BIG WINS
Saints win, Twins win, Wild win, Wolves win. Wolves and Wild advance.
Frost playoffs start tomorrow.
The DNR spotted a cougar with kittens near Voyageurs — the first evidence of cougars breeding in Minnesota in over 100 years. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cKd7kG
ASCE gives Minnesota’s infrastructure a “C” overall — “B-” in aviation and parks, but “D+” in roads. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4cT2evv
AP’s Steve Karnowski and KARE 11’s Belinda Jensen have retired after three decades, while MPR’s Paul Huttner retired after four decades.
The U.S. Senate voted to prevent its members from placing bets on prediction markets. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4cJ8fft
The DHS shutdown is over after 76 days. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/3OAXeUr
Happy National Loyalty 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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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)
It feels like Minnesota deserved something like the sports wins in 2026. It’s an example of perseverance – something we’ve earned. Grit and patience pays off. It’s not about the politics, but rather the 11 months of intensity, which has worn on the psyches and community pride. The more we can cheer for teams, the less likely we are to be posting, or scrolling with the doom stream of debate over the issues our state has faced.
It’s a better algorithm. That’s what our state needs a better cadence, a new enertia in a different direction and if teams can help – let them. Of course, plenty of Minnesotan’s aren’t lifted by sports, however they are cheering for Minnesota to have better news and momentum forward.
Between Spring and sports let’s hope for a new birth of optimism in the state in the coming days, weeks and months. Yes legislators, this means your posts and speeches too.
Have a great weekend.
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will be in Portland, ME today to help U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner “kick off his campaign,” per social media. Platner is the only prominent Democrat challenging GOP Sen. Susan Collins after Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign earlier this week. Walz commended Mills before announcing his visit to see Platner. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tJYx2F
MORE: From the Walz official calendar for today, “On Friday, May 1, 2026, Governor Tim Walz has no public events scheduled.”
TOMORROW: 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. Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison are also scheduled to attend. The event is at 5:00 p.m.
MEDICAID: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration on Thursday notified Minnesota that it’s deferring an additional $91 million in Medicaid funding, due to fresh concerns about vulnerabilities to fraud. … The announcement from Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, cited searches by federal agents on Tuesday at childcare and learning centers. … Gov. Tim Walz called the action part of the Trump Administration’s retribution campaign against Minnesota. … CMS approved the state’s corrective action plan in March, but has yet to free up any of the $243 million it withheld earlier.” READ:https://fluence-media.co/4w0jqrE
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota officials are seeing a massive spike in new reports of fraud in social services programs, overwhelming the ability of investigators to handle all the cases. That’s led state authorities to farm out more cases to federal investigators, and delayed their ability to hold providers who committed fraud accountable. … It may take years to get through the backlog of fraud referrals, Minnesota Department of Human Services Inspector General James Clark said.” CLARK: “Investigative capacity, technological capacity, has not [had] a corresponding increase to meet the volume we’re facing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cJMiwY
BOCK: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The judge presiding over the Feeding Our Future case is limiting convicted ringleader Aimee Bock’s access to confidential case documents from jail after she allegedly directed her adult sons to send the files to reporters and elected officials. … Federal prosecutors on Tuesday asked U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel to prohibit Bock from speaking with her sons prior to her May 21 sentencing hearing, but Brasel said at a Thursday hearing that would be a step too far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RdkvMN
HCMC/TAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee sent a tax bill to the Senate floor that could help save HCMC while also making Minnesota the first state to impose a social media tax. The HCMC funding would come from shifting an existing 0.15% sales tax [to] health care. … There will also be funding for North Memorial Medical Center that must all be dedicated to ‘uncompensated care,’ [but] HCMC will have more flexibility in how it spends its revenue. … The Senate tax bill also includes a social media tax that would range from 10 cents to 50 cents per user, depending on the platform’s size. It would be imposed on the social media companies.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OST2iU
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A 24-hour prayer vigil is currently taking place outside HCMC as lawmakers in St. Paul debate what should be done to try to save the financially struggling safety net hospital. … Organizers emphasized that the fight now shifts to securing a plan for permanent, long-term funding.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OCibyl
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
SESSION SLOG
RELIEF: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate on Thursday passed a zero-interest, $100 million forgivable loan program for businesses across the state that lost revenue this past winter because of the federal government’s immigration crackdown. … $18 million would be available for businesses in greater Minnesota, while the remaining $82 million would go to the seven-county metro area. Businesses must be in good standing with the state, operate a physical location and demonstrate that they experienced a revenue loss between December and the end of February compared to the previous year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pef8MP
RESPONSE: via Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, NELSON: “The Minnesota Forward Fund exists to bring high-impact, high-paying jobs to our state, and we raided it to send $100 million to the metro area. I know many of us are frustrated by how the immigration enforcement operation was conducted earlier this year, but this bill represents the wrong priorities. … There are so many better ways we could have used this $100 million.”
