42% of young men say religion is “very important” – 29% of young women say the same. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4sw76fP
A bear spotted in a tree near a school caused a bit of excitement in Hastings. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vyFmKd
The average price of gas in the Midwest hit $3.89 Monday, up from $3.77 a week earlier. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41ztEBB
Thanks to recent precip, the Drought Monitor’s looking a little better this week. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Two tornado drills today.
Sports Take: The first-place Twins? How is this happening? Also, misplaced anger by Lynx fans, Vikings draft options suddenly move in many directions and the Star Tribune goes deep on high school transfers in athletics. Opinions, news updates and a nice story about nice guys in sports. Coming this afternoon.
It’s BACK…the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast on April 17, featuring Sen. Min. Ldr. Mark Johnson, DFL House leader. Jamie Long, Sen Asst. Maj. Ldr.. Nick Frentz and House GOP Ldr. Harry Niska in a mid-session discussion moderated by Blois Olson and presented by Fluence Advisory. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4lWWmFM
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
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/3OnaDzi
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh and GOP Rep. Ben Bakeberg discussing education issues and what fixes are being considered this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cEc99g
Blois
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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.5% while the national rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4%, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” QUOTE: “February was a very challenging month for Minnesota communities due to the ICE presence, and that also contributed to it being a tough month for the state’s labor market,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “However, our state’s diverse economy remains resilient, with Minnesota job growth still outpacing the nation as a whole over the course of the last 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mzfGJj
SURVEY: Via NFIB, VERBATIM: “The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points in March to 95.8, leaving it below its 52-year average of 98.0. The last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025. The Uncertainty Index rose 4 points from February to 92, well above its historical average of 68.” QUOTE: “The drop in the Optimism Index highlights the struggle of owning and operating small businesses in Minnesota,” said NFIB Minnesota State Director Jon Boesche. “Between unnecessary regulations, rising gas prices, and supply chain disruptions, Minnesota’s Main Streets are having to find ways to make ends meet. Lawmakers must find ways to give small businesses relief if they want Minnesota’s economy to improve.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4cNKsLj
ECONOMY: From the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Beige Book entry released this week, VERBATIM: “Economic activity in the Ninth District increased slightly since the previous report. Employment rose slightly, recent labor demand was positive, and wage growth was moderate. Prices increased modestly overall, with higher input price pressures, particularly those related to oil. Growth was noted in manufacturing, commercial construction, commercial and residential real estate, and energy. Consumer spending, services, and residential construction activity were flat. Agricultural conditions remained weak.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cotvWw
MINING: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Congressional Republicans have sent President Donald Trump a resolution that would lift a federal ban on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, hoping to clear the way for a South American company to extract precious metals from the region’s pristine forests, lakes and bogs. House Republicans approved the resolution last month despite conservationists’ warnings that the move would lead to devastating pollution in one of the country’s last remaining wild areas. The Senate followed suit Thursday, voting 50-49 to send the measure to Trump for his signature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42aG5Ur
MORE: Via Mining Minnesota, from Executive Director Julie Lucas, QUOTE: “We don’t need a mining ban for the entire watershed to protect the Boundary Waters. They are already protected by strict federal and Minnesota laws that require environmental review and permitting processes for any proposed mine. Those processes are designed to rely on science, ask hard questions, protect our environment, and support Minnesota’s communities and its economy. This vote does not open a mine. It opens the door for a transparent, science-based review. Mining and environmental protections can co-exist, and our industry is committed to making sure that happens.”
