59% of Americans say they pay too much in taxes. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3Q4CV1S
The Consumer Price Index rose 3.3% in March:
SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mrxMxa
Happy 30th anniversary to the movie “Fargo.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vnx5Zu
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
On Sunday Take, GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska and DFL Rep. Matt Norris discussed what the Legislature did on break and what they expect to get done this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3O830wr
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
FINALLY FRIDAY…
TWINS: Via Sports Illustrated, VERBATIM: “The Pohlad family is taking one for the team. On Friday, the owners of the Minnesota Twins announced that fans who had a ticket to the April 3 Home Opener at Target Field will receive a free tickets to the Friday, April 17 game between the Twins and Cincinnati Reds. Why? It’s a show of good faith after a downtown Minneapolis power outage delayed the start of the Home Opener against the Tampa Bay Rays by about an hour.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Kklil
MORE: It’s not the first power outage-inspired show of good faith – sports take’s Howard Sinker snapped this photo at the game:
TARGET: Via The Street, VERBATIM: “Target wants to accelerate its comeback by serving a growing but highly price-competitive market. The retailer, which plans to invest $5 billion in 2026 to remodel existing stores and add new ones, wants to fix a pain point for some of its most stressed-out customers. ‘For many parents, shopping for a new baby can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. From choosing the right car seat to finding trusted everyday essentials, the decisions can quickly add up. That’s why Target is transforming its baby department,’ the retailer shared in a press release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4czXxaV
GAS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Members Carwash and Fuel, located at 9950 Rockford Rd., has some of the lowest gas prices in town . . . But those prices are exclusive — the pumps are protected by gates. ‘We have license plate recognition cameras outside, so when you pull up to our gates, and you’re a member, the cameras will see your license plate, the gate will open up and you can come in,’ [manager Terri Gerring] said. To get access, customers have to fork up an upfront membership fee.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sBaKW4
GAS PRICES: AAA reports the average price of gas in Minnesota is $3.75 (head north for the cheapest). The national average is $4.15. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3ORAi2T
STORM DAMAGE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Legislation authored by Minnesota House Reps. Bidal Duran (R) of District 2A and Matt Bliss (R) of District 2B, if passed, would fully reimburse Beltrami County for costs incurred from the Jun. 21 wind storm last year. The bill, House File 3530, was heard Wednesday by the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. During his testimony in favor of the bill, Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince called the storm that swept through the surrounding area ‘a defining day in the city of Bemidji.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OwMCWo
PETS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “An animal impound shelter that has served the northwest metro for decades is getting some much-needed financial help from the federal government. PUPS, or Pets Under Police Security, provides a temporary home for stray animals in Maple Grove, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.” QUOTE: “PUPS rescues hundreds of pets a year, and for animals that can’t be reunited with their families, they partner with shelters like the ones here today to make sure the animals find loving homes,” said U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, D-Third District, at an April 9 press conference. “And I’m so proud to announce that we have secured almost $1 million in federal funding for this amazing program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ccgoHO
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)
MEDIA
DOUGLAS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Paul Douglas has one more big idea before signing off on his 40-plus years as a meteorologist and entrepreneur: the launch of a 24/7 streaming weather channel. Why it matters: Douglas hopes Weather Loon will serve as a model for groups in other states that could buy its technology to start their own channels, he told Axios in an interview.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OwG8H1
TV: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The names and faces on Twin Cities television news continue to evolve, and there are a couple of recent hires in the weather departments at KSTP-TV and FOX 9.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41qgEhr
EDUCATION
MOVE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Central Lakes College will soon have a new president for the first time in 10 years. CLC announced today that Hara Charlier is leaving the school to take the presidency at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts, an opportunity that allows her to be closer to family.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sK0kDD
OSSEO: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Leaders in the Osseo Area School District broke ground this week on a new, state-of-the-art community learning center, marking a major milestone for the district’s ‘Building a Better Future’ initiative. The $27 million project is being constructed on the site of the former Crest View Elementary School.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41qv6Gb
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 IN MN
NEW CITIZENS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen is becoming harder to reach. Oath ceremonies – once large, celebratory events – have dropped significantly in both size and frequency over the past year – as the federal government delays or cancels some of them. For many applicants, that means waiting without a clear timeline after already being approved for citizenship.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c46Ks5
