Mia. WALKER: https://fluence-media.co/4e3TzIC MIA: https://fluence-media.co/4enCvME

ICYMI… sports take has a comprehensive guide to the World Cup including local watch parties and why none of the games being played here. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vhW3cg

Headed out of town? There’s a 136-inch screen where you can watch the games at the airport. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/446PLjO

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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

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

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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 FRIDAY

SLEEP NUMBER: Via Furniture Today, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Sleep Number has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and entered into an agreement that would combine the company with Sleep Country Canada, creating what executives describe as a leading North American mattress and bedding business. The company announced this morning that it has initiated a voluntary Chapter 11 sale process in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. As part of that process, Sleep Country Canada will serve as the stalking horse bidder in a court-supervised sale.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xpaBbz

MORE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Neil Saunders, an analyst with GlobalData, said Sleep Number’s financial performance has been ‘materially worse’ than competitors.” QUOTE: “If the underlying capital structure of the business had been solid, it would have bought Sleep Number more time and space to enact a turnaround,” Saunders said. “Unfortunately, this was not the case as, even with recent agreements with lenders, the company lacked the liquidity to sustain an ongoing slide in revenue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S3Lwmw

MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The Wall Street Journal earlier this month reported that Sleep Number was preparing to file for bankruptcy as it grappled with a high debt burden and deteriorating financial performance, and that it was aiming to use the chapter 11 process to complete a reorganization that would keep its business intact.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S6Dvgz

HORTMAN: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Since losing both his parents in a politically motivated attack, Colin Hortman has channeled his grief into a simple goal: preventing another family from experiencing a similar loss. The big picture: In recent months, the 31-year-old programmer met privately with members of Minnesota’s divided House, participated in workshops on bridging the partisan divide, and gave his first public talk on the need to lower the temperature when talking politics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49ZtMyS

ICYMI… morning take with a look back at messages exchanged with Rep. Melissa Hortman and what they say about her as a leader. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4efqWXB

DATA CENTERS

THE SITUATION: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Tech companies are eyeing Minnesota for data centers because of its relatively cool climate and available land, water and electricity . . . Supporters see those developments as economic opportunities that could generate property tax revenue, help pay for infrastructure improvements and create well-paying construction jobs. Workers on the Meta project in Rosemount have raved about the good treatment and working conditions, said Tom Dicklich, executive director of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council.” DICKLICH: “They’re going to build them somewhere,” he said. “If we can do them in Minnesota, where we have labor standards and we can build these more efficiently than anywhere else in the country, we should be bringing them here.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4w5jDt9

AROUND MINNESOTA

TREES: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Private woodland owners in the Bemidji area who were impacted by the Jun. 21 wind storm last year have until the end of July to apply for a program that can provide up to 75% reimbursement towards restoring their forests. The Emergency Forest Restoration Program helps private woodland owners by providing payment in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SDaVU8

MINERS: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “In the early afternoon of Nov. 14, 1914, huge timbers supporting the main shaft into the Sibley Mine gave way, causing it to cave in and trap six men who had been working on repairs to the underground iron ore mine’s shaft . . . Save for one man who was rescued more than four days later, the details they received were tragic. Five men were crushed and killed . . . Nearly 112 years after the disaster, the men’s names will be among the more than 200 names listed on a memorial for miners killed in Ely’s seven iron ore mines, the first of which opened in 1888 and the last closed in 1967. It is set to be dedicated at a ceremony at Pioneer Mine on Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QGA9R3

COMMERCE

BOOKS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “In the middle of Milton Square in St. Paul, the old and fondly remembered Micawber’s Books location had sat vacant since 2019. Last March, life had begun creeping back into the space, all thanks to Rachael Ostrom, the owner of the new Acorn Bookshop. Ostrom bought the small building on a whim in October last year after seeing the For Lease sign while in the area. Having always wanted to own a bookstore, and harboring countless memories with her kids when Micawber’s was open, Ostrom knew she couldn’t let this opportunity go to waste.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v9mQHW

HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A new women’s clothing store, Pink Poppy Boutique, recently opened its doors at 316 E. Howard St. in Hibbing. The store opened on May 1 and carries clothing ‘from high school age to grandmas,’ according to Vicki Knuckey, the store’s owner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e1KwI8

WINTER CARNIVAL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports the St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, the organization behind the St. Paul Winter Carnival, has hired former Minnesota Twins exec Patrick Klinger as its new president and CEO. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gh60lJ

BREAKFAST: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Alicia Hinze built The Buttered Tin into a beloved three-location Twin Cities breakfast spot all on top of one deceptively simple ‘eureka’ insight: The American breakfast rests on a foundation of scratch baking.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eln8V1

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: St. Paul Pride begins tomorrow. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eoyNlP

SUNDAY: Via Mia, VERBATIM: “The Current’s annual free Rock the Cradle event for kids and their grown-ups to explore music, art, and culture returns to Mia and Children’s Theatre Company.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4orF19c

NEXT WEEK: Juneteenth is Friday.

NEXT WEEKEND: The LumberJack Festival is Friday and Saturday in Becker County. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4v8fG6A

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

THEATER MU: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Theater Mu, the St. Paul-based theater company telling the stories of the Asian American diaspora on stage, has announced a five-show season that includes an immersive taiko drumming experience, a new play festival, and a few world premieres.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eoI0KV

BDAYS: Fluence Media’s managing editor Mike Maybay, weather man Paul Douglas, comms pro Brooke Worden, Building Association leader James Vagel. SAT: operative Kenza Hadj-Moussa, host and entertainer Jim Cunningham SUN: retired lobbyist John Knapp, public safety insider Leah Palmer

lunch take | DATA: MN Parties Out of Step with Voters

Mike Maybay — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:11:12 GMT

It’s raining today. That’s good. We need more. The new Drought Monitor out this morning, which reflects data as of Tuesday, shows conditions worsening, with an area in southwest Minnesota now in extreme drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Northern News Now collected photos from this week’s storms and aftermath. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eg2buB

From KSTP-TV, power outages and a train derailment in western Minnesota. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xmpThr

There’s more road construction headed for I-394 and Highway 12. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SiXHMe

Eastbound I-94 will close this weekend between I-35E and Highway 61. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QwNhIq

COMING LATER: Sports Take’s World Cup preview. Good reads and a good guide to the soccer spectacle. Also, some WNBA fans need to grow up and a big save for men’s college hockey. Arriving in your inbox this afternoon.

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4ej14Ks

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

RAINY THURSDAY

BOELTER: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Vance Boelter, the man charged with killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, appeared in federal court Thursday to change his plea to guilty. KARE 11’s Lou Raguse was in the courtroom, where State Sen. John Hoffman, who, along with his wife, Yvette, was also shot by Boelter, watched as the terms of Boelter’s plea agreement were announced. Boelter pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two counts of discharging a firearm relating to a crime of violence. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of two consecutive life terms, plus 40 years, effectively taking the death penalty off the table.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4epW0UW

MORE: Via DOJ, QUOTE: “Political violence is a scourge in our nation,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole. To all of those who would commit political violence: this Justice Department will seek and obtain the longest prison terms for your offense.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xmPV49

REACTION: Via statement from the Hoffman family, QUOTE: “There is no justice for Mark and Mellissa Hortman, and there is not justice when our family and our state will never truly heal. While the legal process may provide accountability, true healing requires something more from all of us. The choice we’ve made is to go forward with public service and being present for our community. The opportunity to justice is for Minnesotans and Americans to serve is to treat people with respect, to stop de-humanizing each other, and to stop dividing our country with hate and rhetoric.”

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence has provided media support for the Hoffman family)

WHAT’S NEXT: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Separate from his federal case, a Minnesota state grand jury returned an indictment containing eight counts against Boelter. The state prosecution was put on hold while the federal charges were resolved.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dZJ0Gs

WORLD CUP: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “‘The idea that Americans don’t care about soccer is just insane,’ said Wes Burdine, who owns the Black Hart of Saint Paul, which is equal parts soccer bar and LGBTQ+ haven. Burdine is one of dozens of local restaurateurs hoping to cash in as passionate supporters and casual viewers seek somewhere to watch the games . . . More Americans are tuning into soccer, and hopes are rising that this summer will spark the same kind of breakthrough the World Cup did the last time it was played on American soil in 1994, reports Axios’ Ashley Mahoney.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43urMLe

MN VOTERS: Via Minneapolis Times, from editor and Hamline political science professor David Schultz, VERBATIM: “When Minnesota’s two major parties gathered at their endorsing conventions the last week of May, the activists in the room were not a cross section of the state. They were the most committed, the most ideological, and the most willing to give up a spring weekend to argue about platform planks. That is exactly why the positions they crafted drift away from where the average Minnesotan actually stands. I recently built an index of the median Minnesota voter, scoring twelve contested issues on a zero to one hundred scale from recent polling, where zero is the most conservative position and one hundred the most progressive. The median voter lands at about 60: modestly left of center, but nowhere near either party’s base.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aJee2m

WILLMAR: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “Local lawmakers put a spotlight on legislative efforts to combat fraud in the state when they spoke at a recent town hall in Willmar to discuss the 2026 legislative session. ‘The amount of fraud and money that is being squandered and stolen by criminals. We have to get our arms around this. We have agencies that are out of control,’ Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, said. He spoke alongside Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia, and Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen, R-Montevideo, during a town hall hosted by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce on June 2.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xoRoXu

BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “In a meeting on Monday, the Brainerd Public Schools board approved adding an operating referendum to this fall’s ballot to try to help with the school district’s struggling finances. The Brainerd Public Schools approved the operating referendum, which gives taxpayers the option to vote on whether they will raise their taxes to fund the district with more operating dollars.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oj4NfG

PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Plymouth City Council Member hopes to become the city’s next mayor. Clark Gregor, who has served on the council since 2022, has announced he plans to run for the mayor’s seat. He declared his candidacy ahead of the July 14 opening of the candidate filing period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vJu2KJ

IMPACTING PEOPLE

TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is set to take up two debates surrounding George Floyd Square at its Thursday meeting. One is whether to waive a financial burden on current businesses and residents, and the other is whether to support a concept for the future of the square . . . Residents who testified at a public hearing last week said they shouldn’t have to pay for something they weren’t responsible for. And business owners said the assessment hits harder following slow sales during the federal immigration surge, and with construction now disrupting traffic. That’s on top of ongoing economic challenges and stress following Floyd’s murder.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SiU3Sy

IMMIGRATION: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Since 2010, Russian asylum cases have seen a 77% approval rate at Fort Snelling immigration court, compared to 11% across all countries. However, during President Trump’s second term, approvals of Russian asylum cases at the court have dropped by 24 percentage points from previous averages, mirroring the broader drop-off in asylum approvals here and nationwide since Trump returned to office. Russians annually make up around 1% of asylum applicants seen at the Fort Snelling court, a relatively small share compared to applicants from Mexico and Central America. Still, they account for the largest total number of approvals here since Trump returned to office and have the highest rate of success in the court over the last decade and a half.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fFdRtc

