Find an alternate route – a long stretch of 494 will be closed in both directions this weekend. READ: https://fluence-media.co/451Y3eC
The Postal Service ranks Minneapolis 15th on its list of the cities where employees suffered the most dog bites. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3SXPKZV
An air quality alert continues through today for northeast Minnesota due to smoke. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4kqvxbC
The Vikings signed General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to a multi-year contract extension.
THIS WEEKEND: Via Ordway, VERBATIM: “For over 20 years, the Flint Hills Family Festival has brought communities together through the power of the arts, welcoming over a million students, teachers, and families since its conception in 2001. Join us to kick off each summer with thrilling performances, student matinees, art-making activities, and more. During the Festival, kid-friendly activities spark creativity, exciting outdoor performances are free to attend, and inspiring, low-cost indoor performances are fun for the whole family!”
TODAY: 6:00–9:00 PM | Music, dancing, activities, and food to kick off the Flint Hills Family Festival weekend. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3ZED79S
TOMORROW: 9:30 AM–4:00 PM | Immerse yourself and your family in the dance acts, musical groups, and artists of the Twin Cities. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/45wsBoY
(SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
Sunday Take featured reflections on the 5th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder from activist Nekima Levy Armstrong and Star Tribune’s Andy Mannix. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4dwy7tH
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)
REPORT: From a report on business retention and expansion released this morning by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, QUOTE: “On the positive side, Minnesota continues to see an elevated volume of business expansion activity, including several major projects expected to generate billions in capital investment. Foreign direct investment is also on the rise. Heightened expansion activity reflects Minnesota’s strengths in industries like medical technology, clean energy, food processing, advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure. Many of these successes are the result of strong collaboration between businesses, communities and economic developers —working together to bring complex projects to the finish line. At the same time, cross-cutting pressures are weighing on broader business growth. Key sectors such as manufacturing have seen declines in GDP and employment.”REPORT: From a report on business retention and expansion released this morning by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, QUOTE: “On the positive side, Minnesota continues to see an elevated volume of business expansion activity, including several major projects expected to generate billions in capital investment. Foreign direct investment is also on the rise. Heightened expansion activity reflects Minnesota’s strengths in industries like medical technology, clean energy, food processing, advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure. Many of these successes are the result of strong collaboration between businesses, communities and economic developers —working together to bring complex projects to the finish line. At the same time, cross-cutting pressures are weighing on broader business growth. Key sectors such as manufacturing have seen declines in GDP and employment.”
“Minnesota lags many of its regional peers in total expansion counts and continues to experience a net outflow of investment, with more companies expanding elsewhere than entering the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45088J9
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is a Fluence sponsor)
TRANSPORTATION BILL: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Yesterday, the Legislative Working Group on Transportation agreed to a 2025 Transportation Budget Bill. The group, including House Transportation Co-Chair Erin Koegel, agreed to a bill that would invest in Minnesota’s roads, bridges, public transit, and airports . . . The legislation includes a range of impactful provisions designed to modernize transportation systems, enhance safety, and support communities across Minnesota. It makes substantial investments that will enable the full build-out of a bus rapid transit network.”
MORE: Via Minnesota House, a spreadsheet detailing the agreement signed by lawmakers. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4kBwQUA
SENATE: From Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan via X, VERBATIM: “I'm honored to have earned the endorsement of 20 leaders from suburban Minnesota. These elected officials and grassroots leaders know what it takes to deliver wins for working families. It means the world that they've placed their faith in me to continue our fight in Washington.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mFh6BU
GOVERNOR: Kendall Qualls this morning announced he’s been endorsed by former state senator Roger Chamberlain. CHAMBERLAIN: “During my time in politics, I have met few people with the integrity and character of Kendall Qualls. Add to that his life experiences and you have a person who is ready to lead the state of Minnesota. Kendall is a strong leader with the ability and vision to restore hope and respect to burden citizens, rebuild broken systems and return to normalcy our state desperately needs.”
