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)
The U.S. added 178,000 jobs in March – more than economists predicted – dropping the unemployment rate to 4.3 percent. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4m8T2Hu
ICYMI… morning take had more on Minnesota’s new jobs report that shows our unemployment rate is now slightly higher than the country’s. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4meEZR6
China surpassed the U.S. in global approval in 2025:
More from GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3NLigPM
Midtown Global Market is among the nominees seeking votes in USA Today’s search for the best public markets. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41IZQ5l
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
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Sunday Take featured texts from listeners in a discussion about the “Mood of Minnesota” and how it could influence the 2026 elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4s5LFlE
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
LEAKY SPRING
The IDS needs a new roof…observed Fluence Advisory’s Jane Kolar.
Explore …“NEIGHBORISM”
Explore Minnesota has launched a micro-campaign that will run for a few weeks in national markets. The objective? “Embrace national momentum and curiosity about Minnesota by inviting more people to come visit and meet their neighbors in Minnesota.”
Post Operation Metro Surge there is a curiosity that I’ve experienced nationally, the question is – how much of it is a good curiosity? Given yesterday’s jobs report, and economic headwinds – any migration and tourism is good. That said, on the day of the Twins home opener, gaining visits from our actual neighbors in the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin should be a major goal this summer – with gas prices spiking.
The markets the campaign will run in are NYC, DC, Boston, LA, Boston, Seattle, Portland (OR), and Explore Minnesota describes them as “value-aligned markets”
Threading a needle to not alienate people with Minnesota “progressive exceptionalism” may also be something we should consider.
Watch the video: https://fluence-media.co/4mjiCd5
SURVEY: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Minnesota hospitality and tourism businesses reported heightened challenges during the typically slow winter season in a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota. The survey received 125 responses from across the state in February and March 2026. More businesses reported declines in revenues and profits than those that reported growth. Many in and around the Twin Cities emphasized that customer demand pulled back during the recent immigration enforcement action in the state . . . Over half of respondents reported that customer traffic and profits had declined in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the previous year.”
“Expectations for the first quarter of 2026 were even more negative. A majority expected their revenue to be down over the year, and over 65 percent expected their profits to be lower as well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sfozJv
NEXTWK: The State of Hospitality will be released by Hospitality Minnesota and Fluence Advisory on Wednesday.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
TARIFFS: One year into the President’s tariffs, the Star Tribune takes a big-picture look at the impact on Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bZfekh
PUBLIC COMPANIES: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Minnesota’s list of publicly-trade companies shrunk in 2025, continuing a trend down from 2021’s “flurry of IPOs”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q1yeps
UNITEDHEALTH: Via barchart, VERBATIM: “Popular health insurance provider UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is down nearly 50% over the past year amid multiple issues, including a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation and rising Medicare costs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed that Medicare Advantage payment rates would increase by 0.09% in 2027, significantly lower than the 4%-6% increase Wall Street had expected, leading to a selloff in UNH’s stock. Moreover, a subdued 2026 top line guidance has spooked investors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mcNZWL
SLEEP NUMBER: Also via barchart, VERBATIM: “Shares of bedding manufacturer and retailer Sleep Number Corporation (SNBR) have been in deep trouble for a while, and now the pressure is mounting fast. The company is scrambling for rescue financing to avoid bankruptcy, as weak housing demand, rising competition, tariffs, and falling showroom traffic continue to drag down sales.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qiqm2V
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)
COMMERCE
MEDIA: Via KVRR-TV, VERBATIM: “Fallout continues from the Forum’s decision to fire three of its columnists, with protesters gathering outside the Forum building to make their voices heard . . . Many feel the news outlet’s decision to let go of Jim Shaw, Jack Zaleski, and Joan Brickner is an indication that the Forum’s owners want to see less criticism of the Trump administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PZoFHC
MORE: Here are the markets served by Forum:
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Forum Communications owns newspapers and TV stations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana and both Dakotas, and articles are shared between those publications . . . In a short statement sent to MPR News, Fargo Communications president Bill Marcil Jr. said the changes to the opinion section were ‘strictly a business decision based on data and feedback from our readers.’” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PYuJjB
FINANCING: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “An FDA-approved Rochester medical software firm with ties to Mayo Clinic recently locked down a $5 million round of financing and announced a new chief executive officer. Ambient Clinical Analytics, founded in 2013, has created a software platform to aid clinical decisions at a patient’s bedside or a nurse’s station. It was approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2015.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tpvcKb
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 MINNESOTA
ST LOUIS COUNTY: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration could withhold millions in road funding over St. Louis County’s requirement to use local union labor on construction projects. Approximately $7 million in funding for five road and bridge projects is at stake as the county waits for the Federal Highway Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to decide whether project labor agreements can be used. The county requires PLAs for contracts over $150,000. The county administration is asking the board to consider what Jim Foldesi, the county’s director of public works and transportation, called a ‘small, targeted exemption to our project labor agreement’ on the projects to prevent losing out on these or future federal funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41derWx
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar was in Bemidji on Thursday to get an update on the area’s recovery from last summer’s severe wind storm.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mbvFNB
ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “As families make plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the City of Rochester is noting some changes to this year’s local celebration. Public Music Director Avital Rabinowitz sent a statement to KTTC saying the traditional fireworks display will take place on Independence Day at Soldiers Field Park. RPD and the Fire Department will handle public safety, and portable restrooms will be available. However, there will be no concert performances or other programming at Soldiers Field. Last year, events leading up to the fireworks display included live music and a virtual pet parade.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e0lGIP
YOUR NEIGHBORS RIDE ATVs: From the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, thousands of Minnesotans own and ride ATVs. They are families, veterans, teachers and small business owners who rely on Minnesota’s trail system for recreation, tourism, and economic activity. ATV riders aren’t just “up north” — they live in the Twin Cities metro area. And they care deeply about maintaining safe, well-managed trails. As the legislature considers trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, ask them to support Minnesota’s ATV community and the outdoor opportunities they value. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4td9sRR (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
MINNESOTA HEADLINES
ST PAUL: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission will take up all complaints investigated by internal affairs against officers that stemmed from police actions during a federal immigration operation in Payne-Phalen in November, commissioners were told Wednesday. It doesn’t always happen that way — the commission reviews all complaints from community members, plus those that are initiated from within the department if they fall in particular categories. The police chief can refer any type of complaint to the commission, which is what Chief Axel Henry decided to do in the Rose Avenue case.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m9Okcz
HOUSING: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan group of Minnesota lawmakers working on housing reform remains motivated and hopeful despite hitting another roadblock this session. One of the major bills in the overall housing reform effort, the ‘Starter Home Act,’ stalled in committee on March 23, just before a key March 27 deadline that says committees must advance bills in their house of origin. The bill, HF3895/SF4123, hits on several reforms, including limiting the zoning authority of local governments, incentivizing more multifamily housing, and streamlining administrative reviews.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OfFXzM
BASILICA: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Easter mass is expected to be filled with joy and song inside the Basilica of St. Mary. But this coming Sunday will mark the end of service upstairs as the church undergoes a $45 million renovation from top to bottom. Father Daniel Griffith talked about what this project will include.” GRIFFIN: “The cleaning of the stone, new plaster and paint, a new audio system, acoustic and AV, some new liturgical furnishings, including a new altar, new doors.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47EBPzS
70 YEARS: Via Sherwin Williams, VERBATIM: “House of Kolor, the legendary custom paint brand that reshaped the automotive refinishing world, is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a year-long series of special content releases, industry collaborations, new product innovations and community-driven events . . . Founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1956, House of Kolor emerged as the original custom paint brand — introducing the industry’s first organic-pigment formulations, its groundbreaking Kandy Kolors, Kameleons and other iconic innovations trusted by professional painters, builders and hobbyists who rely on its unmatched color capability, depth and award-winning finishes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41db3uN
TATTOOS: Via Ink Different, VERBATIM: “Ink Different Tattoos is proud to announce the launch of its newest tattoo apprenticeship location in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in collaboration with the distinctive artist-led studio Ink Sanctum, under the leadership of Tattoo Artist NY Nick.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tlUg4D
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)
HOSPITALITY
NO THC: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Despite being popular outside the ballpark, Twins fans once again won’t find any THC offerings inside Target Field this year. Peter Spike, general manager with Delaware North who run all the concessions at Target Field, says they’re still reviewing ways to one-day offer those types of products inside the ballpark. They are legal, at least for now, in Minnesota.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PG2C8X
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)
RELATED: Via Eden Prairie-based Winnebago, VERBATIM: “Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a leading manufacturer of premium outdoor recreation products, and the Minnesota Twins today celebrate year three as the team’s Official Outdoor Adventure Partner, unveiling a new fan-focused activation, Seen in the Wild, that brings the spirit of Twins baseball beyond the ballpark and into the great outdoors across Twins Territory ahead of the Twins home opener.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sSnEjp
ANNIE’S: Via Minnesota Daily, VERBATIM: “Two for Tripping, a new coffee shop in Dinkytown housed in the former Annie’s Parlour building, had its grand opening March 26. Annie’s Parlour reopened in spring 2024, after being closed for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed for good in July 2025, after 50 years of business, the Minnesota Daily reported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dqWtY3
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: The WNBA expansion draft to staff two new teams – that could mean a loss of two players for the Lynx. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PMMYIQ
TOMORROW: Midtown Global Market’s dessert contest to fund programming and help small businesses. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4c2ZHP7
MONDAY: A section of Arcade Street in St. Paul will close for construction. INSIGHT NEWS: https://fluence-media.co/4sU3y8i
TUESDAY: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy CEO Bob Frenzel will discuss the pressing energy topics on the public’s mind, including how data centers and AI are changing the electric grid, what the future of nuclear energy looks like and more. Frenzel’s remarks will come as part of Minnesota Carlson’s 1st Tuesday series, which invites business leaders to chat about leadership, innovation and topical business issues.”
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
APR 24: 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, today announced the company will report its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year results on Friday, April 24, 2026, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4veA2fa
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
TWINS FOOD: Via MplsStPaul, a “get it / skip it” guide to the new foods at Target Field. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3OkKYqK
MORE: Via Instagram, Jason DeRusha’s take on the new foods and drinks. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OjRUED
BDAYS: publishing and comms leader Tom Mason, realtor John Schuster. SAT: Commissioner Heather Edelson SUN: real estate guy Tim Peterson, fmr. Speaker Dee Long, public affairs pro Mike Zipko, entrepreneur Casey Putschoegl
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