51% of Americans polled by Gallup say they’ve paid for online purchases using installment plans – ten percent do it frequently. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dgvduL
20% of Minnesota businesses report using AI. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/42Je3jn
The Legislature wrapped up its work last night. ICYMI… morning take with what passed, what didn’t, and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3PoFZWK
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We call on our state leaders to pass an infrastructure jobs bill with $100 million to replace lead drinking water pipes. Sponsored by LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. FIXMN.org (SPONSORED: LIUNA MN + ND)
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/4uVO3NK
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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A BUSY MONDAY…
LIST: The Twin Cities ranks fifth on Sports Business Journal’s list of the best sports business cities. QUOTE: “Minneapolis-St. Paul has established itself as one of the country’s leading sports business markets, anchored by premier facilities, engaged fans, progressive stakeholders and steady event growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/495TLEh
LOOK NO FURTHER… Coverage of Minnesota sports with in-depth analysis that goes way beyond the box scores, Thursdays in your inbox. SPORTS TAKE: https://fluence-media.co/3WSsvmr
TAB FEES: Via Senate Republican Caucus, the tab fee reduction agreement signed by Deputy Minority Leader Sen. John Jasinski (R), Transportation Finance and Policy Co-Chair Rep. Jon Koznick (R), and Transportation Chair Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL):
THE SESSION: From the Republican Party of Minnesota via X, from Chair Alex Plechash, QUOTE: “Let’s remember how this started. House Democrats refused to show up for work for weeks because they did not get their way. While Minnesotans were going to work, paying their bills, and expecting their government to do its job, Democrats stayed home. Republicans showed up. And because Republicans showed up, stayed united, and used the leverage voters gave us, Minnesota taxpayers got real results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uWlD6d
MORE: Via House GOP, from Speaker Lisa Demuth and Floor Leader Harry Niska, DEMUTH: “After two years of one-party Democrat control, family budgets were hurting and small businesses were struggling. With the House Republican wins this year, Minnesotans will see real relief in their property taxes and car tab fees, they’ll see spending on state government go down, and they’ll see real action against fraudsters stealing from the people who need our help the most.” NISKA: “Over the last two years, House Republicans worked to restore balance and accountability to state government after the Democrat trifecta rapidly expanded spending, taxes, and mandates. Despite holding just one-half of one-third of state government, Republicans stopped billions in proposed tax increases, delivered property tax and car tab relief, advanced anti-fraud measures, and invested in school safety and public infrastructure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uUob4I
FIRES: We’re continuing to monitor wildfires up north. Updates via the DNR, HERE: https://fluence-media.co/497c1x2 A map of fires with size and containment updates via WILDFIRE EXPLORER: https://fluence-media.co/4wDhvcZ
BETTY’S: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “After a wildfire broke out 3 miles north of Two Harbors in the Stewart Trail area on Friday, May 15, officials closed portions of U.S. Highway 61 while they work on containing the fire, which has reportedly burned 34 structures, but those flames did not reach Betty’s Pies. When the owner Carl Ehlenz saw smoke appear on the edge of his property line, he feared the worst, unsure if the fire would spread to his home or business.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RfxCNS
TELLY: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “A young girl from Knife River, Telly Sande, 6, decided to record a song for the firefighters and other first-responders who have been fighting the wildfires in Northern Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wAydJR
ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Dr. Jess Garcia, a clinical psychologist and former Rochester Public Schools school board member, announced her candidacy for mayor on Saturday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tDndsN
ICYMI… today’s morning take had another candidate entering the race as well as a list of those already running. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3PoFZWK
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)
INFRASTRUCTURE
CO2: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The nation’s largest proposed carbon dioxide pipeline will not run through Minnesota, at least initially. Summit Carbon Solutions recently announced it was altering the pipeline route to prioritize sending CO2 captured at Iowa ethanol plants to Wyoming after facing backlash from property owners and state regulators along the original route to a North Dakota storage facility.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43aR7cW
POWER: Via Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Power Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR), filed its 2027–2041 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, outlining how it plans to meet customers’ electricity needs over the next 15 years . . . The plan includes proposals to add a 50-megawatt natural gas plant expected to be in service in 2031–2032 and two 50-MW wind projects expected in service in 2035 and 2040.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nGjCc6
MPLS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Quincy Street isn’t just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it’s at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city’s plans to fix it. … [Businesses] along the street have come to appreciate its crumbling characteristics. It forces cars to drive slowly, which is helpful given the amount of foot traffic in the area. It’s also the very reason city leaders want to remake it. Recent project renderings include adding sidewalks and trails to improve accessibility.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/494AgvS
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)
LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
BONDING: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A detailed accounting of the Minnesota Legislature’s $1.2 billion bonding bill to fund infrastructure projects across the state was only revealed hours before Sunday’s midnight deadline. The legislation, which arose out of behind-closed-doors negotiations last week between legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz’s office, required three-fifths of the votes in both the House and Senate to pass. Even in an otherwise bitterly divided Legislature the package had no problem clearing the high bar late Sunday, when lawmakers passed it by a 122-11 margin in the House and a 50-7 margin in the Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nBrgnN
SOCIAL MEDIA: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz is expected to sign into law a bill designed to protect children on social media. The bipartisan legislation mandates parental consent for kids under 16 to open accounts and restricts addictive features like infinite scrolling, and auto-play videos for users aged 15 and under. Republican Representative Peggy Scott (Andover) authored the bill.” SCOTT: “This bill Is going to do a lot to protect our kids and there’s a lot more going forward that we can do,” Scott says. “I think this is an excellent start.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uhgGF0
