Americans’ confidence in the economy dropped again this month:
The data is based on polling conducted April 1-15. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/497tHsf
Several brands honored Prince this week, including one that makes a car featured in one of his most iconic songs. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vMnQCo
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders this morning approved the company’s proposed merger with Paramount Skydance. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d0S8Kj
The temperature hit 97 degrees Wednesday in Olivia. TEMPS: https://fluence-media.co/4cPuIqe
The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows some improvement over last week – a section of southwest Minnesota remains in severe drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Sports Take: Guiding you through the NFL draft; playoff thrills from the Wild and Wolves, and the Lynx may be setting precedent for watching local pro teams after FanDuel Sports Network shuts down. Also, an agreement ends outrage over the termination of The Blake School boys’ basketball coach after he led the team to the state tournament for only the second time in school history. Coming this afternoon.
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/4sN1RbN
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
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
THE AGENDA
NEXT WEEK: Via CEEM, VERBATIM: “The 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet, presenting the latest data on Minnesota’s clean energy economy, will be released on Thursday, April 30. Ahead of the release, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) will host a preview webinar at noon CT on Monday, April 27, featuring expert speakers who will discuss key findings on data center development, electric vehicle adoption, and grid decarbonization efforts across the state and how that fits into the national picture.”
CD7: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Army veteran Bret Bussman had one clear priority when he was elected to lead the Seventh District GOP in western Minnesota last spring: Bridge a long-running divide in the organization between the grassroots conservative base and the so-called establishment wing . . . One year later, Bussman has been kicked out by the party’s executive committee. The same factional tensions are now threatening to block U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach from getting the party’s endorsement at the April 25 convention — potentially forcing her into an August primary for the safely Republican seat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFIPxV
TARGET: Via HR Brew, VERBATIM: “Catalyst, a company championing workplace inclusion and women’s advancement, kicked off its annual Convene conference this week with an unexpected guest. While Target has largely shied away from talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion since President Trump returned to office, it sent Alisa Dalton, VP of community engagement and belonging, to open the event. She acknowledged that Target fell short and lost trust with customers, but claimed the company is committed to inclusion work.” DALTON: “We were not clear enough about who we are as a community, which led to a loss of trust with our guests, especially our Black customers.” she said. Under Fiddelke’s leadership, she said, Target will be “a place for everyone.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tXKmGK
U.S. BANK: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank announced today that former National Football League (NFL) player and veteran wealth management professional Steven Israel joined the company as a Wealth Management Consultant, serving as an ambassador in the company’s efforts to help professional athletes with their banking and wealth management needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u6JFuV
BEST BUY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “After the news broke Wednesday that Corie Barry will leave her Best Buy CEO’s position in six months, I immediately recalled how she didn’t want the job. Originally, she had no intention of becoming a candidate for Best Buy CEO. But she agreed to do so after then-CEO Hubert Joly encouraged her to pursue the top job. Two years ago, Joly spoke candidly about the process of nudging Barry to seek the CEO post. It was during an interview I did with him for a Twin Cities Business article. Joly described how he helped Barry recognize that she had the talent and experience to succeed him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48hqo1t
MINING: Via U.S. Steel, VERBATIM: “This year marks the 125th anniversary of U.S. Steel’s founding. As part of the celebration, U.S. Steel is launching ‘Steel on the Move’ – a nationwide tour featuring an immersive experience that brings the story of steel to life . . . Guests will also step inside the steelmaking process to see how steel begins as iron ore mined in Minnesota and becomes advanced steel produced in our manufacturing facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gFfJr
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)
MINNEAPOLIS
COUNCIL: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council has hardly been a beacon of unity lately, earning more attention for tense discussions between its moderate and progressive factions and pointed language flying in both directions. So when an issue brings them together, it’s worth paying attention. In this case, what’s uniting them is a shared desire to hang on to their power (even if they fight about how to use it). Faced with a proposal by the Minneapolis Charter Commission (more on them below) to spare certain mayoral appointees from a Council approval process, Council members are united in a firm ‘nope,’ saying the move would strip them of crucial checks on the mayor’s power.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42uHZzn
