56% of Americans say moral values in the U.S. are “poor” – that’s up 12 percentage points from last year. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3PwG2zU
A federal judge this morning declined to block President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nSbiWN
Inflation hit 3.8% in April, up from 3.5% in March. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wZXAFu
A St. Paul soft serve ice cream shop now has a food truck. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uxAYud
Sports Take is out this afternoon and takes a look at the hopes, schemes and dreams that will power Minnesota teams into the summer and beyond.
Premium MNSider content previewing DFL and GOP US Senate races last night. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4fJWdnU
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
A BUSY DAY FOR BUSINESS
3M: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Australian government said on Thursday that it was suing 3M for more than $1.4 billion in damages, alleging that the American industrial conglomerate had concealed information about the harmful effects of ‘forever chemicals’ used at more than two dozen military sites across the country. The lawsuit is the largest ever brought by the Australian government, Michelle Rowland, the country’s attorney general, told reporters in Canberra, the capital.” ROWLAND: “This is a government that is prepared to take on one of the biggest multinational corporations in the world.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uEocKw
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “3M plans to contest the claim.” QUOTE: “3M has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products at issue in Australia around two decades ago,” 3M said in a statement. “Despite this, the (Australian) Department of Defense continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for nearly two decades longer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uE2sP1
BESTBUY: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Best Buy Co. (BBY) on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $276 million. The Richfield, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.31 per share . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The consumer electronics retailer posted revenue of $8.94 billion in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dKJA9z
MORE: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “The company said its biggest growth drivers in the quarter were gaming, computing, mobile phones and services, which were partially offset by a decline in sales of appliances. Shares of Best Buy rose 15% in morning trading.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nVZq66
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Best Buy’s appliance sales have been pressured for “quite some time” from a slow housing market and competition among retailers, incoming Chief Executive Officer Jason Bonfig said on an analyst call Thursday. He said the company would be investing in pricing, marketing, product availability, and delivery speed for appliances, as well as improvements in the online appliance sales experience.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49tdRsf
DQ: Via NRN, VERBATIM: “Want to open a Dairy Queen? The brand will give you cash. The Minneapolis-based treat chain said on Wednesday announced a new incentive program, giving franchisees who open one of the brand’s Grill & Chill fast-food units a $150,000, lump-sum payment, provided they open the location on time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v8y3bc
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A small business in Brooklyn Park has received a rare honor from the federal government. KSP Fulfillment, located at 8100 Oxbow Creek Dr., has been named Minnesota’s Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43yRRbX
BEER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Brewers Association, an industry group, says there were around 9,000 breweries across the country by 2020. More than 450 taprooms opened that year alone, compared to just 128 that closed. By 2024, there were more taprooms closing than opening. In 2025, 219 taprooms closed compared to 151 that opened. It was the worst year since the trade group started keeping track in 2018. Some of those closures included Invictus Brewing in Blaine, Schram Haus Brewery in Chaska and Foremost Brewing Cooperative in Owatonna.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3RMFlTB
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)
CAPITOL UPDATES
POT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz has signed off on a sweeping cannabis package that will reshape the state’s emerging recreational market and give hemp operators a path forward ahead of a looming federal ban. Some of the biggest changes will merge parts of Minnesota’s cannabis supply chain, encourage more medical cannabis production and help hemp producers move into the adult-use market before the ban takes effect Nov. 12. State Rep. Jessica Hanson, DFL-Burnsville, was a sponsor of the ‘maintenance’ bills. She says the bills respond to operational and regulatory challenges facing both cannabis and hemp businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vl0UcF
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence sponsor)
2A: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Bemidji’s Bidal Duran has filed to seek another term in the Minnesota House of Representatives.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vkM3yR
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)
GREATER MN
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Residents of Bemidji approached the city council during last week’s meeting to discuss their issues with the city’s calendar and hourly parking. The City of Bemidji officially adopted its calendar parking program in 1997 as a way to help maintenance crews effectively plow and sweep the streets by alternating which side vehicles could park on, depending on the date. Some residents, however, believe the city doesn’t utilize the calendar parking in the way it’s supposed to be used.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vfbyBE
