75% of U.S. adults think the media here have a lot of freedom – that’s down from 86% in 2022. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4n06ldT
This morning we learned the U.S. economy continued to expand in the first three months of the year, despite all the impacts of the war with Iran. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4vXlcKl
Recent precip has helped – the new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 9% of the state in drought, down from 21% a week ago. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Sports Take: How hot will the Minnesota sports calendar be in May? We’ll have a better idea by the end of the weekend when the Wild and Wolves playoff series conclude and the Frost start their quest for a third straight title. There’s also Vikings front-office drama and draft aftermaths plus the Lynx starting the WNBA season. Read about those -- as well as another odd high school coaching move – this afternoon.
The Media Insight Project conducted a study and learned teens get their news from social media while those age 65 and older get it via TV. Shocking. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uq4Atb
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/3QGvDll
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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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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THURSDAY FEED
JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate in March held at 4.5% while the national rate ticked down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.3%, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cJMfRG
FARM BILL: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The House on Thursday voted to strip pro-pesticide policies, which have been a source of controversy and GOP infighting, from the farm bill. The amendment to take the provisions out of the farm bill, which sets the nation’s agriculture policy for five years, was adopted in a 280-142 vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7eDC6
MORE: Via Rep. Brad Finstad, QUOTE: “In building upon the Agriculture Title of the Working Families Tax Cuts, the most significant investment in the farm safety net since the 2002 Farm Bill, the 2026 Farm Bill invests in conservation funding, ensures farmers and rural communities have access to the financing they need to maintain and improve their operations, and addresses California’s egregious Proposition 12 mandate. I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I have put in to deliver the strong farm policy that farmers, producers, and rural communities need and deserve.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/496aqYd
MORE: Via House Ag Democrats, today’s floor speech delivered by Rep. Angie Craig. QUOTE: “From tariffs that have cost our farmers’ markets, to a war that has increased the cost of fertilizer and diesel, farmers are struggling to hold onto that 3rd or 4th generation farm. The so-called ‘skinny’ farm bill in front of us today does nothing to stop these losses or to help offset the $54 billion in losses farmers have had to absorb. Worst yet, it doesn’t fix any of the underlying policy choices by Republicans and this administration that caused the problems in the first place.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dgEm6p
ARENA: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pushing the City Center complex as a potential site for a new Timberwolves/Lynx arena, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. Why it matters: The idea — first floated by Axios — would mean demolishing one of the city’s tallest towers and bringing an NBA arena onto the struggling Nicollet Mall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cUxWbF
DOWNTOWN: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Lumber Exchange has its first new tenants, as the 12-story building in downtown Minneapolis comes back to life for creative types under the vision of new owner Kristi Oman. Eleven tenants have signed on since Oman bought the roughly 140-year-old edifice for $1 in February. The tenants include creative agencies, artists, an antiques seller, two lawfirms, and a therapist, she says.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mXGF1u
SETTLEMENT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota trans athlete JayCee Cooper has reached a settlement agreement with USA Powerlifting, after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the organization violated her rights by barring her from women’s competitions. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled last year that the powerlifting organization violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Cooper is represented by the nonprofit Gender Justice. Legal director Jess Braverman said in a statement that this is a victory for Cooper.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RbSGV7
EMMER: Rep. Tom Emmer talked with Fox Business this morning about a wide range of topics including the midterm elections, funding DHS, and disagreement between Vice President J.D. Vance and Governor Tim Walz over this week’s federal raids in the Twin Cities. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tHbOJ0
EVICTIONS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Eviction filings across the Twin Cities metro jumped nearly 19% in March 2026 compared to one year earlier, as the region reeled in response to Operation Metro Surge. In Minneapolis alone, they spiked by more than 60% to 452 filings, according to quarterly data released by HOME Line, a tenant advocacy nonprofit. The city’s eye-popping percentage increase comes with an asterisk: March 2025 numbers trended low, in part due to the start that month of an ordinance requiring landlords issue a 30-day pre-eviction notice to delinquent tenants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cI6Ju5
TAX CREDIT: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Housing advocates, legislators and community members gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday to call for the extension of one of the state’s most popular affordable housing programs, a tax credit that has drawn rare bipartisan praise and fueled housing development from the Twin Cities to rural Minnesota. Few housing programs inspire bipartisan support and touch lives across both metro and rural areas like the State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund. Created as part of a sweeping 2023 spending bill, the program allows individuals and companies to contribute between $1,000 and $2 million toward affordable housing developments and receive a tax credit worth 85% of that contribution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uknQrQ
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)
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
ICE ARRESTS: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “A quarter of immigration arrests since August were labeled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as ‘collateral,’ a type of arrest and detention that’s been challenged in court as an end run around civil rights. Public outrage and lawsuits over the arrests may be tamping down the large-scale sweeps that foster them, but tens of thousands were arrested this way between August and early March.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ukIsQP
MPD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Months before several thousand federal agents would descend on Minneapolis, dozens of city police officers worked with the regional Homeland Security Task Force. City officials didn’t disclose details of the ongoing investigations the officers have been assigned to, but they said it’s not related to civil immigration enforcement. While federal and local law enforcement collaborations are common, some say the optics surrounding the timing of this previously undisclosed task force are concerning given the federal government’s treatment of Minneapolis residents during this winter’s surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vVJlkh
