61% of Americans say the economy is off on the wrong track – it was 43% in January of 2025. REUTERS/IPSOS: https://fluence-media.co/4tKNGFH
The Kentucky Derby’s tomorrow – Minnesota Monthly has local events and where to shop ahead of time. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wb3eEj
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, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz
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OPTIMISM & UNCERTAINTY
GOVERNOR: From candidate for governor Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-37A) via Instagram, VERBATIM: “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Governor of Minnesota. It has become apparent that the establishment political class, media, and donors have anointed Amy Klobuchar, despite her refusal to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tOu0AG
MORE: Robbins talked about her decision with Fox News Digital, VERBATIM: “In terms of what’s next, Robbins says she hasn’t had the time to give that much thought but said she is focused on closing out the current legislative session and said ‘there’s a lot of big things going on in the front committee.’ ‘I know where the bodies are buried,’ Robbins said about the fraud situation, pointing out that there is much more work to be done to get answers on how the billions of dollars in fraud was allowed to go unchecked for so long.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424i2GZ
BUZZ: Could there be a chance Robbins runs with Kendall Qualls?
NFL DRAFT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal cites “numerous sources” in reporting the Twin Cities is “a clear favorite” to host the 2028 NFL Draft. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f1oBS2
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, has long been a global movement for labor organizing, protest and solidarity. In Minneapolis this year, that tradition continues — but organizers say the stakes feel higher than usual. People across Minnesota are preparing to rally, march and speak out this May Day, reflecting both on the historical roots of the day and the challenges workers face right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tdoO89
US SENATE: Via release from the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “On May Day, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s campaign for U.S. Senate announced the endorsement of UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota’s hospitality workers union representing more than 6,000 workers across Minnesota, including hotel workers, food service workers, airport employees, and workers at convention centers and major sports venues throughout Minnesota.”
OIG: Thursday’s morning take reported a bill to create an Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud advanced to the full House this week after passing in the Senate last year. From MinnPost this morning, VERBATIM: “But one detail could still cause problems: The Trump administration, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, must green light the Minnesota Office of Inspector General investigating Medicaid fraud. This is the very part of the Trump administration that, on Thursday, once again announced it is cutting off Medicaid funding to Minnesota. The need for federal approval raises larger questions about whether the IG office duplicates existing parts of state government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dhCIkW
ECONOMY: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari wrote Friday that heightened inflation risks from the Iran war led him to object to the Federal Reserve policy statement that followed this week’s meeting, because the statement implied that the Fed’s next move is likely to be a rate cut. Before the Iran war began, Kashkari wrote in essay, he was confident that inflation was on track to cool gradually. But now, an oil-market shock that shows no signs of easing is threatening to fuel more price increases, he wrote.” KASHKARI: “If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, it is hard to see how oil, gas and other important commodities produced in the Middle East could find alternative routes to market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4emkkIS
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)
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS
ELECTRIC CARS: Via Sierra Club, VERBATIM: “Minnesota made meaningful progress on rolling out federal EV charging dollars in 2025, but the vast majority of funding remains unspent, according to a new Sierra Club report out today.” QUOTE: “The federal government is doing everything it can to prevent Minnesotans from accessing federal funding for EV charging — that’s why it’s so important for the state to pick up the pace,” said Joshua Houdek, Senior Program Manager for Sierra Club Minnesota’s North Star Chapter. “The faster we can spend these dollars, the more we can secure the future of Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure and climate goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ujZsX8
MORE: Via Sierra Club, THE REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4t4A0UR
GREEN BANK: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Kari Swan has been busy. There is a mile between the Capitol building and the new offices of the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA), which she took over in November 2024. She’s been making the walk regularly, often both ways and in heels, as she charts a course for the future of Minnesota’s ‘green bank,’ the financing authority that the state created a few years ago to boost Minnesota’s competitiveness in the climate tech industry. MnCIFA has a unique ask for the legislature this year—it doesn’t want public money. Instead, it needs authorization to receive private investments, which right now isn’t allowed under state law. Swan and her team believe they have ‘tens of millions of dollars’ in potential private investments on the line. All they need is a yes from the legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tbdObD
DOG PARK: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When a Native American prayer camp sprang up in the shadow of the Fort Snelling immigration court this winter, Dakota leaders were among its loudest critics. Galled by what they saw as an inappropriate occupation of a sacred site, tribes issued a flurry of letters demanding the camp’s closure. The incident exposed intense differences of opinion about the right way to behave at Coldwater Spring, an understated blufftop prairie also called Mni Owe Sni. Now, the site is at the center of another debate over its proper usage, one that could have serious consequences for a beloved 6-acre ramble of woods and beaches managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: the Minnehaha Dog Park.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6UyvC