BOOZE: Twin Cities Business has an update on Princeton-based Phillips’ decision, in response to tariffs shutting out the Canadian market for its Sour Puss brand, to move the brand’s production north of the border. VERBATIM: “After vetting 19 Canadian bottlers, the company entered a multi-year licensing agreement with Station 22, in Montreal. Sour Puss production began there in November. It’s now back on shelves in all Canadian provinces and territories, and shipping is simpler, [VP of marketing Laura Donnelly] says. Phillips averted Minnesota layoffs by replacing lost volume with contract work for other brands. Its Princeton facility actually grew volume by 20% in 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sDjFGs
OWATONNA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Owatonna’s fire department is still using a station house built in the early 1900s, when many firefighting apparatus were still pulled by horses. The police station is housed in a former bank and is more than 60 years old. Owatonna city officials propose building new fire and police facilities. But many residents have questions about the project and are pushing back, hard enough to force the question of whether the city should issue $65 million in bonds to pay for the police and fire stations to be put to the city’s voters later this year. Nearly 2,500 Owatonna residents signed the petition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sJ1OxL
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)
JUDGEMENT CALLS
RULING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court in a split decision published Wednesday overturned the murder conviction of a Minneapolis man after finding that a police search for Google location data was too broad. But the justices did not ban law enforcement outright from using so-called geofence warrants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OrsjcQ
FLAG: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of Plainview became the latest southeast Minnesota community to decide to fly the old Minnesota state flag instead of the new one adopted in 2024. The Plainview City Council voted 3-2 at its meeting Tuesday to fly the 1983 version of the flag on city property.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3O7kGsb
CROW WING CTY: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County Commissioner Steve Barrows will not seek a third term to represent District 3. Barrows made the surprise announcement at the end of the County Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14. Barrows is known for recognizing weeks or months of note at the end of the meetings and Tuesday was no exception as he noted April 12-18 as Public Safety Dispatch Week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4taxgG8
20 RIBBONS: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the most trusted brands in the baking industry, announced today it was awarded 20 Blue Ribbons at the 2026 American Pie Council (APC) National Pie Championships, held April 8-9 in Orlando.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dX2ADL
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)
DOWNTOWN MPLS
SKYWAY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “When Keiona Cook was 17 and working in the Wild Pair shoe store in IDS Center, she dreamed of opening her own shop inside the iconic downtown Minneapolis skyscraper. Why it matters: For decades, getting a prime spot in the Minneapolis skyway system was tough for small independent businesses as vacancies were tight and national retailers and chain restaurants paid top dollar. Yes, but: With the rise in remote work and a loss of daily customers, many skyway businesses have closed, giving more opportunities for entrepreneurs like Cook to be in the middle of it all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vyxEzL
MORE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “We see you, good people of downtown Minneapolis, enduring the slushiest of seasons and making good use of the skyway system, just as its 1960s masterminds intended. There are a few new skyway hot spots to take note of.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cdhYum
FOSHAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “One of the most recognizable buildings in the Minneapolis skyline is at risk of foreclosure after its owner defaulted on a mortgage. Deutsche Bank is suing the Foshay Tower’s owner, alleging that WMN Foshay LP failed to pay off the $51 million mortgage by its maturity date last May, and that it owes more than $40 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41WS741
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)
CORPORATE EARNINGS
US BANK: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] U.S. Bancorp reported a 13.6% jump in first-quarter profit on Thursday, driven by higher interest income and fee revenue. Loan growth has been quite strong across the industry in recent months as a string of rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the second half of 2025 encouraged businesses and consumers to take on more debt . . . The fifth-largest U.S. lender’s profit was $1.95 billion, or $1.18 per share, in the three months ended March 31, compared with $1.72 billion, or $1.03 per share, a year earlier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42hhNrT
WINMARK: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Winmark Corp. (WINA) on Wednesday reported net income of $9.3 million in its first quarter. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of $2.50 per share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vtbuyV
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)
BUSINESS MOVES
MERGER: Via Allegiant, VERBATIM: “Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) and Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCY) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the joint interim exemption application of their respective airline subsidiaries that will allow both airlines to continue operating as separate carriers under common ownership after closing, pending further action by the DOT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPnqcH
MAGNETS: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, the leading manufacturer of rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, today announced the appointment of Mike Brommer as Chief Operations Officer. Brommer will lead the company’s operational strategy as it accelerates its commercial growth and commissions its first state-of-the-art permanent magnet manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minn., which broke ground in September 2025 and is expected to produce 1,500 tons of Iron Nitride magnets annually.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tLIvVj
WHAT’S NEXT?
SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Although it’s not an official holiday, Record Store Day (RSD) is one of the most anticipated calendar pins of the year for analog-heads nationwide. Here in Minnesota, brick-and-mortar stores are gearing up for RSD 2026—this year on Saturday, April 18—which will feature special album releases and more. Here are six ways to mark the holiday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ayJjP
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Sezzle, VERBATIM: “Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its first quarter 2026 results after the market close on May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48AYGwA
NEXT MONTH: Via Hopkins-based Digi, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (NASDAQ: DGII) will release its financial results for the second fiscal quarter 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, after market close, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sDyMQc
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
POT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “From skincare and chocolate bars to imaginative merchandise and pet-care products, cannabis-based gifts are no longer a niche category—but an ever-expanding market brimming with clever, covetable finds. Take advantage of these high-minded picks designed to spark curiosity, ease stress, and promote an enhanced state of wellness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tPIO1q
BDAYS: WCCO’s Susan Elizabeth Littlefield, pilot Mark Anderson, US Senate candidate David Hann, fmr. Sen. Dan Hall, comms pro Kristina Wright
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