Confidence in the American economy is at its lowest point since October of 2022. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4tNMwbm
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Sunday Take covered the final days of session and the lack of a 340B bill with Rahul Koranne of the Minnesota Hospital Association. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wGysn4
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FRIDAY FEED
TODAY: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “The George Floyd Day of Remembrance is being held in Minneapolis to mark six years since he was killed by Minneapolis police . . . Organizers say this gathering will likely be the last one held at George Floyd Square in its current form before the city begins reconstruction in the area next month. The family of Emmet Till will also be in attendance to show their support.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4v7LFDO
INVESTIGATION: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A youth psychiatric treatment program in East Bethel is under investigation. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is suspending the license of the Nexus Family Healing location in East Bethel. In a letter to Nexus Family Health CEO Michelle Murray, DHS said on May 13 it determined ‘resident’s basic rights were not protected.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4v8xZZg
PREDICTION MARKETS: Via Reason, VERBATIM: “Elisabeth Diana, head of communications at Kalshi, tells Reason Minnesota’s law is ‘unconstitutional.’ Instead of regulated platforms like Kalshi, Polymarket, and Robinhood, she says the state’s law would force consumers to use ‘unregulated offshore markets where there are no consumer protections.’ While the company isn’t planning any legal action against Minnesota, Diana says the CFTC is ‘rightfully’ suing the state to bring it into compliance with federal law . . . State. Sen. John Marty (D–Roseville), the bill’s author, might have given away the game when he cited dramatic cuts ‘into the revenue of Minnesota’s regulated gambling’ as reasons for banning platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rfk6d7
FREIGHT: Via MarketBeat, VERBATIM: “[Eden Prairie-based] C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ:CHRW) executives said the freight brokerage industry could see accelerated consolidation following the Montgomery ruling, while emphasizing that the company does not expect a material financial hit from higher insurance costs. Speaking at the Wolfe Research conference, President and CEO Dave Bozeman said C.H. Robinson ‘expected to win’ the Montgomery case and had prepared plans for either outcome. He said the company has ‘one of the safest networks in the industry’ and described its carrier vetting process as among the strongest in the sector.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nJahjq
MORE: ICYMI… a previous lunch take had details of the Supreme Court ruling involving C.H. Robinson. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PRReqR
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)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
DRONES: Via MinnPost, a deep dive into local law enforcement’s use of drones as the City of Minneapolis considers it. VERBATIM: “Some civil rights experts, however, have grave concerns about the spike in drone usage around the country. ‘The more drones are used, the more you have the risk of essentially warrantless surveillance,’ said Munira Mohamed, a policy associate with the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. While there are laws about data retention and collection by drones in state statutes, Mohamed said she was concerned about ‘mission creep’ as drones become more prevalent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nEv0VC
METRO SURGE: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “In an analysis of more than 1,100 habeas corpus petitions — lawsuits filed by people who say they were wrongly detained — the Reformer identified 273 individuals with valid work permits who were arrested by immigration authorities during the immigration crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge. That number is almost certainly an undercount, given that many immigrants were removed from Minnesota — or the U.S. — before they could challenge their detention, while other immigrants may have held work permits that were not mentioned in the court documents. Others may not have had access to attorneys to file such lawsuits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RnND4d
THE DRIVE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Starting this holiday weekend and throughout the summer there will be increased law enforcement out on the roads, and extra troopers will be looking for distracted and impaired drivers, people not wearing their seatbelts, and the number one problem contributing to fatal crashes: speeding.” QUOTE: “Some drivers think a few extra MPH doesn’t matter, but physics tell us otherwise,” says Shannon Grabow, Supervisor with the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. “Every 1-mile-an-hour over the speed limit increases both the force of a crash and the likelihood of a serious injury or death.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fAcATV
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)
THE CITIES
BROOKLYN PARK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “In the big retail race to be fast and efficient, Target this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company’s new ‘Epic Lab’ is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs. Those stores are its biggest advantage over Amazon because they’re close to customers and offer drive-up capabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tQdRdi
BURNSVILLE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz is retiring after more than three decades with the department, closing out a career city leaders say helped shape the culture of policing in Burnsville through both triumph and tragedy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v3B3FQ
NEXT MONTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The sprawling Stone Arch Bridge Festival will pitch its tents along the Mississippi River next month, as it has done for more than three decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nMimnI
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 MINNESOTA
