Consumer spending increased in the first quarter despite – or possibly, in part, because of – the threat of tariffs. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/4jdHuk6
Stores selling secondhand goods may benefit from tariffs. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ip56kv
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3S0cxE0
NOTE: This coming Saturday, we will publish a 15-year take to honor the launching of morning take in April 2010. Please send any good memories, or significant takes that you appreciated – bloisolson@gmail.com
On Sunday Take, DFL Chair Richard Carlbom says he believes Gov. Tim Walz will run for re-election and shares plans the DFL has to organize in greater Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Y7faYd
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
RESPONSIBLEGAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
TODAY: Via news release from the Attorney General’s office, VERBATIM: “Today, Tuesday April 22, at 12:00 p.m., Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will announce a major new lawsuit on behalf of the State of Minnesota.”
TARIFFS: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “On Monday, executives from retailers including Home Depot, Target and Walmart became the latest to raise their concerns directly with Mr. Trump, as the industry continues to brace for the possibility that steep taxes on imports could result in price increases for millions of American consumers. ‘We had a productive meeting with President Trump and our retail peers to discuss the path forward on trade, and we remain committed to delivering value for American consumers,’ a Target spokesman, Jim Joice, said in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3El8JKx
3M: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “U.S. industrial conglomerate 3M Co beat Wall Street expectations for first-quarter profit on Tuesday on cost-cutting, sending its shares up nearly 5% even as it warned of a potential hit to 2025 earnings from trade tensions.
Bill Brown, who succeeded Mike Roman as CEO in May, laid out a restructuring plan focused on reining in spending and redirecting funds from mitigating legal liabilities. It also included discontinuing less-profitable consumer product lines.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42TVFF7
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The materials maker said Tuesday that it still expects adjusted earnings of $7.60 to $7.90 a share this year, but that tariffs could knock the figure down by 20 to 40 cents a share. The move comes as 3M reports a profit of $1.12 billion, or $2.04 a share, compared with $928 million, or $1.67 a share, in the same quarter a year earlier. Stripping out one-time items, adjusted earnings were $1.88 a share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been expecting $1.77 a share. Sales slid 1% to $5.95 billion, but still came in above analyst projections for $5.76 billion, according to FactSet.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42TVREl
MN LAWS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota Supreme Court justices in January considered whether Gov. Tim Walz had the power to speed up a special election to fill a pivotal state House seat, they took a deep dive into an obscure law . . . The case served notice that some laws long on the books can’t always be read at face value and their mere existence doesn’t mean they still carry force. Another, perhaps more obscure law is just two paragraphs down. It allows for removal of a lawmaker in cases of habitual drunkenness, an issue that concerned Minnesotans long before Prohibition.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3S6Hpmd
EMMER: Minnesota Reformer adds a little history to Rep. Tom Emmer’s Sunday CNN interview where he supported recent deportations and declined to answer whether he agreed with President Trump’s assertion that he could also deport U.S. citizens. VERBATIM: “The episode represents a remarkable about-face on civil liberties for Emmer, a man who used to commemorate Constitution Day on social media, and who once took to the floor of the U.S. House to read the portions of the 6th Amendment that protect the rights of the criminally accused.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YKlogT
MORE: Monday’s morning take shared more of the CNN interviews with both Rep. Emmer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar. You can read it at TheDailyAgenda. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YFHH7o
SURVEY: Via news releases from Minneapolis-based Allianz, VERBATIM: “Nearly two in three Americans (64%) worry more about running out of money than death, according to the 2025 Annual Retirement Study from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Many factors and economic pressures contribute to this fear of running out of money. The most respondents cited high inflation (54%), Social Security not providing as much financial support as they need (43%), and high taxes (43%). Boomers (61%) were more likely than millennials (56%) or Gen Xers (55%) to say high inflation contributed to their fear of running out of money.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y9HGIG
C-SUITE: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Padilla, VERBATIM: “Padilla's third annual C-suite Perspectives study, which includes data from a survey of more than 100 C-suite executives and 1,000 employed adults and in-depth interviews with nearly 50 C-suite leaders, revealed a clear trend that leaders feel a renewed sense of urgency to move past the reactive management style of recent years to drive their strategic business objectives.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cOt8EE
SALARIES: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Jenna Estlick, Versique’s president of human resources solutions, is carefully watching how Minnesota job seekers are responding to a new state law that requires employers to include salary ranges in job postings. Designed by the Minnesota Legislature to put more power in the hands of job applicants, the new law took effect on Jan. 1 for employers who have 30 or more employees. In the first three months of 2025, Estlick said some early trends already are emerging. One of the most dramatic is that Estlick is seeing a marked increase in the number of applicants for posted jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ipiiGh
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
CANADA: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “After months of tariff threats and taunting from President Donald Trump, Canadians have pretty much had it with the United States. Canadian consumers and businesses are showing their displeasure with their wallets as they deal with new costs and political chaos imposed on them. Distress. Confusion. Betrayal. Action. Those were the main themes MPR News host Angela Davis and I heard as we traveled north recently to listen to Canadians and understand the stresses on what’s been a great economic and security alliance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lHvzMY
IOWA: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “If Mike Bousselot had his way, perhaps he would be the next governor of a state that is increasing its size. Bousselot -- a Republican state senator from Ankeny who earlier this year proposed that Iowa should buy Minnesota’s southern counties (his Statehouse colleagues don’t appear to be pursuing his idea)-- announced on Monday that he has formed an exploratory committee to run for governor in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lFiUKA
SD6: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce is holding a forum to meet the two candidates for the empty Minnesota Senate District 6 seat, but one of those two candidates won’t be present. Both Democrat Denise Slipy and Republican Keri Heintzeman were invited to attend the forum, but only Slipy will appear as Heintzeman turned down the opportunity for debate.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lNbJAi
