An analyst from Gas Buddy says there’s hope for lower gas prices in Minnesota in the coming weeks. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uFaG9b
27% say the U.S. is a great place for immigrants. 61% say the it used to be, but isn’t now. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4tgnUIg
The drought situation continues to improve – the new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 30% of the state abnormally dry, down from 35% a week earlier. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Sports Take dives into the playoffs, a mammoth payday for the Gophers and our newfound fondness for Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. All that and more coming later today.
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WAYMO IS READY FOR MINNESOTA: With 13x fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans, Waymo is already making roads safer in major U.S. cities where we operate — from multi-lane expressways to dense city streets, including the demands of winter weather. We are ready to bring these safety benefits to Minnesota, and look forward to working with the state legislature to pass a law that allows us to provide rides in the state. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/waymo (SPONSORED: Waymo)
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QSuZBj
Sunday Take was all about the playoffs as sports historian Dan Whenesota and sports take’s Howard Sinker discussed why things feel different in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4w6ZraL
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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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THURSDAY HEADLINES
VA EMPLOYEES: CNN talked with Becky Halioua, a Veterans Affairs employees in Georgia who is being investigated for talking with the media at a vigil held after the killing of Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis. VERBATIM: “Halioua is not alone, several sources familiar with the matter told CNN. At least three other VA employees have been investigated for their interactions with the press, including at least one other related to Alex Pretti, according to one of the sources. As part of her investigation, Halioua says investigators emailed her photos of herself at the vigil from news coverage, which also included a brief interaction with a local newspaper. Someone had drawn a line around her image in some photographs, labeled with her name.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QU6rIg
MPD CHIEF: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Thursday that he is nominating Police Chief Brian O’Hara to serve a second term. Frey spoke alongside O’Hara during a news conference at City Hall. O’Hara is nearing the end of his term leading the city’s police department. To serve a second term, his nomination would need to be confirmed by the city council. It is unclear whether there is enough council support to confirm O’Hara.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cVwebt
SCHOOLS: MPR reports on a consequence of 2023 legislation that made school meals free for all students. VERBATIM: “While school leaders cheered the effort, the law led to changes in the way the state calculated what’s known as compensatory revenue. That’s money districts get to support students from economically disadvantaged families. Instead of counting the kids who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, districts were now only able to count kids who qualified for federal programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The math would mean a loss of $3.6 million for Columbia Heights if state lawmakers don’t continue a stop-gap, hold-harmless measure that’s set to expire soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4whiJu8
FISHING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When anglers hit the lakes for Saturday’s fishing opener — a spring ritual in Minnesota — many will bring a high-tech tool that can reveal what’s happening beneath the water in real time. Forward-facing or live imaging sonar allows anglers to spot fish, track their movement and even watch how they react to a lure. The technology’s rapid rise is transforming fishing and dividing anglers. Critics say it crosses an ethical line, giving users a significant edge that violates the idea of fair chase.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QTKxoq
TAXES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republicans and Democrats in Minnesota’s closely divided Legislature have found an issue that unites them in alarm: the steep rise in property taxes across the state. And key legislators from both parties are pushing measures to provide relief to homeowners, at least temporarily. Property tax levies across all local governments are set to rise by $873 million, or 6.8% this year. Rising home valuations are a key reason for higher bills, along with new funding pressures put on local governments by the state and federal governments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4whCguv
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)
EARNINGS SEASON
STRATASYS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) on Thursday reported a loss of $23.8 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 28 cents . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of 3D printers posted revenue of $132.7 million in the period, also topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tlDW3A
DIGI: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (DGII) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $11.3 million. The Hopkins, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 29 cents per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of communication adapters posted revenue of $130.7 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RrBWt9
DIAMEDICA: Via Stock Titan, VERBATIM: “[Minnetonka-based] DiaMedica Therapeutics reported a net loss of $10.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with $7.7 million a year earlier, driven mainly by higher research and development spending.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4weKV0P
NVE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “NVE Corp. (NVEC) on Wednesday reported net income of $4.9 million in its fiscal fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.02. The nanotechnology company posted revenue of $7.7 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OS2HGx
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)
AMENITIES
