A Brit who’s called Minnesota home for 14 years shared her favorite Minnesota innovations via Instagram, SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cIttKl
The International Monetary Fund this morning warned the war in the Middle East raises the possibility of a global recession. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mw5YYk
Over in Wisconsin, today, lawmakers are holding a special session to consider a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vsREnl
From the National Weather Service via Facebook, hail in Rice County:
MORE PICS: https://fluence-media.co/4vwhmHL
The State Fair this morning announced a new Grandstand show. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ccd4xO
Usher and Chris Brown will play U.S. Bank Stadium in June.
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
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
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/4vuPjbM
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh and GOP Rep. Ben Bakeberg discussing education issues and what fixes are being considered this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cEc99g
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
TUESDAY FEED
CAPITOL SECURITY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A rise in political threats is driving a spike in Minnesota legislative security spending. Minnesota’s legislative leaders are now prioritizing multi-million dollar safety upgrades as a new report reveals that security costs for public officials have surged fivefold over the last decade. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) says right now she wants social media looked at more closely, and emphasized the role it plays in inciting physical danger against officials.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OjG3qc
ICE RESPONSE: Via Gray, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from several business owners, school district members, and city leaders on Monday, as testifiers explained the impact of Operation Metro Surge on their respective spaces . . . While some of the DFL’s ICE-related bills have faced some partisan pushback, the ones tied to economic impacts could get enough support to pass in the tied House. One such bill would establish a loan program for business owners.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mrzuP3
FOUR DAYS: Via Northern News Now, a pair of school districts last night decided on proposals to move to a four-day week. Ely approved the plan, ELY: https://fluence-media.co/4sCtRPb Rock Ridge voted against it, ROCK RIDGE: https://fluence-media.co/4vvcaUA
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A familiar face is taking the helm at the Golden Valley Police Department. Matt Clark, who has served as interim police chief for about six months, has been named permanent chief.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t47HGK
SENATE: Via news release from the Tafoya campaign, VERBATIM: “Michele Tafoya announced today that her campaign raised $2.2 million in the first quarter, a strong early showing that underscores her momentum in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race.”
CRUISE PORT: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “City officials have stepped back to consider whether they should invest more money to better establish Duluth as a port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships in the face of dwindling traffic. To allow for that conversation, city councilors delayed action Monday on a resolution that would have authorized the expenditure of up to $500,000 in new baggage-handling operations for a cruise ship terminal it has operated out of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for the past several years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4caiA3V
ST PAUL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County leaders want to spend more than $170 million on downtown St. Paul development projects in hopes of catalyzing more private investment in the city’s struggling urban core. About $120 million would go to the long-stalled Park at RiversEdge development, which would connect the urban core to the Mississippi River, and $50 million would go toward housing developments in downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sAQC6l
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)
THE LOCALS
PARK BAN: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota influencer who’s built an online brand around filming charitable acts toward homeless people has been banned from St. Paul parks for six months. Why it matters: Josh Liljenquist is part of a school of online influencers — including MrBeast and fellow Minnesota native Jimmy Darts — that turns random acts of kindness into huge audiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cax0AZ
CYBERATTACK: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Spring Lake Park Schools has cancelled all classes for a second straight day as it works to restore critical systems following a suspected ransomware attack. According to an initial release from the district on Sunday, an outside actor gained access to some school district systems and staff immediately shut down all systems to prevent further access. The response initially forced the cancellation of all classes, child care, community education and after school activities on Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syhgwC
HOPKINS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Hopkins School Board has named six semifinalists for the district’s superintendent role. The winning candidate will replace current Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, who announced plans not to renew her contract in December 2025.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3OfV78j
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
RIVER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A conservation group has listed a major river in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as the third most endangered river in the country on its annual list of threatened waterways. It marks the fourth time American Rivers has included the South Kawishiwi River on its list of 10 most endangered rivers — it was also selected in 2013, 2018 and 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egNwAQ
CRYPTO: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU) is stepping into the digital asset and cryptocurrency industry to help prevent members from drifting to national crypto platforms, and also to boost revenue. The credit union in March quietly launched its CU-Digital Asset Vault, a service that allows members to hold and manage cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC directly within SCFCU’s core banking system. Ordinarily, people choose to store digital assets on third-party exchanges like Coinbase connected to the internet. The rollout comes as digital assets continue gaining traction among institutional players, especially mega banks like Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4synpsy
MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “An iron ore industry research project that would have long-term benefits for the Iron Range is among highlights at a mining conference this week in Duluth. Development of a direct-reduced iron simulator at the Natural Resources Research Institute’s (NRRI) Coleraine minerals processing and metallurgy laboratory is one of the topics at the 2026 Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) Minnesota conference.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sABUw9
BSU: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The keynote speaker at Bemidji State’s annual Student Achievement Conference, Dr. Christopher Waller, spoke last week about how he went from the small-town university to Washington, D.C. to join the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve system.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41xAB6a
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)
NECESSITIES
UTILITIES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A diabetic southeastern Minnesota woman heating her home off a generator after the local electric utility cut her service for nonpayment. An immigrant renter served an eviction notice for missing payments to the landlord’s third-party utility billing company. A ratepayer advocacy group shared these and other stories of ratepayers struggling with bills during a recent hearing of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the state’s utility regulator. In both cases, utility bureaucracy or gaps in Minnesota’s social service system made a bad situation worse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4co8uLD
HOUSING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The historic Minneapolis Grain Exchange campus is slated for an overhaul that would include 232 new apartments. Why it matters: This potential $123 million project by local developer Sherman Associates is exactly what city leaders have been hoping for to revitalize downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4el2beg
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
POT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on a pair of siblings who’ve opened cannabis shops in Edina and Mendota Heights will plans to open three more. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4elnkFa
CARBON: Via Minneapolis-based EP Carbon, VERBATIM: “EP Carbon today announced the launch of Drawn Carbon, a new platform designed to help early-stage nature-based carbon projects overcome persistent barriers to quality, transparency, and investment. As scrutiny of carbon credits intensifies and buyers increasingly prioritize integrity, many early-stage ARR and REDD+ projects struggle to demonstrate quality, navigate complex requirements, and secure financing. Drawn Carbon aims to close that gap by giving developers a faster, clearer pathway from concept to crediting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqSKaP
DOORS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Kampmann Sash & Door in Brainerd has been serving central Minnesota’s custom doors and woodworking needs for over a century. In a world filled with low-quality and mass-produced goods, the company sees itself as an exception, adhering to a tradition of craftsmanship.” QUOTE: “I learned from the previous owner who learned from the previous owner who learned from the previous owner, and we kind of go hand-in-foot with that,” said owner Justin Pursell. “I had a contractor come in, probably two months, and just realized where he was getting his doors were coming on a container from China. If that’s what you want, that’s fine. But, they give the impression these doors are built here in America and they’re not.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Q0Gd6r
THE LOWRY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After 15 years on Hennepin Avenue, The Lowry will close its doors later this month. The all-day restaurant and bar in Lowry Hill announced on its social media pages Monday that April 26 will be its last day in business, saying ‘multiple compounding issues over several years’ have made the restaurant unsustainable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ypy0d
RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “You never know where a creative spark will come from. For Sara Holst, it was an empty storefront next door to a client she was visiting. A business consultant for aesthetic clinics by day, Holst was in the midst of what she calls an ‘existential crisis’—and decided to sign the lease. Two months and a lot of DIY later, she and her husband, Matt, opened Mor, a women’s fashion boutique.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dHWB5u
COFFEE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Little Joy Coffee, a modest shop in Northfield (about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis), didn’t just create a viral drink—they gave it away. Their Raspberry Danish Latte, a spring seasonal inspired by the familiar pastry, quickly spread far beyond Minnesota after the team shared the full recipe online and invited other shops to recreate it. What followed was something rare: hundreds of cafes across the country—and around the world—adding a Minnesota-born drink to their menus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cGSt4K
WHAT’S NEXT?
NOW: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A stretch of Highway 280 in the Twin Cities which is usually packed with traffic during peak drive times is closed for construction until late August.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tGI26U
TONIGHT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “One of the most iconic scenes in 20th-century American cinema unfolds in the movie ‘Fargo,’ where a villain loads a human foot into a wood chipper as a pregnant cop arrives to arrest him. Actor Peter Stormare played the villain, Gaear Grimsrud, and will be on hand Tuesday night for the film’s 30th anniversary screening at the Fargo Theater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tJ2GmR
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FIDGETING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “NeedOhs are flying off the shelves of Twin Cities toy stores. Need-what? The brightly colored fidget toys, which snap back into shape when they are squished and stretched, are the latest ‘it’ toy to take off thanks to a viral TikTok trend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QkvoMs
BDAYS: Walz digital advisor Holland Griffin, lobbyist Mike Erlandson
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