ST PAUL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For many, the loss of one of downtown St. Paul’s key skyway arteries is an inconvenience. But for Tommy Sar, who lives in an adjacent apartment and uses a wheelchair, it’s untenable. Earlier this month, the city closed routes surrounding three condemned buildings: the Alliance Bank Center, the St. Paul Athletic Club and the Capital City Plaza ramp . . . When Sar moved downtown in 2019 to be close to his former job at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the skyways were ‘one of the biggest amenities,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44CBSLH
HOUSING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Some lawmakers and lobbyists in Minnesota say state intervention is needed after an MPR News investigation found inspection processes and local political pressures leave low income renters vulnerable in Greater Minnesota. According to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Minnesota needs more than 100,000 units of housing to meet current demand. MPR News found some cities have become lenient with landlords whose buildings fail inspections because of a shortage of alternative housing options. Other cities don’t have rental inspections at all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jhXX6N
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth is taking a new approach to homeowners who violate city ordinance. Monday, the city announced a new initiative called the ‘Clean Streets, Strong Communities CourtesyNotice Program.’ When a resident violates city ordinance, via small accumulations of solid waste, abandoned items or other nuisance issues, they’ll be delivered a door hanger that outlines the concern and offers 14 days to resolve it.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4itTXz8
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
MEDIA: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tom Barnard, one of the most popular broadcasters in Twin Cities history, announced last week that he’ll be stepping away from ‘The Tom Barnard Show’ on Nov. 6, 2026, and handing the podcast over to his children, Andy and Alex. You have every reason to be skeptical. Barnard, 73, occasionally threatened to leave KQRS when he was the King of Morning Media there, only to reconsider.” Q&A: https://fluence-media.co/42Q2GWC
BROADBAND: Via Comcast, VERBATIM: “Comcast plans to connect more than 30,000 new homes and businesses in four new Minnesota communities to reliable, high-speed, symmetrical Internet by expanding its next-generation network in the region. This expansion will enhance digital infrastructure, promote economic growth, and position residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion in Prior Lake, Savage, Victoria, and Waconia will bring Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses for the first time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42lZGCe
SHOPHQ: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “IV Media LLC, the Eden Prairie parent company of home shopping network ShopHQ, is adding another round of layoffs starting June. The company also anticipates closing its Eden Prairie facility. IV Media initially reported 122 layoffs to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development in December. That figure rose to 128 the following month. A WARN notice last week added 72 workers to the toll, permanently impacted starting June 16.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EyzhI7
NORTHFIELD: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Northfield residents are being advised to use bottled water or reverse osmosis filtration for drinking water in light of the city council’s decision to reject plans for a new water treatment facility. The level of manganese in drinking water is a concern, according to city officials.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lZ2ltt
CRASH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new federal report shows a plane that nosedived into a Brooklyn Park home last month may have had an icing issue before it crashed. The pilot of the plane was 63-year-old Terry Dolan, a U.S. Bank executive. Dolan was supposed to land at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport before his private plane crashed into a home in northern Brooklyn Park near the Mississippi River at about 12:20 p.m. on March 29.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3GiJitz
THIS WEEKEND: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Interstate-35W will be closed in both directions this weekend between Burnsville and Bloomington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3El5nHr
NEXT MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “More than 70 different venues across Minneapolis open their doors on May 17 and 18 for Doors Open Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ivTah9
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
THIS WEEK: Via KFGO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Passing a two-year state budget and a bonding bill are among the top priorities for the legislature. The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to take up the $172 million agriculture finance bill Monday afternoon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lM2kJg
E15: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith says one of his priorities when Congress returns from recess is getting year-round E15 legislation across the finish line. ‘Ultimately, I sense an expanding group of supporters here in the House and Senate. I’m anxious to keep working on this.’ He tells Brownfield Congress is looking for a vehicle to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iuA22S
MORE: Via NACS, VERBATIM: “In a letter to EPA this week, a group of seven Midwestern state governors requested that if emergency RVP waivers are granted for E15 gasoline this summer, the waivers should also apply to E10 in their states. In past years, emergency RVP waivers only addressed E15 because the Clean Air Act contains a permanent RVP waiver for E10. But earlier this year, in an effort to spur the sale of E15 and support local biofuel production, the Midwestern states were allowed to opt out of the permanent E10 waiver. NACS, in support of the request, joined a coalition letter to EPA yesterday, reiterating the need for nationwide emergency RVP waivers this summer and supporting the inclusion of E10 for the Midwestern states in addition to E15 nationally.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YEC0Xe
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
US BANK: Via news release from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank today announced that it has united its Global Fund Services and Global Corporate Trust teams into a single Investment Services division led by Jay Martin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ek04Il
SOLVE: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Receiving this recognition for the best in social media back-to-back years is a significant achievement. And this time, it’s with two different pieces of work — Sunoco Sim Challenge in Auto and Real Time Response, and Mountain House Adventure Made Delicious in Music & Dance.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RYzyHl
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NAMES: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Bar Siena, which opened in January in Hopkins, didn’t think there was any competitive issue with the Bar Siena in Chicago, until there was.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YbBeRt
MALCOLM YARDS: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Food halls across the Twin Cities are getting bigger and better than ever with recent expansions, and The Market at Malcolm Yards is no exception. In fact, starting next week, a new eatery will join The Market’s local, chef-driven lineup. Kinsley’s Smokehouse Deli is set to open April 28.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3YKT1iD
BDAYS: attorney Jennifer Harper, photojournalist Matt Passolt, Tunheim’s Bess Ellenson, public affairs pro Jodi Boyne
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.
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