How dry is it out there? This morning the DNR added 27 more counties those under a red flag warning. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4ttqGuE
Americans still prefer solar and wind for energy production – but that’s waning. Support for nuclear energy is gaining steam. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4mMwJbh
What they don’t prefer, apparently, is Congress. 10% APPROVAL: https://fluence-media.co/4sR2v8l
The Lynx now say Napheesa Collier will miss the start of the season, likely returning to the court in June – not unexpected given she had ankle surgery last month. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3OQmG8p
The U.S. military will no longer require troops get the flu vaccine. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4vLEHoZ
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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/4vL7dam
Sunday Take featured four leaders at the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast — GOP Senate Ldr. Mark Johnson, GOP House Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska, DFL Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and DFL House Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long — discussing the final month of session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbCY1
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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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MIDWEEK FEED
DQ + AI: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “An artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant may take your next order at the Dairy Queen drive-thru. Bloomington-based DQ revealed its partnership with Silicon Valley-based automation company Presto this month, announcing that it’s expanding its use of AI to select franchised locations after testing the technology at corporate-owned DQs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OGzUo1
WATER + AI: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “With more than a century of expertise, Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention, delivers an expansive portfolio of cutting-edge water solutions that help customers unlock peak performance across more than 40 industries and 170 countries. This Earth Day, Ecolab announced Ecolab Water Navigator IQ, a new AI-enabled platform that gives companies an enterprise-wide view of water performance and turns data into action.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cG8pTA
BEST BUY: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “Best Buy said Wednesday that company veteran Jason Bonfig will succeed Corie Barry as the retailer’s CEO on Oct. 31, taking over as Best Buy tries to break a run of stagnant sales. Bonfig, 49, is chief customer, product and fulfillment officer and rose through the ranks after joining the retailer as an inventory analyst in 1999. He will become Best Buy’s sixth chief executive officer and join the company’s board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sKBao7
MORE: The Star Tribune sat down for an interview with Bonfig and Barry. Q&A: https://fluence-media.co/4cBtuhV
CD7: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “DFL Party leaders in Minnesota’s sprawling 7th Congressional District are feeling energized after watching Republicans lose seats in several special elections across the country. That, along with the low profile of Rep. Michelle Fischbach, the Republican who has represented the district since 2020, has put some wind in Democratic sails heading into the party’s April 25 convention near Granite Falls.” QUOTE: “We’re seeing districts flip. There is a general sense that the country is headed in the wrong direction,” 7th District DFL Party chair Jen Cronin of Pipestone said. “Our chances in November in all races are very good right now. I’m extremely optimistic. We are always used to running from behind. We learned how to do that from (former Rep.) Collin Peterson.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBh0JO
KIDS DETAINED: Sahan Journal dug through court and detention records and determined more than 70 children were detained by immigration officials in Minnesota between December 1st and March 10th. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QU1qPz
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth public school leaders shared the tough decisions they feel they have to make amid a $4.2 million budget shortfall. At Tuesday’s Duluth School Board meeting, Superintendent John Magas shared a summary of reductions that will be made across Duluth Public Schools.” MAGAS: “Year after year, when we’re having to make reductions, eventually it becomes impossible to have those impacts on the classroom settings,” said Magas. “So this year we are making some reductions that are going to have a pretty significant impact.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mGOSHc
BRIDGEWATER: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (BWB) on Tuesday reported first-quarter earnings of $17.4 million. The bank, based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, said it had earnings of 58 cents per share . . . The company posted revenue of $79.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDTWrb
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)
CAPITOL UPDATES
HCMC: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “With the Minnesota Legislature in its final few weeks, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have yet to strike a deal on how to assist the ailing Hennepin County Medical Center, but they are in agreement that they need to act . . . the proposals boil down to one-time money or a sales tax increase. Republicans throughout the session have been opposed to any tax increases. During a Tuesday press conference, Gov. Tim Walz didn’t signal which proposal he favors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4txDEro
KRATOM: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “The controversial supplement kratom is on its way to being treated like cannabis or alcohol in Minnesota. What we know: The House overwhelmingly passed a bill Monday raising the legal age to buy kratom from 18 to 21.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OEVbP4
AGATES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Here’s something lawmakers at Minnesota’s narrowly divided Capitol can agree on: It’s the state gemstone’s time to shine. Driving the news: The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a bill specifying that a new specialty license plate supporting state parks should celebrate the Lake Superior Agate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cYTg0Z
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)
PERSONNEL
MOVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Hopkins School Board has selected Michael Thomas as the district’s new superintendent. Thomas is currently superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. He will replace current Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, who announced plans not to renew her contract in December 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cmZ5oQ
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)
REAL ESTATE
NE MPLS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Graco‘s large Northeast Minneapolis campus is on track to sell soon, but don’t expect a quick redevelopment of the riverfront property, despite its prime location. Why it matters: Five to 10 years ago, this 40-acre piece of mostly industrial land would have developers salivating over demolishing warehouses and building housing. Yes, but: Times have changed, and multifamily housing development has gone from a gusher to a trickle.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTUYq0
EVENT SPACES: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Great venues do more than hold events—they set the tone for what unfolds inside them. Explore these spaces that shape celebrations, gatherings, and milestones across Minnesota, from intimate rooms made for connection to expansive settings designed for unforgettable moments.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vFzwHj
GROCERIES: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on plans to open a new grocery store on Lake Street – it will feature Latino, Arabic, and Somali goods. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFKnrV
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)
COMMERCE
MEDIA: Via Victory+, VERBATIM: “Victory+, the premium free sports streaming service from A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC), today announced a multi-year agreement to become the exclusive local streaming home for the Minnesota Lynx. Starting with the 2026 season, fans across the Minneapolis/St. Paul region and surrounding markets can access a minimum of 18 games for free, expanding how WNBA fans can access their team.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbx6I
RETAIL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Minneapolis-based brand is Target’s biggest seller in the natural cleaning category. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NBMi0
ADVERTISING: Via MONO, VERBATIM: “MONO, the Minneapolis-based advertising and branding agency and part of the Stagwell network, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey Gorder as Chief Executive Officer, ushering in the agency’s next chapter of growth, modernization, and transformation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/492Basx
BANKING: Via Associated, VERBATIM: “Associated Bank today announced Lisa Buetow has joined Associated Bank as director of Private Banking, major metro markets. Buetow is based in Minneapolis and will be responsible for Minnesota, Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, Wis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cD3CCn
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city officials will receive a report Wednesday from the City Auditor about the death of Allison Lussier and the non-fatal shooting of Davis Moturi. Both incidents raised public anger and criticism of the Minneapolis Police Department.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42mpFsh
TOMORROW: Via HealthPartners, VERBATIM: “HealthPartners leaders will share an open, year‑in‑review look at organizational performance, financial stewardship and future priorities, including how the nonprofit system is responding to rising costs, growing care complexity and continued change across the health care industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ezCOWa
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, will release its first quarter 2026 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, May 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ihTTM
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, will report first quarter 2026 financial results pre-market on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OV59Mg
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Via 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, VERBATIM: “This June, Minnesota will host one of the most accessible and exciting major sporting events in the country. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete in 16 sports across the Twin Cities and Blaine, with free admission for fans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OV70AH
BDAYS: comms pro Bess Ellenson, retired attorney Jennifer Harper, public affairs veteran Jodi Boyne, news photographer Matt Passolt
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