TOO PASSIVE
Wild lose, just got out skated.
Miami vs. the Twins tonight at home. Wolves in San Antonio.
Frost play tonight, last night’s game of the Frost-Victoire playoff series was delayed due to “illness concerns” in Montreal. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4wjTbNj
The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman says he’s going independent because he was asked to stop covering the Twins. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tNHcoN
No scheduled meeting between the Governor and legislative leaders today.
Richfield Police Department released the video of the shooting of Desaver Brian Hollis FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4d3ny2S
The president wants Congress to suspend the U.S. gas tax, saying the Iran ceasefire is “on life support.” AP: https://fluence-media.co/4eHq8wD
We’re going to avoid hantavirus coverage until its something we need to worry about – one comment on the topic - Dr. Michael Osterholm blaming the media for “hyping” the virus is special considering his hype of viruses as his calling card for decades.
RIP to The Downtowner, if the walls could tell the stories.
Happy National Limerick Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya discussing her campaign, the war in Iran and what the GOP can do to win statewide. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3R09IG0
MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
FAITH IN SESSION
FAITH: This time of the year, the legislature requires faith for members, lobbyist, staff and anyone waiting for an outcome. However, the presence of “faith leaders” is becoming more common. When I started my career Ralph Reed’s “Christian Coalition” was growing influence in elections and I was offended at my core as a separation of church and state believer. Now clergy are at the Capitol nearly daily and holding news conferences multiple times a week on the left. Yesterday, there was a “Bible Reading Marathon” on the front lawn of the Capitol but it wasn’t clear what they were advocating for. As the DFL-aligned Faith in Minnesota came on to the scene, it clearly was meant to counter the Christian right but it also clouded and mucked up delineation. Faith in Minnesota is as aligned with DFL as the Minnesota Family Council is with Republicans and both groups seem to be more part of the noise rather than the signal that is required to actually reflect the actual mood of Minnesota. So as my mother used to tell me as a child – be skeptical, until you feel something in your heart.
BONUSES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Records obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES show that hundreds of DHS employees received bonuses [despite] fraud in social service programs. From 2020 to the middle of 2025, DHS paid out more than $3.2 million in ‘achievement awards.’ … Workers nominate their fellow employees for achievement awards, which can be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. … During those five years, roughly 6% of the total workforce received a bonus. … A recent one-on-one interview [asked] Commissioner Shireen Gandhi if any DHS employees were ever given any kind of bonus or incentive to get the money out. ‘I don’t recall anything like that,’ she responded.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uLhORp
NEW AD: Via MPR, a breakdown of a new TV ad supporting Speaker Lisa Demuth’s campaign for governor. VERBATIM: “The 30-second spot cost the independent expenditure group $17,500 and was part of a modest opening buy. … It is both a biographical spot of Demuth and a commercial attempting to put Amy Klobuchar on par with Gov. Tim Walz. … The Restore Sanity PAC came into this quarter with $1 million-plus in the bank, and most of it from a single donor group: a conservative political action committee. The committee’s biggest donor by far is billionaire Richard Uihlein.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nmIPrR
SMALL BIZ: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “As part of the Choose Minnesota initiative, DEED is holding roundtable discussions across the state. On Monday, May 11, Commissioner Matt Varilek and area business owners gathered at the Davidson Opera House to discuss their concerns. It comes at a time when area businesses are closing at a high rate, according to Julie Lunning, president of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. … Lunning said that at least 12 small businesses have closed since January, [adding] that immigration enforcement affected all businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fhdLYh
VOTING: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “There is bipartisan support at the Capitol for opening the door to potential mobile voting. The nonprofit Mobile Voting Project put on a demonstration in the Capitol rotunda [yesterday]. … The bills introduced in the House and Senate, each authored by DFL and GOP lawmakers, would allow cities to pass mobile voting options. Some cities in other states have opened up options for disabled voters or military members serving overseas, so they don’t need to rely on [mail] ballots. … Lawmakers involved with this bill believe it has some chance of going somewhere this year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nnQDJC
RESULTS: The Mobile Voting Project demonstrated its cell phone voting technology at the Capitol with a mock election yesterday. Attendees decided that the Vikings are Minnesota’s greatest sports team, the Jucy Lucy is the state’s most delicious food, and Prince is Minnesota’s “greatest asset” — Prince was chosen over “our people and communities,” the Boundary Waters or the state’s 10,000 lakes.
