16% of U.S. adults say they’re financially fulfilled. In Canada, it’s 12%. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3SgpvAP
The Minnesota State Fair this morning announced CeCe Winans will perform at the Grandstand. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/435VSoe
Rep. Brad Finstad is pushing for the post office in Austin to be renamed for John Madden. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYY4mr
Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions:
SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS
SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc
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/4vIS3BN
Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
TUESDAY FEED
GOV RACE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth confirmed she’s staying in the race for Minnesota governor. Demuth and running mate Ryan Wilson held a press conference Tuesday to announce they will pursue the GOP nomination in Minnesota’s August primary, despite Demuth’s original pledge to abide by the party’s endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ufsQ0D
BACKGROUND: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “On Saturday, the Republican Party endorsed Kendall Qualls as its gubernatorial candidate. However, that came after some of the electronic vote clickers were left open longer than usual and the total number of voters dropped by several hundred, causing chaos at the convention. Because of that, GOP Chair Alex Plechash said Monday that candidates, like Demuth, who pledged to abide by the party endorsement process at the convention shouldn’t be held to that commitment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aoe14t
ON THE ENDORSEMENT: From Demuth at this morning’s news conference, QUOTE: “We fully expected when we agreed to abide by the endorsement that that process would be fair, that process would actually be full of integrity. That was brought into question.”
MORE: From KMSP-TV via YouTube, this morning’s announcement from Demuth. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wUyx6u
RESPONSE: From Kendall Qualls via X, QUOTE: “As recently as this weekend, Lisa Demuth committed to abiding by the party endorsement and respecting the decision of thousands of Republican delegates. Now, she is putting vanity and political ambitions ahead of giving Republicans their best chance in decades to elect a conservative governor. But it doesn’t matter. We have won 17 of 19 straw polls including the Super Bowl – the Statewide Convention in Duluth. The sad part is that when we win in August, we will have wasted time and money fighting amongst ourselves to come to the same conclusion: victory for our campaign.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/49yEM61
MPD: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A week after Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned amid scandal, Mayor Jacob Frey has named his interim replacement. Frey said Tuesday Bill Peterson will hold the position during the search for a permanent chief . . . Peterson has been with the Minneapolis Police Department for 30 years, and currently leads the First Precinct. He’s held several other leadership positions across his career.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dTvDrr
LANDFILLS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The nine-county MN Regional Hub & Spoke System, a solid waste management network, has faced several challenges over the last few years. If something doesn’t happen soon at the Minnesota Legislature, the northwest region of Minnesota could become a waste desert for construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Out of a $1.2 billion bonding bill that was passed this legislative session, zero dollars went to the Hub & Spoke System. On top of that, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency wants to close all unlined landfills in the state, which would leave no construction and demolition disposal options for residents of northwest Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49wq0N9
FASHION: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “You’re either someone who likes to share your clothes or you’re not. This Minnesota mother-daughter-owned brand leans into the idea that one of the best wardrobing hacks is to shop each other’s closets. And they’re turning that practice into the foundation of a buzzy, cozy clothing line. Founded by Regan Juve and her mom, Tanya, She Took My is inspired by the way their family grew up swapping clothes and restyling the same pieces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dJWKVB
TARGET: Via PRWeek, VERBATIM: “Target has appointed Karla Otto as its first style agency of record, leading style and design communications for the retailer. The fashion agency will support all facets of style-focused communications, including media relations and stakeholder engagement across apparel, home and beauty, Target said in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ayZ2U
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Co. (DCI) on Tuesday reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $118.1 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $1 per share . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of filtration systems posted revenue of $995.1 million in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436FeF5
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)
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
SD24: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As the candidate filing period comes to a close, the race to fill an open state Senate seat in Rochester is shaping up to become a critical battleground as both of Minnesota’s major political parties fight for control of a divided Legislature. The GOP incumbent, Sen. Carla Nelson, is retiring. At least three fellow Republicans have filed to run for the seat . . . While she’s handily beat Democrats in previous elections, Rochester is increasingly blue. A big factor is Rochester’s demographic growth, particularly as more people with advanced degrees flock to Mayo Clinic and related businesses for work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3REKTja
SALES TAX: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The city [of Virginia] is investigating whether sales tax revenue designated for the Iron Trail Motors Event Center was used for general fund expenses, an oversight that could require raising taxes to correct. A recent city council meeting sparked questions about how sales tax dollars have been spent over the past few years. In 2020, the city received state bonding for construction of the Iron Trail Motors Event Center and created a 1% sales tax to pay the bonds off over 20 years. However, Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe says the sales tax revenue was never put into a separate account.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uEaPKe