BONDING: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “The [bonding] bill has been called into question this week, with champions of the bonding efforts reporting mixed messages on the progress of negotiations. … Sen. Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, [said] this year feels ‘quicker’ than last, but ‘we’ll need more conversations with leaders.’ … Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, [said] she had to admit she’s ‘kind of nervous.’ … Rep. Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis, said he’s not concerned — yet.” LEE: “If we go into next weekend, [and] we don’t have any ideas…that’s when I’ll be concerned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PeeSNR
SAFETY/WAGERS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The 81-page public safety policy bill, with its 91 sections and language from more than a dozen other bills, passed the House Thursday on a 116-16 vote. Because the House amended [it], the bill must now return to the Senate for concurrence. … The bill would amend the authority for the attorney general to issue administrative subpoenas to include information related to a law enforcement investigation of financial crimes and fraud. … Members [also] adopted language that would ban predictive market wagering.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OQjVUG
PROPERTY TAX: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Legislators are running out of days to do something about property taxes, and so far there’s little consensus beyond a basic agreement that they are high. A DFL bill that would’ve issued property tax refunds, scaled so that lower earners get more than higher earners, failed in the House Tax Committee. … Over in the Senate, DFLers are coalescing around a proposal from Sen. Grant Hauschild of Hermantown for $100 million in property tax relief. Republicans, meanwhile, have authored big-swing proposals, like a cap on property taxes and a $4 billion refund.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42rFcax
TERM LIMITS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to place a limit of two terms on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor beginning with candidates elected in 2026? That’s the question Rep. Jimmy Gordon (R-Isanti) wishes to pose to Minnesota voters in November. He sponsors HF1849, which would put the question on the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. … The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee approved it on a voice vote and sent it to the House Floor Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t101UN
TAKE: Considering the tied House and one-vote Senate there should be more issues offered to voters to decide on the ballot this fall.
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
DC + MN
TECH: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter urging Governor Tim Walz to provide funding to update Minnesota’s outdated systems for administering Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4tJQend
ICE AGENT: via left-leaning Daily Beast, VERBATIM: “The ICE agent who fatally shot unarmed mom Renee Nicole Good has been quietly relocated to a different state and allowed to resume work. … Senior Department of Homeland Security officials have told the Daily Beast [that] agent Jonathan Ross, 43, [is] now performing administrative and investigative duties. … Senior officials [said] ICE’s internal affairs division cannot begin its administrative review until the FBI probe concludes, freezing the agency’s accountability process for Ross.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZucWs
WAREHOUSES: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is cosponsoring the Ban Warehouse Detention Act. … This legislation would [prohibit] the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from establishing, operating, expanding, converting, or renovating any warehouse or similar building or structure for the purposes of detaining people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QGy8UK
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)
THE FEED
FLAG: MinnPost looked into how much money could be lost if a bill to reduce funding for municipalities flying the old state flag passes. VERBATIM: “The bill, introduced by DFLers at the Legislature, proposes a 10% cut to local government aid, or LGA, for cities flying the outdated state flag. … [The bill] would wipe a whopping $214,192 from Wadena’s budget and only $4,862 from Elk River’s. … The bill is likely going nowhere this session, but that doesn’t mean a future Legislature wouldn’t rekindle it if control of the bodies changes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ph7xgx
SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed ten bills. … HF 3467 allows the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to direct agency resources to veterans’ initiatives. … HF 3718 modifies provisions relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. … SF 3832 modifies eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative. … HF 4241 modifies the Hennepin County medical examiner selection process [and more]. … HF 4118 authorizes credit unions to obtain insurance. … HF 3699 adds requirements for the state park license plate contest. HF 3437 modifies the application of certain residential mortgage loan fees. … HF 1410 modifies disciplinary procedures for correctional officers. SF 3958 modifies the reporting date for the disaster assistance contingency account. SF 3622 makes technical and clarifying changes to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48C4TIJ
