EARTH DAY
Wild play at home tonight. Twins win.
Gov. Tim Walz is in LA and will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight.
This morning Best Buy announces company veteran Jason Bonfig will succeed Corie Barry as the retailer’s CEO on Oct. 31,
Prince fans gathered at Paisley Park to honor him 10 years after his death. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sSdfTQ
A Lakeville man created an app that uses AI to summarize and translate bills in the Minnesota Legislature. MINNPOST: https://fluence-media.co/4tZjA0y
The Trump Administration will require all 50 states to share plans for combatting Medicaid fraud. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3QACBbm
The president extended the U.S. ceasefire with Iran a few hours after saying he didn’t want to. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4eB32Yq
AP-NORC finds that Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy is down 8 points since March. His overall approval is 33%, with almost 1 in 3 Republicans disapproving. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4cDPdWF
Happy National Jellybean Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured four leaders at the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast — GOP Senate Ldr. Mark Johnson, GOP House Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska, DFL Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and DFL House Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long — discussing the final month of session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbCY1
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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)
THE AGENDA
In an important and impressive story by the newsroom of under 10…via the MN Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s spending across 14 Medicaid programs more than doubled in the five years before the Walz administration deemed them “high risk” for fraud, waste and abuse — and began taking drastic measures to rein in spending…Total spending across the programs, which include therapy for autistic children and services helping disabled people live independently, increased from $2.06 billion in 2021 to $4.32 billion in 2025, according to annual spending data from the Department of Human Services obtained through a public records request submitted in December. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t7I33j
BUDGET: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota budget picture darkened a bit in the latest figures from the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget. The April quarterly update documents a dip in revenue compared to the February forecast of $182 million. That’s about 4.6 percent off the mark. … Minnesota’s economic consultant now predicts considerably slower economic growth for 2026 – 2.1 percent instead of 2.7 percent. Forecasts for inflation, unemployment and interest rates all moved in a problematic direction, too.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW
MORRISON: DFL Rep. Kelly Morrison announced that she is divesting ownership of all her stocks following two separate instances, both seen in morning take, where she was accused of having conflicts of interest. Via her announcement, MORRISON: “Trust in government is critically important, and even the appearance of a conflict of interest can erode that trust. I don’t want there to ever be a question of what I am fighting for and who I serve. That is why I am divesting from all public and private companies and will no longer own individual stocks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDmhOl
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Kelly] Morrison, whose private net worth is valued at $41 million, [is] one of the more active investors in Congress. During her 16 months in Washington, Morrison made 106 trades. … By comparison, over the last three years, Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, reported 13 trades. … Republican Rep. Pete Stauber had one trade, and the rest of the Minnesota delegation had none during that period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ODqolx
EMMER: During a House Republican leadership event, GOP Rep. Tom Emmer slammed DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar for her recent changes to financial disclosure forms, as seen in Saturday’s morning take. EMMER: “In what world is a multi[m]illion-dollar correction to a person’s financial disclosure considered normal? … If Ilhan Omar is discovered to be involved in any or to have benefited in any way from any fraud, she must be held accountable to the fullest extent.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sSh4Zp
MANUFACTURING: The MN Chamber of Commerce released a new report on the state of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector. VERBATIM: “Manufacturing is Minnesota’s second largest sector, making up 12% of the state’s total economy. … Yet the sector faces distinct headwinds that impact its performance. Manufacturers operate with disproportionately high fixed and operating costs and are subject to complex layers of local, state, and federal regulation. … In recent years, Minnesota manufacturers have also experienced growing workforce challenges, limiting their ability to fill open roles and expand operations.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4u1HkBd
WHITE HOUSE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan to be the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, a key position for conducting analyses of the economy and the administration’s policies. If confirmed by the Senate, Phelan would succeed Stephen Miran. … Phelan has worked as a consultant with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCu6MV
INSURANCE: First in morning take, DFL Rep. Angie Craig will introduce a bill regulating health insurance companies today. Via her office, VERBATIM: “The Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act would create financial penalties for health insurers that deny more than 25% of claims in a given year according to an annual audit by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The penalty would total $10 million plus an additional $2 million for each percentage point above the 25% denial threshold. These penalties would be paid back to affected enrollees.”