MINE TOURS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “For the first time in two years, visitors to a state park in northern Minnesota can once again travel nearly a half mile underground into the dark bowels of a historic iron ore mine. Underground tours at the Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Tower, resume May 23, two years after they were shut down in 2024 after severe flooding damaged the mine following a massive rainstorm.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49LnRx4
FOREST TOURS: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “An Ely man is sharing the outdoors through a different lens with a unique tour experience. What started out as a hobby during the pandemic has now exploded into a once in a lifetime opportunity. ‘This is great. I love it. You know, I’m a big fan of the outdoors, and you know, I grew up in Babbitt. I live in Ely now. You know, the woods are my home,’ said Eric Sherman, founder of Eric Sherman Wildlife Adventures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42M6nNp
SILVER BAY: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “A new multi-modal trailhead center has opened in Silver Bay, offering upgraded facilities for both residents and visitors. This center includes a public meeting space, rest facilities with showers, and large lighted parking areas. There is even separate access for motorized and non-motorized trail users.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PCdR2g
DETROIT LAKES: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “Kent Freeman Arena generates millions for Detroit Lakes, and local officials say the aging facility may soon require millions to remain operational — prompting early discussions about how to address the issue before a major failure forces action. An economic impact analysis conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension, initiated through the Detroit Lakes Sports Arena Commission, estimates that ice-related activities at the arena generated about $4.7 million in economic activity for Detroit Lakes during the 2025-26 season. During a special joint meeting Wednesday, May 19, city, school, parks and public works officials discussed how the aging facility may soon require multimillion-dollar investments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f2imO2
NEXTGEN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “For more than three decades, Bemidji High School students have had the opportunity to build a house from the ground up as a part of a construction class. For this week’s Golden Apple, this year’s house came out to just over 1,800 square feet with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The floor plan was created last year at the end of the school year, and then the construction started in September of this school year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dBv04e
FLINT HILLS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Kick off the summer in downtown Saint Paul with the Flint Hills Family Festival May 29-30, one of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind. The Festival offers free fun for people of all ages in Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, with performances and activities that provide something for everyone, along with world-class shows inside the Ordway for just $8! Now in its 26th year, this year’s Festival lineup includes Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, NOOMA: an opera for babies, and Click Clack Moo! More than one million people have experienced the Festival, including hundreds of thousands of students who have visited on field trips during the Festival’s School Days. Join us this year! LEARN MORE: Flint Hills Family Festival (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
CHANHASSEN: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Performances of the mainstage show at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters (CDT) are finally set to resume Thursday evening after nearly a week of cancellations of ‘Guys and Dolls’ due to a norovirus outbreak among the cast and a cyberattack on part of CDT’s network.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dGcwiY
WINDOWS: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Renewal by Andersen of the Lake Superior Region marked a major expansion Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and business networking event at its new warehouse facility in Superior.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uusJPA
COFFEE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on a months-long effort by Caribou Coffee’s CEO to restructure the company’s management team. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v3Bd02
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 Kickoff to Summer at the Fair began yesterday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4nOHAC4
THIS WEEKEND: The Oddities & Curiosities Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RVT1M0
MONDAY: Many Memorial Day events, including at Lakewood Cemetery. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3PI23vo
NEXT MONTH: Via Bloomington-based Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that it will release its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on Thursday, June 4, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43n5VoO
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS SUMMER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Experience the Minnesota Zoo in a whole new light this summer with the new Wanderlight Trail opening next month. From June 2 until Aug. 13, visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the zoo at night illuminated by massive animal-themed lanterns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tUoYSz
POWWOWS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Powwow season begins in spring and enters its peak through the summer. Nearly every weekend across Minnesota, tribal nations hold a powwow, whether it be in honor of Memorial Day or celebrating anniversaries. Sometimes they are held as a way to gather in community.” Q&A: https://fluence-media.co/4ut59mk
BDAYS: patient wife and great mom Alyssa DeRusha, Sen. Carla Nelson, political operative Jason Flohrs, public affairs podcaster Becky Scherr, journalist Gene Rebeck. SAT: MPR’s Brian Bakst, Bulldog dad Dan Wolter, pickleball ambassador Dan Edwards, fmr. Rep. Rob Ecklund. SUN: lobbyist Amanda Duerr, BBQ’s Famous Dave Anderson, Rep. Ben Davis, St. Paul booster Joe Spencer, Fox 9’s Rob Olson.
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