NOTE: Even the Mobile Voting Project was touting faith leaders. If mobile voting is part of a final package it’s clear that faith (or insider politics) played a part in passing it since it hasn’t had a hearing and wasn’t included in either the House or Senate election bills.
TODAY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Residents in the metro and beyond will vote Tuesday on school referendums. In South St. Paul, voters will decide whether to approve a $50 million building bond for repairs and upgrades at several buildings. … Lakeville Area School District is asking for an extra $139 million. Princeton Public Schools is asking for a $51.35 million building bond and an annual technology levy of $750,000. … Tri-City United Public Schools is also asking voters for an additional $39.9 million for building improvements.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48QZgqj
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
SESSION
OIG: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s fight against fraud reached a new milestone on Monday, as a bill to establish a new statewide Office of Inspector General passed in the Minnesota Senate, sending the measure to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature…The measure passed on a 66-0 vote, with one member abstaining…The approval comes just days after the Minnesota House approved the legislation with wide bipartisan support, 127-to-5… Under the proposal, the governor would appoint an Inspector General after considering a list of recommendations from a legislative panel. That Inspector General would serve a five-year term with three-fifths confirmation required by the Senate, a structure designed to shield the Inspector General from partisan politics…The OIG bill is expected to cost at least $12 million in ongoing funding, with additional money required for initial setup.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4doI1y3
HUMAN SERVICES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “There was no debate on the House Floor Monday before members passed HF729/SF476*, with a delete-all amendment to insert the House language. Following the 93-39 vote, the bill returns to the Senate for concurrence. … With fraud top of mind for legislators this year, the bill would establish pre-payment review requirements for medical assistance claims and claims in any of the 14 Department of Human Services’ programs deemed ‘high risk,’ [plus more].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4woM6La
DESPITE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FACING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, ESSENTIA HEALTH RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT CONTRIBUTIONS: The Duluth News Tribune’s latest editorial highlights the vital role nonprofit hospitals play in our communities – from providing uncompensated care to supporting access to high-quality care close to home. Read more about why this community benefit matters now more than ever. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u0hiPp (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
FED AGENTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate on Monday approved a legislative package to create new restrictions on federal immigration agents, including a ban on face coverings and new options for residents to sue federal agents for violating their rights. … The [DFL] package, aimed at creating civil and criminal penalties for federal overreach and limiting immigration agent access to schools, day cares, courts and hospitals unless they obtain a judicial warrant, passed 34-33 on party lines. … It faces slim chances of passage in the tied Minnesota House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u4KNQ1
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)
2026
CD5: Via Star Tribune, Rep. Ilhan Omar will proceed to a three-way primary in August despite winning the 5th District DFL endorsement, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. DNC member Latonya Reeves and former federal attorney Julie Le both confirmed that they are not ending their campaigns. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wnsTJX
REEVES: “We are here to do the work. Some have lost trust in our party. It is my mission to bring people back to the DFL and hopefully our spaces will look more like Community in the future.”
SPOKESPERSON: “Julie [Le] is 100% committed to this race. While we respect the convention process, Julie has always believed that the most important endorsement comes from the voters themselves.”
SENATE RACE: via Flanagan for Senate, VERBATIM: “Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s U.S. Senate campaign announced that she has been named a 2026 Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action.”