SESSION
THREATS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Senator John Hoffman proposed a new bill [calling] for a new unit within the Minnesota State Patrol to investigate threats against elected officials and provide follow-up protection when needed. … The proposal would add 30 to 38 new members to the state patrol, 11 of whom would be sworn troopers. … The state estimates that the proposed new protection services unit would cost about $13.1 million in the first year and just over $12 million the year after that.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cpsuyL
SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed five bipartisan bills into law. … SF2511 updates Minnesota’s liquor laws. … HF 3802 modifies exemptions to the state’s certificate of need requirement for energy infrastructure projects, helping streamline the development and modernization of transmission lines. … HF 3741 expands and clarifies educational assistance for veterans’ spouses and children. … HF 3544 updates eligibility for state-funded veterans benefits. … HF3479 clarifies the process for postponing mortgage foreclosure sales.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vK1aTp
PROPERTY TAX: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “One thing Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican legislators seem to agree on is that property owners need a break. But before that can happen, they’ll have to reach an agreement on just how much relief there will be and how it will be distributed. The Senate Taxes Committee on Tuesday heard one of the DFL proposals — a little more than $100 million in one-time property tax relief for an estimated 588,000 homeowners using the homestead tax credit. … House Republicans have advocated for a significantly larger tax relief bill that calls for $4 billion in one-time funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OQG4lE
(DISCLOSURE: Fluence is providing media support for the Hoffman family)
HOMES: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate passed a bill of rights to protect manufactured homeowners from losing their homes on Tuesday. The bill limits rent increases and gives residents a chance to buy their communities, but it is stalled in the House. … With seven in favor and six against, the motion did not pass. Residents from Lake Elmo were especially surprised when their Republican representative, Rep. Wayne Johnson, left the meeting before the vote.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eyasvt
ICS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities have used the Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program since it launched in 2021. … But providers and recipients also say the program’s design is flawed and the state’s lack of clear, consistent rules and enforcement has made it ripe for waste and abuse. … Some providers and lawmakers proposed shuttering the program in two years and having a study group create a replacement. … Rep. Brion Curran, DFL-White Bear Lake, is sponsoring the legislation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48eQMcj
NDA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A measure to ban municipalities from entering into certain non-disclosure agreements passed through the Senate. … The bipartisan bill was added as an amendment to a state and local government catch all bill. It bans local governments from signing non-disclosure agreements for major projects like data centers. … A similar bill failed to clear House committees, but the Senate vote means it will be part of final session negotiations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW
SAFETY: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate today passed the Judiciary and Public Safety omnibus bill, Senate File 4760, which includes Senator Andrew Lang’s (R–Olivia) provision designed to protect children from online blackmail by increasing criminal penalties for coercion and sextortion crimes. … Lang’s provision creates enhanced penalties specifically for sextortion cases that result in serious harm or death.”
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
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GOP PACS: Via MPR, details on some of the major PACs supporting Republican candidates in Minnesota to counter the DFL’s fundraising advantage. VERBATIM: “Restore Sanity is a political fund that registered in Minnesota in February and is upfront that its goal is to support Lisa Demuth’s [governor] bid. In its first report, it showed $1.2 million in fundraising, with about $1.1 million of that coming from one source — the Florida-headquartered Restoration of America PAC. … Another political group, Minnesota Strong PAC, registered last week with out-of-state strategists in the leadership roles. The group’s website doesn’t align with a specific candidate but says conservative leadership is needed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NiclW
DEM PACS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, is vaulting into the midterms with a $15 million investment targeting Republicans in battleground districts. … The Human Rights Campaign is also supporting Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/490CGvc
CD1: The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) has endorsed Democrat Jake Johnson in the 1st Congressional District race.
CD8: Save the Boundary Waters has endorsed Democrat Trina Swanson in the 8th Congressional District race. Via the announcement, SWANSON: “Protecting the BWCA is not about choosing scenery over livelihoods. It is about protecting the resource so many livelihoods depend on and making sure it is still here for the next generation. The Boundary Waters is something we pass on, not gamble away.”
