Axios has a Minnesota real estate listing with a kitchen you might recognize from TV. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49aYTXI
Out this morning, polling from AP/NORC on the President’s handling of the economy and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4un7fEf
Delano schools are closed today due to a “cyber incident.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nHNIvG
Happy 40th anniversary to the Superior Hiking Trail. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wF3j3h
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/3Ro02Fg
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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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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A BUSY WEEK…
TODAY: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Greater Mankato Growth’s Chamber Lunch series is set to hold a workshop on data centers on Wednesday, but in response, some community members have begun to organize a protest due to a lack of public access. Executive Vice President of GMG Andy Wilke says that the Chamber Lunch series has always been meant for chamber of commerce members only, but he understands that the issue is one that has a lot of public interest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nG8xYt
TOMORROW: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote on a controversial $6 Million land purchase for a police training facility. Members forwarded that vote to Thursday after nearly two hours of discussion during their latest meeting on Tuesday.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49HIH0g
TOMORROW: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Aimee Bock is not going quietly. The ringleader of the $400 million Feeding Our Future child food scheme, the largest pandemic fraud case in U.S. history, faces sentencing this Thursday. But in a 45-minute interview with Sahan Journal last week, she defended at length her role leading the Minnesota nonprofit at the center of the case, blaming state regulators and two of her employees, even as she took some responsibility for the massive fraud that went on under her watch.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dBFf8Q
MFD: Via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Following a nationwide search, Mayor Jacob Frey announced today the nomination of Dr. Reginald Freeman to serve as the next Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. If confirmed by the City Council, Freeman would lead a department with nearly 170 years of service to the people of Minneapolis. Chief Freeman brings decades of leadership experience in fire service, emergency management, and public safety – leading departments in Oakland, Calif., and Hartford, Conn., among other key roles across the country and internationally. His career has centered on modernizing operations, investing in firefighters, strengthening community trust, and preparing departments to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
BACK HOME: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “North shore residents who fled their homes and cabins due to the Stewart Trail fire on Friday returned to their properties Tuesday afternoon. Mattie Taylor, a Silver Creek resident, was celebrating her birthday when she received a special gift on Tuesday: an alert that she could come home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49ffGc9
PLANES: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “At a hangar in St. Paul, Minnesota, engineers at Momentum Aeronautics are building Heatwave, a new generation scooping float system designed to make one of firefighting aviation’s most dangerous jobs safer. ‘Every pilot who’s flown airplanes always has a story of how they got somewhere they didn’t want to be and they just barely got out of it. And they never want to put themselves there again,’ said Dan Garrett, president of Momentum Aeronautics.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dvmILe
TOLL LANES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “MnDOT’s E-ZPass system has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report. Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43kBks4
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)
POLITICALLY CONNECTED
BESTIES: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “DFLer Sandra Pappas and Republican Karin Housley, the respective Senate leads on capital investment, emerged from days of bonding bill negotiations Sunday calling each other ‘besties.’ Their representative counterparts, Fue Lee and Mary Franson, formed a unified ‘Team House’ throughout the talks, as a colleague later put it. The group formed working relationships long before the session’s home stretch. They toured the state together to assess local infrastructure needs last year, led committee hearings over the last three months and held late night deliberations over the bill in backrooms last week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fwr9I7
IRON RANGE: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Iron Range area taxpayers, school districts, cities, and townships will see long-term benefits as a result of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session, northern Minnesota legislators say. Changes that increase the distribution of minerals taxes to area school districts and municipalities, increased revenue to schools from the Permanent School Fund, and the direction of seasonal recreational property taxes to school districts which have voter approved operating referendums, are among legislative achievements that will have a lasting impact, say Iron Range legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PqNlsN
FISHING: From nonprofit angler advocacy group MN-FISH via Facebook, VERBATIM: “It always seems to come down to the last minute, but late Sunday night the Minnesota legislature passed a $1.24 billion dollar bonding bill that includes MN-FISH’s number one priority, $3 million to start the process for replacing the dilapidated St. Paul Fish Hatchery, and $30 million for repair, renovation, and replacement of DNR’s capital assets, including public water accesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nJkwV9
FLAGS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Itasca County Board voted to fly both Minnesota’s old and new state flags after hearing from residents on both sides of the issue . . . After discussing whether to fly both flags Tuesday evening, the board briefly talked about which flag should fly on top before ultimately deciding to install separate flagpoles to fly each flag at the same level.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tNwnTt
ICE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Federal immigration officers have increased their surveillance activities around Twin Cities neighborhoods in recent weeks, and although the number of arrests appears to be far below the peak of Operation Metro Surge, observers are warning residents to stay vigilant. This month, officers are leaving the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building more frequently than in April, often wearing face coverings, say the observers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dVJTzy
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)
HOME PRICES
WHAT HAPPENED: From a RE/MAX report on April home sales, QUOTE: “The markets with the biggest year-over-year decrease in median sales price were Burlington, VT at -7.2%, Bozeman, MT at -2.3% and Houston, TX, Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA tied at -2.0%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dnxnJc