REJECT 340B EXPANSION: A new Minnesota Department of Health report shows hospitals made at least $1 billion dollars from a federal drug discount program known as 340B. The program should help patients, but experts say there is little accountability for where the money goes. The report was delayed and only recently released, showing the program isn’t working as intended. But Minnesota politicians are fast tracking a bill to expand the 340B program anyway. Lawmakers: reject House File 3609 / Senate File 3769. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uUobCQ (SPONSORED: Community Action for Responsible Hospitals)
LAW + ORDER
DHS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security has quietly deleted an accusation it made about a Minnesota man facing deportation. … At Chandee [was] on the verge of being deported on May 5, but the conviction was pardoned the day prior in an emergency meeting. That means it’s possible he could be released. DHS slammed the decision [and] accused Chandee of committing more felonies. … When WCCO asked DHS for clarification last week, they replied a few days later with a link to an edited press release. … An [accusation] was deleted [and] the acting assistant secretary’s quote was edited.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3R26X70
CITIZENSHIP: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The federal government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of a Minnesota man who became a U.S. citizen nearly two decades ago. … The Department of Justice filed a civil complaint in federal court against Salah Osman Ahmed. … Ahmed was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in August 2007. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. … Denaturalization cases are uncommon and typically require the government to prove in federal court that citizenship was obtained illegally or through intentional misrepresentation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u0Pr1n
SNAP FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis grocery store owner is facing a felony charge after investigators say he trafficked more than $1.1 million in SNAP benefits using other people’s EBT cards. … Abdidwahid Mohamed, owner of Minnesota Food Grocery LLC, is accused of using EBT cards registered to other people to purchase items like energy drinks and baby formula at Sam’s Club and Costco. … The goods were then resold at his store.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48PB4ok
FLINT HILLS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Kick off the summer in downtown Saint Paul with the Flint Hills Family Festival on May 29-30, one of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind. The Festival offers free fun for people of all ages in Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, with performances and activities that provide something for everyone, along with world-class shows inside the Ordway for just $8! Now in its 26th year, this year’s Festival lineup includes Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, NOOMA: an opera for babies, and Click Clack Moo! More than one million people have experienced the Festival, including hundreds of thousands of students who have visited on field trips during the Festival’s School Days. Join us this year! LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dhpdBM (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
METRO
MPLS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “South Minneapolis is home to a new health care clinic aimed at serving low-income and underinsured patients. … Southside East Lake Street clinic’s opening comes at a time when financial strife has put Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center at risk of closing and massive federal cuts are coming for Medicaid, leaving uncertain options for the city’s growing number of uninsured residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ffzaBa
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. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. Check out Donna’s story HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
WOODBURY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Until Woodbury’s Public Safety Campus Project is complete, public safety services will temporarily run out of the former Washington County Service Center, Woodbury City Hall and other EMS and Fire stations in the city. … City, state and federal leaders and Woodbury public safety workers broke ground on the city’s current public safety building at 2100 Radio Drive in preparation for the building’s renovation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42uhE4E
340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion IN PROFIT in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate and Washington should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://phrma.org/340B (SPONSORED: PhRMA)
ACROSS MN
OWATONNA: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “With energy prices putting pressure on families, one Minnesota company is utilizing the power of the sun to help ease the pain. Ground broke Monday outside Owatonna on one of four new community solar garden projects planned across Minnesota. … The 30-acre project will include roughly 15,000 solar panels and generate enough electricity to help power about 1,000 homes. Company leaders say subscribers could save between 8% and 15% on their monthly electric bills.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/433vNpE
STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The Public Health Departments of Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties want to form a joint collaborative agreement to receive Minnesota Department of Health Innovation and Infrastructure Grant funds, which would total $400,000 over two years. Benton County has agreed to serve as the fiscal agent and grant manager on behalf of the three-county region, which will be subject to a vote of Stearns County commissioners during their meeting Tuesday, May 12.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QTW47j
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)
LOOKING AHEAD
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. CONFERENCE: Conference committees will hear the commerce omnibus. HOUSE: Rules & Leg. Admin. Has a meeting with an unannounced agenda. SENATE: Finance hears bills on survivor benefits, criminalizing grooming, donating eggs, wearing helmets on e-bikes, penalties for impersonating police, and the pension omnibus. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3Pj5jxg
TODAY: At 10:30 AM, the Minnesota Hospital Association will hold a press conference to share the urgency of providing lifelines to hospitals that are under dire financial strain, featuring hospital leaders from across the state. Will be urging the Minnesota House to pass HF 3609 before adjournment on May 18. The bill protects Minnesota patients’ access to local care by enforcing the state’s 340B contract pharmacy law
TODAY: At 9AM, the MN Nurses Association will announce the results of a strike at Maple Grove hospital.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will conduct interviews for a vacancy on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.
BDAYS: NAOIP’s Roz Peterson, US Bank’s Jeff Shelman, biz guy Jorg Pierach, journalist Kyndell Harkness, lobbyist Andrea Perzichilli
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.