PARTY’S OVER: More details on a story first mentioned in morning take, via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Organizers for the Basilica Block Party say the event has concluded, with the last block party being held in 2024. Last year, the block party was canceled, with Basilica of Saint Mary Pastor Daniel Griffith saying plans for the next year would be shared ‘soon.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sUXYSr
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)
IMMIGRATION
AT THE CAPITOL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Immigration has historically been a politically toxic issue for many Minnesota Democrats. But after the surge of federal agents, they’re embracing the issue and betting it will animate voters in November. At the Minnesota Capitol, DFL legislators introduced dozens of bills seeking to restrict the power of federal immigration agents and support Minnesotans who were financially impacted by the federal agent surge. They say if Republicans block the measures, they’ll make them pay for it at the polls.” QUOTE: “They’re more interested in talking about things we don’t have control over,” House GOP Leader Harry Niska said this month, referencing the immigration bills. “They’re more interested in talking about things that are happening in Washington D.C. than about what we should do and can do here in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4coUsdW
NEW CHARGE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Far-right activist and pardoned-January 6th rioter Jake Lang is now accused of committing a bias crime in connection to an incident in St. Paul where he kicked over an ice sculpture on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol in February. It’s the second felony charged filed against Lang. There was an ice sculpture saying ‘Prosecute ICE’ on the steps of the capitol, which Lang said he viewed as graffiti.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42tnpzm
LAWSUITS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “It’s no secret: Actions of the approximately 3,000 federal agents in Minnesota this winter triggered a wave of lawsuits against the Trump administration. It’s been over four months since the first lawsuit was filed, and the ongoing process of gathering and evaluating evidence in several ongoing cases will likely play out for months. The plaintiffs include protesters, pastors, immigrants, K-12 school administrators, human rights advocates, local law enforcement and the state of Minnesota itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QhWfZP
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)
POLITICS
MN GOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell, Royce White and Wendy Phillips held a town-hall-style event in Waseca [and] said that what unites them is a dislike of the GOP’s establishment and their outsider status. … They have intense loyalty to President Donald Trump and some of their views fall on the fringe of mainstream politics. … It’s too early to tell if any of the three are gaining much traction in their campaigns. Lindell has struggled in straw polls, [but] he has widespread name recognition within the party and plans to run in the primary even if he’s not endorsed. … Lindell waved away concern that he has little campaign cash, [saying] ‘I don’t need cash on hand. As fast as it comes in…I can raise all the money I want nationally.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tCJhEz
SESSION: Gov. Tim Walz spoke with reporters about his meetings with legislative leaders and expectations for the end of session. Via MPR, VERBATIM: “He said he’ll prioritize putting the state into a fiscally stable position with any new spending bills. Like legislative leaders involved in the meetings, he said top concerns for this session should include a capital investment bill, budget support for safety net hospital HCMC and anti-fraud measures. He also said that while proposals to offer property tax relief may be well intended, it will be a heavy lift this year given the state’s tight budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42tS67z
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz [said] he was feeling optimistic about several high-profile issues like a bonding bill, a rescue plan for [HCMC], and a House bill to create a fraud-fighting Office of Inspector General. … Walz also struck a more resigned tone toward several DFL priorities [like] gun control legislation after the Annunciation shooting and the effort to help businesses recover from Operation Metro Surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tCJhEz
SIMON: Sec. Steve Simon spoke with MPR about how he is preparing the state for the 2026 elections and possible federal actions. VERBATIM: “Simon, a DFLer who is seeking a fourth term this year, said he is working with the Attorney General’s Office on court steps that could be required if there are sudden federal changes. ‘We are ready to go to court on a moment’s notice,’ Simon said. He also said he’s [been] asked a lot lately if federal agents could be positioned at polling places; they can’t, nor can local law enforcement that isn’t affirmatively called in to address disturbances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42tS67z
KLOBUCHAR: U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, state Sen. Zaynab Mohamed and other DFLers spoke with Minnesota Reformer’s J. Patrick Coolican about what they expect from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar if she becomes Minnesota’s next governor. Notably, Mohamed said Klobuchar called all 101 DFL state lawmakers before she announced her run, with Mohamed adding that she does not expect Klobuchar to be a roadblock for progressive legislators. Smith, a former lieutenant governor, told the Reformer that she is helping Klobuchar prepare for the job. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Lm6M7
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
DOWNTOWN STP: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Florida investor-led trust has bought the Great Northern Building in downtown St. Paul with plans to bring back ground-floor retail and the building’s event space. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QpTyFu
