87% of American consumers are worried prices for everyday items will go up in the coming months – 62% say they’ve delayed bigger purchases in the last month. JD POWER: https://fluence-media.co/4wSybND
Six in ten teachers have said they use AI for their work – now a new Gallup poll finds only 18% who say they received any guidance from school administrators. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4utorb8
It’s known as the “mushroom house” and the “Flintstone house” – and now the one-of-a-kind Duluth home is up for sale. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tZtnn8
RIP former Vikings assistant coach Sherman Lewis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wU2R1a
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Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wY4E5u
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MIDWEEK CHECK-IN
LIST: Fortune’s list of the Most Powerful Women is out this morning. Land O’Lakes’ Beth Ford and U.S. Bancorp’s Gunjan Kedia both ranked in the top 15. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RyzP74
SCHOOL $: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “What if Minnesota schools could get more funding without your taxes increasing by even a single cent? Yes, it sounds too good to be true. But a proposal along those lines will be on ballots this fall. With bipartisan backing from the Legislature, voters will be asked if the state constitution should be amended so that schools would receive more support from a fund that has been growing since Minnesota’s early statehood.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u0otpQ
IRON RANGE: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A $77 million fiscal year 2027 budget is heading to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Advisory Board . . . As proposed, the Eveleth-based state of Minnesota economic development agency’s fiscal year 2027 budget would be just over $76.9 million. That’s an increase of about $8 million over the agency’s fiscal year 2026 budget of about $68.9 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7uQd4
TRANSPARENCY: Via GRAY, VERBATIM: “In the final days of the Minnesota legislative session, legislative leaders emerged from weeks of hard-fought negotiations in the governor’s Cabinet Room with a compromise that eventually ensured a clean finish to the 2026 session. It’s a practice that’s become commonplace in recent years; legislative leaders meet repeatedly with each other and the governor in the final weeks of the legislative session to ensure final passage of crucial bills and budgets. The meetings, in theory, bypass the need for traditional formalities and allow leaders to efficiently and effectively discuss the fine details of contentious issues; still, some leaders say it’s a process they’ve become far too comfortable with in recent years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fFgn2s
BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Voters in Brooklyn Center will elect a new mayor come November. Current Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves is not running for re-election.” GRAVES: “It was a difficult decision to make, but it’s just been a long 11, almost 12 years on the council,” she told CCX News. “It’s been a lot to try and balance everything, especially because I’m just one person.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tYfDsE
IMMIGRATION: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration is signaling a tougher approach to legal immigration with a new policy that could force more green card applicants to leave the country while their cases are processed abroad. For decades, many immigrants who qualified for permanent residency through marriage, family sponsorship or employment have been able to complete the process while remaining in the United States through what’s known as ‘adjustment of status.’ Now, immigration attorneys say a new federal policy memo suggests immigration officials could more aggressively deny those applications — particularly for people who overstayed visas or spent years out of legal status.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q5BjVV
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)
THE LOCALS
MINNEAPOLIS: City Council members Robin Wonsley and Michael Rainville talked about this morning’s news of Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s sudden resignation. WONSLEY: “There’s a focus on Chief O’Hara, but we really need to be looking at who’s holding the hand of MPD and the constant problems we’re experiencing. And that is ultimately Mayor Frey.” RAINVILLE: “We had an election and the mayor won overwhelmingly, and for people to constantly criticize him, to deny the fact that he won the election as our leader is not very good taste, is not very good leadership.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4o2Ew5d
ICYMI… morning take with comprehensive coverage and analysis of O’Hara’s resignation. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uvKFt7
HOUSING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “From Inver Grove Heights to Fridley to Brooklyn Center, city leaders have all started to notice a change in their neighborhoods: investment firms swooping in to buy single-family homes. In Maple Grove, one firm snapped up nearly 30 houses, concerning city leaders as they watched the more affordable starter homes get taken off the market and converted into rental properties. The push by private equity firms into single-family real estate has spread across the Twin Cities suburbs in recent years, an echo of what happened in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the early 2010s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uztNBH
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “After years of discussion, planning and studies on the future of downtown Duluth, the Duluth City Council is considering an action plan for the area. Downtown Duluth continues to struggle to get the foot traffic it once had since COVID-19. The council voted on Tuesday night to table a proposed action plan for further discussion. The document outlines steps the city can take in the next two to five years to improve high priority areas and encourage development downtown.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4afJEgz
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)
LEGAL ACTION
PETTERS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis lawyer Doug Kelley has pursued a Chicago hedge fund operator for 18 years in courtrooms across the globe, aiming to recoup a trove of ill-gotten gains from the infamous Tom Petters fraud. In 2025, Kelley scored a major victory, securing a $275 million judgment — plus $691 million in interest — against financier Steven Stevanovich, one of the largest alleged benefactors of the Petters scheme and one of the last that Kelley is still chasing to pay creditors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dSI05J
