25% of non-homeowners in the U.S. expect to buy a home in the next five years – that’s the lowest since Gallup began measuring in 2013. Americans don’t think much of the housing market, either:
MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4edfEoB
It’s been 50 years since a failing soccer franchise in Denver became the Minnesota Kicks. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3P6wACW
In the market for a golf course? There’s one for sale in Sartell. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuZJs1
From MPR, the story of the “Rebel Loon” tattoo. LISTEN/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4uCy7jt
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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
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eScQxf
On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz
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Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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MIDWEEK CHECK-IN
NEW THIS MORNING: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down Louisiana’s voting map, finding that lawmakers had illegally used race when drawing up a new majority-minority district. The decision was 6-to-3, split along ideological lines. The conservative majority asserted that the opinion was a limited ruling that preserved a central tenet of the Voting Rights Act, but the court’s liberal wing, in dissent, argued that the justices had taken the final step to dismantle the landmark civil rights law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uk0nHj
VIKINGS: Via Minnesota Vikings, from Mark and Zygi Wilf, QUOTE: “With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders. We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization. Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.”
TOMORROW: Via Zacks, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy XEL is set to report first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 30, before market open . . . The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 91 cents, implying a year-over-year increase of 8.33%. The consensus estimate for revenues is pinned at $4.21 billion, indicating an increase of 7.69% from the year-ago reported number.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w4h4IA
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
GAS: Via USA Today, VERBATIM: “Minnesota gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.75 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.66 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uiiP38
MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Mesabi Metallics moves toward production, legislators are moving to make changes in state minerals articles to direct future production taxes paid by the mining company to schools, cities and townships within the Taconite Assistance Area. Minerals articles authored by Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, and co-authored by Sen. Rob Farnsworth, R-Hibbing, would make a number of modifications aimed at benefiting area schools and municipalities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ed88dl
LOBBYING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The end of a 20-year mining moratorium in the Superior National Forest marked the culmination of a months-long fight on Capitol Hill between environmentalists, tribal leaders and a lobbying shop friendly with the president. Political momentum shifted toward pro-mining interests earlier this year behind a concerted lobbying push, and once congressional Republicans changed tactics. Public records show Twin Metals Minnesota paid $380,000 to the Bernhardt Group, a newly formed lobbying firm led by former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, between the second quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDJIZk
CHILD WELFARE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Minnesota counties are telling state lawmakers they need more financial support to launch a new law focused on communities that are overrepresented in the child welfare system. The African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act requires stepped-up social work to protect kids and families from foster care separation, and must be enacted statewide by January. But associations representing Minnesota’s urban and rural counties say that unless they receive additional funds to provide the necessary services, the law’s start date should be delayed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49fwlfy
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)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
RICHFIELD: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Police fatally shot a man who was initially suspected of being a ‘car prowler’ in Richfield early Wednesday, with an officer shot in the hand during an alleged gunfight. Richfield Police Department says it was called at 3:24 a.m. to the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue by a resident who was reporting a car prowler in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49i8U5j
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is handling the investigation. The agency confirmed that agents were responding to the scene Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officials remained at the scene, not far from Richfield Middle School and the Best Buy corporate headquarters, several hours after the shooting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddJpVd
NEW HOPE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The New Hope City Council approved nearly $2 million in police technology upgrades at its April 27 meeting, a significant investment that officials believe will help it to further promote accountability and transparency. The $1.8 million, 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise includes the purchase of new body-worn cameras, Tasers and squad cameras.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cOR5gJ
ICE IN MN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Between Dec. 1 and mid-March, about 90 people who were born in Laos and arrested in Minnesota were detained by ICE, according to detention statistics the Deportation Data Project obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. As MPR News has reported, the data is likely incomplete . . . Those who return to Laos do so with precarious legal status, according to Chanida Phaengdara Potter, managing director of ROOTS Laos, a group helping people rebuild their lives after deportation. She said, until they get permanent status, they cannot own property, vehicles or land. Those with health problems may struggle to access medical care, and those without language skills may struggle to find jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QFtupZ
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)
NEWS UPDATES
WILD: Bring Me The News spotted a Minnesota Wild job posting for a media sales executive that talks about “a new home” for broadcasts. VERBATIM: “We can glean from this that the next broadcast partner for the Wild will feature streaming and local television access, meaning some games will be available via an app while others will be over the air on a local channel such as KARE 11, FOX 9, WCCO-TV, or KSTP-TV.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cH8700
