Fresh off its 23rd national championship, the UofM dance team has been selected to represent the country in a world championship. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RrMiGs
Senators Tina Smith and Tammy Baldwin are trying to convince everyone they’re not the same person. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42olLA7
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42Fpt7o
On Sunday Take, DFL Chair Richard Carlbom on conflict and trust within the party and whether Governor Tim Walz will run for reelection. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44Dbv8v
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
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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)
SUPCT: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a blow to Minnesota’s attempt to prevent young adults from obtaining permits to carry firearms in public. The court, which frequently backs gun rights, rejected the state’s appeal of a ruling that said a law banning 18-to-20-year-olds from applying for such permits violated the Constitution’s 2nd Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms. Although the court did not issue a ruling in the case, it sends a signal that similar laws, including one at the federal level, could be under threat in future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jAuiWm
MORE: Via Gun Owners Caucus, VERBATIM: “The United States Supreme Court today declined to hear Keith Ellison’s appeal in Worth v. Jacobson, leaving intact lower‑court decisions that struck down the state’s 21+ age requirement for carry permits. This denial ends the litigation and confirms that law‑abiding 18‑ to 20‑year‑old Minnesotans are entitled to the same Second Amendment rights as every other adult.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lH8JFq
MNLEG: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes Monday after a holiday break and they have a lot to accomplish before the end of session in May. That means things will start to quiet down as far as committees are concerned and more time will be spent on the floor trying to get legislation to the governor's office. Republican Political analyst and former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch tells the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar that going forward, she expects to see a limited agenda outside of passing the budget.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4inkRbG
MORE: Fluence Media’s Blois Olson talked with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about what lies ahead at the capitol. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42Fpt7o
TOMORROW: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A Senate ethics committee will meet Tuesday to take up the case involving DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion. The hearing will not address the specific complaint filed against Champion, but instead consider his request for an advisory opinion on whether he violated conflict of interest rules.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RWBkJ8
DULUTH: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “The skies were starting to lighten up on Monday morning, when the Federal Nagara arrived in Duluth. She sailed under the Aerial Lift Bridge at 6am. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, she’s the first saltie to arrive that transited the full St. Lawrence Seaway.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jIBUGq
TARGET: Via USA Today, VERBATIM: “Target is growing a new category at its stores – flowers and plants. The Minneapolis-headquartered retailer is launching its first stand-alone owned floral brand, Good Little Garden, just in time for Mother’s Day. Most stores have flowers and plants available now and select stores will have in-store Good Little Garden kickoff events on April 27 with giveaways and a ‘build your own bouquet’ experience.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iuivb4
MORE: From Target’s news release, VERBATIM: “The introduction of Good Little Garden positions Target as a convenient floral destination and consumers' go-to for newness and innovation — while delivering every day on their varied needs within the floral category.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lFlOz3
POPE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Religious and political leaders in Minnesota are reacting to the news that Pope Francis has died . . . There was a moment of silence at the start of Monday morning’s Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul, for prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Roughly 18 percent of Minnesota adults are Catholic, according to a religious landscape study done in 2023-24 by the Pew Research Center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42H8TEc
MORE: From Minnesota political leaders:
WALZ: From Governor Tim Walz via X, VERBATIM: “Pope Francis led by example, centering his life and papacy on being a voice for the less fortunate. He inspired us all to better embody the teachings of Christ: love, compassion, and justice. Gwen and I are joining Catholics and Christians around the world in mourning his loss.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4jID2d8
KLOBUCHAR: From Sen. Amy Klobuchar via Facebook, VERBATIM: “We will greatly miss the Pope: a voice for the voiceless. The one time I saw him pray for and address the gathered at St. Peter’s Square, when he finished he did what he always did—he greeted and blessed those with disabilities first.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4lDxOB2
SMITH: From Sen. Tina Smith via X, VERBATIM: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis today. He inspired all of us with his selflessness, humility and service to the world’s poorest and most marginalized. Archie and I are keeping Catholic Minnesotans in our thoughts today. May he rest in peace.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/433ntpN
EMMER: From Rep. Tom Emmer via X, VERBATIM: “Jacquie and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis this morning. May God rest his soul.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4cDD0AM
FINSTAD: From Rep. Brad Finstad via X, VERBATIM: “As the first pope from the Americas, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving the Church and spreading God’s message to every corner of the world. His leadership was driven by a compassion for others and a profound love for people of every faith. Jackie and I are praying for our Church and all those mourning the loss of one of God’s most faithful servants. May he rest in peace.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/42BtHNa
CRAIG: From Rep. Angie Craig via X, VERBATIM: “Pope Francis will be remembered as a true leader who dedicated his life to serving others. By breaking barriers and challenging norms, he reminded us that our faith should bring us together, not force us apart. May he rest in peace.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4lG3YMi
STAUBER: From Rep. Pete Stauber via X, VERBATIM: “I join millions around the world in mourning the passing of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4lDY1zh
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, an interview with Dr. Chris Thompson, Dean of the St. Paul seminary, who had the opportunity to meet the Pope on several occasions. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Gk0IpO
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)
ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Mayor Melvin Carter's staff dismissed at least three other locations where St. Paul's new garbage-hauling company might store its truck fleet, according to emails from earlier this year Axios obtained through a records request. Why it matters: The dispute over where to keep the trucks nearly halted citywide trash collection this month — and some City Council members want to solve it by forcing the hauler, FCC Environmental, to find a new truck storage yard.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jhVARo
