Nearly 30 years after her disappearance, a judge has released part of a search warrant in the Jodi Huisentruit case. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EKUVZV
The Minnesota Department of Health – including its “Team Diarrhea” – was featured on Sunday’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ECoVXT
In a NPR/PBS Marist Poll, 80% of Democrats and 49% of independents give President Trump a failing grade at the end of his first 100 days. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/3YTzH2F
The BBC interviewed three North American spice importers – they warn of bland food ahead. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jxg6xO
Canada’s Liberal Party did better in yesterday’s election than many would have thought a few weeks ago. What’s not yet certain is if they did well enough to secure an outright majority in Parliament. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3EQIhsb
MplsStPaul is out with its “best of the Twin Cities” poll of its readers. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4jqFAN6
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44KIWpC
On Saturday we launched our first premium publication. The Fluence Brief, they will be released 3-4 times a month and dive deeper into the business, economic and political dynamics of the Midwest. First one is gratis, but then we’ll have a fee. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQw43r
KSTP’s Tom Hauser was on Sunday Take to discuss how Minnesota politics and media have changed since morning take began 15 years ago. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jvVJRy
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)
TONIGHT: Via Democratic Governors Association, VERBATIM: “TONIGHT, on Trump’s 100th day in office, Democratic Governors Tim Walz, JB Pritzker, Maura Healey, and Kathy Hochul will join The MeidasTouch Network – the most-downloaded podcast in the country – for a live virtual town hall to discuss the damage from Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda and how Democratic governors are standing up to protect the people in their states.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jPyDF3
SUPCT: Via K-12 Dive, VERBATIM: “A student disability case that could expose schools to increased financial liability for free-and-appropriate-education violations took an unexpected turn during oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday morning, as justices and attorneys found themselves at odds over the school district’s position. Arguments in the case, A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, began with a question of whether K-12 students with disabilities have to meet a higher legal bar than other Americans to win damages for violations under Title II of the American Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42zVAqg
POLARIS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Polaris Inc. (PII) on Tuesday reported a loss of $66.8 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Medina, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of $1.17. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring costs and amortization costs, were 90 cents per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The snowmobile and ATV maker posted revenue of $1.54 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YlPY0g
MORE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sales decreased 12% as the powersports industry continues to slow. The uncertain economy caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other factors is also affecting the company, officials said. The Medina-based firm withdrew its financial guidance for the fiscal year and said it is trying to control what it can through efficiencies and other means.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cWkOT5
TARIFFS: Via MPR, how tariffs are impacting an Asian foods store in North Mankato, VERBATIM: “About half of Seoul Foods’ inventory comes from Chinese suppliers — things like rice, spices and teas. And those goods will be subject to the Trump Administration’s 145-percent tariffs, making Nam and Hensley very nervous. Hensley said the tariffs haven’t affected them too much—yet. But, there are signs that the prices of some of their more popular items, such as mango ice cream, could skyrocket.” QUOTE: “So, I called the supplier, (and asked) ‘How many can I get?’ And she was like, ‘ I only have a few cases left, and the next time they come, they’re gonna be 125 percent higher,’” Hensley recalled. “Imagine if you’re selling $15 for three and they (more than) double it, 125 percent…you’re not even buying those…because no one’s gonna pay over ten dollars for an ice cream.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/434L8qK
HEAD START: Via Minnesota Senate DFL, VERBATIM: “Yesterday, April 28, a group of state lawmakers sent a letter to members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, expressing strong support for Head Start and Early Head Start, and urging Minnesota’s US Representatives and Senators to stand with Minnesota families and oppose President Trump’s proposed cuts to the programs. Project 2025 – an agenda written by Trump’s current director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russel Vought – calls for the elimination of Head Start. Providers across the country are saying this would be devastating for families who rely on these services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42NyTNZ
SANCTUARY CITIES: Via Fox News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday instructing the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security to create a list of all sanctuary cities failing to adhere to federal immigration laws, providing them a chance to abandon their sanctuary status. The order comes as Trump seeks to speed up deportations, following through on a key promise he made on the campaign trail during his third bid for president. But so-called ‘sanctuary cities,’ or jurisdictions that limit the ability of local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, have restricted his ability to do so.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44KPNzl
MORE: Via Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank providing data for those who want fewer migrants, lists these as sanctuary jurisdictions in Minnesota:
Anoka County
Cottonwood County
Dakota County
Hennepin County
Jackson County
Kandiyohi County
Lincoln County
Lyon County
Nobles County
Pipestone County
Ramsey County
Watonwan County
LISTS/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4juDRGu
THE ORDER: Via The White House, a news release about the order with a list of actions planned for sanctuary jurisdictions. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YTwKPD
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)
MNLEG: Via Gray TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota legislature has just three weeks to finalize a budget; the House and Senate will adjourn on May 19th, ideally without needing extra time in a special session to wrap things up. The capitol has seen a noticeable shift in pace over the last week, as both chambers have ramped up both the frequency and length of their floor sessions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44eH3S4
DRAG RACING: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Police in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park spent Saturday night dispersing large groups of drag racers from parking lots. According to law enforcement officials, more than 400 vehicles had gathered in a parking lot near Dollar Tree off Highway 100 in Brooklyn Center around 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. These gatherings are not uncommon, but have the potential to turn violent, said Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lT99sf
EV: Via MnDOT, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces 12 future locations of new electric vehicle charging stations along interstates 90 and 94 from nearly $10 million in state and federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which was part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021.”