SD2: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County [DFL] held an endorsing convention for Minnesota Senate District 2. … Delegates backed Reed Olson for Minnesota House 2A, challenging incumbent Rep. Bidal Duran; Emily Thabes for Minnesota House 2B, challenging incumbent Rep. Matt Bliss; and Dan Rogers for Minnesota Senate District 2, challenging incumbent Sen. Steve Green. Duran, Bliss and Green were all endorsed [by] the Beltrami County GOP.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gPYnj
SD37: Republicans endorsed Brady Hoag in this top 10 MN Senate race. The open seat of retiring Sen. Warren Limmer.
SD50: Meteorologist Paul Douglas has endorsed Karla Hult, DFL candidate for SD50 and former KARE 11 reporter.
HD33A: Republicans endorsed fmr. Rep. Stacy Stout last night to replace retiring Rep. Patti Anderson.
CANDIDATES: via Office of Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Secretary of [State] Steve Simon announced a suite of new resources for Minnesotans looking to run for office. The new resources include reimagined webpages [containing] information on how candidates file for office, updated candidate affidavits, and the 2026 Campaign Manual. … This will be the first statewide candidate filing period where state and local candidates are required to show a photo ID and provide proof-of-residence to the filing officer when submitting their affidavit. Candidates also now have clearer instructions for keeping their address of residence private.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eCrpF3
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: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MSP
UPTOWN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis officials say a directed police patrol unit is improving safety in Uptown and the city’s ‘safety ambassadors’ will begin work in the neighborhood later this year. At a press conference Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey [said] ‘We’re stepping up visible safety efforts, working with urgency, and pairing compassion with accountability.’ … Police Chief Brian O’Hara said [there’s] a dedicated patrol unit now responding to calls in the area and working to address livability issues. Narcotics complaints have ‘decreased dramatically’ this month, he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZ2NVO
EVICTIONS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council approved an effort Tuesday to extend a pre-eviction filing notice period by 15 days, weeks after a similar measure that extended the period by 30 days was shot down by Mayor Jacob Frey. Tuesday’s ordinance, which passed 8-5, would temporarily require landlords to wait 45 days — instead of the customary 30 — before bringing an eviction notice to the renter. It will be forwarded to the council for a final approval at Thursday’s meeting.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cMKX7s
DRUGS: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, April 21, the Minneapolis City Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of the Care Over Criminalization ordinance. … The Minnesota legislature repealed in 2023 the statute that criminalized the possession of drug paraphernalia. This ordinance would bring the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances into alignment with that legislative action.”
SCHOOLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More than two years after Minneapolis school leaders set off on a ‘transformation’ process — including exploring whether to close or merge schools amid the district’s worsening finances — board members are finally taking the next steps. This month and next month, school board members are receiving reports on possible school changes, including [a] possible return of grade K-8 schools. … By the end of May, board members are expected to give their feedback to Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams on how the district can best boost enrollment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/490Dosm
MVSCHOOLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Parents in Mounds View are questioning schedule changes coming next school year at Highview Middle School, specifically the plan to cut music instruction from every day to every other day…The issue was not on the Mounds View School Board agenda on Tuesday, but it brought at least 50 people out for regularly scheduled public comment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sPtGAj
SURGE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A survey of residents and business owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul finds that workers lost an estimated $244 million during the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement operation while businesses missed out on $610 million in revenue. The research from the University of California San Diego’s U.S. Immigration Policy Center is included in an amended complaint that the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office filed Tuesday in an ongoing federal lawsuit in which the state is asking a judge to declare the administration’s actions illegal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4umBhYv
HENN CTY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt is pushing back against claims that her office has mismanaged funds amid a multi-million dollar budget deficit. She [said] it’s the direct result of the county authorizing staff positions without the funding to pay for them. Witt clarified that while she is expected to fill 883 positions, current funding only covers 810 roles.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tYXbk5
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 Congress should fix the federal 340B program so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG (SPONSORED: PhRMA)
ISSUES
MET COUNCIL: via Rep. Tom Emmer release, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer sent a letter to the Metropolitan (MET) Council to express his opposition to the Council’s proposal to use Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in awarding transportation funding in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, including Carver and Anoka counties. The Metropolitan Council’s 2026 Federal Funding Solicitation Guidance includes a ‘Community Consideration’ component when deciding which transportation project receives funding.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4tq8m5s
