MIDWEEK MOOD
Wild win. Tomorrow two chances to win the series. Wild at 6:30, Wolves at 8:30.
Twins lose.
Overnight an incident in Richfield a suspect has been killed and an officer was wounded, a developing story with more details in lunch take.
Governor Walz will meet with legislative leaders at 12 noon.
No-shows and canceled permits at the Boundary Waters are up from the previous year. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4t4VMrt
Drivers are advised to be aware of a new school bus safety law in Minnesota. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4u8St3s
The number of white-collar crime prosecutions has fallen to its lowest level in 40 years. FT: https://fluence-media.co/4w3PjzU
The United Arab Emirates will leave OPEC next month amid tensions in the oil industry. BLOOMBERG: https://fluence-media.co/4ueNONp
On foreign policy… a majority (53%) believe the U.S. does not consider other countries’ interests much or at all. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4cE5a0f
Happy Zipper Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz
MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
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IT’S COMPLICATED…
“It’s complicated”…was an apt descriptor from Gov. Tim Walz over the past seven years summarized on a another “Slow News Day” yesterday as federal raids preview the State of the State. Seeming to realize that the opportunities to make his case, and lean into accomplishments from his seven years in office, Gov. Walz seemed more centered and grounded in his address last night. That said, as legislative negotiations continue his role and seat at the table will be one of the final big tests. With one veto, how hard will be negotiate for his priorities? , From free meals in schools to child care the aspiration and accomplishments for families are notable the Walz legacy could be simple if that’s what Minnesotans remember most over time.
SOTS: Gov. Tim Walz delivered his final State of the State address last night. Walz began with a reflection on his time in office and acknowledgements of major events in Minnesota over the past year, including the assassination of Melissa Hortman. With less than three weeks left in the legislative session, the governor reiterated his calls to pass DFL priorities, including a bonding bill, AI regulations, taxes on social media businesses, gun safety measures and more. Walz closed out with a prediction that the policies he signed into law “will be here for decades.” The full speech can be viewed online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vYHgnN
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The governor didn’t bring up the fraud issue until he was about two-thirds of the way through his speech, and even then, he didn’t talk about how it was allowed to happen, just what he is doing about it right now. WALZ: “We’ve created additional checks and balances,” Walz said. “We have brought on more investigators, more auditors, and more law enforcement agencies, as well as an outside firm to look at high-risk programs. People who have ripped us off are getting caught. And they are going to jail. I’ve said the buck stops with me.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48PDtiT
REACTIONS: All four legislative caucus leaders — Speaker Lisa Demuth, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy — shared thoughts on Gov. Tim Walz’s final State of the State address with the press. The GOP expressed disappointment while DFLers showed support. GOP: https://fluence-media.co/4vXkhJB DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4w3Pzim
HCMC: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “County commissioners met at the Hennepin County Government Center on Tuesday, where officials indicated HCMC is ‘treading water’ with 20 days left in the legislative session. … Lawmakers are considering different plans to help [HCMC]. The Senate bill would raise the Hennepin County sales tax and send the hospital $50 million annually, while the House bill would raise the county tax more and generate about $300 million a year for HCMC. [Commissioner Jeffrey] Lunde said the Senate amount would not be enough to keep HCMC in business, while the House amount would be enough.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tMvAmM
SCHOOLS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Some Minnesota school district leaders are raising concerns about a change in how the state calculates funding for low-income students, warning that some districts could lose millions of dollars in funding and vulnerable children could be left without needed support. … The funding concerns stem from a policy change that followed the state’s move in 2023 to provide free school meals to all students. That shift triggered a new method for counting low-income students, which directly affects how much compensatory revenue districts receive. … Some district leaders said the new system does not capture all students in need.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cDMFcn
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
FLOW OF FRAUD
HEARING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee took testimony about alleged fraud in Minnesota childcare centers. Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, criticized the governor for not taking part in the hearing given word of search warrants served in Twin Cities daycare locations.” ROBBINS: “This should be addressed by the governor before our committee, and I know he’s available today. He’s probably in the basement or somewhere in this building, because tonight is the State of the State address. He is somewhere here in the building, declining to join us, and that is incredibly frustrating.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMrQ4I
RAIDS: FBI Director Kash Patel accused Gov. Tim Walz of trying to “take credit for our work” after Walz said yesterday’s FBI raids were a result of state and federal cooperation, as seen in lunch take. Patel said the “FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today,” seemingly contradicting statements from local law enforcement. MPR reported that the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed it was “partnering with federal investigators to execute search warrants,” while the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said it had “squad cars on two scenes to secure the perimeter,” among other examples. TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4tGpN20 MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4cJeCOw
MORE: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer echoed the FBI director’s claims, calling out “more BS from our governor,” but a DOJ spokesperson told KARE 11’s AJ Lagoe that “the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation.” EMMER: https://fluence-media.co/3QOn33R LAGOE: https://fluence-media.co/4mV0TZM