SANCTUARIES: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security is putting more than 500 ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ across the country on notice that the Trump administration views them as obstructing immigration enforcement as it attempts to increase pressure on communities it believes are standing in the way of the president’s mass deportations agenda. The department on Thursday published a list of the jurisdictions and said each one will receive formal notification that the government has deemed them noncompliant and if they’re believed to be in violation of any federal criminal statutes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kiPqB7
MORE: Via Department of Homeland Security, the list which includes 20 counties in Minnesota as well as the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/44VQupR
CANADA: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Canadians are not happy with President Donald Trump. He has upped bellicose rhetoric between the U.S. and Canada from nil to level 100. He calls their country a state and says he wants to annex it. Then, there’s his on-again, off-again tariffs on Canadian goods. And it appears from anecdotal evidence that Canadians are showing their displeasure with their wallets. Fewer are choosing to travel to the U.S., including to northern Minnesota . . . Nationwide in April, land travel into the U.S. from Canada fell by 35%. Air travel dropped nearly 20%, too.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HyLdus
THREAT: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Officials with Austin Public Schools have informed families that a decision has been made to cancel the last day of school for Ellis Middle School students. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Dr. Joey Page says the district is working with law enforcement to investigate a potential safety concern involving Ellis Middle School.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kIT9b3
POT: Via news release on behalf of QAPL, VERBATIM: “Qualified Applicants for a Preapproval Lottery (QAPL), a nonprofit organization formed to advocate on behalf of businesses that were approved for Minnesota’s cancelled cannabis license preapproval lottery, has reached a settlement agreement with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) that will ensure meaningful prioritization in the state’s licensing process. The preapproval lottery—established by the legislature to give operationally ready social equity applicants a head start—was cancelled by OCM in November 2024 following litigation brought by applicants who were denied entry. QAPL quickly formed to challenge that cancellation and ensure that applicants who had been approved would not lose the early-mover advantage promised to them under state law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43zh45K
CHARGES: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “The president and founder of the nonprofit Minnesota Acts Now is accused of paying his employees about $150,000 less than what was in a contract with Hennepin County, according to charges filed in Hennepin County. Bishop Harding Smith has been charged with wage theft and theft by swindle, both felonies, in connection with the case. Hennepin County authorities say they had a contract with Smith and Minnesota Acts Now from August to December of 2021 to provide violence intervention services. Smith also allegedly made false claims to the county that he was paying employees wages required by the contract.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZaaNMy
MEDTRONIC: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Medtronic is increasing in-office work requirements to at least four days per week for employees in the United States who still work some days from home, an internal email from the Medtronic Executive Committee says. The changes will begin to take effect Sept. 2. The Minnesota-run medical device giant will initially prioritize seven U.S. sites, including operational headquarters in Fridley and locations in Mounds View and Rice Creek, the email said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZvNKvZ
BEST BUY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Best Buy CEO Corie Barry said Thursday that the company has already raised prices on some of its products to offset President Trump's tariffs. Why it matters: Despite a federal court striking down the president's authority to impose the tariffs this week, Best Buy said it's planning as if tariffs will remain at their current rates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43EMZ4S
MORE: Via news release from Best Buy, VERBATIM: “The Board of Directors of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) has authorized the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.95 per common share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dBKm8o
CRISP & GREEN: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Change is on the menu for Wayzata-based salad chain Crisp & Green. Founder Steele Smiley is back in the CEO role two years after stepping away. He’s buying up franchise locations to regain consistency as he plans to move the restaurants beyond salads.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZaZpQC
SOLAR: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Braham, in Isanti County, is among more than 140 schools to install solar arrays as part of Minnesota’s Solar for Schools grant program since it launched in 2022. In a time of budget crunches for schools around the state, any savings derived from the program are welcome. In some cases, boosted by state and federal incentives, districts are already coming out ahead on savings compared to costs. It took less than two years for Braham to reach that point, [superintendent Ken Gagner] said. Solar arrays on high school and elementary school buildings cost $228,830 in total. State grants totaling $194,505 and $30,571 in federal funding covered all but $3,754 of it. Gagner’s rough estimate of the district’s net savings between August 2023 and March 2025 is around $7,200. ‘We’re already in the positive,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mE4VoJ
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)
OFC MITCHELL: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “Friday marks a year since Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell was shot and killed while responding to a mass shooting in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. Law enforcement officials say he will be honored during a private memorial dedication ceremony. His name is also added to the Minneapolis Police Department flag that bears the name of every officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Minneapolis.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SsnvCE
MEDIA: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Four small newspapers in northwest Minnesota — the Leader Record, Grygla Eagle, Red Lake County Herald and McIntosh Times — published their final issues Wednesday. Why it matters: The ongoing trend of local news outlet closures and consolidations puts communities at risk of becoming ‘news deserts.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kH3Gn4