GOLF: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth residents still have time to comment on the future of the Lester Park Golf Course. The city held the second of three open houses about the site Tuesday night. Last year, the city council adopted a resolution calling for a balance of outdoor recreation, natural resource preservation and housing development at the site. Planners are seeking comment on different possible scenarios for the land.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xdqAd1
ST LOUIS RIVER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is a major step closer to finishing a decades-long effort to clean up the St. Louis River estuary in northeastern Minnesota, the headwaters of Lake Superior, from a long legacy of industrial pollution. Federal, state, tribal and community partners gathered Wednesday to celebrate the culmination of a two-year effort to clean contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir in Carlton, Minn., 15 miles upstream of Duluth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wRyFni
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)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DROUGHT: We need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 61% of the state is now abnormally dry up from 42% a week ago. 12% is now in formal drought, up from 8%. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
ENERGY: Via Great River Energy, VERBATIM: “PowerOn Midwest will generate billions in economic activity, support thousands of jobs and strengthen local tax bases across Minnesota and South Dakota as electricity demand accelerates in the coming decade, according to a new economic study released today. PowerOn Midwest, a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kV backbone transmission line, will help ensure the region has the energy transmission capacity needed to maintain reliability while meeting rising electric demand, attracting new employers and investment, and supporting long-term economic competitiveness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vegG8S
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
HELIUM: Via ADVFN, VERBATIM: “Pulsar Helium (LSE:PLSR) has received a major regulatory tailwind for its Topaz project after Minnesota introduced helium-focused gas extraction legislation designed to establish a more defined permitting process while limiting development activity to select areas in Northeastern Minnesota. The legislation also prohibits oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing, reinforcing the state’s effort to support helium development alongside environmental and public-interest safeguards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x2tiBZ
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
ACQUISITION: Via Finance & Commerce, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis-based Wold Architects & Engineers has acquired JJCA, a Nashville-based architecture firm. JJCA, which was founded in 1991, has completed more than 700 health care projects over the past three decades and brings ‘deep expertise serving rural healthcare systems, behavioral health providers, higher education institutions, school districts and community-based organizations,’ according to a press release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ahIxgn
ACQUISITION: 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, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kalwall Companies from the Keller family for up to $115 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to customary closing conditions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PPRPJE
MOVE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports law firm Saul Ewing is moving its Minneapolis office from City Center to Wells Fargo Center. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f9bMW9
WACONIA: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Summer patio season is officially arriving in Minnesota wine country. Schram Vineyards in Waconia is preparing to celebrate the grand opening of Bonfire & Barrel, its new full-service restaurant and gathering space, with a three-day kickoff event June 4-6 centered around live music, food, cocktails, and outdoor experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uAMeWx
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?
NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Twice a year, regional economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis survey construction companies to gauge the sector’s performance and overall outlook. Are current and backlogged projects up or down? Are labor needs being satisfied? What do contacts expect in the months ahead? Join Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna for a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv
THIS SUMMER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “This summer will be particularly special for Boom Island Park, located on the Mississippi riverfront, as a world-renowned artist whose artwork involves painting over public lawns takes his project to the U.S., starting in Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ukXohz
THIS SUMMER: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Once school is out, keeping kids busy for all 7,000 days of summer is a tall task. Fortunately, movie theaters and other series can offer a few hours of entertainment here and there, as a heroic number of screenings for kids run throughout the summer. Those events include free park events in many cities and low-cost repertory movies elsewhere.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vkHWTr
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
ROOFTOPS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Those precious summer nights are so much sweeter when you’re among the treetops, looking over the skylines, and sipping spritz on high. Here’s a collection of coveted rooftop spots to carry you through those late sunsets with style.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4nTa6T1
BDAYS: Rep. Huldah Hiltsley, hockey writer Jess Myers, lobbyist John Kavanagh
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.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2026 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427