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)
ANIMAL NEWS
DOG PARK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “An effort to close the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park is gaining traction with Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board commissioners. Why it matters: Advocates for closing the dog park — along the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling — say the land is sacred to the Dakota people and contains artifacts and human remains.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uM7CZi
BEAR: Via WTIP-Radio, VERBATIM: “Over the past week, a small yearling black bear has been spotted around Grand Marais, checking bird feeders and garbage in search of food.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ao3fv3
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)
GREATER MN
WILDFIRE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A wildfire near Burntside Lake about eight miles northwest of Ely had burned about 25 to 30 acres as of Monday evening and forced the evacuation of nine seasonal homes and cabins. The Birch Bay Fire was detected northwest of the North Arm of Burntside Lake, a large, popular lake dotted with cabins and summer camps adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fSuMs7
WADENA: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation has entered year two of its $52 million Highway 10 expansion project in Wadena. Last year, MnDOT constructed half of the new four-laned highway west of Highway 71 while handling reconstruction and improvement for the highway road surfaces, utilities, sidewalks, and turn lanes. This year, they’ve broken down the 2026 construction phase into three areas of impact—one of which is on Highway 10 working both west and east of Highway 71.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fqZ59n
GRAND OLD DAY: Flint Hills Resources is thrilled to be this year’s sponsor of the Grand Old Day parade. Flint Hills employees, families and friends will be showing their Saint Paul pride as they hand out giveaways alongside one of the Pine Bend refinery’s fire trucks. New this year, Flint Hills Resources engineers will demonstrate how science is really fun (and tasty) at the Future Innovators Zone. Kids can learn how to make their very own ice cream at home. Be sure to stop by on June 7! LEARN MORE: Grand Old Day (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A city-owned plot in Brooklyn Center could be the future home of a business and event center. McNeal Management, which is run by former Comcast executive Tommy McNeal, wants to build a 30,000-square-foot mixed-use facility with an event venue, commercial kitchen, cafe and business incubator just off Highway 100.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYQ1Gf
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth’s Glensheen Mansion is celebrating summer with local brews and bites. Glensheen is kicking off its Wednesday night series, which runs throughout the summer.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dOyP64
NEW HQ: Via Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) celebrated the grand opening of its Americas Regional Corporate Headquarters (ARCH), a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Minnetonka, Minnesota, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to the U.S. market and to strengthening the high-tech manufacturing capacity that will help define the future of industrial innovation in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RMm7O0
MOVE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports accounting firm Froehling Anderson has outgrown its St. Louis Park office and is relocating to Plymouth. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a2XoLC
SOLD: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Häagen-Dazs shops in Mainland China to an investor group including Ningji, a Chinese company that operates one of the fastest growing tea brands in China with a network of more than 3,000 premium quick-service retail tea shops.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dSRnCo
BOUGHT: Via U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of BTIG, LLC, effective June 1, 2026 . . . Founded in 2005, BTIG specializes in investment banking, institutional sales and trading, research and prime brokerage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uMjuuk
BOUGHT: Via ACI, VERBATIM: “Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, an Omni company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, today announced the acquisition of Acre (formerly known as General Office Products) effective June 1. Both are Steelcase furniture dealerships that have served the greater Minneapolis market for over seven and six decades, respectively.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43HNFqp
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?
THIS WEEKEND: The Edina Art Fair begins Friday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4x4CjKI
THIS WEEKEND: Union Depot’s Train Days this year celebrates the Depot’s first 100 years. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uMNdTZ
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SATURDAY: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “For nearly a century, the historic Capri Theater has stood as a beacon of artistic expression, resilience, and community pride in North Minneapolis. Managed by Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), the Capri serves as much more than a performance destination — it is an educational and cultural epicenter that contributes mightily to the social and economic vitality of the Northside. That rich legacy will be on full, vibrant display on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as the venue hosts an extraordinary three-part lineup: a free community arts festival, a cinematic look at the Minneapolis Sound, and a world-class evening of live soul music.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/43JU1Wi
BDAYS: Fmr. Sen. Maj. Ldr. Roger Moe, Minnesota legend Lou Nanne, Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders, Republican activist Dave Hughes, MNCUN’s Mara Humphrey, Explore MN’s Lyndsey Hanson
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