BIG BUSINESS

OFFICE SPACE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Empty cubicles aren’t the only thing haunting office building owners in the Twin Cities these days. Billions of dollars in office loans have come due, leaving owners scrambling to secure new loans as declining property values and high vacancy rates spook prospective lenders. It’s a situation that’s left owners of buildings, including the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis, with limited options. Some are giving up, fueling a rash of buildings selling at steep discounts. Office building foreclosures, which already are hovering near record highs, are at risk of rising even further. The resulting decline in values are forcing homeowners to shoulder an even greater share of local governments’ growing property tax needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PYyYfE

CARGILL: Via Global Data, VERBATIM: “The local union representing workers at Cargill’s Fort Morgan beef processing plant in Colorado has filed ‘unfair labour practise charges’ against the meat giant. Teamsters Local 455 has accused Minnesota-headquartered Cargill of not paying staff in a dispute that saw the business pause production at the beef site in May after locking out more than 1,700 workers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4olIRAL

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced the roll-out of CareerForce.MN.gov as the state’s official online labor exchange, replacing MinnesotaWorks.net. The new site is mobile-friendly, has more job search resources and is easier to access.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49PGb8y

COMMERCE

FRITTER BREAD: Via WJON-Radio, VERBATIM: “It seems the Clearwater Travel Plaza in Clearwater is preparing to share the love. You know that love -- that special something that’s unique. That thing that makes people think of them...and smile. And for the Clearwater Travel Plaza, ONE of those things is their fritter bread. A loaf of sweet pan bread perfectly glazed with sugary frosting . . . The Clearwater Travel Plaza says they’ll soon reveal the details on how to have their ‘World Famous Fritter Bread’ shipped across the upper midwest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4os3dbG

AIRPORT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports 23 restaurants, food vendors, and retailers are vying for 47 MSP Airport concession locations open as part of an overhaul of the airport’s terminals. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xi4F49

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “After six years at 44th & France, Foxwell Studio and Shoppe is packing up and heading to Galleria Edina. The interior design studio and lifestyle retailer, founded by husband-and-wife team Heather and Brad Fox, announced plans to relocate to the Edina shopping center this September.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCm3jA

ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Every week, Peace Plaza and 1st Avenue Southwest will fill up with live music, local makers, food vendors, and family fun for Thursday’s Downtown. This is the 22nd year of Thursday downtown. Shawn Fagan, Rochester Downtown Alliance executive director, says the event can bring in more than 9,000 people each week. Fagan said the purpose of the event was always to support local businesses, artists and musicians.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aG7uCk

MEDIA: Via Twin Cities PBS, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities PBS today announced the premier of Summer of ‘76, a new documentary exploring how Minnesotans experienced the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 — a moment that was joyful, complicated, patriotic, commercialized, and deeply reflective of the cultural tensions of the era.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vcdLhG TRAILER: https://fluence-media.co/4e3RWdT

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Morris Day is returning to Minneapolis to play the Prince: Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary Concert. It’s fitting, because if there’s one human being that served as a constant in Prince’s life—a life where Prince constantly pushed away anything that could possibly resemble a constant—it was Morris Day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4olqc81

SATURDAY: Entrance to all Minnesota state parks is free. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eAA4r7

NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “ART BQ is back, and 825 Arts is bringing the community together for an evening of conversation, food, and fun on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uyUXYK

JUNE 24: Via St. Paul-based H.B. Fuller, VERBATIM: “H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) announced plans to report its financial results for the three-month fiscal period ended May 30, 2026, in a press release issued after the market close on June 24, 2026. The Company will hold an investor conference call on June 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. CT (10:30 a.m. ET) to discuss its financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vcdcV6

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

NEXT WEEKEND: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Skip the predictable tie and give Dad something he’ll actually use. We’ve rounded up a collection of editor-approved finds—from practical gadgets and local favorites to unique gifts with personality—guaranteed to make Father’s Day a little more memorable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/441Tm2F

BDAYS: GOP National Committeeman AK Kamara, DFL operative and insider Alana Petersen, realtor Mark Hronski, Republican consultant Billy Grant

lunch take | A Wrecking Ball for Har Mar?

Mike Maybay — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:24:24 GMT

After a stormy night, many Minnesotans are waking up to find toppled trees. MPR has details and a few pictures. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43tmq2V

More storms this afternoon and evening. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49Nkg1F

New federal data out this morning shows prices in May were up 4.2% year-over-year with higher energy costs driving inflation. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vDyE51

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/3QzH9z4

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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

FANCY HOUSES: Via Realtor.com, from an analysis of luxury housing, VERBATIM: “Among the markets tracked, only Minneapolis-St. Paul and Boise City have fully surpassed their pandemic-era highs as of February 2026. Minneapolis posted a relatively modest 17.6% run-up that peaked in July 2023 and has continued climbing since, now sitting 5.0% above that post-pandemic peak. Boise, where luxury prices surged 87.2% during the pandemic, peaked in November 2023 and sits 4.2% above that level.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gbQIi7

RULING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A state administrative law judge ruled Monday that a rural electric cooperative cannot cut power to a tribal casino in western Minnesota over the tribe’s decision to build a large solar array. The finding could reshape how electric cooperatives across Minnesota treat customers who want to generate their own electricity. Administrative Law Judge Joseph Meyer found that Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association‘s own board policy does not prohibit behind-the-meter solar systems, or systems designed to keep all generated power on-site, with exporting to the grid.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0hmip

DHS: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “Healthcare providers in Minnesota are scrambling after the state Department of Human Services (DHS) terminated their access to healthcare programs like Medicaid. Republican Representative Natalie Zeleznikar joined nearly a dozen providers in Duluth June 9, to call on Governor Walz to set up an ‘incident command center’ to fix what she says is a ‘DHS debacle’. The sudden Medicaid cutoff comes after the federal government withheld $2 billion over fraud concerns, forcing the state to evaluate about 5,500 providers in high-risk programs in just five months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49PPIfE

MINING: Via Northern News Now, more information about the 200 jobs Mesabi Metallics plans to add that we first shared last week in lunch take. VERBATIM: “During a tour of their new facility, company leaders told Northern News Now that these are long-term, family-sustaining jobs tied to Minnesota’s first new mine and pellet plant in decades. After years of financial uncertainty, Mesabi Metallics says the project in Nashwauk is moving ahead—this time with a full-scale buildout already underway.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RYvL08

TB: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A recent case of tuberculosis (TB) at North View Middle School in Brooklyn Park has Hennepin County Public Health officials working to reassure people that the situation is being managed through routine procedures. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs. Hennepin County Public Health officials say they investigate around 40 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis a year. However, unlike COVID-19 or influenza, it’s harder to transmit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4unU70D

POLITICALLY CONNECTED

DFL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Democrats are trying to turn tens of thousands of ‘ICE watch’ volunteers into a ‘GOTV army’ of door-knockers and ‘poll protectors’ ahead of the midterm elections. Why it matters: Boots on the ground can make a big difference in close campaigns. By the numbers: The Minnesota DFL Party trained 10,000 residents to be constitutional observers during the Trump administration’s 10-week immigration crackdown, chair Richard Carlbom told Axios in a recent interview. Another 60,000 went through similar trainings held by other groups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49N4Dav

PROPERTY TAXES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Many Minnesota property owners are in line for bigger-than-expected refunds tied to their property taxes because of a beefed-up pot of money. A bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature provides a one-time boost to the Homestead Credit Refund, a response to steeper property tax increases imposed by various levels of government. The refund will be 14.88 percent more for qualifying homeowners.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43v1gBt

VIRGINIA: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “During an hours long meeting at city hall, Virginia city councilors had plenty of discussion over unaccounted for tax dollar spending. Around 5 years ago, the city created a 1% sales tax increase meant to finance the Iron Trail Motors Event Center. Recently however, it was discovered that money from that fund was used to pay for general city expenses . . . To discover the extent of the error – councilors debated the merit of a forensic audit, to be performed by an outside accounting agency.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e1Ld4h

POT: Via The Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The world of legal cannabis can be one of confusion, but it’s a world that the state’s Office of Cannabis Management hopes to clarify, as evidenced by a stop in Bemidji last week as part of its Connecting with Community Listening Tour. Congregating in Bemidji State’s Hobson Memorial Union, cannabis business owners and interested community members took in a presentation aimed at providing an overview of OCM’s work and explaining how the office regulates the cannabis industry in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QiGyBE

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

SURVEY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis recently surveyed construction firms in the six states it covers, which include Minnesota and North Dakota. More than half the survey respondents were from the Twin Cities, and overall, the construction firms expressed growing pessimism.” QUOTE: “Uncertainty has lingered,” said Erick Garcia Luna, the regional outreach director at the Minneapolis Fed. “There’s been a net decline in activity. Residential and commercial construction were hurt the most, according to our respondents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uWh0cI

HAR MAR: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Roseville’s Har Mar Mall could be demolished to make way for a major redevelopment, according to marketing materials obtained by Axios. Why it matters: Vacancies have been piling up at the 63-year-old mall under owner Fidelis Realty Partners, fueling speculation that the Houston firm is planning an overhaul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4okiefv

WHAT’S LEFT: Via March story in The Roseville Reader reporting that anchor Burlington had quietly left. VERBATIM: “While the mall is mostly vacant, Barnes & Noble, Cub Foods, Michaels, and K&G Fashion Superstore—the largest remaining retailers—are still bustling with activity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S2RDra

COMMERCE

FIREFIGHTING: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “A St. Paul-based company is taking wildfire fighting to new heights with a water scooping system designed for Minnesota’s lakes . . . Momentum Aeronautics has developed an apparatus called Heatwave Floats, which lets pilots scoop up 800 gallons of water from nearby lakes in about 15 seconds before dropping it on wildfires.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4edcfo9

SAUNA WATER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Sauna changed Jeff Vondenkamp’s life in more ways than one. After leaving his tech job, Vondenkamp traveled to South Korea where he experienced the ritual for the first time. The combination of heat, cold, and intentional pause allowed him to unplug from the chaos of the world and reconnect with nature. Today, sauna remains part of his regular routine, and the inspiration behind his beverage brand, Sauna Water.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fCgz2G

ROOFTOP: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “The team behind Club One Under, a golf simulator and bar in the basement of Fitger’s will soon enough take things to the next level. The fun will be expanding upstairs, to their new Rooftop Tiki Bar.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vd1rNO

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WHAT’S NEXT?