TARGET FIELD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Concession workers at Target Field, unionized with Unite Here Local 17, will hold a strike authorization vote [today]. … The roughly 500-person unit will vote on whether to authorize a strike in response to not coming to terms on a new contract with the Delaware North Company, which employs concessions workers at the Twins’ stadium. Unite Here will host a press conference in front of the team store at Target Field on Friday afternoon, with the vote scheduled to begin afterwards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w1yvt5
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 Patch News, VERBATIM: “Thirty-four Minneapolis groups will split $1 million in city grant funding meant to help local businesses recover from Operation Metro Surge. Mayor Jacob Frey announced the grants Thursday, saying the money will go to community organizations across all 13 wards. The funding is meant to help neighborhood business districts bring customers back through marketing campaigns, branding, public events and direct outreach to businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eUsfgC
MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed an effort to extend the pre-eviction filing notice period by 15 days, weeks after shooting down a similar measure that would have extended the period by 30 days. … Frey defended his decision to veto the proposal, arguing it does not solve the root issue of whether a tenant can afford rent.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tD9Yce
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)
MENDOTA HGTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “It’s probably the most common concern that Mendota Heights Mayor Stephanie Levine hears when out in the community: ‘Why can’t Mendota Heights have good cell service?’ An effort to fix part of that issue [has] frustrated some residents though, as the city of Mendota Heights has been reviewing a proposal to install a new cell phone tower. … The criticism comes from the size of the tower, as it will rise well above the tree canopy. … Residents are most concerned about the visual impact, as well as any negative impact to nearby property values.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42F9ciX
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)
ACROSS MN
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Beginning [today], all new Mayo Clinic job postings will either be on-site or hybrid, not remote. … For staff members hired in a hybrid role, they must live within 100 miles of the Mayo Clinic campus to which they are assigned. … Mayo Clinic said in a statement [that] ‘We are always seeking ways to strengthen collaboration across roles and disciplines.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cYqexp
HERMANTOWN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Hermantown is considering a multimillion-dollar tax break for Google’s sprawling data center, the largest project that’s ever been proposed in the Duluth suburb. Google has offered to pay around $130 million for necessary public infrastructure, as well as contribute $450,000 in taxes each year after the data center is complete, in exchange for an annual tax rebate of about $1.2 million, totaling an estimated $33.5 million over 28 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZu5Kw
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)
BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “MMIW 218 is set to host its annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives conference from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, in Bemidji. … The May 3 event will start at 11 a.m. with a march from the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues to the Sanford Center, where lunch will follow, along with welcoming the runners from the MMIW Awareness Red Lake run.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4um19Ui
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. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Ethics will hear complaints related to Reps. Elliott Engen, Walter Hudson and Alex Falconer. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for E-12 education, human services, and health professional licensing. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4uqZkW9
TODAY: The House Ethics Committee has scheduled hearings for GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer starting at 10:00 a.m.
TODAY: via news advisory from UNITE HERE, VERBATIM: “UNITE HERE Local 17 members employed by Delaware North Company at Target Field are holding a press conference to discuss their vote to strike May 1st at 1:45 in front of Target Field team store.”
TODAY: SEIU and related groups will commemorate International Workers’ Day, also called May Day, with picketing, marches and other events throughout the Twin Cities from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: 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. Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison are also scheduled to attend. The event is at 5:00 p.m.
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BDAYS: DC reader Lou Jacobsen, insurance man about town Shalin Johnson, Lockridge partner Heidi Silton. SAT: comms guy Bryan Brignac, State Auditor Julie Blaha. SUN: lobbyist Rochelle Westlund, hockey guy Dave Aus, insider Char Briner
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.