GUNS: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A woman alleged to have threatened Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, had her guns confiscated by way of a 2023 ‘red flag’ law, which allows for the temporary removal of firearms from people deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. Demuth voted against the red flag law when it passed in 2023 . . . Demuth, who is running for governor while presiding over the 67-67 state House, is the focus of Democrats’ ire as they attempt to pass stricter gun laws in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uYTviY
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)
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
PROPERTY VALUES: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota homeowners have seen a dramatic rise in property values over the past decade, but the growth has made it tougher for new buyers to afford a new home. According to Construction Coverage, which claims to have analyzed data from Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, home prices in Minnesota have jumped by $142,000 in the past 10 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43f0wAd
SUPPLY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Neel Kashkari, said if Minnesotans want housing to be more affordable, we need more homes on the market. ‘There’s no question that the single most important driver is going to be supply,’ he said. At a recent St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce event, he said four main factors are constraining supply.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42IYfNz
BACK TO OFFICE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “General Mills has become the latest Fortune 500 company in Minnesota to issue a ‘back to the office’ order to its employees. The Golden Valley-based food giant confirmed Friday that it will require most of its North American employees to be in the office four days a week – Monday to Thursday – starting Sept. 8. As work-from-home proliferated following the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, companies have gradually been bringing staff back to office settings, with General Mills moving to a three-day-a-week in-office policy in February 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dgDhM3
ACQUISITION: Via Detroit Lakes-based SJE, VERBATIM: “SJE, Inc., the global industry leader in control systems, today announced the acquisition of [Long Lake-based] Anchor Scientific, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of switches and controllers for the water and wastewater industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wrJJr0
JOBS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “CareerForce is a job resource center that has locations across the state including one at the Northwest Family Service Center in Brooklyn Center. It is staffed with experts to help you search for a position, write a resume, and practice interviewing — all at no cost. CareerForce specialist Robin Johnson said she is seeing everyone from recent high school graduates to seasoned workers in their 50s looking for a career change.” JOHNSON: “Looking for a job has gotten to be kind of complicated,” said Robin Johnson, workforce development specialist at CareerForce. “There’s a lot of moving parts, it not like it was years ago where it was just send out a resume and have one or two interviews, and boom that is it. So, I think mindset is really, really important.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eTIKJU
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
DULUTH: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The ultimate goal in revitalizing First Street is to create more housing and community development in downtown Duluth. A first step, according to Duluth Economic Development Authority Executive Director Tricia Hobbs, is beautification efforts from property and business owners along the corridor. The city has partnered with the Boreal Waters Foundation to take the first steps in placemaking and activation of a downtown corridor that has been known to have a bad rap.” QUOTE: “First Street is one of those areas that has seen some disinvestment — and maybe a little less love than it needs,” Hobbs said. “We want to be able to provide that love to First Street to help revitalize our downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4986dDy
UPTOWN: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “WCCO Radio’s Jason DeRusha reported that Red Cow’s location on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown is closing its doors. In a statement, the Twin Cities burger chain told DeRusha that the restaurant will close on June 1, and that its employees will be moved to other locations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uUarXE
RETAIL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “From Southdale Center’s newly opened luxury wing to Mall of America’s steady influx of globally recognized retailers, the Twin Cities’ major shopping centers seem to be in a state of near-constant evolution—signaling one key message to local shoppers: the suburban mall is far from obsolete. In an era dominated by e-commerce, many of the region’s most iconic retail centers—one approaching 70 years old—continue to reinvent themselves in increasingly unexpected ways. And the momentum shows no [signs] of slowing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dui0gz
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A popular Plymouth restaurant has a fresh outlook on the future, complete with a new look, an updated menu and a new owner at the helm. Rock Elm Tavern has officially become Rock Elm Revival. The neighborhood staple, which has been a community hub for the last decade, is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Plymouth resident Randy Ehlers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RMJSW1
NEW CRO: Via Minnetonka-based Equus, VERBATIM: “Equus Compute Solutions, the 100% employee-owned custom compute company, announced the appointment of Jason Myers as Chief Revenue Officer, with responsibility for all sales, marketing, and field engineering solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vfJm1B
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?
NEXT WEEK: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Crews in Stillwater are working to repair streets and city-owned parking lots impacted by a sinkhole that appeared last month after the collapse of an 1887 brick sewer tunnel near the Stillwater Veterans Memorial at Third and Pine streets. Officials say the repairs should be complete in time for this year’s Memorial Day service at the memorial.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PJ9EKl
THIS MONTH: Via SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, VERBATIM: “Health Unit Coordinators (HUCs) at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital who are members of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa filed the requisite 10-day notice late last week for a 3-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike that would begin on May 27th. Details on time and location of picket forthcoming. The group voted earlier this month with over 95% support to authorize the strike after 16 bargaining sessions trying to get a first contract for these frontline healthcare workers. The two sides met last week for a 17th session but did not see much progress.”
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
AMERICAN IDOL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Although Fergus Falls construction worker Chris Tungseth’s journey on ‘American Idol’ ended one show before the championship round, he did perform during the reality series’ season finale a week later . . . Tungseth is the first Minnesotan to make it to the semifinals on ‘American Idol.’ Tungseth’s hometown commemorated his achievement Saturday with a celebration in his honor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dtqLaP
BDAYS: Rep. Andrew Meyers, Sen. Jim Abeler, big thinker Nate Garvis, attorney Lisa Elliott, media guy Bill Dallman, lobbyist Shannon Cunningham, attorney Michael Bryant, fmr. Rep. Phil Sterner
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