OCT 14: Robert Plant will play the State Theatre. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uYaNNp

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

SATURDAY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “A Biblical icon is getting her close-up. Mary, a new exhibition of prints and drawings opening at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on June 13 and on view until Dec. 6, shows how artists have immortalized the legend of Our Lady throughout 2,000 years of veneration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uvMQff

BDAYS: health care lobbyist Kelly Wolfe, St. Paul leader Tom Whaley, business guy Greg Daniel, activist Dan McGrath, communicator Melissa Champine

lunch take | SURVEY: MN Child Care in Crisis

Mike Maybay — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:09:36 GMT

Fargo’s experiment with “approval voting” is over – today they’ll choose a new mayor and two commissioners under the old system. Under the “approval” system, voters could choose multiple candidates in a single race. MPR explains. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/43IWQHr

55.5% of Minnesotans with disabilities have jobs, ranking the state 5^th in the nation for disability employment, according to an analysis by assistive software provider Everway.

The FIFA World Cup begins this week in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Howard Sinker with why there are no games here, why that’s probably a good thing, and all you need to know about schedules, watch parties, and how to watch the games in the comfort of your own home. Watch your inbox for sports take this Thursday.

Last night an early look at the race developing in CD1 between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4egK2Ne

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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

POLL: This morning, the Flanagan campaign shared new polling in the Senate race from GQR, VERBATIM: “Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan leads Rep. Angie Craig in the contested primary for U.S. Senate by a 17-point margin, 55 percent to 38 percent with 7 percent undecided.”

“Since January, Flanagan has increased her vote share from 49 percent while Craig has been stagnant, despite over $4 million in spending from the Craig campaign and aligned Super PACs.” MEMO: https://fluence-media.co/3Qrozcq

ENDORSEMENTS: Via release from the Craig campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representatives Lois Frankel, Salud Carbajal, Brad Schneider, Jahana Hayes, Lauren Underwood, Greg Landsman, Andrea Salinas and Eric Sorensen endorsed their colleague Congresswoman Angie Craig in her campaign for U.S. Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4unCdeE

MUDSLINGING: A Wall Street Journal story highlights five especially messy midterm primary races, including this note about Rep. Thomas Massie’s defeat after running afoul of President Trump, QUOTE: “In one anti-Massie attack ad, faked images show Massie holding hands with progressive Democrats, saying he was ‘caught in a throuple’—or three-way relationship—with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.).” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g9URmA

SCHOOLS: From the Lisa Demuth campaign for governor, a response to a report first shared in Monday’s lunch take showing Minnesota dropped four spots in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s education rankings. DEMUTH: “As governor, I will reverse Minnesota’s startling education decline by refocusing our schools on reading, math, writing, and science. Gov. Walz has presided over a historic decline in proficiency scores and put the interests of Education Minnesota over the needs of students, parents, and teachers,” Demuth said. “When I’m governor, Minnesota will join the bipartisan coalition of states who have opted into the scholarship granting organization federal tax credit that Gov. Walz has blocked. Minnesota will lead a dramatic overhaul of our curriculum.”

MORE: ICYMI… read more about the ranking and find the AECF report in Monday’s lunch take. LINK: https://fluence-media.co/4olTLq7

LIST: Via RentCafé, VERBATIM: “Of the 150 cities we tracked, renters showed more interest in Minneapolis than anywhere else — saving searches and adding listings to favorites at a higher rate. As a result, the city takes first place, climbing two spots from the third spot in the last quarter of 2025 to become the most sought-after city for apartment hunters in the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ukAZ3H

BEER: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s craft breweries continue to suffer major sales declines, according to new state production numbers. By the numbers: Five of the six largest breweries in Minnesota reported a decline in annual production between 2024 and 2025, according to state data.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xcXXwh

LINGERING ISSUES

SURVEY: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s child care industry remains in crisis, 80 percent of child care providers said in a spring survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and First Children’s Finance. While that’s a large share of providers, it’s less than the 86 percent who said the industry was in crisis a year ago. Overall, the survey shows conditions in the industry, from financial stability to changing business models, are still getting worse for many providers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIilUF

BOELTER CHASE: Via Star Tribune, a minute-by-minute analysis of the pursuit of Vance Boelter, the man suspected of killing former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and wounding Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. VERBATIM: “A Minnesota Star Tribune timeline of that deadly weekend shows how quick thinking by some law enforcement agencies may have prevented even more deaths. At the same time, interviews, investigative details and law enforcement records reveal that the State Patrol denied initial calls to launch a helicopter to help find the suspect in the minutes after Sen. John Hoffman and his family were attacked, one of several missed opportunities that could have prevented the killings or stopped Boelter’s escape.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oBnlbr

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence has provided media support for the Hoffman family)

FLOYD SQUARE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council faces a tough choice this week: Approve a controversial plan to redevelop the former gas station at George Floyd Square or send an already delayed project back to the drawing board. Why it matters: The drawn-out search for a developer at the site — known as ‘The People’s Way’ — has shown how private investors are still leery of funding revitalization projects at a struggling intersection. ‘If there’s not significant public funding, nobody’s going to be able to do that project,’ P.J. Hill, who owns the building next door, tells Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ljBkv

GREATER MINNESOTA

SALES TAX: Via Albert Lea Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Albert Lea City Council gave notice to the state on Monday that its half-cent local option sales tax will soon reach its $30 million maximum collected and will end Sept. 30 as required by state sales tax provisions. The tax has been in place for 20 years, raising money for water quality improvements through the Shell Rock River Watershed District.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4galzLX

TEACHERS: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “The Education Minnesota-Brainerd teachers union at Brainerd Public Schools reached a tentative agreement with the district for a 2025-27 collective bargaining agreement. Educators worked the entire school year without a contract as negotiations failed to lead to an agreement. A tentative agreement was announced in a joint statement from the union and the school district Monday, June 8.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eyf3xe

FERTILIZER: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In the shadow of a wind turbine on a low rise just outside the western Minnesota town of Morris, a cluster of tanks, pipes and sheds holds what some believe is the key to a more self-sufficient future for the region’s agriculture and heavy industry. When the wind is blowing – and it often is, out here – the turbine powers two electrolyzers that cleave hydrogen from water, another system that separates nitrogen out of the air and a third that binds the two elements to form anhydrous ammonia, a critical input for corn farming. The University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center commissioned the plant earlier this spring and can produce hundreds of kilograms of homegrown ammonia daily.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43pFb7i

IN WISCONSIN: Via Comcast, VERBATIM: “Comcast is connecting more than 5,500 new homes and businesses in two Wisconsin counties – Manitowoc and St. Croix – to multi-gigabit, symmetrical Internet from America’s smartest and most reliable converged network.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ebp4Px

(DISCLOSURE: Comcast is a Fluence sponsor)

COMMERCE

SLP: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “While you’re hanging at St. Louis Park’s Sweet Lou’s Meats, waiting in line for your sandwich—maybe a Reuben, that lush mesh of Swiss and sauerkraut and 10-day-brined pastrami barely constrained between two slices of rye; maybe a sausage-and-egg breakfast sandwich slicked with aioli—wander over to the beef case in the front corner of the restaurant. You’ll find ribeyes trimmed with thick white ribbons of fat; ruby-bright tenderloins; delicately marbled Denver and bavette steaks; and even rarer cuts like the teres major from the shoulder, butterflied open and sold on a skewer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aBGML4

LAKEVILLE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The owners of Lakeville’s sustainably-sourced, small-batch specialty coffee roaster Tapestry Coffee will open a second coffee shop within the city this month. Scott and Kiley Van Daalen and Brady Heerema, who co-founded the business in 2021, recently unveiled their expansion plans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49RbiR3

ACQUISITION: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) today announced that on June 8, 2026, it closed the acquisition of Onyx-Fire Protection Services, Inc., a leading inspection-first provider of fire and life safety services in Canada.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RTlt1m

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WHAT’S NEXT?

WEDNESDAYS: Via Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, VERBATIM: “Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4vErwW5

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

FANCY DIGS: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Over the past year, I sought out some of the state’s most elevated stays—places that feel immersive, intentional, and distinctly rooted. Whether tucked into wooded acreage or set along the water’s edge, they share a common thread: They don’t ask you to impress, only to arrive, settle in, and let the landscape do the rest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43TtZQy

BDAYS: Winthrop’s David Aafedt, radio guy Adam Sprenger, Rochester leader Kathleen Harrington, fmr. Sen. Melisa Lopez Franzen

lunch take | Best Buy's New Store-in-Store

Mike Maybay — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:23:08 GMT

U.S. pessimism continues – as we approach our 250^th anniversary, only a third of the public says the American dream still holds true. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/3RRWmvP

Minneapolis and St. Paul rank third and fourth respectively on Trust for Public Land’s Park Score Index. The ranking is part of a report making a case that communities see economic benefits from funding parks. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ftxm7X

The giant pencil on the shore of Lake of the Isles is once again sharpened and ready to write. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e8Rz0e

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

Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4vAUFS3

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

STORMY MONDAY

INFLATION: Via Energy Drive and JournoResearch, VERBATIM: “Minnesota ranked 44th for the percentage change in real wages recorded between May 2020 and May 2025, with a 3.35% decrease in real annual earnings.”

“The average Minnesotan had an effective fall in annual pay of $2,463 by 2025, after accounting for inflation. Minnesota also fell behind the national average, with the average American experiencing an effective annual pay cut of 1.18% or $831 in this period.”

FRAUD: Via House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, VERBATIM: “The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a staff report today titled, ‘The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Tim Walz and Keith Ellison Fueled Minnesota’s Fraud Explosion.’ The report exposes how senior Minnesota state officials, including Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison, were aware of widespread taxpayer fraud in federally funded social programs for years, possessed the authority to stop payments and ban fraudulent providers from participating in these programs, but repeatedly failed to act. As a result, billions of American taxpayer dollars were potentially paid to fraudulent actors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fy7S9A

SCHOOLS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota kids are still some of the healthiest and best cared for in the nation — but in school, they haven’t kept pace with their peers since the pandemic, according to a new Annie E. Casey Foundation report . . . Plunging education measures between 2019 and 2024 were largely responsible for dragging down 29 states’ ratings, including Minnesota’s. Minnesota now ranks 21st in education, down from 17th last year, because of sharp declines in three of the four outcomes the report tracks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ogipbI

MORE: Via AECF, VERBATIM: “Nationwide, Maine saw the biggest drop in child well-being since 2019, followed by four Midwestern states: Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4ofo1CN

RETAIL: Via Meta, VERBATIM: “We’re excited to bring the Meta Lab retail experience to Best Buy with over 50 dedicated experiential Meta Lab spaces launching soon inside of Best Buy locations across the United States and in Canada. Each Meta Lab @ Best Buy is a sleek, roughly 900-square-foot ‘store-in-store’ designed for hands-on discovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3POHUUR

MORE: Via Retail Touch Points, VERBATIM: “The partnership leans into a consumer behavior insight: according to the companies, more than 50% of Best Buy customers say they want to see Meta’s AI glasses in person before purchasing. The spaces are designed to close that gap with try-on walls, UV light displays showing how lenses respond to different light settings, and high-tech smart mirrors that let customers virtually browse frames and compare looks side by side.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4obDVOE

MORE: Best Buy’s news release lists five stores that will see the first Meta Labs. Roseville is the only Minnesota store on the list. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43otg9T