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park City Council tabled a proposal on Monday to more than double the mayor’s salary. Currently, the mayor is paid $21,995 per year. If approved, the proposal would more than double that annual pay to $50,000 per year. That pay increase wouldn’t go into effect until next year, after the current mayor’s term expires and the November election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mY3brd
ST LOUIS CTY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County could soon be part of a new pilot program aimed at easing the local housing crisis. The ‘Minnesota Nice HomeShare’ program would pair seniors with spare rooms to adults seeking affordable housing, a renting an arrangement lawmakers call a win-win. Duluth’s housing crisis is a concern local leaders raise often.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Bs9D9
NEXTGEN: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced 10 workforce development grants from the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) program for seven Minnesota educational institutions partnering with Minnesota businesses to develop and deliver customized workforce training programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n9pkCT
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)
AROUND THE STATE
NOG: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NOG) on Tuesday reported a loss of $522.8 million in its first quarter. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of $5.31 per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The independent oil and gas company posted revenue of $5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/423LNrs
TWO HARBORS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Two Harbors Investments Corp. (TWO) on Tuesday reported profit of $32.3 million in its first quarter. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 18 cents per share . . . The real estate investment trust that invests in mortgage-backed securities posted revenue of $88.7 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OXR2Wq
DULUTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Duluth’s iconic Grandma’s Saloon & Grill will close one of its restaurants this weekend as the building is sold to a Minneapolis-based cannabis company. Grandma’s Restaurant Group announced Tuesday that its Miller Hill building, where the restaurant has operated since 1992, has been sold to Vireo Growth Inc.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enaaaZ
CRYSTAL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The FAIR School Crystal recently held a ‘Parade of Honor’ along Adair Avenue to celebrate all of the students who made the honor roll, but the celebration was bittersweet . . . with the school being repurposed due to budget cuts, this was the final time parents, students and teachers will come together for the Parade of Honor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48tBy3b
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
KOREA: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Building on the continued growth and strong performance of its Life Sciences business, Ecolab is further expanding its global bioprocessing capabilities to support biopharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. Today, Ecolab Life Sciences announced the opening of a new Bioprocessing Applications Lab (BPAL) in Dongtan, Korea, its first bioprocessing facility in Asia.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddZZUT
SOCIAL MEDIA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Before the doors even open, some Twin Cities retail concepts already feel personal. That’s because there’s a growing trend in today’s business owners using social media for more than an announcement of an opening date—they’re using their channels to authentically connect with customers, share the messy middle of building a business, and invite audiences along for the ride. For Madeline Warshaw, owner of Madge Home and Market in the Warehouse District, social media became a way to tell a personal story long before customers could browse the shelves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u9RAaM
CO-WORKING: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “In April, Northsider Jesse Ross hosted his first gathering in the commercial property he purchased in 2022. A once-cold warehouse at 2518 Second St. N. was broken in by a warm Northside welcome. The only fee? Laughter. It was a Northside event through and through. Comedian and Northsider Ashli Henderson brought a lineup of comics. The owners of Soul Bowl catered, jokes landed that talked about local institutions, like growing up at Willard Middle School and floating in a sound bath at the V3 Center. He bought the property out of concern for the lack of Black ownership in North Minneapolis in hopes of igniting a culture that prevents displacement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mYorNr
RESTAURANTS: Minneapolis chef and owner Ann Kim is among 20 chosen for OpenTable’s new Ambassador Council. VERBATIM: “Built on OpenTable’s deep-rooted relationships with restaurants and its commitment to serving them, the Ambassador Council introduces a new level of partnership to bring industry leaders into ongoing conversations with the business. Council members will meet with OpenTable’s executive team to discuss industry trends and happenings, exchange feedback on OpenTable’s products and priorities, and help shape short and long-term initiatives that directly impact restaurants and diners.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTAZcV
ECUMEN: Via Shoreview-based Ecumen, VERBATIM: “Ecumen today announced that Karen Flores will join the organization as SVP and Chief People Officer, effective May 4.”
EVEREVE: Via WWD, VERBATIM: “Evereve, the Edina, Minn.-based women’s fashion retailer with more than 110 stores across the U.S., has named Tammy Redpath chief marketing officer and Jocelyn Miller chief people officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w4gJWk
RAMSEY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a Carbone’s Pizzeria franchise will take over the location of a former pizza shop that closed after a 40-year run. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cWkxA6
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, April 30, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will be available from 10:00-10:30 a.m. to answer questions from the press regarding the March employment data.”
NEXT MONTH: Via Hmong Times, VERBATIM: “The vibrant sounds of tradition and the spirit of community will come alive this spring as the 2026 Qeej and Hmong Arts Festival welcomes visitors for a day-long cultural celebration. Set for May 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this unique event will take place at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, offering free admission and an open invitation to all who wish to experience the richness of Hmong heritage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dbDnV4
NEXT MONTH: Via 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 2026 third quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 after the close of the stock market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48qqjIU
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
LIBERTY BELL: Via Associated Press, the story of a Colorado man whose obsession with the Liberty Bell led to documenting replicas around the country, including one here in Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cOW6EE MINNESOTA BELL: https://fluence-media.co/4t4vg1u
BDAYS: Sen. Heather Gustafson, PR pro Jacqueline Hanson
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