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “An indoor baseball training facility is headed to Plymouth — but it won’t be in the spot where it was originally proposed. Thorney Training plans to set up shop in an 11,513 square-foot industrial building at 2155 Niagara Ln. In January, the company had considered opening in a larger warehouse property elsewhere in Plymouth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/493paaa
FINALISTS: Via EY, VERBATIM: “Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Heartland Award. Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and uplifting communities. The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations drive economic growth and help shape the future of business.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/48hHlJ9
ACQUISITION: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Onyx-Fire Protection Services Inc., an inspection-first provider of fire and life safety services in Canada, from funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OXocFJ
CLOSING: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Power-sport manufacturer Polaris announced it is closing its facility in Osceola, Wisconsin. In a notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Polaris said the closure will happen in phases, and it expects to be closed entirely by Jan. 31, 2027. In all, 189 workers will be impacted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cGRReh
BBQ: From Minneapolis’ Beast Barbecue via Facebook, VERBATIM: “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to announce the permanent closure of Beast Barbecue. Thank you to all of our friends, neighbors & guests who have blessed our presence at Beast since our opening in 2019.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4mIY1z0
EARNINGS: Via Seeking Alpha, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Graco (GGG), a manufacturer of fluid-handling systems and spray equipment used in construction, manufacturing and maintenance markets, reported results on Wednesday that missed Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. Shares of Graco (GGG) fell 4.2% in extended trading. At Wednesday’s close, the stock was up 8.3% over the prior 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4twmNFl
RETAIL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A recently shuttered Evereve store will soon return to St. Paul — right across the street from its former location. The women’s clothing retailer is moving into the former Pottery Barn store on the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Victoria Street this fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cuscXi
HIGHER ED: Via Normandale, VERBATIM: “The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Pakou Yang to serve as president of Normandale Community College. The appointment becomes effective immediately.” QUOTE: “Dr. Yang is a strong leader who has successfully guided Normandale as interim president over the past 10 months,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. “She excels at cultivating coalitions and consensus around what needs to be done and will no doubt continue to build upon Normandale’s solid foundation to position it well for the future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMCYHv
HIGHER ED: Via Dunwoody, VERBATIM: “As demand for skilled trade workers continues to surge, Dunwoody College of Technology is marking five years of its Pathways to Careers program, a scholarship initiative that has expanded rapidly while redefining how colleges support under-resourced students while delivering strong workforce outcomes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cBZxjj
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: The DNR will update its list of temporary road and trail closures this afternoon. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tWUdg6
TODAY: Via Timberwolves, VERBATIM: “Wolves fans will have the opportunity to bid on unique autographed items celebrating the 2025-26 season in the Wolves Back Auction, all to benefit The Minnesota Fastbreak Foundation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vMKfQ6
SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Readers, grab your tote bags and your walking shoes—Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) returns on Saturday, April 25. This annual celebration of literacy and community marks its 13th anniversary this year and encourages book lovers of all ages to patronize local shops in their neighborhoods or across town.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mLZMvv
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Clearfield, VERBATIM: “Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), the leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, today announced that it will release results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after the close of the market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Qqr0A
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Company plans to hold the conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u3bHaD
THIS SUMMER: Via Northern News Now, the lineup for this summer’s Movies in the Park in Duluth. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4eFhHBP
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FARGO: Via Explore Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Explore Minnesota Film released a promotional video, ‘On the Case Again,’ inspired by the 30th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film Fargo, showcasing all Minnesota has to offer, from best-in-class filmmakers and authentic locations to supportive communities and hard-working cast and crew. Explore Minnesota Film and FilmNorth are partnering to launch the 10,000 Stories Fund, a new grant opportunity supporting film, television and digital media projects set in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pIpHm
BDAYS: MN GOP Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom, State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, outdoors icon Ron Schara, lobbyist Marty Seifert
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