The State Fair this morning announced Brad Paisley will play the Grandstand September 3rd. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QnWCBO
9 of 16 on the Star Tribune’s list of the state’s largest employers cut jobs last year. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vgfe6S
President Trump this morning warned “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless Iran cuts a deal by tonight. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ccAXEc
It’s BACK…the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast on April 17, featuring Sen. Min. Ldr. Mark Johnson, DFL House leader. Jamie Long, Sen Asst. Maj. Ldr.. Nick Frentz and House GOP Ldr. Harry Niska in a mid-session discussion moderated by Blois Olson and presented by Fluence Advisory. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4lWWmFM
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
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/3O0j9UF
On Sunday Take, GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska and DFL Rep. Matt Norris discussed what the Legislature did on break and what they expect to get done this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3O830wr
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
A BUSY TUESDAY
TODAY: Via True North News Alliance, VERBATIM: “The True North News Alliance, a statewide coalition of journalists, newsroom leaders, and community leaders, holds its first Capitol rally to advocate investments in local media as a public good. The event marks an important moment of unity: TV stations, print newsrooms, ethnic media, digital startups, civic organizations, and media consumers speaking with one voice — declaring that access to quality local information is a shared civic resource deserving public investment. Ninety-seven local news outlets have closed across Minnesota since 2018, and the consequences are showing: less civic participation, less government accountability, and growing information gaps statewide.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/41mZdyj
ETHICS: Via Minnesota House, from Rep. Alex Falconer (DFL-Eden Prairie) responding to an ethics complaint from the House GOP. FALCONER: “It’s no surprise to my constituents that I care about the Boundary Waters; I literally campaigned with a canoe on top of my car . . . I’ve spent more than a decade working to protect Minnesota’s crown jewel for all generations to come and am proud of my work. My legislative work on this issue was vetted with nonpartisan House experts. It’s all above board. This is simply a desperate attempt to deflect from clearly unethical conduct from Reps. Hudson and Engen. Why else would they bring this up now, when I’ve been working on these bills since I was seated?”
MORE: ICYMI… morning take shared details of the allegations against Representatives Falconer, Engen, and Hudson. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41gael5
US BANK: Via Adweek, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, the NFL announced that it partnered with [Minneapolis-based] U.S. Bank in a multi-year partnership, making the financial institution the first brand to hold a standalone banking sponsorship with the NFL in 30 years . . . Beginning Tuesday, U.S. Bank will serve as the bank and wealth management partner of the league, while American Express stepped in to claim the payments category from Visa. The NFL has not yet named its peer-to-peer banking sponsor, but PayPal is the odds-on favorite, according to the Sports Business Journal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cvoegY
MORE: Via Marketing Dive, VERBATIM: “The NFL’s retail banking rights had been held by Truist since 2021 as part of a pass-through of Visa’s larger financial services sponsorship, which ended after last season. U.S. Bank has banked the Minnesota Vikings since the team’s inaugural season in 1961 and has had a relationship with the NFL itself for more than 20 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sW4vwN
HENN CTY: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Bad news first: Hennepin County’s budget has a rocky road ahead of it. The good news? Commissioners don’t want higher property taxes any more than you do. A recent meeting of the county’s budget committee outlined what has become a familiar, if unwelcome, topic for local governments across Minnesota and the rest of the country: looming federal cuts. Hennepin County Chief Financial Office Joe Mathews was tasked with sharing up-to-date details. The most immediate challenge is the $8 million reduction in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing food for about 110,000 residents in the county.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4csSj0K
ST LOUIS CTY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “There’s growing anger in St. Louis County over the federal government withholding more than $6 million on five road projects because of planned labor agreements. Currently, St. Louis County requires a planned labor agreement for projects over $150,000, meaning that rather than bringing workers from outside of the region, those projects would be done by union trades in the area. But, the county received an email from the Federal Highway Administration saying in part, ‘If the county decides to move forward, any use of a PLA on a project without FHWA approval will result in the project not being eligible for federal aid funds.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tpDMsq
FEED FRAUD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The first defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme to admit his involvement avoided prison because of his early and extensive cooperation with investigators. After the FBI raided the Feeding Our Future offices and two dozen other locations in early 2022, Bekam A. Merdassa was the first co-conspirator to come forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4snxusq
FLAG: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Elk River, about 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis, is the latest Minnesota city to decide to continue flying the former state flag. The Elk River City Council voted unanimously Monday night to draft a resolution to display the retired Minnesota state flag on all city properties. A final vote is expected on April 20. The issue has fired up the community . . . More than 1,000 people submitted their opinion online after the city council asked for input. Nearly 75 percent of respondents voiced support for the old flag.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5eQSq
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)
DEVELOPMENT
RED TAPE: Via Minnesota Chamber, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released its 2026 update on environmental permitting today, tracking progress in reducing timelines, addressing backlogs and improving transparency in Minnesota’s review processes. The report follows the Foundation’s 2024 study, Streamlining Minnesota’s environmental permitting process: Essential for economic growth, and shows partial progress but persistent challenges.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/41R3fPD SCORECARD: https://fluence-media.co/4dz4IRW
ST PAUL: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “It’s been years since market conditions stalled out the completion of the Highland Bridge project and seemed to doom promised development near Allianz Field, but there are finally signs of new construction at both locales . . . Construction costs jumped post-Covid. Inflation drove up interest rates and tightened spending. St. Paul rent control, activated in 2022, capped yearly rent increases at 3% for most residential units—and dried up investment, [development manager Sean Ryan] says.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t0e2TI