MORE: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “According to the latest monthly housing report, Twin Cities metro home prices saw the sharpest decline in more than a decade. Experts at Minneapolis Area Realtors walked FOX 9 through how we got here and what this price drop in the metro area indicates. ‘It’s the softest it’s been in 14 years, which would put us at 2012, which is right after the economic downturn. So, we did see quite a bit of growth during COVID and I think now what’s happening is that we are getting to a more balanced return after COVID,’ said Aarica Coleman, 2026 President of Minneapolis Area Realtors.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wBwzbf
ST CLOUD: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “After seven builders and developers spoke out and urged the council to reconsider building permit fee spikes, the St. Cloud City Council voted 5-2 to postpone the item at its meeting on Monday night, May 18. Tami Calhoun and Dave Masters voted against the motion, which will next be discussed at the council’s Aug. 17 meeting. City staff is proposing to increase building permit fee rates for the first time since 2007, and update a building valuation table for the first time since 2015.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dVw04s
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)
TARGET
More on Target’s earnings first reported in morning take…
THE NUMBERS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Target Corp. (TGT) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $781 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of $1.71 per share. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The retailer posted revenue of $25.44 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dUnUZV
MORE DETAIL: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “More customers buying in all six of Target’s main merchandising categories helped deliver the better-than-expected sales, the company said. Comparable sales — those coming from stores and digital channels operating for at least 12 months, rose 5.6% in the three-month period ended May 2. It was the biggest gain since early 2022, and the first positive read after three consecutive quarters of negative comparable sales.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dxOnLw
CONTEXT: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The results are up against a big sales dip in the same quarter last year, but Target also sees shoppers gravitating to some of its refreshed product assortment and customer-service changes, executives said on a call with reporters. New products and store layouts in its baby, toy and health departments led to big sales gains in those categories, said Michael Fiddelke, Target’s new chief executive. ‘As we’ve made changes in categories, we’ve seen the guests respond well to those changes. So that’s early evidence to us that we are on the right path,’ said Fiddelke. The company lifted its full-year financial estimates as a result.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v0fy8X
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
HOTEL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “On May 14, a group of St. Paul business leaders announced a new ownership group for one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Saint Paul Hotel. The property has been home to several hotels, plus a short stint with an arcade and theater around the turn of the 20th century, for more than 170 years. It began in 1856, when John Summers invited global travelers to his own home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tLqR3K
PODCAST: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “In a studio workshop inside the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, Maria Bartholdi adjusts microphones and cameras while her cohost Meghan Wolff climbs up on the bright colored table to adjust the lighting. Wolff uses a tried-and-true method: duct tape and cardboard . . . The pair are the cohosts for a show called ‘Good Luck High Five,’ a podcast focused on the popular and complicated card game: Magic: The Gathering. The podcast — where the hosts talk about the various facets and news of the game — has over 13,000 listens per month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PSgihl
NEW CEO: Via Minneapolis-based Jamf, VERBATIM: “Jamf, the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today announced the appointment of Beth Tschida as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Tschida, who has served as interim CEO since March 2026 and previously as Jamf’s Chief Technology Officer, brings to the role a track record of leading innovation across cloud, security and the Jamf platform.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43q2gqh
MEDIA: Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal editor-in-chief Dirk DeYoung announced he’ll retire in August. READ: https://fluence-media.co/43gw0WG
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?
TODAY: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, May 21 at 1:30PM, Representative Esther Agbaje (DFL-Minneapolis) and Representative Katie Jones (DFL-Minneapolis) will hold a press conference joined by DFL Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids), Floor Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis), HCMC leadership and community advocates to celebrate the historic victory to save Hennepin County Medical Center.”
TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, May 21, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will be available from 10:00-10:30 a.m. to answer questions from the press regarding the April employment data.”
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Twice a year, regional economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis survey construction companies to gauge the sector’s performance and overall outlook. Are current and backlogged projects up or down? Are labor needs being satisfied? What do contacts expect in the months ahead? Join Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna for a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
LAMA: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “At a monastery in the Himalayan foothills, a teenage Buddhist lama blesses thousands. One by one, he taps bowed heads with a ritual vase and a peacock feather, sprinkling holy water for protection, purification, wisdom. He stops to smile at children who eye him with curiosity, reverence and awe. He tries to keep pace with others who, like him, are among the few chosen to give the final blessing. Just six months earlier, thousands of miles away, this same young man was pulling all-nighters to play Madden NFL on his Xbox at his home near Minneapolis. Sometimes he’d pause to snack on pizza rolls and Diet Coke, or check his texts for the next hangout at TopGolf or Buffalo Wild Wings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tSlH65
EXHIBIT: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The exhibition Uŋči Said So, a collection of several works by Danielle SeeWalker centered around grandmothers, tradition, and heritage, is showing at All My Relations Arts until June 6.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v4nGW6
BDAYS: content creator Erica Hanna,nonprofit leader Lisa Radzak, fmr.Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik
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