MEDICAID: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota and Wisconsin combined, about 2.5 million people receive some form of Medicaid insurance. However, under President Trump’s so called ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ that passed the U.S. House last Thursday, that number might be shrinking in the coming years . . . Constituents gathered outside Republican Rep. Pete Stauber’s office in Hermantown on Thursday to protest. A group of Duluth clergy also met there to speak with Stauber’s staff and express their anger with Stauber’s vote for the budget bill, which passed the House by just a single vote.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Z3ZllG
PRIDE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A local activist group has made it clear they don't want Police or corporations that don't support the LGBTQ-plus community at their events . . . ‘We feel that for the past nine years, TC Pride has ignored community demands around policing, has ignored community demands around making the park experience more affordable and accessible,’ says Jae Yates Twin Cities Coalition for Justice . . . The group is also opposed to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was named the 2025 Grand Marshall of TC Pride.” YATES: "Some Minnesotans may have selective memories of the uprising following George Floyd's murder, but Coach Walz is the reason I nearly got shot by the National Guard while trying to help my friends give first aid to a teenager." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3T1hn4k
LAYOFFS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Layoff notices could go out as soon as this Sunday to state workers. That's because legislators have yet to pass a new budget, and without one, parts of the government will be forced to shut down by July 1. The tax bill along with other items such as health and education continue to be sticking points in negotiations. Union contracts call for employees to be notified of any layoffs within 30 days.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3FAiHrT
UNIONS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Possible layoffs, a return-to-office directive and tense contract negotiations are straining Gov. Tim Walz’s relationship with public sector labor unions that represent thousands of state workers. There has been a notable shift in tone given that Walz has delivered many wins to unions since first being elected governor in 2018. The DFLer signed several worker protection measures into law, like paid sick leave. He signed laws enhancing collective bargaining rights and wage theft protections. His labor union support and own union background — he’s a former school teacher — was a fixture of his unsuccessful bid for vice president last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ER3Cg
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)
DULUTH: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Firefighters are needed on a daily basis, and they need to have the right tools for each emergency. Whether its water rescues, a traumatic injury, to extinguishing flames. Thanks to a $1 million investment from the City of Duluth, the fire department unveiled a new fire rig in the Gary-New Duluth area. The new fire rig for DFD’s Fire Station 10 is equipped with new updated maps, computer dispatch, but also other new equipment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kfQm9f
AI: Via Minne Inno, VERBATIM: “Can artificial intelligence replace lawyers? That technology is what a startup team in Bloomington is selling with their newly launched company, eDiscovery AI. The company has already raised millions of dollars. EDiscovery’s AI tool helps lawyers replace the human element in sorting through evidence submitted into discovery — some legal cases can involve millions of documents traditionally read by human eyes. EDiscovery AI processes and finds relevant documents for lawyers faster — in a matter of days rather than weeks or months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44VGkpb
NAT GUARD: Via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “They were holding banners, homemade signs and American flags of all sizes. The crowds lining East College Drive and East Main Street on Thursday were all waiting for the buses carrying deploying Minnesota National Guard soldiers to arrive. As two buses carrying 70 soldiers passed down Main Street, people waved and cheered. ‘It means a lot to us to support all the troops,’ said Marshall resident Katie Will. Katie and her son Cooper both took part in a final send-off for members of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 151 Field Artillery Regiment of the Minnesota National Guard. Later this summer, Alpha Battery will begin a nine-month deployment in the Middle East.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43vYH33
SCAMS: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Judicial Branch is reminding Minnesotans about the dangers of jury duty scams and assures that courts will never ask for money if you miss jury duty.” QUOTE: “You will never receive a call from either the court or law enforcement demanding money for missing jury duty,” Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said. “Jury service is an important civic duty and the cornerstone of our justice system, so these scams are particularly insidious because they not only target people, they undermine public trust and confidence in our courts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z8nWpq
TODAY: Via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Carter, local elected officials, and Latino community members will celebrate the debut of Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island outdoor sculpture exhibit. Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island is open June 1-October 26. The exhibit is an immersive display of 16 large-scale papier-mâché sculptures born out of Mexican folklore. Crafted by four artists from Mexico City, the sculptures will change monthly.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45jQbp9
TOMORROW: Grand Old Day runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/43xHyog
TOMORROW: In Brooklyn Park, it’s Tater Daze. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dBH3y0
TOMORROW: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The third annual Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair is coming up this weekend in Plymouth. It is a big, popular celebration of all things Asian culture.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3FFBbam
THIS WEEKEND: Via Axios, more events happening this weekend. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4jrPA83
NEXT WEEK: Via news release from St. Paul-based Dessert Holdings, VERBATIM: “Dessert Holdings, North America’s leading premium dessert company, is excited to make a major return to the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association show in New Orleans June 1-3, 2025. At the industry-exclusive event, Dessert Holdings will showcase its dynamic range of premium desserts, including an innovative new suite of artisanal products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kMYApv
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PICNICS: Axios asked readers for their favorite picnic spots and what they like to bring. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4kMg59w
BDAYS: Rep. Brad Finstad, lobbyist Matt Lemke, auctioneer Glen Fladeboe. SUN: nonprofit leader Tom Weaver, Sanneh Foundation’s Tony Sanneh, lobbyist Tom Poul, attorney Jason Tarasek, cable leader Melissa Wolf, soccer coach Buzz Lagos, radio personality Colleen Lindstrom.
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