US SEN: Senate candidate Michele Tafoya was on Fox Business over the weekend talking about fraud in Minnesota and why she’s going forward to the GOP primary. TAFOYA: “The reason is that when we look at the primary polls, I’m in at 52%. And the next closes person is undecided at 26%. The person who was endorsed at the convention last weekend is sitting at 4%. So these endorsements don’t necessarily lead to electability.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dUkJ4B

LABOR: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Moments after being reelected by representatives for dozens of unions Sunday, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler made an ambitious pledge to unionize at least 2 million workers over the next 5 years . . . Shuler was addressing a crowd of hundreds of union members on the first day of the labor federation’s national convention in downtown Minneapolis. The convention, which happens every four years, brings together representatives from 65 unions covering all sectors of the American economy, from Hollywood actors to Pittsburgh steelworkers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43lMXzc

UOFM: Via email this morning from Elisia L. Cohen, Ph.D., VERBATIM: “As you may have heard, later this month I will be stepping down as Director of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. I will begin a new appointment at the University of Minnesota as Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and Dean of the Graduate School effective June 15, pending approval by the Board of Regents. Taking over as Interim Director will be Professor and current Associate Director María Len-Ríos.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4upk14l

INFRASTRUCTURE

GROUNDWATER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Anywhere in southern Minnesota, it’s long been understood that groundwater temperatures will be a consistent 45 or 46 degrees. But a Minnesota geologist says he’s found an anomaly underneath Minneapolis. Greg Brick has measured water in caves and flowing from springs that’s more than 10 degrees higher than he expected. He’s concerned that it could cause problems for aquatic ecosystems and drinking water systems above ground — and he’s also concerned that there isn’t enough research to know exactly what those problems could be.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x5UjUW

WOODBURY: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As many Twin Cities suburbs are trying to revitalize old downtowns or build new ones to boost their identities, Woodbury is as intentionally suburban as ever. City leaders plotted its first growth plans more than five decades ago, calling for phased development organized around parks, highways and a few commercial nodes. They’ve largely stuck to it ever since. Residents give the city high marks for livability, according to a recent survey, and say those attributes, plus good schools, and convenience draw them to the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dWAfwX

AIRPORT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Aitkin Municipal Airport has received funds for a new terminal. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Terminal Program has awarded the airport $1,330,000, symbolizing a major investment in regional transportation infrastructure and the continued growth of general aviation services in Aitkin County.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SsMRmT

THE LOCALS

TODAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Reconstruction of George Floyd Square begins Monday at 38th and Chicago in south Minneapolis, not long after the sixth anniversary of his murder . . . The long-debated $15 million project will remake the intersection, including to allow buses and emergency vehicles to once again travel through it. It will also maintain the memorial and keep some of its artifacts intact, including the iconic fists that surround the area.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SaMjlw

CRASHES: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “After a crash at Winnetka Avenue North and Oxbow Creek Drive in late May, some Brooklyn Park neighbors are sharing concerns about accident frequency at that intersection. State data reveals that over the last 10 years, there have been 12 crashes at that intersection. None were fatal. Jeff Holstein, transportation engineer with the city of Brooklyn Park, said it typically takes five crashes in 12 months to indicate a problem.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fykugU

SPEED LIMIT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Beltrami County will be asking the Minnesota Department of Transportation to conduct a study on County State Aid Highway 1 to potentially raise the speed limit to 60 mph.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uiTPrV

TWIN LAKES: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “A councilmember for Twin Lakes, a city of 134 people, is calling on the council to remove the city clerk/treasurer, alleging he failed to submit financial documents that could cost the city more than $50,000 in public funding.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4upiSd3

GOLF: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Board of Regents [this] week are expected to review a potential sale of the Les Bolstad Golf Course for $30.5 million to St. Michael-based Rachel Development, Inc. If approved, the 141-acre property at 2275 Larpenteur Avenue West in Falcon Heights will be sold for residential development with supporting commercial and mixed uses, according to the board’s docket for its meeting on Thursday, June 11. A decision on approving the sale should take place at a future meeting. The U announced its intent to sell the public facility last June, citing financial and infrastructure needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vA7uvF

GRAND OLD DAY: Flint Hills Resources is thrilled to be this year’s sponsor of the Grand Old Day parade. Flint Hills employees, families and friends will be showing their Saint Paul pride as they hand out giveaways alongside one of the Pine Bend refinery’s fire trucks. New this year, Flint Hills Resources engineers will demonstrate how science is really fun (and tasty) at the Future Innovators Zone. Kids can learn how to make their very own ice cream at home. Be sure to stop by on June 7! LEARN MORE: Grand Old Day (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

ST PAUL: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “A Vietnamese restaurant with a devoted following has closed its doors after two decades, following a change in ownership at its University Avenue building in St. Paul. When Tay Ho opened in 2005, University was lined with Vietnamese, Hmong, Thai and Cambodian restaurants and markets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uWX3Tj

GRAND AVE: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The 53rd year of the Grand Old Day celebration drew 200,000 people to St. Paul, according to organizers. They said the focus was bringing economic support back to the Grand Avenue business district.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4omTEe0

FORTUNE 500: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG), a global, market-leading business services provider of safety and specialty services, today announced its debut on the 2026 Fortune 500 list, earning the No. 486 position.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dX02oJ

RETAIL: Via C-Store Dive, VERBATIM: “Pump & Pantry has agreed to acquire 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience stores from the supermarket chain for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced on Friday. Expected to close in July, the deal includes 18 locations in Iowa, two in Nebraska and one in Minnesota, according to the announcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vsryAi

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THUR/FRI: Via COPAL, VERBATIM: “Members of the press are invited to attend The Brave of Us: The Midwest Democracy & Power Summit, a major regional convening hosted by COPAL and the Immigrant Defense Network on June 11–12, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4g7YRUJ

FRIDAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “BOMJA 003: Corporate After Dark takes over the Cabooze on Friday, June 12, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. This 21-plus event is the third installment of the BOMJA series, bringing together culture, nightlife, and music for a night designed to bring people together through sound and community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uZxWiH

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

HORACE: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The Como Park Zoo opened one of its exhibits early Sunday to give visitors enough time to see its rare corpse flower, Horace, in full bloom.” READ/PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4e8JAjN

BDAYS: advocate Jenna Grove, nonprofit leader Annie Stanoch, radio pro Shannon Knoepke, health care leader Jennifer DeCubellis

lunch take | Big Demand for Summer Jobs

Mike Maybay — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:59:39 GMT

Some good economic news out this morning – as The New York Times puts it, “American employers hired vigorously in May.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4ft81Lf

More good news – ten “new” songs from Prince’s vault will be released in August – they span every major era of his career. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S30Csj

300+ miles. 400,000 annual users. The Superior Hiking Trail turns 40 this year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4obMuJs

RIP Buffalo native Diane Carlson Evans, an Army combat nurse who coordinated a ten-year effort to build a monument to women who served in Vietnam. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4otXhyV

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

Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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 recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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

SCHOOLS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A growing number of schools in northern Minnesota are transitioning to a four-day school week as education leaders warn funding has reached a crisis point in the region. The Ely School District will move to a four-day week next year, ending the school week on Thursdays. The schedule change follows five years of deficit spending . . . In March, 16 superintendents representing northeast Minnesota districts sent a letter to state lawmakers warning of a funding crisis. Of those districts, over half have considered or already moved to the four-day schedule.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uYvkSe

DULUTH: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “With the deadline for Minnesota school districts to finalize their budgets for the coming year quickly approaching, Duluth Public Schools announced Wednesday that adjustments have been made to the district’s proposed budget.” QUOTE: “There was some pushback, and we received a lot of feedback from stakeholders and staff members,” said Adelle Wellens, the district’s communications officer. “Then we had some changes, and it was an opportunity to sort of look at things and reevaluate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uTEuPS

JOBS: Via Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “At Dairy Queen West in Mankato, there’s a waiting list for seasonal employment. For the city of Mankato, roughly 100 applications poured in for 45 summer openings. But with 30 returning seasonal employees, that left only 15 openings. So you could say it’s somewhat tough going for teen summer employment in the area. This is in keeping with national trends, with The Wall Street Journal recently reporting this is the worst summer for teen employment since 1948, when the federal government started tracking the data.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e1a6LZ

PREDICTION MARKETS: Via Courthouse News Service, VERBATIM: “The domestic division of the world’s largest prediction market sued Minnesota over its increasingly polarizing ban on prediction markets in the state. Polymarket filed the suit in Minnesota federal court late Wednesday through its American corporate arm Polymarket US, which operates under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government while its global counterpart completely bans U.S. residents from its main exchange.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RTxYKc

TICKS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Health officials report that warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activities are contributing to the rise in hospital visits for tick-borne diseases. The Minnesota Department of Health has observed an increase in emergency department visits related to tick bites over the past few months. This rise is consistent with the annual increase in tick-borne diseases. The number of visits appears to surpass the typical baseline seen during the colder months.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xgNZu6

INFRASTRUCTURE & AMENITIES

ST PAUL: Via Finance & Commerce, VERBATIM: “Bigos Management’s long-planned effort to convert the vacant Galtier Plaza office building in downtown St. Paul into apartments is nearing construction as the final pieces of the funding puzzle begin to fall in place. On Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, reviewed a 26-year tax increment financing plan that would generate $4.56 million for the project, which would carve 166 market-rate apartments out of the building at 175 Fifth St. E. The HRA didn’t vote on the TIF plan, but the city council is expected to take action on June 10. Also under consideration is a temporary $650,000 TIF loan on top of the $4.56 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4afD8q9

DRIVERLESS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Despite discussions, Minnesota’s recent legislative session came and went without setting any regulations on autonomous vehicles. But with companies like Waymo already testing their fleet of self-driving taxis (albeit with humans in the driver’s seat), officials and activists say the time is now to plan for how to manage them. At a June 3 panel on autonomous vehicles held at Minneapolis Central Library, moderator and Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley (Ward 2) said she hoped to avoid the road that the city tumbled down with ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43UkksQ

BIKES: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Nice Ride’s demise began when Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota, its main funder, pulled out. By that time, Nice Ride’s initial infrastructure had reached the end of its lifespan, and the enterprise needed investment. Without funding, the nonprofit put its assets up for an RFP, and a Minneapolis-based environmental nonprofit, Great Plains Institute (GPI), was awarded them . . . GPI is currently identifying funding to study a bike share relaunch and bring back docked bicycles on the streets of Minneapolis. Given the rising costs of driving, it’s an appealing prospect.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ucWP9f

DATA CENTERS: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Le Sueur County announced at the end of May it would be moving forward with a moratorium on new data center proposals in its townships and unincorporated communities. According to Le Sueur County Administrator Joe Martin, the moratorium is set to last for 12 months, as the county figures out how it would like to regulate the growing industry going forward.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4x9ytQr

