She helped lead her team to an 8-0 start – now Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has been named WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4kAsXjm
Could the signs at bus stops provide better information? Metro Transit wants your feedback. SURVEY: https://fluence-media.co/4dPj9iN
Consumers identified their picks for the three negative scenarios that could most impact brands. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/43ECFtt
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/43Ofkpk
Sunday Take featured Republican Kendall Qualls discussing his campaign for governor and SotaCann’s Fatima Moore analyzing the state’s approach to cannabis businesses. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45AA9Hj
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
RESPONSIBLEGAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
MEDIGAP: Via AARP Minnesota, VERBATIM: “AARP is deeply disappointed by the Legislature’s Commerce working group’s decision to restrict Medicare Supplemental insurance plans, jeopardizing healthcare access for older Minnesotans. The proposal includes discriminatory measures against Minnesotans 70 and older and imposes a lifetime penalty on Medigap plans, significantly increasing healthcare costs.” QUOTE: "Denying coverage to Minnesotans over 70 solely based on their age is a clear act of age discrimination,” said Cathy McLeer, state director of AARP Minnesota. “Imposing a lifetime penalty on Medigap plans is not only an unprecedented age tax but also unfair to older Minnesotans who rely on these plans for essential healthcare coverage.”
TRANSPORTATION: Via letter from the Dakota County Board to legislative members representing the county, QUOTE: “We want to raise serious concerns with a surprising proposal that was included in the Transportation Working Group’s budget agreement reached late last week. The proposal would divert millions of dollars in regional sales tax revenue for transportation projects from metro counties, including Dakota, to the Metropolitan Council for bus rapid transit (BRT) projects almost exclusively in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. This shift would come at a time when the next three planned BRT lines are already fully funded.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kqVuaG
SENATE: Via news release on behalf of the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, Peggy earned her first union endorsement from United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 made their first endorsement of the 2026 cycle, throwing their full support behind Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s U.S. Senate campaign.”
TORO: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Bloomington-based] The Toro Company (NYSE:TTC) reported its second-quarter 2025 financial results on June 5, revealing better-than-expected earnings per share despite overall sales declines and challenging macroeconomic conditions. The company’s shares were down 3.16% in premarket trading following the release, reflecting investor concerns about lowered full-year guidance . . . Toro highlighted its positioning regarding tariffs, estimating the headwinds to be approximately 3% of its 2025 cost of goods sold. The company emphasized several competitive advantages, including USMCA qualification, a primarily U.S.-based supply chain, minimal China exposure, and agricultural use exemptions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kz0zOy
PAY: Via USA Today Network, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report on private average hourly earnings in the 50 states and Washington, D.C., along with the average weekly earnings and the average number of hours Americans work per week. Minnesotans’ average weekly check is solidly in the middle of the pack, with one of the lowest average pay rates offset by one of the lower average hourly wages in the country. It is notable the check falls just short of what it takes to be considered middle class in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kTiajY
MORE: Via Bureau of Labor Statistics, the report. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3T7sKrA
TRAVEL BAN: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “President Trump on Wednesday signed a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries, largely in the Middle East and Africa, and introduced more-limited travel restrictions on seven others, reintroducing a controversial immigration policy that came to define the early days of his first term. The ban will completely bar travel to the U.S. by citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen . . . Jawaahir Dahir, chair of the international nonprofit Global Somali Diaspora, said the ban would expose Somalis in the diaspora to discrimination and xenophobia. More than 200,000 Somalis live in the U.S., according to the last U.S. census in 2020, with the largest populations in Minnesota and Ohio.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lcGfCz
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Issues with policing have again bubbled to the surface in Golden Valley as Chief Virgil Green was placed on leave.