MORE: Via Atlas Public Policy, stats and maps showing numbers of EVs in Minnesota as well as progress in installing chargers. DASHBOARD: https://fluence-media.co/4iFBwrk
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Bemidji school district has been operating in a severe deficit since 2018. Last week, Superintendent Jeremy Olson proposed a $1.6 million reduction for the 2026 fiscal year, and on Monday night, the school board voted to pass several of these ideas, including the reduction of several positions within the district and moving middle school sports between the high school and community ed. The meeting to determine the FY26 budget started with several outspoken community members explaining how, if passed, each proposed reduction would affect the students and community.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iFgUiG
ST PAUL: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Jim Forsland and Dana Rose, longtime Sharrett’s Liquors co-owners, are retiring and have sold the business to new owners, who plan to briefly close the store for renovation before reopening in early summer. The final day of operation for the current iteration of Sharrett’s — and Forsland and Rose’s final day behind the counter — is Tuesday, April 29. Nearly every bottle in the store, located at 2389 University Ave., is on sale.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jvtlii
GRANTS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Paul is rolling out grants this summer to help neighborhood businesses spruce up their storefronts, and to fund murals and other public art to make local nodes more vibrant. The money comes as construction worries weigh on neighborhood businesses, with seasonal road work ramping up, along with St. Paul’s sales tax-funded street reconstruction projects.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Ppw0j
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)
GROCERIES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Walmart, Target and Cub Foods remain the top three grocers in the Twin Cities.” NUMBERS: https://fluence-media.co/4cPlHN8
RALLY: Via Supermarket News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota grocery workers rallied on Sunday as union talks dragged on with several local grocery banners. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663, which is conducting negotiations with Lunds & Byerlys, Kowalski’s, Cub Foods, and others, said it is fighting against retailers’ efforts to transition to a ‘tiered’ model for health care at some chains, as well as other changes to wage and benefit structures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iFxf7g
TWO HARBORS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Two Harbors Investments Corp. (TWO) on Monday reported a loss of $79.1 million in its first quarter. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 89 cents per share . . . The real estate investment trust that invests in mortgage-backed securities posted revenue of $111.4 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iHiVei
MORE: Via Two Harbors, from the earnings news release, QUOTE: “Given the uncertain macroeconomic environment that we are currently in, we are focused on keeping our risk exposures low,” stated Nick Letica, TWO’s Chief Investment Officer. “You can see evidence of this in various dimensions across our portfolio at quarter-end, including lower notional mortgage exposure and lower spread exposure. We are also maintaining high levels of excess liquidity, even as the funding markets have remained liquid and well supported. But from dislocation, there is also opportunity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42BQ8Dj
GOLF: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The working group tasked with planning the future of the old Lester Park Golf Course and its ideas to Duluth City Councilors Monday. Since last year, the 25-member Lester Park Working Group has been coming up with proposals for the future of the course.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42yuuzH
MORE: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Three ideas were briefly presented. The first would see the land privately developed, with a hotel, shops and housing being built, in addition to the golf course . . . The second idea would be a partnership between two non-profits that would see the land stay as a public park. Golf would remain at Lester, though in a simplified format for beginners, children, and older players . . . The final option presented was a plan to have a single non-profit work to reopen the course as is, while remaining open to future developments.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YoOe6u
TOMORROW: Via news release from Eden Prairie-based Surmodics, VERBATIM: “Surmodics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRDX), a leading provider of medical device and in vitro diagnostic technologies to the health care industry, today announced that second quarter of fiscal year 2025 financial results will be released before the market opens on Wednesday, April 30.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lRVsd3
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The president of Minnesota Pork is emphasizing the potential harm trade wars can have on agriculture. Todd Selvik says tariffs cause retaliation and uncertainty. ‘It would be really good to get our opinions out there, to tell people the state of the industry and that we’re not unscathed by all this stuff.’ The Waseca crop and livestock farmer tells Brownfield about 25 percent of U.S. pork is exported.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42Vs6Cd
TAXES: Via RFD-TV, VERBATIM: “Corn growers are highlighting tax priorities to Congress, calling on farmers to contact policymakers and voice support for key provisions. National Corn Growers Association President Kenny Hartman joined RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender to discuss what tax priorities need to happen, how they can impact farmers across the nation, and their work to protect the stepped-up basis tax provision.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lS2nDg
RECALL: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing and consuming certain Gerber Products Company Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for these products after determining they pose a choking hazard to babies and young children.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RAVNmL
MN ZOO: Via Minnesota Zoo, VERBATIM: “Are you ready to welcome the little ones? Then be here for Farm Babies, a beloved springtime tradition at the Minnesota Zoo! Farm Babies is open daily during Zoo hours and is included with your Zoo admission.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3S8b9zg
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
MAY13: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Regis, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, will issue financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025, before the market opens on May 13, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GIyyol
MAY13: Via news release from New Prague-based Electromed, VERBATIM: “Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD), a leader in innovative airway clearance technologies, today announced that it will issue its financial results press release for the fiscal 2025 third quarter ended March 31, 2025, on May 13, 2025 after the close of the stock market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YofiTf
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MAY11: Via MplsStPaul, recommendations for eating on Mother’s Day. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3LPP9Ws
BDAYS: Sen Heather Gustafson, Mayo’s Tina Bro
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