The Minneapolis City Council found some common ground – repairing the “Witch’s Hat” water tower in Prospect Park. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QXZfKU
A Harvard analysis and others have said women are less likely to use AI and more likely to have their jobs impacted by it. Twin Cities Business talked with women who beg to differ. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4crKB7a
The Justice Department this morning announced it’s dropping its criminal investigation of Fed chair Jerome Powell. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4tzJ59c
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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
Sunday Take featured four leaders at the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast — GOP Senate Ldr. Mark Johnson, GOP House Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska, DFL Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and DFL House Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long — discussing the final month of session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbCY1
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FINALLY FRIDAY…
STUDY: Via Minneapolis-based Allianz, VERBATIM: “Americans growing worry about running out of money has increased significantly over the last five years, according to the 2026 Annual Retirement Study from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Two in three Americans (67%) say they worry more about running out of money than death. This is up 10 percentage points from 2022 (57%). Gen Xers (73%) are more likely to hold this worry than millennials (69%) or boomers (59%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzIZyi
PALANTIR: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The Swiss National Bank should sell its $1.1 billion stake in Palantir Technologies, campaigners from Minneapolis said at a meeting of the central bank on Friday, citing the firm’s involvement in U.S. immigration enforcement operations. The SNB held 6.24 million Palantir shares at the end of 2025 as part of its 725 billion Swiss franc ($922 billion) foreign currency investments, according to the latest filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Palantir, a data analytics firm co-founded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, won a contract last year with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to develop surveillance systems. Its work has come under scrutiny following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in separate incidents involving immigration officials in Minneapolis in January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pM6gb
CD2: Via email from the Westby campaign, VERBATIM: “Jeremy Westby, a Minnesota son who grew up in small towns across the state, today announced his candidacy for Congress in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District – switching his campaign from the Third District to answer what he called an urgent need for conservative leadership in the Second.” WESTBY: “I had been building a campaign in CD-3, but when Tyler Kistner announced his deployment to serve our country, it changed the picture in the Second District.”
$44 MILLION: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “A progressive voter contact group is spending $44 million on midterm engagement efforts this cycle, with a focus on key battleground states as Democrats look to retake the House majority and make inroads in the GOP-controlled Senate this November. The Progressive Turnout Project (PTP) is spending $44.1 million on five initiatives aimed at turning out voters ahead of November: $35 million on door knocking; $4 million on a program dedicated to electing pro-democracy candidates; $2.5 million to training campaign fellows on door knocking; $2.1 million for training members to send postcards to inconsistent Democratic voters; and $500,000 toward engaging beauty salons and barber shops on voter turnout.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5NznN
MORE: Via an email from PTP President Alex Morgan, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, PTP is placing Campaign Fellows on state legislative races to support Democratic State House and State Senate candidates.”
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)
AT THE CAPITOL
GROOMING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When state Rep. Peggy Bennett heard Hannah LoPresto’s story of surviving what a police investigation described as a ‘pattern of predatory grooming’ by a former high school teacher, the Republican lawmaker from Albert Lea knew she had to do something. ‘It really brought back memories for me from quite a few years ago,’ Bennett told fellow legislators this month. ‘When I was a 10th grader in high school, I was groomed by my band director. And I just thought, ‘You know what? I think it’s time I tell my story too because I really haven’t shared it with many people.’’ Bennett worked with LoPresto to craft a bill addressing some of the gaps in Minnesota’s system meant to prevent misconduct, grooming and abuse in schools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42dvMPP
HCMC: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are one step closer to voting on a bill that would help fund the Hennepin County Medical Center. Leaders of the hospital system, the state’s top level one trauma center, say it could close this year if it doesn’t get funding help from the state. The proposal is part of a larger Health and Human services bill that passed its last committee hurdle in the Senate on Thursday. It’s now expected to hit the floor next week. Part of the bill includes giving HCMC $50 million this year and $100 million next year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eHkV7X
WALZ: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a nationally televised late-night interview. The big picture: The DFL governor’s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week’s announcements that he’s writing a book and launching a federal PAC, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e2LrZh
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)
IN THE CITIES
BEER + COFFEE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Mount Olivet chapel, built in 1938 and standing at 1700 West 50th Street, is marked by disuse: asbestos, mold, water damage, a holey roof. Trespassers may be scavenging for copper pipes, senior pastor David Lose says, noting the security cameras. Just the parking lot remains in use . . . Lose wants to tear down the chapel and build a not-for-profit brewery and coffeehouse. He says community feedback has assured him this dense, affluent neighborhood—lacking competition in the brewery market—would support his social mission. That is to dispel some of the much discussed loneliness epidemic by means of a new ‘third space.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ctNft7