THE LOCALS

MINNEAPOLIS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “People who own property near George Floyd Square are upset that the city notified them they are picking up part of the tab for an overhaul of streets and infrastructure in a part of Minneapolis drastically altered by what happened there in 2020 . . . Property owners in the area say they were surprised to learn about five weeks ago that they would be expected to pay over $636,000 in special assessments for a $15 million overhaul of streets and infrastructure set to begin next week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QnUmuM

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The police department released its 2025 annual report, which showed a 37-year low for crime . . . Total crime has decreased since 2022 when there was 6,810 crime reports, numbers that include everything from homicides to many less serious offenses. Violent crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults, has also gone down over the last four years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4foXuAR

ZUMBROTA: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of Zumbrota has a new chief of police. Officials announcing via the city’s Facebook page the appointment of Tony Pasquale to the post. He will officially lead the city’s police department effective August 11.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dQqiB1

COMMERCE

MANKATO: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Rolls-Royce will soon open an extension of its diesel generator plant in Mankato – a move to address an increase in demand for power from other industries. The article also mentions plans to add more than 100 jobs in the coming years. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o77DEp

PILOTS: Via Duluth-based Cirrus, VERBATIM: “Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) announced its new SR Series Annual Flight Review Course, a Cirrus Approach module designed to promote continuous flight training, pilot proficiency, and safety for all pilots, including the thousands of SR20, SR22, and SR22T pilots worldwide, regardless of current aircraft ownership.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4umrcKH

RECALL: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target is voluntarily recalling Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes following customer complaints of product discoloration, and FDA testing that identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in product samples.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xbAGuK

NEW CEO: Via Waconia-based Ridgeview, VERBATIM: “Valuing organizational stability and a deep commitment to maintaining Ridgeview’s independence and exceptional culture, the Ridgeview Medical Center Board of Directors announced today that Ben Nielsen has been selected as Ridgeview’s new President and CEO, replacing Mike Phelps who will retire on Jan. 2, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S8c5qB

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TODAY: On this National Donut Day, discounts around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xb9hsM

TOMORROW: U.S. Bank Stadium will glow purple in honor of National Naloxone Awareness Day. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g1xOKD

JUN 26: 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 2027 first quarter results on Friday, June 26, 2026, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ugwuHi

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

THIS SUMMER: From Minnesota Monthly, a summer weekends guide. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49HA1Hq

BDAYS: lobbyist Elizabeth Emerson George, attorney Jason Topp, Commerce official Peter Brickwede

lunch take | 200 New Iron Range Jobs

Mike Maybay — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:19:55 GMT

What was it like in the Twin Cities in the 90s? AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4o8Nq1a

The Minneapolis Fed’s new Beige Book notes the region’s economic activity “increased modestly” but cites some headwinds. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ug45RW

We need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning, reflecting data as of Tuesday, shows 75% of the state abnormally dry or worse, up from 61% a week earlier. The areas of drought and severe drought also increased. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Today's Sports Take: Tributes for a local sports legend, standouts on and off the field, and how sports is the 'best of us.' Coming this afternoon.

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

Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/3PWuKoM

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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

NEXT WEEK: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “The demolition of a pedestrian bridge in Duluth is set to temporarily close a portion of I-35. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT), the pedestrian bridge over I-35 just south of Mesaba Ave will be demolished and replaced starting the week of June 8.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dYaPPz

JOBS: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Mesabi Metallics is launching a major hiring initiative for operator positions as it prepares to open Minnesota’s first new mine and pellet plant in nearly 50 years. For now, they plan on adding about 200 operational jobs, for the concentrator, pellet plant, and mining.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43jBwrE

RED LAKE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Darrin Smedsmo has his airplane back. The Roseau pilot towed his aircraft off the Red Lake Nation lands on Wednesday, more than seven months after the tribe seized the single-engine plane following an emergency landing on a reservation highway. The Red Lake Nation’s prosecution office has dropped all charges against him.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3S3ZWTw

CHURCH PROTEST: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Attorney’s Office has declined to bring state criminal charges against demonstrators who disrupted a January 18th service at Cities Church, during the height of Operation Metro Surge . . . While there are still federal charges pending, there will not be any state charges, according to St. Paul’s City Attorney Irene Kao.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4e5zY9I

BEARS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “When you think of black bears in Minnesota, the North Woods come to mind. However, in recent weeks, the furry mammals have been spotted in residential communities across the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5yPiq

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

HOUSING: The Minneapolis Fed is tracking housing data in St. Paul and also talked with owners and developers of multifamily housing. VERBATIM: “Our interviews happened both before and after the most recent amendments to Saint Paul’s rent-stabilization ordinance were adopted and before the election of Saint Paul’s current mayor. When we spoke with them, some of our interviewees were brutally honest in their assessments of the city’s housing environment. One noted, ‘Saint Paul now has a reputation as a place that does not want more housing.’ Another lamented that there is ‘no magical switch to save Saint Paul from itself.’ However, we also heard a yearning from developers for the city to figure out how to incent development by addressing efficiency and certainty through process improvements and financial assistance that make housing construction more feasible.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vlnotY

MORE: From the dashboard:

DASHBOARD: https://fluence-media.co/4em9vpv

GRAND AVE: Via SMSC, VERBATIM: “The Grand Victoria, a 90-unit mixed-used apartment community featuring more than 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space along Saint Paul’s Grand Avenue, has a new investor — the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). Expected to open in early 2028, The Grand Victoria (857-841 Grand Avenue) aims to revitalize a prominent neighborhood site currently occupied by the Victoria Crossing East Mall and what was once home to Billy’s on Grand. The SMSC is a lead investor in the project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uhkQMr

GROCERIES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The conventional story about rural Minnesota and its grocery stores goes something like this: young people leave, towns shrink, stores close, the slide continues. It is a story with enough truth in it to feel accurate and enough missing to be misleading. [Detroit Lakes co-op co-manager Ryan Pesch] has heard it so many times he can recite it.” PESCH: “Maybe somebody that’s not familiar with rural Minnesota,” he said, “I think you just get the impression like it’s just a desolate wasteland, people are hooked on opioids, everybody else is unemployed. And I just don’t think that’s true.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RMKdIE

THE CITIES

ST PAUL: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Public Schools has officially opened a what the district calls a sandbox classroom, but it’s not for little kids. Instead, it’s part of the district’s new program that trains high school seniors to operate heavy equipment on the path to high-paying jobs in construction . . . The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, which represents members across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, approached the district more than a year ago about adding a career and technical education program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uQl6mL

MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Local, state and federal law enforcement leaders launching Operation Safe Summer in Minneapolis Wednesday. Minneapolis Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson says the annual crackdown on those known to commit violent crime has been an effective tool in getting guns and drugs off the streets during the warmer months when things are more active . . . Operation Safe Summer is a collaborative effort between MPD, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, state law enforcement agencies, and the ATF and FBI on the federal level.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vok3KA

OCS: MinnPost looks back on the tumultuous history of Minneapolis’ Office of Community Safety. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4orX92V

ART HEIST: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “For six decades, Leon Hushcha has been making art that comes from the heart. The 80-year-old immigrated to the United States in 1949 from Ukraine. Since then he’s been selling his art all over the country. But on Tuesday, he entered his studio in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis to find dozens of his original paintings and prints were gone. All told, Hushcha says the art was worth $80,000.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uWBxOy

2026 SESSION

LOCAL TAXES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Senate committee’s version of the tax bill approved 37 local tax proposals, including Audubon’s. Other proposals included taxes to upgrade parks in Vergas, build a new judicial center in Waseca County and replace a Public Works facility in Robbinsdale. The Minnesota House Taxes Committee also heard proposals, and co-chair Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, supported them . . . But when it was time to finally pass a tax bill at the end of session, the House’s version hadn’t made it out of the committee. After the closed-door negotiations between the Senate and House settled, the omnibus tax bill passed without any approved sales taxes.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vziael

FOSTER YOUTH: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “For the second year, Minnesota lawmakers have failed to pass legislation that would have enshrined dozens of rights for the state’s foster youth, disappointing supporters who have fought for its passage. The Minnesota Foster Youth Bill of Rights, first introduced in April 2025, sought to codify roughly 60 protections for the state’s estimated 5,500 foster youth. The health, safety and basic needs entitlements included the right to privacy while talking to doctors and to be provided luggage instead of garbage bags when moving between homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49HRS0V

COMMERCE

OSSEO: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Osseo is a few steps closer to having its own municipal cannabis store. It now has a name — Osseo Press Room Dispensary — and demolition is underway at the site, located at the former Osseo Press and News building. Still, there is work to be done. Inside, there’s enough space for two businesses. The dispensary will take up about half of the building; the other half will be rented to a tenant with an outdoor patio space.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0E8a3

ALEXANDRIA: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A visit to Ida Graves Distillery has always been about more than what’s in the glass. This summer, the Alexandria destination is expanding that philosophy through a new partnership with the Alexandria Art Guild that transforms the distillery into an immersive gathering place for art, conversation, and community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xaoAlt

TORO: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Toro Co. (TTC) on Thursday reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $145.4 million. The Bloomington, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.50 per share . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The landscaping, maintenance and irrigation equipment maker posted revenue of $1.42 billion in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vzpJ4J

MORE: From the company’s news release announcing the results, QUOTE: “The company is raising its full-year net sales and adjusted EPS guidance and now expects total company net sales growth in the range of 4.0% to 6.5%, up from the previous range of 3.0% to 6.5%, and adjusted EPS in the range of $4.50 to $4.62, up from the previous range of $4.40 to $4.60.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o5AgBU

AI: Via Eden Prairie-based C.H. Robinson, VERBATIM: “As the global leader in Lean AI supply chains, C.H. Robinson has built the first AI technology designed to both operate a shipper’s global supply chain and also continuously assess and improve its performance. Now serving the company’s 4PL Managed Solutions customers, a new Lean AI Engineer works in concert with the Lean AI Planner introduced last year to create one connected system that uniquely enhances a supply chain as it runs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4adze0Z

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEK: Prince would have been 68 on June 7. There are celebrations of his life and music all this week: SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49IXuIi

NEXT WEEK: The AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention begins Sunday in Minneapolis. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49En2pQ

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

CAMP RIPLEY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “People in communities near the Camp Ripley Training Center will be hearing some loud noise and seeing smoke trails throughout the next few weeks. National Guard soldiers are working to meet training requirements and certifications with large caliber weapon systems.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43jAw6S

BDAYS: lobbyist Kris Amundson, fmr. Sen. Kathy Saltzman, fmr. reporter Brian Lambert, PR and sports legend Dave Mona

lunch take | REPORT: Surge Cost 4,600 Hospitality Jobs

Mike Maybay — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:13:48 GMT

For two decades, support for LGBTQ+ issues increased. Now it’s begun to slide. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4o9H01N

On WCCO-Radio, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey took some pointed questions from Chad Hartman about his handling of former Police Chief Brian O’Hara, LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4e6jz4T

Ford is recalling nearly 420,000 vehicles because of a seat belt issue. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4voseqd

Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4arc33j

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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

CD1: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Pete Buttigieg is throwing his support behind Democrat Jake Johnson in Southern Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, Axios has learned. Why it matters: The endorsement, which drops Wednesday morning, the latest sign that national Democrats see a pickup opportunity in the one-time swing seat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dOefEg

ICE IMPACT: The left-leaning NorthStar Policy Action released an analysis of the impact Operation Metro Surge had on the leisure and hospitality industry. VERBATIM: “In the first three months of 2026, Operation Metro surge caused Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality sector:

To lose approximately 4,600 jobs.
To lose 3% of weekly hours among employees who kept their jobs, leading to 2.6 million hours of lost work in the sector.
Together, these jobs and hours effects translate into 3.8 million total working hours lost in the industry.
Applied to industry averages, this implies that $71 million in wages were lost in Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality sector across January, February, and March of 2026.”

