A majority of voters want Republicans in Congress to push back on tariffs, including 31% from their own party. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/43RAOU9
Next month, Real ID will be required to get through airport security – 40% of Minnesotans have it. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lkcT61
Minnesota is the most financially literate state according to WalletHub. READ: https://fluence-media.co/44hIOh5
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42j58Va
US Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was a guest on Sunday Take – what she’s learned as Lt. Governor, and what she’s hearing in her listening tour. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3E6acEn
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)
NEXT WEEK: Via House DFL Caucus, VERBATIM: “Today, the House DFL and Senate DFL announced a Duluth town hall meeting to fight back against federal government actions that are hurting Minnesotans. The event will take place in Duluth on Tuesday, April 15 at 7pm and feature DFL state legislators.”
KEYS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A law meant to protect kids from harmful materials could also make it harder for Minnesotans to obtain or replace keys for homes, cars, boats and more. State of play: The law, passed in 2023 as part of a broader spending bill, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, sell or offer keys and other items containing certain levels of lead and cadmium . . . Those lobbying for a change, including the auto and boat industries, say ‘commercially viable’ alternative materials for making keys and FOBs aren't available.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E3mFsu
MINING: Via news release from Sen. Tina Smith, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation that would protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from the threat posed by sulfide mining in the surrounding watershed. The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act would permanently prohibit new sulfide ore mining on 225,504 acres of federal forest land in the Rainy River watershed, which drains into the BWCAW.” SMITH: “Mining is an important driver of Minnesota’s economy and the pride of every Iron Ranger. I support mining, but not this mine in this precious place. Majorities of Minnesotans oppose mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. I am prepared to fight with every tool I have to protect one of America’s greatest wilderness areas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YgfWSX
COAL: Via news release from Rep. Pete Stauber, VERBATIM: “Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after attending the Unleashing American Energy Event at the White House, where President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to reinvigorate America’s coal industry.” STAUBER: “Coal is one of the most reliable and abundant sources of energy available to us, yet the previous administration did nearly everything in their power to eliminate the coal industry,” said Representative Stauber. “I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action to end Biden’s war on coal and boost America’s energy independence. This Executive Order represents a significant victory for American miners, many of whom are returning to work, and for American consumers, who will benefit from lower energy prices soon. The Golden Age of America is truly underway.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42q3P6W
MORE: Via Sierra Club, VERBATIM: “By extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants that are already scheduled to retire and placing aggressive tariffs on renewable energy, Trump’s policies will raise monthly energy bills for everyday Americans. On average, renewable energy costs 30 percent less than coal for the same energy output.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jqWhrw
TARIFFS: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Solar-equipment manufacturer Heliene is looking to renegotiate supply contracts as U.S. tariffs push up the price of crucial components from Asia. Heliene is based in Canada and makes solar modules in Minnesota. It imports photovoltaic cells—the basic component in solar modules—from Laos and India, split roughly evenly, as well as using U.S.-made cells. The two Asian countries now face tariffs of 48% and 26%, respectively.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jnuMPp
DELTA: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Delta Air Lines pulled its financial forecast for 2025 and projected current-quarter profit below expectations on Wednesday, saying travel demand has ‘largely stalled’ as sweeping U.S. tariffs fuel economic uncertainty.” QUOTE: "With broad economic uncertainty around global trade, growth has largely stalled," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. "Given the lack of economic clarity, it is premature at this time to provide an updated full-year outlook." READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j98ukW
FED: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “Neel Kashkari, the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, recently discussed the potential implications of the newly announced tariffs on the path of monetary policy. In an essay published on April 9, 2025, Kashkari explained that while the Federal Reserve doesn’t directly handle trade policy, it must consider trade factors when analyzing the U.S. economy’s trajectory to fulfill its dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cpm29f
THRIFT STORES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Cheryl Classen is the manager of Flying Pig Thrift, a shop located in a former bookstore near Hamline University on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul. The shop carries carefully organized clothes, jewelry and knickknacks. Classen opposes President Donald Trump’s new tariffs but thinks they could have a positive impact on Flying Pig Thrift.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YrprOX
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In the first Robbinsdale Area School Board meeting since about 200 employees were laid off, officials acknowledged the painful nature of budget cuts. ‘I know that the lasts few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone — for students, families, teachers, staff and administrators,’ said Board Chair Greta Evans-Becker. ‘I want to acknowledge that what you’ve been through is a horrible, horrible experience.’ The district has spent months grappling with a nearly $21 million deficit for the upcoming school year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jn2Ta7
MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Thousands of Lime and Spin e-bikes and scooters returned to Minneapolis this week as the city launched its Shared Bike and Scooter Program for the 2025 season with rentals starting Monday, April 7. New this year, Lime and Spin will pilot year-round operations of scooters and bikes.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cmyCWK
EV: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “EV sales are growing in Minnesota. Last year a record 16,000 thousand EVs were sold in the state— 7.6 percent of all car sales. And manufacturers have tried to make EVs appealing, said Schmelz. They’ve invested over $100 billion in the technology over the past five years, spurred forward by federal government incentives. Prices have plummeted. And there are myriad options now, with over 100 EVs available in the U.S. market. But the rate of sales growth is slowing. And so is the excitement over them.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cpx66d
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)
INSURANCE: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Aaron Cocking's been in insurance long enough to know what's coming. ‘We're seeing stronger storms, more severe storms, more severe outbreaks, storms, wind and hail claims,’ Cocking said. ‘Hail losses, specifically as it relates to roofs, are some of the biggest cost drivers right now as it relates to property insurance.’ An insurance lobbyist at the State Capitol, Cocking said Minnesota insurers have taken a loss during the past five years. They're now taking steps to cut their losses by prorating roof claims, changing deductibles based on type and even changing what they cover all together.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42D8Wls
(DISCLOSURE: Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a Fluence client)
MEDIA: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “MinnPost’s readers might have noticed some Associated Press stories and election results graphics on our site during election season last fall. We’re pleased to announce that MinnPost will be part of an expanded pilot program to give local newsrooms access to AP stories and photos.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RLsJsw
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)
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers in Brooklyn Park are proposing a bill that would allocate $9.5 million to expand the city’s Community Activity Center. The funding would be used to construct indoor gym space with enough room for three basketball courts.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jIBrEf
MAPLE GROVE: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A facility for a global provider of medical technologies is closing its doors in Maple Grove. The Minnesota Employment and Economic Development State Rapid Response Team received a letter from Teleflex Medical Incorporated and Arrow International about the permanent closure and layoff of about 101 employees from its facilities in Maple Grove.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cnG4km
EDINA: From Sweet Paris via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, the ultra-popular restaurant brand serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and specializing in sweet and savory crêpes, hot drinks and more, strengthens its presence in Minnesota, announcing a new location slated for fall of 2025. The newest café will be opening in the Galleria, an upscale shopping experience, at 69th Street & France Avenue in Edina, Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42DdjNo
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS - “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nation interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
UPTOWN: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “When Angie Lee moved from New York City to Minneapolis two years ago, she was told it would take years for the global trends emerging from Asia to catch on here . . . At Moona Moono in Minneapolis, which officially opens Saturday, Lee aims to deliver the latest Asian designs to Minneapolis as quickly as they’re embraced in cities such as Los Angeles and New York City.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XQq6JD
TAX CREDIT: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Low-income parents with dependent children are eligible to receive up to $1,750 per child on their state tax return this year in Minnesota. The state Child Tax Credit, now in its second year of existence, is available to families whose annual income is under a certain threshold. The credit is on top of the $5,000 most families in Minnesota can deduct on their state taxes every year for each dependent child.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RF6hkO
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Maple Grove swore in a new fire chief Monday night. Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson administered the oath of office to Maddison Zikmund, who was appointed to the role in March.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4covIkt
THIS WEEK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Bemidji City Council proclaimed April 5th through the 11th as the Week of the Young Child at its latest meeting on Monday. The week is used to recognize and ensure that each and every child experiences the types of environments that will promote early learning in their communities.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XNVJ6I
APRIL10: Citizens League will honor Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council Chair and Sharon McMahon, at the 2025 Civic Celebration. The annual Civic Celebration is an inspiring evening, gathering hundreds of Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies to celebrate our state’s enduring civic culture, leadership, and commitment to public service. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/41txP1p (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
SATURDAY: April 12 is Record Store Day – Minnesota Monthly has information about exclusive releases and in-store events. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3XNPkbG
SUNDAY: Via Minnesota Twins, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins will formally unveil and dedicate a statue outside Target Field honoring the career and legacy of St. Paul native, franchise legend and 2024 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Joe Mauer.”
SUNDAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Reptile lovers, get ready! The reptile show returns to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds North End Event Center this Sunday, April 13, offering a family-friendly experience for hobbyists, collectors, and curious visitors alike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ctGSV9
MONDAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After closing last July for renovations, Augsburg Park Library is ready to serve its community once again. The library at 7100 Nicollet Ave in Richfield will open its doors to the public on Monday, April 21.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43H2WsX
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
CAMERAS: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Though they remain a contentious subject, cameras in care facilities are gaining ground. By 2020, eight states had joined Minnesota in enacting laws allowing them, according to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/426gRrl
MAYO: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine today again has been rated as a top national medical school in the country by U.S. News and World Report's ‘Best Graduate Schools’ in the category of medical school: Research. The rating methodology places medical schools into one of four tiers; Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is in the highest tier, Tier 1.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42nH6Iw
NEXT MONTH: Via Macalester, VERBATIM: “Macalester College is pleased to announce that Robert A. (Bob) Mould, the trailblazing guitarist, singer, songwriter and activist, will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 Commencement ceremony. Mould will also receive an honorary degree.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jqxyUc
BABY SLOTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Como Park Zoo received a surprise addition last week when 6-year-old sloth Sago gave birth during zoo hours. It was a shock for guests and staff alike, according to senior zookeeper Jill Erzar, as sloths usually give birth at night.” READ/PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/42hmKkg
FOOD BANK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Budget cuts at the federal level are impacting a Golden Valley nonprofit that fulfills emergency food needs, according to officials with the agency. PRISM receives federal funds through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Alisha Weis, advancement director at PRISM, said TEFAP funds are made up of U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and funding from the Farm Bill. The federal cuts came out of the USDA, which Weis said reduces its TEFAP funds by about 30 to 40 percent. That translates to between 1,800 and 2,400 pounds of food.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42nYUmX
BLACK WEALTH: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “In North Minneapolis, a new model of Black economic strength is quietly but powerfully taking shape, and it is rooted not just in profit or policy, but in healing, ownership, and ancestral wisdom. During a recent episode of The Conversation, journalist and publisher Al McFarlane sat down with entrepreneur and holistic wellness leader Kenya McKnight Ahad to explore what it means to build Black wealth in the present day. Their dialogue offers a layered roadmap for transforming trauma into infrastructure, consumerism into capital, and survival into strategy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqYb9a
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
TEEN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Teenagers and young adults in Brooklyn Park will soon have a much larger place to hang out, exercise and learn job skills. Brooklyn Park city leaders officially broke ground this week on what will be a new and improved teen center, known as The Wood. The $10 million expansion of the Zanewood Recreation Center will include a new indoor gym, a Best Buy Tech Center, a workforce development office, art space and other amenities.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3E9ktzD
SECOND WAVE: From St. Paul-based Second Wave via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “SecondWave Systems, Inc., a clinical stage medical device company developing a novel ultrasound-based treatment for inflammatory disorders, announced today that it has closed a $7M Series A financing round. The financing was led by Treo Ventures and a major healthcare strategic, with participation from Scientific Health Development and the University of Minnesota's Discovery Capital and SSBCI funds. Proceeds from the financing will support SecondWave's next clinical study, leveraging the success of their first-in-human study that demonstrated a significant reduction in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lsS1JW
Sign up for health take… https://fluence-media.co/43DRT3z
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FOOD TRUCKS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Running a food truck is difficult under the best of circumstances. Proprietors are business owners, chefs, servers, event bookers, promoters, and mechanics. Add in the long, cold Minnesota winters, and it’s not surprising that many close up shop until the robins return. Nonetheless, stop by a brewery or downtown corner over lunch in January, and you’ll see mobile kitchens like Brick Oven Bus, Mirasol Mexican Grill, or Hana Bistro out there, serving hungry (and shivering) diners through almost any temperature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RaHGUY
BDAYS: lobbyist Allyson Hartle, public affairs pro Sean Oyaas, tech leader Nancy Lyons, chamber leader Tom Snell, activist Sheila Delaney
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