The city placed him on paid leave due to a complaint, but did not provide additional details on the nature of the complaint. ‘As mayor I want to express my deep disappointment regarding the recent concerns surrounding our chief of police,’ said Golden Valley Mayor Roslyn Harmon during a city council meeting this week. Green was hired as the police department was in the middle of a staffing crisis. More than half the department left as a report accused the department of misconduct and racism.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dKa22E
POLL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Recently released polling data found Minnesotans think it’s harder for Black, Hispanic or Indigenous people to succeed here compared to people who are white or of Asian descent. The survey found about 2 in 5 Minnesotans think being Black or Brown makes it more difficult to be successful in Minnesota, while only about 1 in 5 say the same about being Asian. The results around Asian Minnesotans were intriguing. It felt like a small but important difference in perception that was worth exploring. I talked to some local researchers about it and it led to some discussions about how Minnesotans view race and opportunity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dSn6TR
DROUGHT: The new Drought Monitor out this morning, which reflects data as of Tuesday, shows no significant change – 15% of the state remains in drought, with 71% abnormally dry or worse. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Robbinsdale is taking steps to lay down new ground rules when it comes to camping on public property. The issue came up after someone set up a tent by the city’s water tower. According to elected leaders, the city has a history showing of compassion to people who may be homeless. At the same time, there’s also concern about safety.” QUOTE: “If something happens, where it’s out of hand, we do have rules in place,” said Robbinsdale City Council Member Jason Greenberg at Tuesday’s meeting. “It feels like that’s the intent of this, which I appreciate.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43wnWlM
RAID: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison condemned Tuesday’s militarized federal law enforcement action in Minneapolis, saying ‘it seemed like the point was to inflict terror and fear into the community.’ Dozens of armed federal agents from multiple agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raided a Minneapolis taco restaurant Tuesday in what ICE said was a ‘groundbreaking operation’ involving drug smuggling and human trafficking.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kKTNFz
MORE: Via MPPOA, from general counsel Imran Ali, ALI: “This week, law enforcement executed several criminal search warrants in Minnesota including one in Minneapolis targeting human trafficking. Unfortunately, officers were threatened, assaulted, and obstructed from collecting evidence. Irresponsible, false statements by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, Senator Omar Fateh, some county board members and more further inflamed the situation. It appears these leaders are more interested in division that could erupt into chaos.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4jDrwzd
MASKS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Many of the federal law enforcement agents who raided a Minneapolis Mexican restaurant did so with their identities concealed, their faces covered by black or American-flag print masks . . . A reader emailed the Star Tribune reporter who covered the raid: ‘If they are doing legitimate work, why are they covering their faces? ... I don’t remember this in the past and as a citizen, and particularly as a woman, it makes me nervous about how I would know if someone was a legitimate police officer if they are hiding their faces’ . . . Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, discussed the rationale for masks during a news conference in Boston to announce nearly 1,500 arrests in the region as part of a monthlong ‘surge operation.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/441OmvF
MPD: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “It’s no coincidence that the Trump administration’s Department of Justice moved to dismiss a federal consent decree settlement that would have legally mandated police reform in Minneapolis in the week leading to the five-year mark of George Floyd’s murder. It’s also no coincidence that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has a settlement agreement of its own with the city. Minneapolis is ‘relatively unique’ in its formation around consent decree settlements because of timing, said University of Minnesota sociology professor Michelle Phelps. Floyd’s murder under the knee of a police officer happened during the ‘Trump administration 1.0’ (as Phelps calls it). Trump has long opposed consent decrees, calling them a ‘war on police.’ Fast-forward five years to the Trump administration 2.0, and the Biden administration DOJ’s work on a federal consent decree between Trump’s two terms has been rendered moot.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Hq3WZu
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ST PAUL: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Christophe Beck is the president and CEO of Ecolab, a global company that generated $15 billion in sales in 2023. It is headquartered in downtown St. Paul. Beck serves on the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance board and co-chaired the steering committee that developed a downtown investment strategy. While traveling internationally, Beck responded via email to TCB questions about the future of downtown.” BECK: “When talking about public safety, homelessness, and economic development growth, the main thing to remember is that these issues are very much intertwined. And solving community issues requires a community solution. What I am getting at here is that true collaboration is the only answer. Only when government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations come together can we foster positive, real change.” Q&A: https://fluence-media.co/3NoiHvh
RONDO: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A groundbreaking ceremony in St. Paul Wednesday for a project that will significantly enhance the Rondo Neighborhood. The 2.4 acre schoolyard adjacent to Maxfield Elementary will be transformed into a vibrant, green community space says Maxfield Principal Dr. Leslie Hutchins. ‘We're gonna add a nature walk with trees and some native plants to Minnesota,’ she says. Designed by students and neighbors, this project is one of the first of its kind statewide.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ZFjqiz
DONALDSON: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Co. (DCI) on Tuesday reported fiscal third-quarter profit of $57.8 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 48 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 99 cents per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of filtration systems posted revenue of $940.1 million in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3T70RQm
FORTUNE 500: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports UnitedHealth Group moved up to the number three spot on the Fortune 500. Polaris fell off the list. 3M spinoff Solventum joined the list. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kP63Ey
MORE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Eleven of the Minnesota companies slipped in their Fortune 500 rankings, while four of them rose to higher rankings. C.H. Robinson’s ranking remained the same.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HpRMQ4
MORE: Via Fortune, the list. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mYuL7k
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new restaurant is coming to Maple Grove that’s taking the space of the former Red Lobster. Northern Taphouse is a family-owned restaurant that currently has four locations, including one in Plymouth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZNoPnw
ST LOUIS CO: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County has obtained a new plot of land that is ideal for grouse hunters and other forms of outdoor recreation. The Conservation Fund (TCF), a non-profit that helps sustain land across America, has sold more than 4,600 acres of land to St. Louis County.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZSemar
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)
ENERGY: Via Xcel, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy is powering even more of the economy as it continues to reduce the carbon emissions from its operations, the company announced in its 20th annual Sustainability Report today. The company now provides reliable electric service to data centers, vehicle charging, home heating, natural gas development and other areas of the economy that spur growth and support opportunities for customers to choose cleaner energy sources. As it provides value to customers in new ways, Xcel Energy has also continued to reduce carbon emissions from the electricity it provides to customers, with carbon emissions 57% below 2005 levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mVBcrN
FLIGHTS: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “When German flag carrier Lufthansa’s final flight to Frankfurt departed MSP April 29 it marked a puzzling coda to the carrier’s 11 months of local service. Lufthansa has been among the holy grails of coveted carriers at MSP, yet it exited the market in less than a year, perhaps temporarily. The loss of Lufthansa was a blow to the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s (MAC) recent run of wins in the battle for new international airlines and destinations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jHkObr
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “After this week, Crest View Elementary School in Brooklyn Park will close its doors. The school will be torn down and rebuilt for community education. To honor the school, Osseo Area Schools is holding an alumni event [yesterday]. Principal Stephanie Webster said it will be a great event, but feelings are bittersweet after all these years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dLmI9H
RAIL: Via Freight Waves, VERBATIM: “Regional Rail, an owner and operator of shortline freight railroads, has expanded its network by acquiring the Minnesota Commercial Railway (MNNR). Based in St. Paul, Minnesota Commercial is an 86-mile railroad that serves the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, connecting directly with four Class I railroads and the Twin Cities & Western Railroad.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mEPTPE
NEXTGEN: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “More than 400 students from across the Midwest are suiting up this week for the annual Wildfire Academy in Grand Rapids, Minnesota—one of the largest wildland fire training events in the state. While the training may be part of an academy, students are being pushed through real-world scenarios, donning full protective gear and learning how to handle the kind of conditions they’ll face in the field . . . As wildfires grow more intense and complex, the demand for skilled personnel continues to rise.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3HJ7wO8
THIS WEEK: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The long anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console launches on Thursday, and retailers are playing it up like Black Friday. Best Buy and Gamestop will open most store locations at 11 p.m. on Wednesday so customers who placed preorders don’t have to wait the night. Target is turning the launch into a multi-day event with in-store celebrations and giveaways.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZcoN8G
THIS MONTH: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “It’s billed as ‘fun-filled days for you and your family,’ the Cook Timber Days that’s happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13, 14 and 15. According to a history of Cook, the first Timber Days celebration took place in 1947 to celebrate Cook’s logging heritage. The first homesteaders arrived in what is now Cook. The Native American tribes referred to the area as Ashawa, a term used for a stopping place along their travels to and from Lake Vermilion.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/45bFXXP
THIS MONTH: Via news release from General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full year on June 25, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FBtwtU
LUNR: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “[Erin] Wall is president of Lunr Capital, a Minneapolis-based capital provider that works specifically with brands growing into big-box retail spaces. Lunr’s goal is to fill the gap. Its model is known as inventory commitment financing, where the product serves as collateral. The strategy here is to ‘transform retailer purchase orders into immediate working capital,’ per Lunr. That capital goes toward production, so brands can fulfill retail commitments ahead of payment. And because it’s flexible, non-dilutive financing, the founder doesn’t give up equity . . . Last week, Lunr announced a major milestone: $100 million deployed since 2023. The firm launched in 2021 and has provided financing for brands nationwide and across categories—including food and beverage, beauty, and outdoor products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dHoTLc
SPACE HORSE: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “In just its first two months, Space Horse has wrangled branding initiatives with P3 Adaptive, the de facto royalty of business intelligence consulting, and Mastercam, a global juggernaut in CAM software development (that’s computer-aided manufacturing, not whatever you thought CAM meant). Both companies approached Space Horse independently to help evolve their respective brand strategies and visual identities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45ITLJo
PEACE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Andy Hoffe, who spent 20 years on the New Hope City Council, passed away on May 30. He was 89 years old. Hoffe first entered the world of New Hope city government in 2004 after retiring from a 41-year teaching career.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3FrWrR8
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THEATER MU: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “At a moment when national arts funding is threatened, especially for organizations serving diverse audiences, Theater Mu is raising the bar on its ambitions. The Twin Cities-based Asian-American theater has tapped longtime Los Angeles actor, director and writer Fran de Leon as the fifth artistic director in its 33-year history . . . In the search process, Managing Director Anh Thu Pham and the Theater Mu board of directors wanted to prioritize someone who could elevate Theater Mu’s national awareness and recognition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43uzS7C
ANNIVERSARY: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Collective Measures, an award-winning leading media agency, celebrates its 20th anniversary this April, highlighting two decades of steady growth, measurable impact and leading with purpose in the media and marketing industry. Founded in 2005 as Nina Hale, the agency shifted from a founder-led to leader-led organization in 2014 and became a 100% employee-owned media agency by creating an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In 2020, the team adopted the name Collective Measures as a way to fully embrace its identity as an employee-owned organization.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kt04W4
BDAYS: Goff’s Elizabeth Emerson, attorney Jason Topp, Commerce’s Peter Brickwedde, DFL operative M. Kathleen Murphy
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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