The floating hot tubs made their debut on the Mississippi River over the weekend. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RWe15n
After 55 years, Saturday was Denny Long’s last day on air at WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4x1IKhA
Also leaving his post, Wild scout Judd Brackett. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vlBqMe
The new San Antonio Spurs head coach played at St. Thomas and is a St. Paul native. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4dUM3OV
ICYMI: Premium subscribers can access MNsider briefs covering even more details from the state conventions this weekend. SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49sOqHs SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4uCDEql
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
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/4foTAIh
Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b
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NEW MONTH, NEW NEWS
INTEREST RATES: Via Bloomberg, VERBATIM: “Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said it’s too early to conclude that interest rates need to rise, while arguing that the central bank should keep all options on the table.” QUOTE: “I think it’s premature for me to conclude we need to be raising rates right away,” Kashkari said Friday at an event at Korea University in Seoul. “We need to keep watching the data and watching how the conflict in the Middle East unfolds before I want to make any adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uiwwic
GOP CONVENTION: Via WCCO-TV, a look at how Kendall Qualls secured the GOP nomination for governor over House Speaker Lisa Demuth. VERBATIM: “As the voting continued, Mike Lindell, who is running for governor a third time, was forced to drop out. Lindell urged all his supporters — more than 20% of the convention delegates — to support Qualls. Lindell argued that Qualls is, like him, an outsider candidate. Lindell was quoted as saying he wanted to block Demuth from getting the nomination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4efOm0f
ICYMI… morning take had comprehensive coverage and analysis of both conventions. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3RGy87E
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Overspending by the Minneapolis Police Department is dragging down the entire city budget, threatening the city’s stellar bond ratings and raising alarms among senior city financial officials and elected leaders. The department is projected to blow its budget by more than $23 million this year after missing its target by a similar amount last year. Heavy overtime is driving the overspending.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4gAQb
CAR TABS: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The fee you pay to register your vehicles in Minnesota is set to drop next year, but just how much will the average car owner save? A one-time $254 million reduction for vehicle tab fees in 2027 — part of a deal Minnesota lawmakers struck at the end of the legislative session — will revert overall rates to pre-2024 levels. Minnesota collected more than $1 billion in personal vehicle registration fees in 2025, up from $764 million in 2023. The 33% increase over two years came after Democrats in control of state government increased tax rates and reduced the depreciation rate for vehicles.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43EuHkr
REST: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, will retire as the only legislator in Minnesota history to chair the Taxes Committee in both the state House and Senate. ‘The one person who has done it and maybe the only one who ever wanted to be the chair of both,’ said Rest with a smile in an interview with CCX News. Rest is known for her extensive work and knowledge of taxes, but she’s also well-versed in classic literature and hearkened back to her roots as an English teacher as she shared her final words on the Senate floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uBBHKS
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)
FOOD NEWS
SANDWICHES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Fast casual sandwich chain Potbelly is targeting Minnesota for a significant expansion. The company is opening its first franchising opportunities in the state, with an eye on a broad region centered around the Twin Cities metro. It plans to add at least 15 new restaurants to its 21 existing in-state locations, Todd Owens, Director of Franchise Development for the region, tells Bring Me The News.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uHpMeq
ST PAUL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Over the past few years, [chef Yen Fang] has grown her business from a pop-up to a brick-and-mortar bakery just across the street from the St. Paul Farmers’ market, where she regularly sells out of her cream-stuffed brioche donuts, decadent salt breads, and cinnamon rolls. For the first time, she’s launching a SoYen P.M., a monthly evening pop-up with a full savory menu.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5wGsM
STATE FAIR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Great Minnesota Get-Together may be several months away, but a Plymouth dessert shop already has something special planned for the big event. Nikkolette’s Macarons is gearing up for its fourth appearance at the Minnesota State Fair this summer and is bringing with it some distinctly “fair-inspired” flavors along for the ride.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RHTGRl
DIANE’S: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The 50 Best organization announced its North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards this week—and there was just one Minnesota spot on the list. Diane’s Place, chef Diane Moua’s Hmong American eatery in Minneapolis, received the award on May 28 in New Orleans, in company with restaurants from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uJG86A
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)
GREATER MINNESOTA