PULL-TABS: Via Next.io, VERBATIM: “Pilot Gaming Systems and Pilot Games have launched a patent infringement case in the Minnesota District Court against Canadian lottery giant Pollard Banknote and its local distribution partner [Spring Lake Park-based] Three Diamond Corporation, alleging the pair have been selling electronic pull-tab games that use tech the plaintiffs say they invented.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nYalfG
PREDICTION MARKETS: Via Covers, VERBATIM: “The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has received a clear mandate to continue its push for exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets. U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that it’s ‘critically important that the CFTC’s exclusive authority over prediction markets is maintained’ . . . Trump’s declaration comes as there is pending prediction market litigation in various states. Most recently in prediction market news, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a sweeping prediction market ban in the state last week, but it was met 24 hours later with a lawsuit from the CFTC to block the state law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RxjmQA
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)
AROUND THE STATE
ENERGY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “On a windy day just east of the Red Lake Nation’s boundaries, tribal and energy leaders gathered to break ground on a new solar array. The project, named Makwa Solar Array, is being built on land the tribe owns near Blackduck. Red Lake Nation chair Darrel Seki Sr., said the idea for the array was first introduced 11 years ago. He said he’s happy to see it come to fruition.” SEKI: “It will benefit our members that have homes to cut the rate on their electric bill,” he said. “That’s the purpose of this.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rolj1P
MUSIC: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Officially launched in April, the Minnesota Music Archive is a new project whose goal is to digitally preserve local music history by collecting recordings of every song ever produced in the state, from the Cities to the suburbs and the countryside. Local nonprofit Diverse Emerging Music Organization (DEMO) started the project, and executive director Mitch Thompson said the organization found its true calling in the archive.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uLs2Bm
ZEBRA MUSSELS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota DNR is using dogs to stop the spread of zebra mussels. 370 Minnesota lakes and rivers are already infested with the invasive species. Dogs like Molly are using their noses to find zebra mussels that boaters may have missed.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43tRn70
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
RETAIL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports DIY retailer Rolife will open a store at the Mall of America. READ: https://fluence-media.co/42VbA5w
CLOSING: From Minneapolis barbecue restaurant Scott Ja-Mama’s via Facebook, VERBATIM: “We are very sad to say that we will most likely be closing at the end of summer. we have been honored to be a part of the community for 35 years.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4nPyNiW
ACQUISITION: Via Minnetonka-based Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a leader in additive manufacturing solutions, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MarkForged, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nano Dimension, in an all-cash transaction valued at $42.5 million, subject to customary adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wTkzli
HB FULLER: In Tuesday’s lunch take, we shared news from a group of shareholders of St. Paul-based H.B. Fuller’s acquisition plans. Today, the company responds. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uyZJWJ
ICYMI… here’s a link to Tuesday’s lunch take. LINK: https://fluence-media.co/4vdgerA
PODCAST: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A Twin Cities-based travel podcast took home a big honor at the Shorty Awards this month. The 18th annual awards were announced on May 19, and the Thrifty Traveler Podcast won the audience honor in the other podcast genres category.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vetSL3
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?
TODAY: Via Avivo, VERBATIM: “Last month, a Canadian delegation led by Windsor, Ontario, Mayor Drew Dilkens crossed the border to visit Avivo Village to see how Minneapolis is creating real solutions to end homelessness. Today (5/27/26): David Jeffries, Avivo Village Program Director for Avivo’s Emergency Services, will be joining Mayor Dilkens in Windsor, Canada for a press conference to highlight a new vision for serving and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Windsor.”
TODAY: Saint Paul Parks Conservancy’s Party for the Parks begins at 5:30 on Harriet Island. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dKXVmr
TOMORROW: Via email from the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “Ahead of the Minnesota DFL State Convention in Rochester, senior staff from Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s U.S. Senate campaign will host a background press call to preview the convention weekend, review the endorsement process, discuss the state of the endorsement race, and answer questions from reporters covering the convention.”
THIS WEEKEND: Via Highpoint Center for Printmaking, VERBATIM: “Highpoint is thrilled to announce a brand-new, free, weekend-long celebration of printmaking, community, and creativity! Taking place in our studios and sprawling out to our parking lot and Lake Street sidewalk, Print Fest brings together artists, neighbors, and print lovers of all ages for hands-on activities, live print demonstrations, a vendor fair, food trucks, and a collaborative public art project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ZY6Fx
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS SUMMER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “A local five-year-old recently estimated that the Twin Cities metro has approximately ‘eleventy billion’ summery things to see and do. That’s a lot of things. Here are a dozen (one for every week!) that don’t cost a penny so you can put the savings towards their college fund. Or some stain cleaner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ps2BWt
BDAYS: Delta’s Jeff Davidman, morning take’s Kyle Hampel, retired media guy Don Shelby, labor guy Jon Tollefson
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