NOTABLES: Via UCare, VERBATIM: “The February/March Twin Cities Business Notables rankings honor high-achieving BIPOC executives across local industries and metro area leaders in health care. Two members of UCare’s Executive Leadership team were included in these elite groups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QHh8ua (SPONSORED: UCare)
All Fluence tipsheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
POLL: Via KFF, VERBATIM: “The latest Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust finds that partisan trust in government health agencies on vaccines has shifted notably since the Biden administration, with trust declining among Democrats and rising among Republicans.”
“The most recent uptick among Republicans and decline among Democrats in trust of the CDC and FDA may be a reflection of polarized views on the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul government health agencies and shift vaccine policy and messaging, including the way vaccines are tested.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42Is55A
MONEY: Via Medical Xpress, VERBATIM: “More than two in five (43%) U.S. adults say money negatively affects their mental health, at least occasionally, causing anxiety, stress, worrisome thoughts, loss of sleep, depression and other effects, according to Bankrate's new Money and Mental Health Survey (polled March 19-21, 2025). That percentage is down from 47% in 2024 and 52% in 2023—but remains the No. 1 factor affecting mental health, among other factors asked by Bankrate, such as politics, world news and climate change (38%) or one's health (36%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iVs0jV
MORE: Via Bankrate, the full poll results including breakdowns for each generation from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4jIk8Dx
Check out all the episodes of Sunday Take on 830 WCCO. CLICK: https://fluence-media.co/3KsuDrZ
THIS MONTH: From MDH via X, VERBATIM: “May is Lyme disease Awareness Month! One Bite is All it Takes. Check for Ticks. #LymeDiseaseAware Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in Minnesota and is spread by the blacklegged tick.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4m426Nq
MORE: Via MDH, from its Lyme disease resources:
MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4d5aOqB
MERGER: The Twin Cities Lyme Foundation will be merging with another Lyme foundation. Founder/Executive Director Lisa Najarian talked about it on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/437OJDn
BILL: Via Money Wise, VERBATIM: “Imagine taking your daughter to a clinic for allergy testing, then learning your insurer was billed $24,000 for it, $5,400 of which you must pay. You'd probably assume a mistake was made. That's exactly what Kaitlin Johnson of Minneapolis thought when this happened to her. Johnson called around and found most clinics charged around $1,827 for the testing. Yet, her clinic insisted the fee was correct. Only after eight months of fighting and inquiries from PBS News did the facility finally reduce that price.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43404nS
MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)
BCBS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota expects to pay $71 million as part of a nationwide settlement with health care providers that alleged companies using the Blue brands have stifled competition for decades in health plan markets across the country. The national settlement, announced in October, creates a $2.8 billion fund to pay damage claims from health care providers in states where more than two dozen insurers operate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Lsd4o
MEASLES: Via WDAY-Radio, VERBATIM: “North Dakota Health and Human Services announced there have been 3 newly confirmed cases of the measles in Williams County, bringing the state’s total to 4 so far this year . . . These are North Dakota’s first measles cases since 2011.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43gC6XM
MORE: The Minnesota Department of Health’s measles dashboard shows two cases in Minnesota this year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3S39rz0
MORE: Via CBS News, measles cases by state. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/43iffes
VACCINATIONS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fewer Minnesota kindergartners are fully vaccinated against measles, new Minnesota Department of Health data shows, falling well short of the 95% ‘herd immunity’ target set by state officials and public health professionals to prevent community transmission. About 87% of Minnesota’s kindergartners had both doses of the mandated MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, this school year, continuing a downward trend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GX9dXS
STUDY: From University of Leeds via Science Daily, VERBATIM: “Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say researchers. A study by atmospheric scientists at the University of Leeds has revealed that the number of deaths could be significantly reduced, but only if there is a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gases and air pollutants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d19qFs
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Rural Health Association, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Rural Health Conference — hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, the Minnesota Rural Health Association, and the National Rural Health Resource Center — annually seeks to support, connect and inspire rural health professionals and leaders from across the state as they work toward the goal of building healthy communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j1inkl
From morning take…
OVERSIGHT: Via news release from the Department of Human Services, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is taking steps to supervise autism services providers and some housing services providers more closely. Starting June 1, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will tighten screening requirements for providers who bill Medicaid for autism services and some housing services. This includes Housing Stabilization Services, which helps older adults and people with disabilities with housing, as well as Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention autism services. The state will re-categorize both types of services as ‘high risk.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Gzg2iv
MENTAL HEALTH: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of kids and adults across Minnesota can’t access timely mental health services and are stuck in hospitals, juvenile detention centers and jails. … [But] families, social workers and advocates [say] plans at the Capitol could be ‘transformational’ in preventing provider closures and expanding programs. … [Legislative] spending proposals contain changes that could help tackle what is often referred to as the ‘boarding’ problem, where people spend weeks or months — sometimes more than a year — in hospitals or corrections facilities, waiting for a mental health facility willing and able to take them. For those immersed in that crisis, one idea stands out: Raising reimbursement rates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GSvsOG
HHS: Via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other Trump Administration officials to stop the dismantling of HHS. … The attorneys general argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump Administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people and will be asking the court to halt further dismantling and restore key program operations. … The attorneys general allege that by taking these actions without congressional approval, the administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RSi8wa
FLU: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “More U.S. children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago, with a record amount of flu-related deaths and hospitalizations in some states, including Minnesota. The 216 national pediatric deaths reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eclipse the 207 reported last year. … Minnesota had four pediatric deaths, matching last year's total. … The biggest spike in flu activity started in late December, according to Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist supervisor Melissa McMahon, who oversees the influenza surveillance programs. The good news is that [flu] season is now winding down.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iLf7IT