You can find NorthStar’s full report HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4obrC5a

TAX DATA: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Year-over-year sales tax collections decreased at Twin Cities retailers and restaurants during the peak of Operation Metro Surge, even as statewide revenues held steady, according to preliminary state data shared with Axios. Why it matters: The Department of Revenue report is among of the first to put a hard number on the damage sustained by many metro businesses during the ICE enforcement blitz. Yes, but: The numbers paint a nuanced picture, suggesting certain sectors and communities thrived while others struggled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vqVJIa

AIRPORTS: Via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Homeland Security panel Tuesday and defended his threats to cripple international air travel into some cities led by Democrats . . . Mullin said in interviews on Fox News and Newsmax last week that he was considering a plan to remove customs officers from airports in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. ‘Listen, these sanctuary cities where the local radical left Democrats aren’t allowing us to do our job and enforce federal laws, then we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities, either,’ he told Fox’s Sean Hannity May 26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ujtXfD

MORE NEWS

CHURCHES: Via MPR, news that the Diocese of St. Cloud plans to reduce its number of parishes from 131 to 48. VERBATIM: “Church officials say a declining Catholic population, lower Mass attendance and a shortage of priests leave them little choice. The plan is still being rolled out. But it’s expected that some church buildings will close. Others will remain open, but host Masses only occasionally. [St. Anthony Catholic Church parishioner Jerry Breth] said parishioners at St. Anthony will have to drive elsewhere on most Sundays.” BRETH: “If the church would close, they’d really wreck the community, because we have nothing left,” Breth said. “Because this is it, other than the bar. And I’d rather see the bar close than a church.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xbByzG

HOFFMAN: MPR checked in with Sen. John Hoffman a year after he and his wife were shot in their home, presumably by the same shooter who killed former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. VERBATIM: “The four-term DFLer is seeking to return to the Legislature but faces a repeat race with the Republican who challenged him four years ago, Karen Attia, who filed for the ballot just before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline. His decision to come back was a difficult one for him and his family as they considered the potential risk they’d face remaining in public life.” QUOTE: “People would understand if we would have just said, ‘Time to find something else.’ Right?” the senator said. “But then it would win, evil would win, and there’s so much that needs to be done.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RBQEhD

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence has provided media support to the Hoffman family)

GRANITE FALLS: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Yellow Medicine East School District, with a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony Monday, officially launched its $74.3 million project to replace its high school, middle school and elementary school facilities . . . Voters approved the $74.3 million bond for the project by a greater than 2-to-1 margin — 1,319 to 548 — in an August 2025 referendum.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vkvbrQ

LAW SCHOOL: Via Mitchell Hamline, VERBATIM: “Mitchell Hamline School of Law welcomes students from area undergraduate programs to its Summer Partnership in Law (SPIL) program. The program reflects the law school’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to legal education through a collaborative partnership with Metro State University and other colleges and universities across Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ebhCT

AQUATENNIAL

NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “After uncertainty surrounding the future of Aquatennial following the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s decision to step back from producing the event, the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) announced it will take the helm of the city’s beloved civic celebration, ensuring the tradition continues when Aquatennial returns July 18-26. Now entering its 87th year, Aquatennial will continue its mission of bringing residents and visitors together through free, family-friendly events held throughout Minneapolis—from downtown and the Mississippi riverfront to Bde Maka Ska and city parks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/438awLL

MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The AAO is a holdover from the original festival which ran for decades, from 1940 until the organization ran into financial issues by the late 1990s. At that point, the organization handed the events such as the Torchlight, fireworks, milk carton boat races and more, over to Downtown Council, while the AAO was founded to continue the ambassador side of the festival.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o52dK9

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)

MINNEAPOLIS

FLOYD SQUARE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A pair of Minneapolis City Council members are asking Mayor Jacob Frey to reconsider the Minnesota Agape Movement as the choice to develop the People’s Way community site at George Floyd Square.” QUOTE: “When it comes to organizational capacity and feasibility, we are concerned that the Minnesota Agape movement may not have the experience and support for carrying out this proposed project,” Ward 8 council member Soren Stevenson said. “Their specialty is not in real estate development or memorial sites. They do not have experience in site development.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PU85JK

HOUSING: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The Heritage Park development on the Near North side of Minneapolis — the 145-acre HOPE VI replacement community built on the former Sumner Field, Olson, Lyndale, and Glenwood public housing footprint — is in court receivership. Its master developer, St. Louis-based McCormack Baron Salazar, is out. The City of Minneapolis is moving public dollars into the property to address what staff describe as life-safety conditions. And the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is openly studying whether to sell or redevelop the parcels it still controls.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ar9PAZ

OWAMNI: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Owamni is just weeks away from the launch of its next chapter. The James Beard-winning restaurant from chef and activist Sean Sherman closed its original riverfront location recently as it prepares to transform into Indígena by Owamni. The acclaimed eatery will open in the street-level restaurant space at the Guthrie Theater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43JnzmX

COMMERCE

FORTUNE 500: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports there are now 18 Minnesota companies on the list – one more than last year. APi Group moved up 35 places to crack the top 500. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uNfOIB

HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Demolition began this week on the 400 Block of Howard Street at the future site of the Iron Exchange 400: a new four or five-story development aimed at transforming the entire city block into a vibrant downtown community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4foSqwe

PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Precision Shooting Center in Plymouth is focused on firearms — but there’s nary a gun on site. At least not a gun capable of firing a projectile. Its specialty is hyper-realistic laser guns. Some have CO2 tanks that add a small degree of recoil, simulating a real firearm.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43N2IiC

EAGAN: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After bringing back its seagull logo and iconic early-2000s designs, Hollister is expanding its Twin Cities footprint with a new store at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ab9bYh

ST PAUL: Via Crunch Fitness, VERBATIM: “Crunch Fitness today announced the upcoming opening of Crunch St. Paul Highland Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. The $6 million, 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility will open its doors this fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehyI4x

ICE CREAM: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has issued a consumer advisory for certain ice cream and non-dairy frozen dessert products produced by Milkjam Creamery in Minneapolis, MN, due to the potential presence of metal fragments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qfgjw5

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WHAT’S NEXT?

ALL MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “June is Pride Month, and communities across Minnesota are marking the occasion with festivals, parades, performances, family activities, and opportunities to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ neighbors.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4uICIkk

NEXT MONTH: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year on July 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49CNgsQ

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

FARMERS MARKETS: Via MplsStPaul, a list of farmers markets around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4e20NeK

BDAYS: ambassador Sam Kaplan, radio host Sam Sansavere, labor guy Brad Lehto

lunch take | Demuth Stays in Race + New Interim MPD Chief

Mike Maybay — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:50:29 GMT

16% of U.S. adults say they’re financially fulfilled. In Canada, it’s 12%. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3SgpvAP

The Minnesota State Fair this morning announced CeCe Winans will perform at the Grandstand. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/435VSoe

Rep. Brad Finstad is pushing for the post office in Austin to be renamed for John Madden. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYY4mr

Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions:

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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/4vIS3BN

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

TUESDAY FEED

GOV RACE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth confirmed she’s staying in the race for Minnesota governor. Demuth and running mate Ryan Wilson held a press conference Tuesday to announce they will pursue the GOP nomination in Minnesota’s August primary, despite Demuth’s original pledge to abide by the party’s endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ufsQ0D

BACKGROUND: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “On Saturday, the Republican Party endorsed Kendall Qualls as its gubernatorial candidate. However, that came after some of the electronic vote clickers were left open longer than usual and the total number of voters dropped by several hundred, causing chaos at the convention. Because of that, GOP Chair Alex Plechash said Monday that candidates, like Demuth, who pledged to abide by the party endorsement process at the convention shouldn’t be held to that commitment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aoe14t

ON THE ENDORSEMENT: From Demuth at this morning’s news conference, QUOTE: “We fully expected when we agreed to abide by the endorsement that that process would be fair, that process would actually be full of integrity. That was brought into question.”

MORE: From KMSP-TV via YouTube, this morning’s announcement from Demuth. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wUyx6u

RESPONSE: From Kendall Qualls via X, QUOTE: “As recently as this weekend, Lisa Demuth committed to abiding by the party endorsement and respecting the decision of thousands of Republican delegates. Now, she is putting vanity and political ambitions ahead of giving Republicans their best chance in decades to elect a conservative governor. But it doesn’t matter. We have won 17 of 19 straw polls including the Super Bowl – the Statewide Convention in Duluth. The sad part is that when we win in August, we will have wasted time and money fighting amongst ourselves to come to the same conclusion: victory for our campaign.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/49yEM61

MPD: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A week after Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned amid scandal, Mayor Jacob Frey has named his interim replacement. Frey said Tuesday Bill Peterson will hold the position during the search for a permanent chief . . . Peterson has been with the Minneapolis Police Department for 30 years, and currently leads the First Precinct. He’s held several other leadership positions across his career.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dTvDrr

LANDFILLS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The nine-county MN Regional Hub & Spoke System, a solid waste management network, has faced several challenges over the last few years. If something doesn’t happen soon at the Minnesota Legislature, the northwest region of Minnesota could become a waste desert for construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Out of a $1.2 billion bonding bill that was passed this legislative session, zero dollars went to the Hub & Spoke System. On top of that, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency wants to close all unlined landfills in the state, which would leave no construction and demolition disposal options for residents of northwest Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49wq0N9

FASHION: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “You’re either someone who likes to share your clothes or you’re not. This Minnesota mother-daughter-owned brand leans into the idea that one of the best wardrobing hacks is to shop each other’s closets. And they’re turning that practice into the foundation of a buzzy, cozy clothing line. Founded by Regan Juve and her mom, Tanya, She Took My is inspired by the way their family grew up swapping clothes and restyling the same pieces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dJWKVB

TARGET: Via PRWeek, VERBATIM: “Target has appointed Karla Otto as its first style agency of record, leading style and design communications for the retailer. The fashion agency will support all facets of style-focused communications, including media relations and stakeholder engagement across apparel, home and beauty, Target said in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ayZ2U

EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Co. (DCI) on Tuesday reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $118.1 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $1 per share . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of filtration systems posted revenue of $995.1 million in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436FeF5

POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

SD24: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As the candidate filing period comes to a close, the race to fill an open state Senate seat in Rochester is shaping up to become a critical battleground as both of Minnesota’s major political parties fight for control of a divided Legislature. The GOP incumbent, Sen. Carla Nelson, is retiring. At least three fellow Republicans have filed to run for the seat . . . While she’s handily beat Democrats in previous elections, Rochester is increasingly blue. A big factor is Rochester’s demographic growth, particularly as more people with advanced degrees flock to Mayo Clinic and related businesses for work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3REKTja

SALES TAX: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The city [of Virginia] is investigating whether sales tax revenue designated for the Iron Trail Motors Event Center was used for general fund expenses, an oversight that could require raising taxes to correct. A recent city council meeting sparked questions about how sales tax dollars have been spent over the past few years. In 2020, the city received state bonding for construction of the Iron Trail Motors Event Center and created a 1% sales tax to pay the bonds off over 20 years. However, Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe says the sales tax revenue was never put into a separate account.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uEaPKe

ANIMAL NEWS

DOG PARK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “An effort to close the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park is gaining traction with Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board commissioners. Why it matters: Advocates for closing the dog park — along the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling — say the land is sacred to the Dakota people and contains artifacts and human remains.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uM7CZi

BEAR: Via WTIP-Radio, VERBATIM: “Over the past week, a small yearling black bear has been spotted around Grand Marais, checking bird feeders and garbage in search of food.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ao3fv3

GREATER MN

WILDFIRE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A wildfire near Burntside Lake about eight miles northwest of Ely had burned about 25 to 30 acres as of Monday evening and forced the evacuation of nine seasonal homes and cabins. The Birch Bay Fire was detected northwest of the North Arm of Burntside Lake, a large, popular lake dotted with cabins and summer camps adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fSuMs7

WADENA: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation has entered year two of its $52 million Highway 10 expansion project in Wadena. Last year, MnDOT constructed half of the new four-laned highway west of Highway 71 while handling reconstruction and improvement for the highway road surfaces, utilities, sidewalks, and turn lanes. This year, they’ve broken down the 2026 construction phase into three areas of impact—one of which is on Highway 10 working both west and east of Highway 71.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fqZ59n

COMMERCE

BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A city-owned plot in Brooklyn Center could be the future home of a business and event center. McNeal Management, which is run by former Comcast executive Tommy McNeal, wants to build a 30,000-square-foot mixed-use facility with an event venue, commercial kitchen, cafe and business incubator just off Highway 100.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYQ1Gf

DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth’s Glensheen Mansion is celebrating summer with local brews and bites. Glensheen is kicking off its Wednesday night series, which runs throughout the summer.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dOyP64

NEW HQ: Via Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) celebrated the grand opening of its Americas Regional Corporate Headquarters (ARCH), a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Minnetonka, Minnesota, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to the U.S. market and to strengthening the high-tech manufacturing capacity that will help define the future of industrial innovation in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RMm7O0

MOVE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports accounting firm Froehling Anderson has outgrown its St. Louis Park office and is relocating to Plymouth. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a2XoLC

SOLD: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Häagen-Dazs shops in Mainland China to an investor group including Ningji, a Chinese company that operates one of the fastest growing tea brands in China with a network of more than 3,000 premium quick-service retail tea shops.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dSRnCo

BOUGHT: Via U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of BTIG, LLC, effective June 1, 2026 . . . Founded in 2005, BTIG specializes in investment banking, institutional sales and trading, research and prime brokerage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uMjuuk

BOUGHT: Via ACI, VERBATIM: “Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, an Omni company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, today announced the acquisition of Acre (formerly known as General Office Products) effective June 1. Both are Steelcase furniture dealerships that have served the greater Minneapolis market for over seven and six decades, respectively.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43HNFqp

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: The Edina Art Fair begins Friday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4x4CjKI

THIS WEEKEND: Union Depot’s Train Days this year celebrates the Depot’s first 100 years. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uMNdTZ

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

SATURDAY: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “For nearly a century, the historic Capri Theater has stood as a beacon of artistic expression, resilience, and community pride in North Minneapolis. Managed by Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), the Capri serves as much more than a performance destination — it is an educational and cultural epicenter that contributes mightily to the social and economic vitality of the Northside. That rich legacy will be on full, vibrant display on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as the venue hosts an extraordinary three-part lineup: a free community arts festival, a cinematic look at the Minneapolis Sound, and a world-class evening of live soul music.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/43JU1Wi

BDAYS: Fmr. Sen. Maj. Ldr. Roger Moe, Minnesota legend Lou Nanne, Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders, Republican activist Dave Hughes, MNCUN’s Mara Humphrey, Explore MN’s Lyndsey Hanson

lunch take | What Tab Fee Deal Means for Drivers

Mike Maybay — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:15:34 GMT

The floating hot tubs made their debut on the Mississippi River over the weekend. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RWe15n

After 55 years, Saturday was Denny Long’s last day on air at WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4x1IKhA

Also leaving his post, Wild scout Judd Brackett. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vlBqMe

The new Orlando Magic head coach played at St. Thomas and is a St. Paul native. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4dUM3OV

ICYMI: Premium subscribers can access MNsider briefs covering even more details from the state conventions this weekend. SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49sOqHs SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4uCDEql

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/4foTAIh

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

NEW MONTH, NEW NEWS

INTEREST RATES: Via Bloomberg, VERBATIM: “Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said it’s too early to conclude that interest rates need to rise, while arguing that the central bank should keep all options on the table.” QUOTE: “I think it’s premature for me to conclude we need to be raising rates right away,” Kashkari said Friday at an event at Korea University in Seoul. “We need to keep watching the data and watching how the conflict in the Middle East unfolds before I want to make any adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uiwwic

GOP CONVENTION: Via WCCO-TV, a look at how Kendall Qualls secured the GOP nomination for governor over House Speaker Lisa Demuth. VERBATIM: “As the voting continued, Mike Lindell, who is running for governor a third time, was forced to drop out. Lindell urged all his supporters — more than 20% of the convention delegates — to support Qualls. Lindell argued that Qualls is, like him, an outsider candidate. Lindell was quoted as saying he wanted to block Demuth from getting the nomination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4efOm0f

ICYMI… morning take had comprehensive coverage and analysis of both conventions. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RGy87E

MINNEAPOLIS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Overspending by the Minneapolis Police Department is dragging down the entire city budget, threatening the city’s stellar bond ratings and raising alarms among senior city financial officials and elected leaders. The department is projected to blow its budget by more than $23 million this year after missing its target by a similar amount last year. Heavy overtime is driving the overspending.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4gAQb

CAR TABS: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The fee you pay to register your vehicles in Minnesota is set to drop next year, but just how much will the average car owner save? A one-time $254 million reduction for vehicle tab fees in 2027 — part of a deal Minnesota lawmakers struck at the end of the legislative session — will revert overall rates to pre-2024 levels. Minnesota collected more than $1 billion in personal vehicle registration fees in 2025, up from $764 million in 2023. The 33% increase over two years came after Democrats in control of state government increased tax rates and reduced the depreciation rate for vehicles.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43EuHkr

REST: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, will retire as the only legislator in Minnesota history to chair the Taxes Committee in both the state House and Senate. ‘The one person who has done it and maybe the only one who ever wanted to be the chair of both,’ said Rest with a smile in an interview with CCX News. Rest is known for her extensive work and knowledge of taxes, but she’s also well-versed in classic literature and hearkened back to her roots as an English teacher as she shared her final words on the Senate floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uBBHKS

FOOD NEWS

SANDWICHES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Fast casual sandwich chain Potbelly is targeting Minnesota for a significant expansion. The company is opening its first franchising opportunities in the state, with an eye on a broad region centered around the Twin Cities metro. It plans to add at least 15 new restaurants to its 21 existing in-state locations, Todd Owens, Director of Franchise Development for the region, tells Bring Me The News.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uHpMeq

ST PAUL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Over the past few years, [chef Yen Fang] has grown her business from a pop-up to a brick-and-mortar bakery just across the street from the St. Paul Farmers’ market, where she regularly sells out of her cream-stuffed brioche donuts, decadent salt breads, and cinnamon rolls. For the first time, she’s launching a SoYen P.M., a monthly evening pop-up with a full savory menu.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5wGsM

STATE FAIR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Great Minnesota Get-Together may be several months away, but a Plymouth dessert shop already has something special planned for the big event. Nikkolette’s Macarons is gearing up for its fourth appearance at the Minnesota State Fair this summer and is bringing with it some distinctly “fair-inspired” flavors along for the ride.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RHTGRl

DIANE’S: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The 50 Best organization announced its North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards this week—and there was just one Minnesota spot on the list. Diane’s Place, chef Diane Moua’s Hmong American eatery in Minneapolis, received the award on May 28 in New Orleans, in company with restaurants from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uJG86A

GREATER MINNESOTA

REFUGE: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and White Earth Nation are moving toward a multi-year funding agreement that would expand the tribe’s role in managing natural resources and visitor services at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Implementation is expected to begin July 1, and the agreement would run through the end of September 2028.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wWOmK9

WILDFIRE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County is urging residents to remain wary for any contractor cleanup scams after a large wildfire broke out near Crosslake earlier this month. Following the Flanders fire, home repair contractors are out in the area. Local emergency managements officials hope residents watch for and report any suspicious activity.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SbSyFE

TOMORROW: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “In May, the Stewart Trail Wildfire burned about 350 acres and destroyed more than 30 structures. Tuesday, the community can help those who were impacted. The Head of the Lakes United Way has partnered with the American Red Cross to help connect residents whose primary homes were damaged by the wildfire with possible additional support. To raise money, there will be a Fire Relief Fundraiser Tuesday, June 2 at Harbor Theater.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RxASnV

THE LOCALS

MINNEAPOLIS: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Can a childcare center be a compatible neighbor with a methadone clinic? A Northside community leader and residents who have signed onto a petition say the idea is absurd. They are calling for a review of local zoning laws, approvals, and state daycare licensing practices to stop a center from moving into the Hawthorn Crossings plaza on West Broadway Avenue next door to Community Medical Services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PUkptd

MOORHEAD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Fargo-Moorhead area has had many major flooding events and in 2009, an especially devastating flood prompted local city officials to jumpstart infrastructure improvements. Now, 17 years later, the Minnesota Legislature awarded $10 million to the City of Moorhead for local flood mitigation infrastructure improvements. The Metro Flood Diversion Authority, which oversees the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion, a $3.2 billion project meant to divert excess water around the metro area during intense flooding events, also agreed to match the $10 million award.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ScdGM0

AITKIN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The City of Aitkin’s new water tower project is close to being completed. Construction crews are continuing final painting, electrical installations, and preparing the tower for filling and startup.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RGpiqz