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)
SCHOOLS
ST SCHOLASTICA: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The College of St. Scholastica is facing a significant budget deficit, which has already led to the layoff of several faculty members at the private college. In a series of internal emails obtained by the News Tribune, St. Scholastica administrators identified a $5.6 million budget gap that the college is attempting to close for the 2027 fiscal year.” QUOTE: “We are not immune to these systemic pressures,” read a March 16 newsletter shared with the News Tribune. “To ensure our institution remains a pillar of learning and opportunity, we must adapt to the economic realities of our time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tycNuS
ST PAUL: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Benjamin E. Mays IB World School in St. Paul will launch a new Afrocentric magnet program this fall, transitioning away from its International Baccalaureate curriculum to teach through Black history and center the identity, excellence and self-determination of its predominantly African American student body.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mg039K
BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “After nearly a year of evaluation and discussion, the Brainerd Public Schools Board has approved a new elementary literacy curriculum aimed at strengthening foundational reading skills for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The curriculum, known as Emerge, is designed to provide a cohesive and structured approach to literacy instruction, integrating reading, writing, phonics, and comprehension into a unified framework. District leaders say the goal is to ensure all students develop a strong reading foundation early in their academic journey.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cgtuUF
GRANDMAS RIDE ATV’S 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)
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
CHURCH: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Since 1913, St. Clement Catholic Church has stood the test of time in Minneapolis’ Northeast Arts District. It’s served as a social hub for countless community members and lifelong residents like Ann Marie Cosgrove . . . But the church’s future is uncertain. This may very likely be the last Easter celebration, church leaders said, at the more than 110-year-old church . . . Aaron Stockton, a trustee for the church, said a piece of equipment as old as the church itself is to blame. Despite patches and fixes over the years, he said the church’s boiler is on its last legs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tvG751
STATE PARK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on two draft amendments for Itasca State Park management plans.” QUOTE: “We’re doing two plan amendments to the 1983 Itasca State Park Management Plan.” explained Minnesota DNR Division of Parks and Trails’ Jade Templin, “One plan amendment deals primarily with overnight use and winter services, primarily winter trail use. And then the other plan amendment deals with redevelopment of two of the boat accesses on lake by task of the boat, access at the airport campground, and the boat access that is near Douglas Lodge at the southern end of the lake.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41Whanq
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
GEN MILLS: Via Fox 2 in St. Louis, VERBATIM: “A General Mills manufacturing facility in St. Charles County will be shutting its doors this summer. According to the Missouri WARN Notice posted Monday, General Mills Operations, LLC, is closing the facility, located at 3850 Milestone Pkwy. in St. Charles, on June 8. This closure is permanent. In total, 163 employees will be laid off within two weeks of the closing date.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mjhCWr
POT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A new chapter in Minnesota’s cannabis landscape begins April 11 with the opening of Flame & Flora, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s new dispensary in Prior Lake.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dyOdVQ
POPS: Via Elk River-based JonnyPops, VERBATIM: “JonnyPops, the Minnesota-based frozen novelty brand known for creating ‘A Better Pop for a Better World,’ is officially launching in Canada, bringing its magical pops and signature kindness-driven mission to Canadian freezers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vvvbX4
MINING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., visited the Mesabi Metallics project site Monday, highlighting the role the under-construction iron ore mine and pellet plant is expected to play in Minnesota’s economy and the nation’s steel supply chain. Klobuchar toured the $2.5 billion Nashwauk facility alongside company leadership, receiving an update on construction progress and meeting with workers helping build what is expected to be the first new iron ore mine in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41WeWo4
SEAFOOD: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Coastal Seafoods in St. Paul will close permanently this weekend, less than three years after the longtime shop relocated and expanded its operations with a larger seafood counter, new restaurant and outdoor patio.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48mnvwb
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Hospitality Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Hospitality Minnesota will release its annual State of the Industry report highlighting how Minnesota’s hospitality industry is nearing the breaking point. Restaurants and lodging businesses are finding it nearly impossible to navigate burdensome regulations, changing consumer dynamics, financial pressures, and polarizing politics.”
(DISCLOSURE: Hospitality Minnesota is a Fluence client)
THIS MONTH: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It’s time again for the St. Paul Art Crawl. Established in 1991 in Lowertown, the biannual event, taking place over three weekends in the spring, is held throughout all of St. Paul. There will be more than 30 venues and 300 artists participating with exhibits, art classes, live music, food trucks, and more this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41iru9m
THIS MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Celebrating its fifth year, the Zeitgeist Minnesota Film Festival (April 22-26) returns to Duluth’s Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community with a lineup that feels both deeply local and refreshingly expansive. While larger festivals often chase premieres and star power, Zeitgeist leans into something else entirely: storytelling rooted in place.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmZy1R
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MERCADO CENTRAL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It’s hard to imagine Minneapolis—let alone East Lake Street—without Mercado Central, which first opened as a cooperative in 1997 and has remained a hub for the city’s Latino community ever since, a gathering place for family lunches, morning pastries, business meetings, and weekend shopping.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dz6vGt
BDAYS: civic leader Rick Beeson, DFL operative Joe Radinovich
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.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2026 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427