MORE: Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed that yesterday’s FBI raids in the Twin Cities were executed “in collaboration with” his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to investigate “five sites for four businesses that accept Medicaid funds through the state’s Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program.” However, his office said it “did not participate in the execution of search warrants at any other sites today because those sites do not involve Medicaid funding” — specifically, the state was only involved in searching autism centers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dcffBF
MORE: KSTP has a list of all confirmed sites that were raided by law enforcement yesterday, including at least nine daycare centers, five autism centers, and one catering business. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4cU4N0A
BOCK: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The ringleader behind the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case has been accused of directing her son to leak sensitive materials to the media and elected officials in an attempt to minimize her role in the scheme ahead of her sentencing. … The United States Attorney’s Office filed a motion on Tuesday that says Aimee Bock, since at least February, has been directing her college-age son to ‘download large volumes of material related to her federal prosecution,’ and disseminate them to lawmakers and members of the media in what ‘can best be described as a public relations campaign.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tHRM1h
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
SESSION
PRODUCTIVITY: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers have less than three weeks left, and Gov. Tim Walz has only signed a handful of bills in what has largely been an unproductive session so far. … Legislators have not passed bills related to [several] major issues facing Minnesota in recent months, including rising costs, addressing the fallout of Operation Metro Surge or bolstering school safety.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n7zO5J
BAIL: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Heard on an informational basis Tuesday by the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee, a yet-to-be-introduced bill would ask voters: ‘Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to prohibit monetary bail and provide for universal pretrial release for alleged criminal offenses that are nonviolent?’ … Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul) says her proposal would modernize the justice system. … Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) raised concern [about] the lack of services, such as mental health, available for someone who is released.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ORynvp
CHARTERS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Republican State Sen. Julia Coleman [is] sponsoring two bills that would direct more funding to charter schools. The two bills could generate as much as $73 million. … Senate File 1294 would allocate as much as $52 million toward local optional revenue. Charter schools cannot raise funds through a levy like traditional public schools, and the money would help make up for that. … Senate File 2576 addresses leasing aid and would add an extra $21 million to account for inflation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QCYZRB
OPIOIDS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota pharmacists could soon prescribe and dispense lifesaving drugs to people suffering through opioid withdrawals. Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, championed the bill that passed the House unanimously yesterday. The idea is to get people access to medication quicker to help them manage the excruciating process of withdrawal. The alternative, Baker said, is people relapsing and overdosing. … The Senate is considering similar legislation as part of a larger healthcare bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42msKZD
SPORTS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4949, a bill sponsored by Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township), would create a sports and events reimbursement program account in the special revenue fund designed to assist a local organizing committee with expenses related to attracting and conducting major events. … The funding would go toward the costs of both preparing for and conducting an event, including improvements to existing facilities or acquisition of new facilities to host the event. On Tuesday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzpcyU
CROSSBOWS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “In 2023, Minnesota legalized crossbow hunting, but that law is set to expire this year. [However], the House voted unanimously to remove the sunset provision in the law. The Senate did the same earlier this month. The next stop is the governor’s desk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42msKZD
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)
ELECTIONS
SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Star power is meeting skepticism as the ex-sportscaster [Michele Tafoya] works to win over the Republicans who will decide the endorsement. … Her pioneering role as a nationally known sports journalist gives her visibility and credibility in a crowded primary field and is helping her raise more cash than all of her GOP rivals combined this year. Her positions on several issues, including abortion, are also closer to the average voter in the state compared with some GOP candidates. But to have any chance at breaking the GOP’s 20-year losing streak in Minnesota’s statewide elections, Tafoya has to win over her own party first. That is no given.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vVg5Kq
COUNTIES: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State hosted election officials from all over Minnesota for the 2026 County Election Administration Conference. This biennial four-day event was an opportunity to share best practices, learn about election equipment and procedures, and discuss safety and security, all in preparation for the upcoming election season. … At least one election administrator from all 87 counties was in attendance for the conference.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4229ikE
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)
DC