TOMORROW/FRIDAY: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The annual Cinco de Mayo festival celebration in St. Paul carries more significance this year after months of fear and financial strain for Latino‑owned businesses during the height of Operation Metro Surge. ‘Coming together to celebrate our culture and West Side businesses is more meaningful than ever. The West Side community is like no other. We wouldn’t be here still if it weren’t for them,’ said Milissa Silva, CEO and co‑owner of El Burrito Mercado. The festival on the West Side along Cesar Chavez Street, which will be held May 1 to 2, has grown into one of the largest Mexican cultural events in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tDKaNb
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)
EARNINGS SEASON
XCEL: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported first-quarter profit of $556 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 89 cents per share . . . The results met Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $4.02 billion in the period, which fell short of Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d09GoQ
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
C.H. ROBINSON: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $147.2 million. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.22 . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The trucking company posted revenue of $4.01 billion in the period, which missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QJpXqC
API: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (APG) on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $57 million. On a per-share basis, the New Brighton, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 12 cents . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The company posted revenue of $1.98 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uhzqE1
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)
IN THE CITIES
VALLEYFAIR: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “If you’ve been waiting for a reason to pack up the car, dust off the swimsuits, and commit to a full day of sun, snacks, and water slides—Valleyfair just handed you 13 of them. The Twin Cities’ biggest amusement park is debuting a major expansion to Superior Shores Waterpark on May 23, adding 13 new slides and attractions and bringing the total to 24 water experiences. That’s not a refresh. It’s a full-scale upgrade.” READ/RENDERINGS: https://fluence-media.co/4tKW73K
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Five months after moving into a space formerly occupied by a Red Lobster, the new home of Chester Bird American Legion Post 523 in Golden Valley officially celebrated its grand opening. ‘I sensed when I arrived that I liked this building and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I liked this building,’ said Dan Wiley, national commander of the American Legion. ‘And then I found out it was formerly a Red Lobster. Yeah, I love Red Lobster. Mystery solved.’ The former restaurant’s new beginning is a rare success story. Legion officials say it comes at a time when many veterans’ organizations are closing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMPFli
MEDIA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “After a four-decade career guiding audiences through blizzards, tornadoes, floods, heat waves and a rapidly changing climate, MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner is retiring. Huttner’s final day at MPR News marks the end of nearly 20 years with Minnesota Public Radio and a career that began in operational forecasting at Chicago’s weather command in 1986.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w0CUwt
NEW FESTIVAL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A new Twin Cities festival is aimed at highlighting the homes, businesses, theaters, sports venues, and other architectural gems of the area—and the stories behind them. City Stories launches this weekend and combines two existing festivals—the MSP Home Tour and Doors Open Minneapolis—into one week-long party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cRavQI
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)
RETAIL
TARGET: Via FreightWaves, VERBATIM: “Target has opened a new 1.2 million-square-foot supply chain facility in the Houston market designed to connect directly with global suppliers and respond in real time to store demand, the company said. The site — Target’s first-ever ‘receive center’ — represents a $265 million investment and will create about 185 local jobs, expanding the retailer’s growing logistics footprint along the Gulf Coast, according to the company’s website.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OAW4IB
MORE: Via Progressive Grocer, VERBATIM: “The facility, which is positioned strategically between Target‘s Import Warehouses in Georgia and Washington, allows the retailer to replenish inventory faster based on store and customer demand while cutting distribution costs, the company said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddWTAi
MORE: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target supply chain teams designed the 1.2 million-square-foot facility using immersive 3D visualization and simulation technology at our XR Experience Center in Minneapolis. We’ve leveraged this technology over the past several years to design and remodel properties, but this was the first time it was used end to end in the design process to create an informative and influential 3D digital model of the facility before construction began.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eSIvPa
MAPLE GROVE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes is welcoming another new tenant. Warby Parker will open at the Maple Grove shopping complex on Saturday, May 2. It’s the ninth Minnesota store for the low-cost eyeglass retailer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pd78M7
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT WEEK: Via Eden Prairie-based NVE, VERBATIM: “NVE Corporation (Nasdaq: NVEC) announced that it plans to release its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 after the close of the Nasdaq Regular Market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RbeP60
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnetonka-based DiaMedica, VERBATIM: “DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DMAC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), today announced that its first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after the markets close on Wednesday, May 6th.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Cz27h
JUNE: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its third quarter 2026 earnings conference call on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/426DLxT
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NEXT MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “We’re just four months away from the Minnesota State Fair, but if you can’t wait, you can get a taste of it early. At the Kickoff to Summer at the State Fair, held over Memorial Day weekend from May 21–24, catch a sneak peak of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, with limited entry and plenty of attractions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODhdSp
BDAYS: lobbyist Dana Bailey, restauranter Luke Shimp, woman about town Amy Mauzy
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