MIDWAY: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Just weeks after the cathartic demolition of the former CVS in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, there’s a plan to build on the vacant lot where it stood. The pharmacy, shuttered during COVID-19 and closed permanently in 2022, was an eyesore for years. Neighbors threw a party when the abandoned building was demolished in March — though the celebration was tempered with the knowledge that there was no plan for what would happen next on the highly visible corner. On Thursday, April 23, the city of St. Paul announced that the site would be developed by Bill McGuire, the Minnesota United soccer team part owner who is developing the United Village area around Allianz Field, kitty-corner from the former CVS site.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OkIQj2
MORE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “McGuire stressed that he would ‘ensure that the new building adds to and appropriately reflects the important history of the neighborhood and the dynamic future for those who live, work, and visit the area.’ He also said that he hopes his project will encourage others to invest in St. Paul. Molly Coleman, a City Council member who represents the Midway area, said that McGuire’s additional investment will ‘expand on the energy and excitement around what we all know should be the most vibrant, welcoming corner in St. Paul.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/491cLDF
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)
THE LOCALS
DULUTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Citing financial pressure and staffing challenges, a Duluth childcare center says it will close its doors for good in the coming weeks. Lakeside Early Learning recently announced plans to permanently close on June 4, a move that will mean 60 families need to find new childcare, and multiple workers new jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vKNE1X
NORTH MPLS: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “In a wide-ranging community conversation hosted by veteran journalist Al McFarlane — part of an ongoing series of North Minneapolis investment and equity dialogues sponsored by U.S. Bank — leaders from across Minneapolis’ park system and its supporting institutions gathered to reflect on North Commons Park, its past, its future, and what it represents for North Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/499QFPt
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A developer is considering building a 203-unit, four-story apartment complex in Brooklyn Park near the Highway 610-Zane Avenue corridor. However, for the project to move forward, the developer is requesting between $8 million and $9 million in tax increment financing. Bader Development is proposing the complex on city-owned property at Xenia Avenue and Oak Grove Parkway, across the street from Burger King.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzEljQ
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)
COMMERCE
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, Minnesota-based companies’ earnings reports:
AMERIPRISE: “Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. (AMP) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $915 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $9.68 . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e87UEd
APOGEE: “Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) on Friday reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $16.6 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 78 cents . . . The glass products company posted revenue of $351.4 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d3vj8P
STILLWATER: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on the Stillwater Food Tour, founded by two moms, which will begin taking bookings today. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eFLydl
GROCERIES: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “People in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood got a chance to weigh in on a new grocery store Thursday. Ecolibrium3 is opening the new store on West Superior Street to fill a food desert in the area. Future shoppers gave their input on what they’d like to buy in the store and how they’d like it to be displayed.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QFe4BZ
NEW CFO: Via HealthPartners, VERBATIM: “HealthPartners announced that Blake Berquist has joined the organization as executive vice president and chief financial officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e7TuUC
NEW CHAIR: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, has announced the election of Paul R. Garcia as the independent Chair of its Board of Directors. Mr. Garcia has been a member of the Deluxe Board of Directors since 2020. He succeeds Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, who announced her retirement earlier this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwoEnA
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: From Insight Brewing via Instagram, Smash Fest featuring “burgers, brews & bluegrass.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4e7w4Pk
TOMORROW: The Yes! House, a community gathering space in Granite Falls, hosts a grand opening celebration. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42xBhbT
THIS WEEKEND: Mia’s Art in Bloom continues through the weekend. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4sXPSsa
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
JOE MAUER: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “There’s something undeniably fitting about Joe Mauer inspiring a musical rooted in kindness, humility, and doing the right thing. The St. Paul native and longtime Minnesota Twins star has always been known as much for his character as his career—and now, that legacy is lighting up the stage in a whole new way. At Stages Theatre Co., ‘The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story’ is charming audiences with a heartfelt, family-friendly production that feels as genuine as its subject.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48FDTIz
BDAYS: NYT’s Ernesto Londono, Sen. Ann Rest, Rep. Emma Greenman, public affairs veteran Tonya Tennesen SAT: Greater MN thinker Steve Greenfield, journalist and data guy David Montgomery, WCCO Radio’s Lindsey Peterson. SUN: Essentia’s Andy Askew, cousin Steve Florman, health guy Al Tsai, trend driver Sarah Edwards.
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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