DOWN 2
Wild lose. They need to play more physical.
Frost go 3 OT’s…and lose. Wolves in San Antonio tonight.
With three teams in the playoffs, Minnesotans need cable TV and at least two streaming services to watch every game. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4tOsKNP
The annual “I-90 Party” is tonight.
The U.S. is no longer escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian attacks. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4uc04yN
Happy National Beverage Day…have you noticed how many beverage options there are at the grocery store? A lot.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take was all about the playoffs as sports historian Dan Whenesota and sports take’s Howard Sinker discussed why things feel different in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4w6ZraL
MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
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The tax proposal for HCMC is getting tweaked by DFL Tax Chair in the House Rep. Aisha Gomex, the Walz administration hasn’t yet exerted its view on the best solution to stabilize the hospital. Meanwhile the Senate has a different solution, the required bipartisan vote may ultimately determine the decision of the stare down between the House and the Senate, as well as the DFL and the GOP. Feels like a brinksmanship moment if there isn’t alignment by this time next week.
The unfortunate health situation of newly appointed DHS leader John Connelly is sad, and one should not be asked to take on the role under that situation. However, the silence of DFLers when asked by the media to comment suggests that their tongues may hurt from biting them. Multiple Senate DFLers are very frustrated by the move. It’s also a play from the Walz administration that shouldn’t surprise anyone. When DFLers don’t criticize their own, they fall into the same trap as Republicans not criticizing Trump. Ahh…its only May, I’m starting to schedule debates…for the Fall.
You can see the tensions and coalitions cracking in the floor sessions even within amongst those in the same party. House and Senate sessions today might be spicier than yesterday’s tacos.
Walz and legislative leaders meet at 9AM.
CONTRAST: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is drawing a careful line between herself and Gov. Tim Walz as she ramps up her campaign for governor, saying she would have done “a lot of things differently” on issues ranging from fraud to managing the state’s finances…Klobuchar has signaled that she intends to govern closer to the political middle and not repeat the missteps of Walz, a fellow Democrat who has become a political lightning rod at home and nationally. Her attempt to break from Walz comes as Republicans are trying to cast her campaign as an extension of his administration.”… State Rep. Kristin Robbins, a Maple Grove Republican who chairs the fraud prevention committee in the Minnesota House, said much of what Klobuchar pitched sounds like things Republicans have been asking for. Robbins said she called for a full audit of state agencies last summer, for example. READ: https://fluence-media.co/49wlsGl
MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz responded [to] Amy Klobuchar [saying] she would have handled fraud differently had she been governor. … Walz said he was the person in the middle of it, had all the information and acted within legal authority. … Walz said he’s proud of the work his administration has done to fight fraud and he’s happy Klobuchar is keeping that conversation going.” WALZ: “Everyone thinks they would have done things differently. That’s fine. What I’m most concerned about now is not theoretical. It’s not what if, it’s what we’re doing forward to fix it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wcX8TN
ON LEAVE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services disclosed Tuesday that its newly named leader will be out on medical leave for the next month. On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz appointed John Connolly as temporary commissioner. He replaced Shireen Gandhi. … [However], Connolly told agency staff that he is undergoing treatment for colon cancer. While he’s out, his leadership role will be filled by Gandhi and another deputy commissioner, Andrew Johnson. … [Connolly] is expected to return to the office in early June [and] is keeping his title as state Medicaid director. … A spokesperson for Walz declined to comment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uc106h
DOUBTS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Some Democratic Senators weighing whether to confirm the head of Minnesota’s embattled Department of Human Services had concerns about Gov. Tim Walz’s pick before he decided to reshuffle leadership of the agency. … [DFLers] didn’t need any Republican votes to move [Shireen] Gandhi’s confirmation forward, which required a simple majority vote. But two DFLers said they had not decided how they would vote. … ‘I still had concerns,’ said Sen. Rob Kupec, DFL-Moorhead. Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, said she ‘had concerns about Commissioner Gandhi’s performance.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4naKnFh
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Sources tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that all Republicans planned to vote against her, along with some Democrats. Those Democrats fall into two camps: some thought she wasn’t tough enough on fraud, and some thought she was too harsh in cutting off payments. … ‘I totally believe, from what we see and what we were hearing in the hallways, they didn’t have the votes,’ [said] Sen. Paul Utke, R-Park Rapids.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eulYIy
FACT: Walz didn’t have the votes.