CUTS: Via news release from Susan G. Komen, VERBATIM: “Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is deeply alarmed by the Trump Administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) which would eliminate all funding for critical cancer prevention and control programs, including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), and significantly cut life-saving research at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the National Institutes of Health (NIH).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/431PNZz
HIV: Via KFF Health News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump, in his first term, promised to end America’s HIV epidemic — and he put the resources of the federal government behind the effort. This time, he has deployed the powers of his office to gut funding, abandoning those communities at highest risk of HIV.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RSBMIr
ESSENTIA HEALTH INVESTS IN TWIN PORTS NURSES: Total payroll for Essentia Health Duluth-Superior nurses is $164 million, with $53 million paid in salary increases over the past 3 years. Essentia Health has also increased clinical support staff by 10% over the past 3 years, providing additional support for those nurses. Over half of Duluth area nurses have been with us for over 5 years and enjoy exceptional work-life balance. To join our team at Essentia Health, search for openings HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3FzLe0i (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
ABORTION PILL: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to sharply restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone — taking the same position as the Biden administration in a closely watched case that has major implications for abortion access. The court filing by the Justice Department is striking, given that President Trump and a number of officials in his administration have forcefully opposed abortion rights.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jJeCRb
MORE: Via KFF Health News, VERBATIM: “The telemedicine practice of consulting with remote patients and prescribing them medication abortion via the mail has grown in recent years — and is now playing a critical role in keeping abortion somewhat accessible in states with strict abortion laws, according to research from the Society of Family Planning, a group that supports abortion access. Doctors who prescribe abortion pills across state lines describe facing a new reality in which the criminal risk is no longer hypothetical. The doctors say that if they stop, tens of thousands of patients would no longer be able to end early pregnancies safely at home, under the care of a U.S. physician. But the doctors could end up in the crosshairs of a legal clash over the interstate practice of medicine when two states disagree on whether people have a right to end a pregnancy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GXa4b2
DRUG PRICES: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan pair of senators introduced legislation to lower prescription drug prices by prohibiting pharmaceutical companies from selling drugs in the U.S. at higher prices than the international average. The bill from Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is a riff on the “most favored nation” policy President Trump pushed in his first term, which tried to tie domestic prices for certain prescription drugs in Medicare to the lowest level paid by comparable countries.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Znmva
MANUFACTURING: Via Stat, VERBATIM: “Amid ongoing anticipation over tariffs on pharmaceuticals, President Trump on Monday signed an executive order designed to lower regulatory hurdles and make it faster for drug companies to manufacture their products in the U.S. The move also includes plans to place more pressure on foreign drugmakers to comply with quality control inspections. At the top of the list is a mandate for the Food and Drug Administration to reduce the amount of time it takes to approve domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d55vra
CHILDREN’S: Via news release from Children’s Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce several key leadership changes following the planned retirement of Susan Sencer, MD, clinical vice president of specialty pediatrics . . . The new leadership structure aims to support the health system’s 2025-2027 strategic plan, elevating Children's Minnesota as the premier provider of specialized pediatric health care in the region.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4d9V2uO
SWITZERLAND: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Swiss Medical Network and Mayo Clinic are proud to announce that seven clinics and centres of Swiss Medical Network have joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, becoming the first healthcare provider in Western Europe to enter the collaboration. The agreement includes Clinique de Genolier in Genolier, Privatklinik Bethanien in Zurich, Clinica Sant’Anna in Lugano and Swiss Visio centres in Genolier, Montchoisi, Zurich and Bellinzona.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z5Bl1c
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
RESEARCH: Via NPR, VERBATIM: “President Trump issued an executive order Monday restricting federal funding for research that involves a controversial field of scientific study known as ‘gain-of-function’ research. The research, which is also known as ‘dual-use’ research, involves experimenting with viruses and other pathogens that have the potential to trigger a pandemic. Those studies could discover how infectious agents might become more transmissible or make people sicker.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iTUFWD
FDA: Via CBS News, VERBATIM: “The Food and Drug Administration's top official overseeing drug and food safety inspections told staff on Monday he has decided to leave the agency, and multiple federal health officials told CBS News it comes amid frustration from inspectors with the FDA's new commissioner. Michael Rogers had worked for the FDA for more than three decades, culminating in a role as the agency's associate commissioner for inspections and investigations. Colleagues said they were surprised to learn that his final day in the office will be May 14.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EU7RNe
BENEFIT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is no stranger to small towns, and those can create generous communities. The DeBord family in Vergas has received help and support from hundreds of community members as their 15-year-old daughter has been battling Stage 4 cancer for nearly a year. The city of Vergas may only have a population of 350, but more than that showed up for a benefit dinner held last Friday to support one high school girl in her time of need.” QUOTE: “I feel really grateful that I have a community like this,” said Addi DeBord, who has been battling Stage 4 neuroblastoma since last summer. “I didn’t even know half of these people before all of this happened.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Spn9fQ
GRADES: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Eight eligible Mayo Clinic hospitals earned A grades from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization that provides safety ratings. All eight hospitals have maintained straight A's since spring 2022, and Mayo Clinic in Arizona is one of only 11 hospitals nationally that has earned an A in every grading cycle since 2012.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ix11d
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PAIN: From McGill University via Science Daily, VERBATIM: “McGill University researchers, in collaboration with colleagues in Israel and Ireland, have developed AI technology that can detect patterns in gut bacteria to identify complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with remarkable accuracy, potentially transforming how CRPS is diagnosed and treated. CRPS, estimated to affect between 400,000 and 2.1 million people worldwide, typically develops in a limb after injury or surgery and can lead to long-term disability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43iqQKz
Copyright © 2025 Fluence Media, All rights reserved.
You signed up or are media / a public official interested in health care news from Fluence Media.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Minneapolis, MN 55427