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)
WISCONSIN: DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar has endorsed state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin governors race. Via her announcement, OMAR: “Francesca Hong leads with moral clarity, compassion, and unmatched courage. Her commitment to building the policies working people need and protecting our most vulnerable populations is essential in our current political climate. Voters are ready for change, and Francesca meets this moment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48PTg0T
RESPONSE: via Kollin Crompton, Republican Governors Association communications director, CROMPTON: “Francesca Hong is a self-identified socialist, so it’s no surprise that she is ‘honored’ to have Ilhan Omar’s endorsement. This should serve as a fire alarm for Wisconsin families: Hong wants to turn Wisconsin into Minnesota. … Anyone who Ilhan Omar says ‘leads with moral clarity’ should be disqualified from being governor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cqmvtB
HEALTHCARE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of 22 states have secured a written federal court order blocking an unlawful attempt by the Trump Administration to threaten healthcare providers that provide care for youth with gender dysphoria.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e2Dq6I
BROADBAND: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig’s bipartisan bill to expedite broadband infrastructure projects on federally-managed lands and connect more Minnesotans with high-speed internet passed the House of Representatives. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act, if passed by the Senate and signed into law, would help improve access to high-speed internet in rural and underserved communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ttvn7N
RESEARCH: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Dina Titus (D-NV) yesterday introduced the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to the academic research of cannabis, protect universities and researchers, and promote the responsible study of marijuana.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cDpddP
STATEWIDE
FENTANYL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data shows fentanyl arrests and seizures are rising in Minnesota as law enforcement says the drug is reaching communities across the state. Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie, a top DEA official, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the agency had made 103 fentanyl-related arrests in Minnesota through mid-April. The DEA made 148 such arrests in all of last year. … ‘Every community, every corner of the state of Minnesota is affected by fentanyl,’ Gillespie said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e1dSqz
NOBLES CTY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. A standing room only crowd at the Nobles County Government Center applauded the 3-2 vote, which will, for now, prevent any data centers from being developed in the southwestern Minnesota county. The vote delivers a blow to Geronimo Power’s $4 billion plan to build a data center complex on about 950 acres of farmland just east of Reading and north of Worthington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48IKu4M
SCOTT CTY: Savage resident and former Rep. Drew Christensen announced he is running for Scott County Commissioner. Via his announcement, CHRISTENSEN: “Scott County needs steady, practical leadership. I grew up here. I’m deeply involved and ivested in this community. I’ve earned the trust of voters here before. I’m ready to do it again.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4mIsihB
PRODUCTIVE FARMS, STEWARDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn farmers are demonstrating that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through widespread adoption of practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, and targeted nutrient management, farmers have improved soil health, reduced erosion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and protected water quality across millions of acres in Minnesota. That’s all while implementing advances in seed genetics, fertility management, and precision technology that have improved on-farm productivity.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4stHjG5 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….
SESSION: House floor session at 4:00 p.m. No Senate floor session. FLOOR: The House hears bills on “nudification” bans, travel insurance, penalties for impersonating police, and more. HOUSE: Taxes will hear numerous local sales tax changes. Ways & Means will hear social media regulations and grants for housing, public TV, meat processing training and more. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills on transportation, the judicial branch, and public safety. Human Services will hear a bill on Medicaid fraud prevention at the A.G. office. Transportation hears numerous infrastructure bonding requests. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4w1lDU3
TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Crow Wing and Mille Lacs counties Wednesday to “meet with Tribal government leaders and county election officials,” per his office.
TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj
TOMORROW: DFL Sen. Lindsey Port will host a press conference seeking humanitarian parole for a constituent who has been “held in DHS facilities in El Paso, Texas, for 76 days without appropriate medical treatment for a large ovarian cyst,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
APRIL 27: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m.
APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.
MAY 2: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event is at 5:00 p.m.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.