COUGARS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “In what might be a first, at least in modern times, a cougar with kittens was spotted in northern Minnesota, just south of Voyageurs National Park. ‘Oh, it’s amazing, it’s frankly surreal to us,’ said Tom Gable never expected to see four cougars together, marking the first time that breeding has been observed in over a century. Gable is project lead of the The Voyageurs Wolf Project, who captured video of the cougars. He says the discovery was unexpected as they were working on a project to track deer mortality.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Qzpyap
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)
STATE UPDATES
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The path to a pardon in Minnesota starts with the Clemency Review Commission. On Friday, it is scheduled to hear from 27 people who are seeking pardons. At least one of the applicants will sign on from immigration detention outside the state. Immigration status is a driving force behind several of the applications. Legal experts say that pardons can be an effective tool for immigrants who had permanent status in the U.S. but lost it due to a criminal conviction. In some cases, it may be the only tool left.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vZrh9b
THIS MONTH: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz is proclaiming May 2026 as ‘Hire a Veteran Month’ in the State of Minnesota and drawing attention to the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair on May 20. The proclamation highlights the unique value veterans bring to the state’s labor force, encourages Minnesota employers to hire veterans, and recognizes the challenges veterans may face when transitioning to civilian employment or looking for work after returning from a military deployment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42G8fa6
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)
EARNINGS SEASON
PIPER: Via Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, today announced its results for the first quarter of 2026 . . . Net revenues of $474 million for the first quarter of 2026 and adjusted net revenues of $470 million represent our strongest first quarter on record.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uhh31X
SPSC: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “SPS Commerce Inc. (SPSC) on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $19.7 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 53 cents . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of supply chain software services to businesses posted revenue of $192.1 million in the period, missing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49mUHUJ
PROTOLABS: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Maple Plain-based] Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) reported first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with shares jumping 9.1% following the announcement on Friday. The digital manufacturing services provider posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.54, beating the analyst consensus of $0.36 by $0.18. Revenue reached a record $139.3 million, surpassing the $132.7 million estimate and representing a 10.4% increase YoY from the first quarter of 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48UHCCb
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
ST PAUL: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Groundbreakings for new grocery stores typically don’t make news. So why does this one in St. Paul? Because it’s another sign of downtown St. Paul’s comeback, says President of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance Joe Spencer.” QUOTE: “It’s essential as we hope to grow the number of people who work and live in downtown St. Paul, and just grow the density of downtown,” Spencer says. “You just need to have groceries available. It’s just a fundamental thing.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mYRBvK
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In the bowling world, all eyes are on Brooklyn Park. The Professional Bowler’s Association (PBA) is hosting the World Series of Bowling in Brooklyn Park this year, bringing the sport’s top competitors to town hoping for a perfect game.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t6Mo6I
WIRTH PARK: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A local bakery is partnering with its neighbors in Northeast Minneapolis on a new cafe at Theodore Wirth Regional Park’s Trailhead. Starting in May, the Trailhead Cafe will offer a food menu by Aki’s BreadHaus that leans heavily on the German-style bakery’s fresh bread, alongside beverages from Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative and Curioso Coffee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n5AeJS
ST PAUL: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “My most anticipated restaurant of 2026 is now open, and it’s in St. Paul. Restaurant Auburgine‘s soft open absolutely delighted. In fact, a friend of mine who is a chef and an instructor called it the most professional and smooth soft opening he’s ever been to.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4td3a4a
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?
THIS WEEKEND: Cinco de Mayo events on St. Paul’s Westside. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cVHWSa
SUNDAY: The Twin Cities Bike Swap in Richfield. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48CNTlD
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “After a years-long hiatus, Glamorama—Minneapolis’s high-octane collision of fashion, music, and spectacle—is returning this May. But the name ‘Glamorama’ is just one chapter in a longer legacy. The event began in 1992 as Cause for Applause—a high-style fashion event supporting pediatric cancer research—under the Dayton’s brand. After the merger with Marshall Field’s, the show evolved into the glossier Fash Bash. It officially became Glamorama in 2003, after Dayton-Hudson transitioned all their stores under Marshall Field’s, which later folded into a broader retail umbrella—marking a shift toward a multi-city production (with iterations in places like Detroit and Chicago).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4unZXQ9
BDAYS: DC reader Lou Jacobsen, insurance man about town Shalin Johnson, Lockridge partner Heidi Silton. SAT: comms guy Bryan Brignac, State Auditor Julie Blaha. SUN: lobbyist Rochelle Westlund, hockey guy Dave Aus, insider Char Briner
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