NEW JUDGE: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Nathan Hansen, a right-wing attorney and influential X user who has amplified racist conspiracies and fringe legal theories, will make decisions on which immigrants will be deported in his new job as an immigration judge at Fort Snelling. The Executive Office for Immigration Review, the division of the U.S. Department of Justice that hires and oversees immigration judges, announced Wednesday that Hansen was appointed after a ‘competitive application process’ and would begin hearing immigrants’ cases this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEJtTt
HOUSING: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The city of Minneapolis is getting ready to deploy millions of dollars in emergency funding to help those struggling to pay rent in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge. So far, Minneapolis has allocated $3.8 million in rental assistance funds, and a match of up to $3 million has been announced by the Wilson Foundation, meaning more than $6 million will be available.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c2Egif
PLAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A new play about the Hmong experience comes as fears remain within the community, following a months-long immigration surge that has forced some immigrants to go into hiding. ‘It’s just a hard time to make any kind of work,’ said playwright Katie Ka Vang, who wrote ‘HMong Futures: The Future of Us,’ which is set to officially open on April 11 in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47OF2gn
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)
BUSINESS MOVERS
BOARDROOMS: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “When Sun Country Airlines decided in January to green-light a $1.5 billion merger deal with Allegiant, a majority of Sun Country’s board seats were held by women. Gail Peterson, a former executive at General Mills and Ecolab, is among the women on the Minneapolis-based carrier’s board. A Black woman, Peterson also is one of the few Minnesota women of color who serve on public company boards in the United States.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41XD4GW
MMT: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Medical Technologies (MMT) announced last month it has procured $20.6 million in Series A funding, which the Stewartville company plans to use to launch StaySure, its self-insert device intended to help manage fecal incontinence and accidental bowel leakage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qwy7Cs
POTTERY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports south Minneapolis studio Madluk Pottery is moving into a significantly-bigger space to meet demand. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mwelDd
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
DESIGN: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “In an industry where representation is limited, Damaris Hollingsworth created an opportunity for herself that she struggled to find elsewhere. As the founder and principal architect of Design by Melo, Hollingsworth leads a Twin Cities-based architecture and urban design practice spanning affordable housing, mixed-use developments and retail spaces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t9UGM2
GOLF: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The New Hope Village Golf Course opened for the season on Monday, April 6. Golf Course Superintendent Ricky Plamal said the turnout has been good so far — even on the recent chillier days. The course opened just in time as golf fans embrace this weekend’s Master’s Tournament.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4soVoDG
HQ: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports AgriBank is moving its headquarters out of St. Paul, relocating to Richfield. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eedqFl
HAWAIIAN: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Mo’ Bettahs, the Hawaiian-style fast-casual restaurant chain, has announced that it’s coming to Minnesota for the first time. On Tuesday, the company announced that it will expand into the Twin Cities, as well as Phoenix and Indianapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c3wu7Y
ST PAUL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “You might glance at Aubergine and think: French, traditional, finessed. These things are true, but I’m here to tell you that Aubergine is also a party, the kind you bring your best friends to for red wine; a two-pound côte de boeuf to pass around the table: pâte en croute, a rosy marble of pork and blood sausage smeared on house-baked brioche; a swirl of sorbet to end the night. At Aubergine’s early pop-ups, the party was sometimes overflowing; the restaurant is settling into a steadier warmth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4suH7pl
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: There will be a candlelight vigil for Daunte Wright on the 5th anniversary of his killing by a police officer in Brooklyn Center. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vnEWX1
NEXT MONTH: Via Maple Plain-based Protolabs, VERBATIM: “Protolabs (NYSE: PRLB) announced today that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 before the opening of the market on Friday, May 1, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cgSRWh
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CUPCAKES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Fans of best-selling romance novelist Abby Jimenez can treat themselves to a special cupcake inspired by the Minnesota author’s newest release. State of the sweet tooth: Jimenez, who also owns award-winning bakery Nadia Cakes, has a tradition of whipping up custom creations to celebrate her book launches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4slRvzp
BDAYS: Regent James Farnsworth, green guy Michael Noble, sage counselor and author Jon Austin. SAT: fmr. Congressman Mark Kennedy, lobbyist Bill Amberg. SUN: Rep. Dave Pinto, Freedom Foundation’s Annette Meeks
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.
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