COMMERCE

TRAVEL: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Rising travel costs could entice more people to make local summer vacation plans. Minnesota remains a top choice for those making summer travel plans. Explore Minnesota’s Christopher Morgan says there are a number of spots in Minnesota that offer diverse scenery.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fjY7M4

ENERGY: Via Minnkota, VERBATIM: “North Plains Connector welcomes Minnkota Power Cooperative (Minnkota) as the eighth member of its utility consortium. Minnkota has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Plains Connector LLC, a subsidiary of Grid United, to secure 150 megawatts of capacity on the 3,000-megawatt, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line once it begins operations, subject to successful negotiation of definitive agreements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x316Pf

NEW DEAN: Via University of Northwestern, VERBATIM: “Following a nationwide search, University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark R. Shannon, Ph.D., as the inaugural dean of the Stoltz School of Business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49BgB74

50 YEARS: Via Rapid, VERBATIM: “Rapid Packaging, a leading provider of packaging supplies and equipment, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976, the company started in a barn in Minnesota and has grown into a national operation with a corporate headquarters in Champlin, MN, and additional facilities in Ohio and New York.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehcbok

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WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: 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

THURSDAY: Via Bloomington-based Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that it will release its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on Thursday, June 4, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43n5VoO

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

WORKOUT: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “If your anti-social, headphones-on gym sessions aren’t cutting it anymore, it might be time for a workout refresh. Group classes are a great way to boost motivation and build a community. Luckily, our editors, writers, and sales and marketing fitness fanatics have some stellar recs for you. And if you have the gym jitters, take advantage of exclusive offers for new faces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vrfr6F

BDAYS: HOFer Tony Sanneh, attorney Jason Tarasek, cable leader Melissa Wolf, lobbyist Tom Poul, nonprofit advocate Tom Weaver, CD5 GOP candidate Dalia al-Aqidi

lunch take | Klobuchar's Running Mate

Mike Maybay — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:14:33 GMT

How’s your crow call? TOMORROW: https://fluence-media.co/4x1X5uA

The MPCA has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities through 9 tonight. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/43G6tpW

Heading out on the water this weekend? How’s your boat ramp etiquette? WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u9PtU1

A federal judge this morning blocked President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund to reimburse those alleged to have been harmed by the government. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4ajNKnV

Last night the MNSider Brief on what Republicans need to anticipate coming out of the convention weekend. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4uyTgLy

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/4u6fgN1

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

RUNNING MATE: This morning, Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uHtpRR

ICYMI… Fluence Media’s Blois Olson predicted the pick on X. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4u1Hmc0

MORE: Schierer served two terms as mayor of Fergus Falls. He was running for State Auditor and, as of this writing, that campaign’s site remains up. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vcs5Gk

CORRECTION: morning take cited sources in reporting Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen was not Senator Amy Klobuchar’s pick for Attorney General. Obviously, we meant to say Lieutenant Governor. Thank you to the readers who pointed out our error.

DOWNTOWN: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Police are investigating a Friday morning shooting near Nicollet Mall and South Ninth Street in downtown Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tWZTGl

FRAUD: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Bishop Larry Cook and his wife, Dr. Sharon Cook, are mounting a vigorous defense from a $2 million fraud lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office against their Northside ministries, including Sharon’s long-time dance studio, Les Jolies Petite. The Cooks are accused of using their non-profits to grow their for-profit businesses and feed a lavish lifestyle of travel, cars and fashion. They say the trips were church retreats, dance recitals and workshops paid for by attending members. A Louis Vuitton store receipt referenced in the lawsuit was for purchases from Sharon Cook’s own money, she said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u7KIKC

SD3: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The only DFL state senator representing northeast Minnesota plans to seek reelection. Hermantown Sen. Grant Hauschild officially filed to run for a second term. He represents District 3, covering a large portion of the Arrowhead and Iron Range in St. Paul.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wWeMLJ

BEST BUY: Via Retail Dive, VERBATIM: “Ahead of taking on the CEO post in November, Best Buy Chief Customer, Product and Fulfillment Officer Jason Bonfig used Thursday’s earnings call to outline his vision for the company. The executive’s priorities for the business include expanding Best Buy’s reach, elevating the Best Buy experience, maintaining its position as a human-focused company and transforming Best Buy into a retail media, advertising and technology company.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nVo9Y5

MORE: Via Homepage News, VERBATIM: “Jason Bonfig, Best Buy’s chief customer, product and fulfillment officer and incoming CEO, said during the first-quarter conference that the company is pursuing store expansion through medium- and small-format locations.” BONFIG: “These aren’t scaled down versions of what we already have,” Bonfig asserted. “They are purpose-built formats designed for how customers actually shop today. The medium format gives us flexibility to enter markets and trade areas where full-sized stores don’t fit the opportunity, but where customer demand is real and growing. These are in the 20,000-25,000 square foot range. The small format lets us get closer to the customer in dense urban neighborhoods, suburban centers and communities that have been underserved. These are in the range of 12,000-15,000 square feet. Both formats are built around speed, curated assortment, expert service and a seamless connection to our broader fulfillment network.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dCwE6X

VETERANS: Via news release from Rep. Finstad, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act, legislation which increases and standardizes burial and funeral benefits for veterans who die from service-connected disabilities. To keep up with rising costs and ensure consistent coverage for eligible veterans’ families, this legislation raises the fixed burial and funeral expense payment from $2,000 to $3,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4qilS

AI

MINNESOTA USE: 26% of Minnesotans use AI according to data compiled by Microsoft.

Washington, Blue Earth, and Stevens counties have the highest use. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/3RRWcV3

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “College towns are AI hotspots nationwide. Blue Earth County (home of Minnesota State University, Mankato) and Stevens County (University of Minnesota Morris) ranked 2nd and 3rd in the state, respectively, for AI usage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RARn2A

LAWSUITS: The New York Times reports on a pro se lawsuit filed in Minnesota where the plaintiff used AI to bolster his case – one he filed after a judge dismissed a similar suit months earlier. VERBATIM: “Federal judges and legal experts said they are increasingly seeing filings like Mr. Sauve’s flooding court dockets and clogging an already overburdened system as A.I. supercharges pro se litigation — even as it opens up the legal system to people who might not otherwise be able to afford to bring a case. The eventual outcome for Mr. Sauve was the same. In September, two months after he filed, Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, chief of Minnesota’s Federal District Court, dismissed his suit again, this time in a 14-page opinion that found he had failed to clearly state a claim. But first, each one of Mr. Sauve’s filings had to be read, captioned by the clerk and entered on the public docket.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PKFS88

DATA CENTERS

BIG PICTURE: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “Hearing backlash from residents, cities and counties across the country in recent weeks have blocked planned data centers amid concerns over rising electricity prices and environmental harms. The local actions come as state lawmakers also are looking to limit or repeal the incentives for the centers, which are sprawling campuses of computer servers that store and transmit the data behind apps and websites.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wXBeEu

HERMANTOWN: From MPR, a petition to create a charter commission in Hermantown some hope would prevent the city from entering into nondisclosure agreements like those signed with the developer of a proposed data center. VERBATIM: “The proposed Hermantown data center is one of a dozen such hyperscale projects around Minnesota. Two lawsuits have also been filed to try to prevent construction of the Hermantown data center from moving forward. And earlier this month, opponents in the community earned at least a short-term win when the city council delayed a decision on whether to provide Google with a $80 million tax break in exchange for building the $2 billion facility.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wRN5DT

THE LOCALS

EDINA: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A recent string of auto break-ins and thefts have the Edina Police Department concerned. Edina Police Sergeant Anna Eckstein has a simple explanation as to why this trend is occurring.” ECKSTEIN: “It does seem that the warmer weather brings an increase in this type of crime of theft from autos, and auto thefts this time of year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wYSFo5

MANKATO: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Mankato Planning Commission has granted the permits needed to turn the Motel 6 off Highway 22 into affordable assisted living. During a meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, Bob Iddings, a member of the Planning Commission, said the Motel 6 would be a ‘great spot’ for seniors.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Rth5pE

HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A ceremony was held on Thursday to celebrate the unveiling of new permanent museum exhibits now on display in both buildings at the Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing. In 2019, the Hull Rust Mine View opened at its current location at 411 McKinley St., about a half mile west of where it originally operated, to make way for mining activity. The attraction is owned by the City of Hibbing and operated with volunteers from the Hibbing Tourist/Senior Center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/433W33j

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

INCUBATOR: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Mercedes Stevenson built a respectable catering business out of a shared kitchen in Hopkins, but it left her feeling cut off from her own community in North Minneapolis. That all changed in April, when she became the first tenant to rent a front-facing retail kitchen in the food hall of NEON Collective Kitchens, a lustrous, state-of-the-art facility built to jumpstart the careers of aspiring food entrepreneurs. More of the public got a taste of Stevenson’s Sadie Mae’s Comfort Food menu, which includes salmon and ox tail, on May 21, when the Northside Economic Opportunity Network hosted an open house to show off its $22 million incubator on West Broadway Avenue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PyMxSN

MORE: From Insight News, a rundown of amenities, VERBATIM: “Eleven commercial kitchens. Shared processing zones. Retail food counters. Cold and frozen storage. A Consumer-Packaged Goods suite designed for agricultural entrepreneurs scaling toward distribution. A 104-person community room. And a financial model that removes the most common killer of Black and Brown food businesses before they ever get started: the crushing capital requirements of traditional commercial leasing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43xVuiq

AIRPORT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “MSP Airport is leveling up with a ‘first-of-its-kind’ premium lounge dedicated to gaming. What to expect: The 3,800-square-foot Portal Lounge boasts over a dozen stations with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation consoles and custom-built gaming PCs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4valQCS

TARGET: Via Progressive Grocer, VERBATIM: “Target Corp. is welcoming a new member to its leadership team. Grant McGee will officially join the big box retailer on May 31 as its new EVP and chief legal and compliance officer. McGee comes to the food retailer with 20 years of broad-based legal expertise and experience in large, consumer-facing global companies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qa4LtW

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WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: The Ordway’s annual Flint Hills Family Festival takes place in St. Paul. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dhpdBM (DISCLOSURE: Flint Hills is a Fluence sponsor)

TOMORROW: Via Visit Saint Paul, VERBATIM: “Celebrate the inauguration of the Downtown Riverwalk — a vibrant two-mile experience connecting Downtown Saint Paul and the Mississippi River.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vh9glo

TOMORROW: At the Mall of America, the 2026 Midwest Regional Yo-Yo Championship. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4venLq1

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

NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Families can dance, explore, and celebrate music together when Rock the Cradle returns to Minneapolis on June 14. Presented by The Current, the annual free event for kids (and their grownups) takes over the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) with a full day of live music, hands-on activities and performances geared toward children.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dLeBdt

BDAYS: Rep. Cheryl Youakim, fmr. St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano, lobbyist John-Paul Yates, pr guy Brian McClung