QUALLS: Minnesota-based Conservative American PAC endorsed Kendall Qualls in the race for governor, commending his “commitment to Republican values and beliefs, along with the growing momentum his campaign continues to cultivate,” per a release.
Meanwhile, Qualls posted about “communists” in the trifecta on X, which says he likes the endorphins but may not have a real grasp of the nuance that is energizing all of Minnesota.
OMAR: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A rarely used legislative tactic will not occur in the final 12 days of this year’s session. A motion to issue a subpoena to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to produce documentation related to the Feeding our Future scandal failed to garner enough support Tuesday by the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. … Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) said Omar sponsored the federal MEALS Act, [which] ‘created the conditions for Feeding Our Future.’ … Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul) [said] he does not see the committee — with less than two weeks left in session — doing anything with that information.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f55fLT
CRAIG: via MPR, VERBATIM: “[Rep.] Angie Craig traveled to Texas to visit a resident of her district dealing with a serious health condition while in immigration custody. … Andrea Pedro-Francisco [was] arrested in January during the immigration agent surge just before a scheduled surgery. … Craig conducted a congressional oversight visit to the processing center where Pedro-Francisco is currently being held in El Paso, Texas. … Craig [said] she was able to meet with Pedro-Francisco [and] is pushing ICE to release Pedro-Francisco on humanitarian parole.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wcX8TN
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
STREAM OF SESSION
HCMC: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “How can the state best go about fixing the financial difficulties [HCMC] is currently enduring? … The latest suggestion comes in the form of a delete-all amendment to HF4841, sponsored by Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Mpls). It would extend and increase the current sales tax in Hennepin County from 0.15% to 0.75% (down from the 1% proposed in the original bill). … On Tuesday, the House Taxes Committee heard the bill in an informational capacity, and it remains to be seen where — or if — it will resurface next.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R5B3X4
RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Aisha Gomez, taxes co-chair, GOMEZ: “As has been shown throughout this session, and again today, HCMC must be saved, and the House DFL is leading the way in finding a workable solution. This is a statewide asset, and it should have a statewide solution. But in the meantime, the best solution is one that keeps these lifesaving doors open. The House DFL has shown we are ready to make that happen to meet this urgent need.”
MED FRAUD: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A second fraud-fighting bill is headed to the House Floor. On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced HF2354, as amended, that would increase staffing for the state’s Medicaid fraud investigation unit in the Office of the Attorney General. … The current bill would allocate funds primarily for hiring 18 new Medicaid fraud investigation unit positions: 11 investigators, three attorneys and four support staff at a cost of $1.23 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dcxdTH
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INDICATORS
ECONOMY: The Minneapolis Fed shared a preview of its upcoming regional survey on social media, showcasing quotes from anonymous survey respondents about current economic conditions. Comments include: “Employees are coming back to work after ICE [is] gone.” … “Fertilizer and random materials are spiking.” … “Pricing for everything — from insurance, workers comp, food, curriculum support, wages — all is up.” … “We have been slower than usual. Customers explain that gas prices, the war and uncertainty of the economy have them holding off.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dprCKJ
MORE: Yesterday’s lunch take had extensive coverage of regional business surveys and economic conditions in Minnesota. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4u0K8PO
MINING: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Although most attention lately has been on mining proposals around the Boundary Waters, another copper-nickel project is further along in the state’s regulatory process. … Kelly Applegate, commissioner of natural resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, [said] if a mine known as the Tamarack Nickel Project started operating, [then] it would be within miles of the band’s members, important cultural sites, wild rice beds and fisheries. … Talon Metals, the company pursuing Tamarack, is approaching an early benchmark. Starting in July, the Department of Natural Resources will open a public comment period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wbKpAB
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)
BENCH
JUDGES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Some degree of harassment and threats has always come with the job of being a federal judge. But sitting judges told the Minnesota Star Tribune that at the height of the [ICE] surge, the intensity and rancor of harassing phone calls and emails that followed high-profile rulings were unprecedented. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim said his chambers felt it during Operation Metro Surge while he weighed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. … Harassment against Minnesota’s federal bench aligns with the experience of judges across the country who said they’ve felt under siege as threats have risen since the start of 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42hw1sZ
FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “One week after federal agents raided nine daycares across the Twin Cities, investigators are sifting through records and searching for potential red flags. … Penney Allen, Chief Financial Officer of New Horizon Academy, [said] the warning signs investigators may be focused on [include] attendance records that don’t align with reality. … The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families is preparing to roll out a new electronic attendance system beginning next month. … But Allen cautions that the system, in its current form, may not be the silver bullet some hope for. ‘It’s not going to do anything,’ Allen said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4netvgX
US ATTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A military lawyer may serve as a special assistant U.S. Attorney in the case against a Minnesota resident for an offense with no military ties, a magistrate judge ruled. The decision comes after a legal challenge to the use of such attorneys to prosecute civilians in cases with no clear military connection. … Magistrate Judge Shannon Elkins said federal law does not limit whom the U.S. Attorney General can appoint as a special assistant U.S. Attorney and denied a defendant’s request to remove a U.S. Army judge advocate (JAG) from a pending federal case in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tayJLL
AG OFFICE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office announced it has filed a lawsuit against Les Jolies School of Dance, Real Believers Faith Center, their founders [and] other officers of both charities for multiple egregious violations of Minnesota nonprofit law, including misusing over $2 million in charitable assets to fund lavish lifestyles, luxury travel, and designer goods while pretending to serve their communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4thz13E
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)
METRO
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in his Tuesday state of the city address he wants to refocus on basic city operations. … [Specifically], Frey said he’ll focus on public safety and affordable housing now that the surge of federal agents to the city has ended. … Frey said he’s directed city staff to look at the city’s building and permitting processes and ways to cut red tape. The city is also looking to simplify permitting and paperwork processes for businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dqrfzF
RESPONSE: Members of the Minneapolis City Council held a press conference responding to Mayor Jacob Frey’s State of the City address. Via a joint statement from council leadership, STATEMENT: “A city’s success should be judged by how well our most vulnerable residents are doing. … The mayor’s office has often responded to [council] productivity with vetoes. It is easy to say no, but it is much more difficult to offer effective alternative solutions.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42P8FuZ
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)
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council is poised to approve an agreement with the Metropolitan Council authorizing construction to proceed on the Metro G Line, an 11.5-mile bus rapid transit corridor that will connect Little Canada, downtown St. Paul and West St. Paul. … The Met Council, the seven-county metro’s regional planning body, will begin construction this year, with work continuing in two phases opening next year and the following year. … The city council on Wednesday is slated to approve the resolution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4waHw35
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)
ACROSS MN
HASTINGS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Hastings City Council decided [to] take a resolution on flying the former state flag rather than the new state flag off its agenda, but did allow residents to weigh in on the matter. … Much like in other cities, residents seemed to be evenly split in their opinions on whether the city should officially fly the former state flag or the new one the state adopted in 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Vcyyp
AUSTIN: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Austin police chief David McKichan will retire from the office on May 15 [and] formally leave the staff on June 20. Lt. Michael Hartman, a 17-year member of the police staff, will be sworn in on June 22 as the new chief. … The news comes just before the departure of Austin fire chief Jim McCoy, whose last day with the city will be Friday, May 8. … The city hopes to hire a new fire chief by Aug. 3, [but] in the interim, Troy Tigner will fill the position.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nhjHmo
STILLWATER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Warm spring weather and numerous requests from boaters have prompted Minnesota Department of Transportation officials to start the 2026 schedule of the Stillwater Lift Bridge this week. Starting Wednesday, the Lift Bridge will be staffed from 8 a.m. to midnight each day, and the bridge will lift every half hour if boat traffic is present. The lift schedule is expected to stay in effect through late October.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQV6RH
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)
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)
AHEAD…
SESSION: House floor session at 11:00 a.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House will hear bills on youth intervention, thermal energy and technical corrections. The Senate hears the human services omnibus, school bus requirements and more. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear bills on cannabis studies, claim settlements and grant eligibility. SENATE: Finance hears the omnibus cannabis bill and several recommendations. Energy, Utilities, Env. & Climate hears bills on wildfire safety and energy standards. Taxes will host a “discussion group” on 2026 tax policies. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4tdwHun
TODAY: Leaders of hunger relief organizations will host a press conference at the Capitol urging lawmakers to “prioritize hunger relief funding,” per a release. The event is at 11:00 a.m.
TODAY: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar will host a “Youth Town Hall” in Minneapolis tonight to hear from high school students. The event is at 5:30 p.m.
MAY 13: The Minneapolis Fed will host a virtual event at 12:00 noon discussing results from their latest regional survey of Minnesota’s child care businesses.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.