50 YEARS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Thursday marks 50 years since a group of people concerned about the future of the Boundary Waters and its miles of forest and water gathered at Tobies Diner in Hinckley — not for their famous caramel rolls, but to make a plan to protect the wilderness from motors, resorts, logging and mining. The challenges of 1976 facing what became Friends of the Boundary Waters Area Wilderness are similar to those faced by the group today after Congress overturned a federal ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4nl9Mw6
ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The historic James J. Hill Reference Library overlooking downtown St. Paul’s Rice Park has re-opened as Avalon event center following a $5 million renovation. Flashback: The railroad tycoon built the library as a gift to the city, but died before its 1921 opening.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4ushIhc
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The next phase to renovate and expand the Maple Grove Community Center is moving forward, a project that comes with a slight cost upgrade due to several design changes. Phase two of the project includes new indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an expanded banquet hall, additional space for senior programs and a new indoor playground.” READ/RENDERINGS: https://fluence-media.co/4uzeV5Y
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)
UPDATES TO ONGOING STORIES
ICE DETENTION: Via Minnesota Reformer, an update on a woman visited earlier this week by Rep. Angie Craig, VERBATIM: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it will not release a Minnesota woman facing deportation on humanitarian parole to receive surgery to remove a painful, tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst at risk of causing severe medical complications. Democratic lawmakers, clergy and human rights advocates have called for the release of Andrea Pedro-Francisco to receive medical care while her asylum application is considered, but ICE informed her lawyer on Tuesday that she must remain in detention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4Hys4
3M: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A six-year battle between 3M and the state of Minnesota over PFAS pollution at a factory on the Mississippi River has landed in court, where the company plans to present a novel defense: that it is not liable for the pollution because it was the result of work being done for the military. The Maplewood company that pioneered the use of PFAS in the last century is being sued by the state for failing to complete corrective actions at its Cottage Grove plant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tgOYHf
MORE: Via Senate DFL, from Senator Judy Seeperger, QUOTE: “This is a slap in the face to the people of my community who are facing life-threatening illnesses from the PFAS pollution that happened under 3M’s watch. By using this defense, 3M is trying to avoid facing the consequences of its own actions, something the families in my district struggling with cancer can’t.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u06Bwj
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
POT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “After years of preparations and getting state approvals, Farmer’s Cannabis Co. in Aitkin held its grand opening this past Friday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nz9ge5
O’HARA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Later this year, one of the Twin Cities’ seminal interior design firms will say goodbye. Martha O’Hara opened her eponymous biz, now known as O’Hara Interiors, nearly 40 years ago in the Twin Cities and later expanded with studios in Austin and Dallas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P3HXvy
RESORT: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A resort on Leech Lake in northern Minnesota is the latest to come under the management of a Duluth-based hospitality company. Trapper’s Landing Lodge announced this week that it has struck a deal with Odyssey Resorts to take over its resort operations and reservations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f7LUtu
NEW COO: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced Dana McNabb has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, effective June 1, 2026. McNabb will continue to report to Chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening and join General Mills’ board of directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uzas31
NEW CCO: Via Maple Plain-based Protolabs, VERBATIM: “Protolabs (NYSE: PRLB), the world’s leading provider of digital manufacturing services, today announced the appointment of Bernardo Parlange as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective May 18, 2026, reinforcing its leadership team as the company continues to advance its growth strategy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uyMV2e
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?
TODAY: Via MPCA, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, May 7, join experts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as they present their outlook for wildfire smoke and ozone impacts to Minnesota’s air quality this summer. They will be joined by public health experts who will discuss the health risks of poor air quality and what Minnesotans can do to protect themselves and their families during air quality alerts.”
TOMORROW: Via St. Paul Area Chamber, VERBATIM: “Register to join us for the 3rd Annual Small Business Summit and Expo, presented by Wells Fargo. This event, brought to you by the St. Paul Area Chamber, the Minnesota Black Chamber and several other partner chambers, falls during National Small Business Week. It offers a day to learn, connect and build relationships that will help grow your business!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42gzyYF
NEXT WEEK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the traveling public and local community members to an open house to learn about upcoming 2029 improvements planned for Highway 2 between Fosston and Erskine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dfZWH9
NEXT MONTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After months of concert announcements, Twin Cities concertgoers now know when they can get their first look at Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Live Nation has announced that the new Shakopee venue will have its opening night on Saturday, June 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wgrHrI
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
LIST: Bookmark this page for when it gets warm again – MplsStPaul has a list of outdoor dining spots. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QXNHHE
BLACK HILLS: Minnesota Monthly strays west of its namesake’s border to explore a favorite destination. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uE5670
BDAYS: Eagan City Councilor Cyndee Fields, attorney Roy Ginsberg
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