KING’S SPEECH: via Politico, VERBATIM: “King Charles III on Tuesday stood before a joint session of Congress and delivered among the most pointed comments any allied leader has given on American soil during President Donald Trump’s second term. Charles invoked NATO’s Article 5 response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a direct rebuke to Trump’s regular needling of NATO allies as not doing enough for the United States. He called for ‘unyielding resolve’ in defense of Ukraine and pointed to the establishment of the Magna Carta in 1215, which declared that even a king isn’t above the law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t386bO
MORE: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced that her guest at King Charles III’s address to Congress was Shane Higgins, the general manager at Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis. KLOBUCHAR: “Brit’s Pub has been a little piece of the UK in Minneapolis for over 30 years, and a significant part of that legacy is due to Shane and team’s commitment to carrying forward a great pub that so many people know and love.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mSPRUM
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)
METRO
MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis community organizations are seeing an immediate surge in renters seeking help as the city’s new emergency rental assistance program enters its second full week. The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is one of the community partners selected to help renters apply. Staff say the demand began as soon as the program launched on April 20. Housing manager Corey Baesler said the volume of calls is unlike anything he has seen. … He said the center is averaging about 40 calls a day.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41Y99P8
LEXINGTON: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The city of Lexington has entered into an agreement with a neighboring fire department to provide emergency services after terminating its fire chief and determining that its own department is no longer sustainable. Fire Chief Mike Mohler was terminated [on] the same day the city enacted an interim management and operations agreement with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department (known as SBM), which took over services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mXgyYB
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)
INVER GROVE HGTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Inver Grove Heights is the latest city in Minnesota to switch back to flying the old state flag. The City Council voted 3-2 to make the change. … Some city council members questioned whether revisiting the flag was a good use of city time and resources. Council member Tony Scales said the issue should be left to the state. … He voted against switching back to the old flag, along with council member Mary T’Kach. Mayor Brenda Dietrich, and council members John Murphy and Sue Gliva, supported the switch. Mayor Dietrich said it will cost the city between $500 and $600 to replace the flags.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ebMC8P
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)
ACROSS MN
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Roughly $1 million is expected to be added to Rochester Public Utilities’ contribution toward funding planned changes to Silver Lake Dam. A recommendation unanimously approved Tuesday by the city’s Public Utilities Board would bring RPU’s contribution for the estimated $7.2 million dam modification project to slightly more than $3 million. Todd Blomstrom, RPU assistant general manager of operations, said it’s expected to be the last adjustment to the commitment as an anticipated fall start for the project nears.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egzNtY
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “City councilors voted 7-2 Monday night to approve a change order that could add up to $515,016 to the cost of tearing down an abandoned parking ramp. The total cost to demolish the structure now could soar to upward of $3.045 million — more than triple the original bid of $967,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48sXwmS
STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBAITM: “The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Cloud Police Department have been invited to apply for a 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $35,173. … The funds will be divided between the two agencies. The sheriff’s office intends to use funds to purchase online report-taking software. … The police department will use funds for seven Armourer’s Choice Minotaur Lite handgun shields for use in active threat response.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEjNGR
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
SESSION: No House floor session. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate hears a ban on “nudification” AI plus omnibus bills for health & human services, commerce and more. HOUSE: Taxes will hear bills on property taxes, local government aid and more. Ways & Means will hear the human services omnibus and the OIG bill. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for human services and the judicial branch. Taxes will hear its omnibus. Energy, Utilities, Environment & Climate hears wildfire safety plans. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4n31UiI
TODAY: GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, GOP Rep. Spencer Igo and advocates will host a press conference to “highlight the success of Minnesota’s innovative State Housing Tax Credit (SHTC) and Contribution Fund,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: At 9:30 Senator Liz Boldon, Senator Erin Maye Quade, Senator Alice Mann will hold at news conference to discuss legislation the state must enact to comply to avoid further cuts to federal Medicaid funding, and will result in hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans losing health insurance.
TODAY: Minneapolis Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and leaders from the city’s Office of Community Safety will present their “2026 Summer Safety Plan” during a city council committee meeting at 1:30 p.m.
TODAY: GOP Reps. Jon Koznick, Erica Schwartz and Bidal Duran will host a press conference introducing the Conservative Latino Caucus by “addressing core values and a focus on affordability initiatives,” per a release. The event is at 3:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Registered nurses will gather in Minneapolis on April 30 for a rally and community event to press lawmakers for long-term, sustainable financial solutions before legislative session ends to keep [HCMC] open.” The event is at 12:00 noon.
SATURDAY: 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.