TARIFFS: Via news release from Rep. Kelly Morrison, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is continuing to pressure the Trump-Vance Administration to provide immediate relief for small business owners from President Trump’s reckless, unnecessary, and unpredictable trade war . . . In a new letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Rep. Morrison is raising the concerns she has heard from small businesses owners, calling out the disproportionate burden Trump’s exorbitant tariffs pose to small businesses, and fighting to ensure that small business owners get immediate relief from these unnecessary trade wars.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lMTlrd
MORE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Tariffs on international goods are up and can impact any imported product from fresh produce to car parts. A Brooklyn Park business owner said he’s hopeful that these will benefit American business in the long run . . . Since tariffs were imposed, concerns were raised about rising prices on imported products. Many items [EideCom) works with come from across the world. He named a few: Hungary, Japan, France, China and Taiwan. But the impact on cost for the AV industry is more complicated than the price of groceries.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ioI90Y
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)
UNCERTAINTY: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Former Medtronic chief executive and Harvard Business School executive fellow Bill George calls these times for corporate leaders ‘the most challenging I’ve ever seen’ . . . George, who grew Medtronic to become Minnesota’s most valuable publicly traded company during his tenure in the 1990s, said the tariffs don’t make sense and called the HHS cuts ‘devastating’ in an April 17 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune. The best-selling author — who has served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Novartis, Target and Mayo Clinic — said leaders must stay true to their values right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iukFaG
PROPERTY TAXES: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “My Minneapolis property tax bill went up a whopping 18% this year. Yikes! Yes, but: A friend tipped me off to the state's Special Property Tax Refund program, which has been around since 1980, but hasn't been talked about much in recent years because booming development offset the need for bigger property tax hikes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EEaCSr
TRAVAIL: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Travail Kitchen and Amusements co-owner Mike Brown would prefer not to think back to the early days of Covid . . . Brown saw about 80% of his 100-person team depart during the pandemic—not uncommon across the hospitality industry at the time. But now, five years out, he and partners Bob Gerken and James Winberg are betting on expansion and diversification.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jGLitW
TODAY: From St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter via X, VERBATIM: “Today, we gather for our annual State of Our City to reflect on the shared accomplishments of the past year and look toward to the future we’re building together.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/42mzGGL
WEDNESDAY: From Minneapolis-based Graco via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) announced today that it will release its First Quarter 2025 earnings after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42FbONJ
THURSDAY: From Minneapolis-based Apogee via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) will report its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full-year results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, before the market opens. The Company will also host a conference call to discuss its financial results. This conference call will be webcast beginning at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, on April 24, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DSSfcn
THURSDAY: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will host a conference call to review first quarter 2025 financial results. The earnings report will be released prior to the market open on the same date.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i2RGL4
THURSDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Ameriprise, VERBATIM: “Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) plans to release its first quarter 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The company will host an investor conference call to review the results at approximately 9:00 a.m. (ET) on the same day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j2thX0
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
CONCERNS: From Senator Amy Klobuchar via X, VERBATIM: “I visited @MNSoyGrowers President Darin Johnson's farm to meet with members of his family and MSGA leaders to discuss farmers' concerns, including trade uncertainty and rising input costs as we near spring planting season.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4jgzoXX
HOWARD LAKE: Via KRWC-Radio, VERBATIM: “We have more information today from this week’s agriculture forum hosted by Munson Lakes Nutrition in Howard Lake. U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar was on hand for the session that drew some 60 agribusiness persons from throughout the region. The senator outlined some of the issues that continue to block progress on a new Farm Bill.” KLOBUCHAR: “We have many challenges ahead. The first challenge right in front of us is in this reconciliation bill in that some of the money that is in that bill is going to determine what a Farm Bill could look like.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jZp9rd
911: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “During an emergency, people are trained to call 911. Those calls come into a Plymouth office building along Shenandoah Lane where public safety telecommunicators – also known as dispatchers — like Jayme Beerling are the ones who answer them. Beerling has spent the last five years working as a dispatcher, putting in 12-hour shifts and taking up to 100 emergency calls a day . . . On March 29, their training was put to the test when a plane crash-landed onto a home in Brooklyn Park . . . During that incident, Beerling helped manage the phone calls, while [Samaya Braatz] went into an observer role. All told, the dispatchers responded to 85 emergency calls during a five-minute time span.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jvhi44
VOLUNTEERS: Via KIMT-TV, VERBATIM: “Ahead of National Volunteer Week next week, 26 different nonprofits gathered at 125 Live to recruit new volunteers. According to an AmeriCorps survey, 40.3% of Minnesotans formally volunteered between September 2022 and 2023. The volunteer fair at 125 Live featured nonprofit organizations like Mayo Clinic Hospice, The American Red Cross and Ronald McDonald House, all spreading the word about opportunities to get involved.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42O1YtP
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
SLEEP NUMBER: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Sleep Number, VERBATIM: “Sleep Number Corporation (Nasdaq: SNBR) today announced that it granted equity awards on April 15, 2025, as a material inducement to the employment of the company's newly-hired President and Chief Executive Officer, Linda A. Findley.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cKRyPd
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BEER+FOOD: Via Eater Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “A great beer is wonderful, but pairing it with exceptional food makes for a fantastic taproom experience. Luckily for beer and food fans in the Twin Cities, there is plenty of top-tier beer and a variety of food at breweries and brewpubs across the metro area from pizza styles like Detroit to New Haven, to the popular Juicy Lucy burger oozing with molten-hot cheese, and even smoked ribs.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3EJwW9V
BDAYS: lobbyist Robin Rowen, GOP operative Brad Biers, fmr. Senator and Commissioner Shiela Kiscaden, Ramsey county stalwart Darren Tobolt
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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