REFUGE: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and White Earth Nation are moving toward a multi-year funding agreement that would expand the tribe’s role in managing natural resources and visitor services at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Implementation is expected to begin July 1, and the agreement would run through the end of September 2028.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wWOmK9
WILDFIRE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County is urging residents to remain wary for any contractor cleanup scams after a large wildfire broke out near Crosslake earlier this month. Following the Flanders fire, home repair contractors are out in the area. Local emergency managements officials hope residents watch for and report any suspicious activity.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SbSyFE
TOMORROW: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “In May, the Stewart Trail Wildfire burned about 350 acres and destroyed more than 30 structures. Tuesday, the community can help those who were impacted. The Head of the Lakes United Way has partnered with the American Red Cross to help connect residents whose primary homes were damaged by the wildfire with possible additional support. To raise money, there will be a Fire Relief Fundraiser Tuesday, June 2 at Harbor Theater.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RxASnV
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
MINNEAPOLIS: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Can a childcare center be a compatible neighbor with a methadone clinic? A Northside community leader and residents who have signed onto a petition say the idea is absurd. They are calling for a review of local zoning laws, approvals, and state daycare licensing practices to stop a center from moving into the Hawthorn Crossings plaza on West Broadway Avenue next door to Community Medical Services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PUkptd
MOORHEAD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Fargo-Moorhead area has had many major flooding events and in 2009, an especially devastating flood prompted local city officials to jumpstart infrastructure improvements. Now, 17 years later, the Minnesota Legislature awarded $10 million to the City of Moorhead for local flood mitigation infrastructure improvements. The Metro Flood Diversion Authority, which oversees the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion, a $3.2 billion project meant to divert excess water around the metro area during intense flooding events, also agreed to match the $10 million award.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ScdGM0
AITKIN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The City of Aitkin’s new water tower project is close to being completed. Construction crews are continuing final painting, electrical installations, and preparing the tower for filling and startup.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RGpiqz
GRAND OLD DAY: Flint Hills Resources is thrilled to be this year’s sponsor of the Grand Old Day parade. Flint Hills employees, families and friends will be showing their Saint Paul pride as they hand out giveaways alongside one of the Pine Bend refinery’s fire trucks. New this year, Flint Hills Resources engineers will demonstrate how science is really fun (and tasty) at the Future Innovators Zone. Kids can learn how to make their very own ice cream at home. Be sure to stop by on June 7! LEARN MORE: Grand Old Day (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
TRAVEL: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Rising travel costs could entice more people to make local summer vacation plans. Minnesota remains a top choice for those making summer travel plans. Explore Minnesota’s Christopher Morgan says there are a number of spots in Minnesota that offer diverse scenery.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fjY7M4
ENERGY: Via Minnkota, VERBATIM: “North Plains Connector welcomes Minnkota Power Cooperative (Minnkota) as the eighth member of its utility consortium. Minnkota has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Plains Connector LLC, a subsidiary of Grid United, to secure 150 megawatts of capacity on the 3,000-megawatt, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line once it begins operations, subject to successful negotiation of definitive agreements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x316Pf
NEW DEAN: Via University of Northwestern, VERBATIM: “Following a nationwide search, University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark R. Shannon, Ph.D., as the inaugural dean of the Stoltz School of Business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49BgB74
50 YEARS: Via Rapid, VERBATIM: “Rapid Packaging, a leading provider of packaging supplies and equipment, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976, the company started in a barn in Minnesota and has grown into a national operation with a corporate headquarters in Champlin, MN, and additional facilities in Ohio and New York.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehcbok
GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its third quarter 2026 earnings conference call on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/426DLxT
THURSDAY: Via Bloomington-based Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that it will release its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on Thursday, June 4, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43n5VoO
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
WORKOUT: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “If your anti-social, headphones-on gym sessions aren’t cutting it anymore, it might be time for a workout refresh. Group classes are a great way to boost motivation and build a community. Luckily, our editors, writers, and sales and marketing fitness fanatics have some stellar recs for you. And if you have the gym jitters, take advantage of exclusive offers for new faces.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vrfr6F
BDAYS: HOFer Tony Sanneh, attorney Jason Tarasek, cable leader Melissa Wolf, lobbyist Tom Poul, nonprofit advocate Tom Weaver, CD5 GOP candidate Dalia al-Aqidi
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