SWEET 16
Thanks to the dozens of new subscribers after yesterday’s sunday send.
I’ve long lost the first edition of morning take that was sent on Monday, April 26th 2010…but last night thanks to some diligent digging I uncovered a Sribd post from Agate Plate Champion Lars Leafblad of the third edition of morning take.
We’re currently likely near 4,000 morning takes sent, here’s the excerpt from the 2010 copy of morning take #3.
The opening from April 29, 2010…VERBATIM: “I have been trying to find a format by which to share the tidbits and buzz I come across on a daily basis during this age of constant communication via Facebook and Twitter, etc. Inspired by POLITICO’s daily PLAYBOOK by Mike Allen, I thought I would start a fairly informal daily round up. I will be transparent about when clients are included, or if I am involved in some event. My plan is to start via email, daily – start small and build. Eventually maybe it will have a name, etc – but for now – consider yourselves my guinea pigs. Hopefully the list will grow, if you want to share, feel free. If you don’t want to be a guinea pig, just tell me and I’ll take you off the list. My goal is not to aggregate much news of the day, but rather preview the day ahead and help crystallize or foreshadow items on the horizon.”
The first few newsletters were sent to less than 100 people, now we have 500K reads per month. I’m grateful. Please share and send tips and feedback. After all, its an election year, another Governor’s race and there’s plenty of news just like 2010.
Now on with the day.
Wolves play at 9:30 tonight they can clinch with a win. Twins lost yesterday. Wild play tomorrow.
The trial between Elon Musk and the leading artificial intelligence firm, OpenAI, led by Sam Altman begins today. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/4vSu7wx
The gunman at the White House correspondents’ dinner was allegedly targeting federal officials, but only one person was reportedly injured. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/3OEUnK7
A plane crash in Brooklyn Park killed a North Dakota state representative. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4cM2ZX5
Reuters finds that 77% of voters think the president bears at least “a fair amount” of responsibility for rising gas prices. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/48n65Q9
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
ICYMI: Yesterday’s sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
Happy National Gummi Bear Day!
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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)
Via Rep. Marion Rarick on Facebook, VERBTATIM “42 of 201 MN lawmakers have announced retirement or that they are running for another office. After last night, I think more will call it quits. We didn’t sign up for possible assassination or death of our family members in our own homes…And, yes, both my husband Senator Jason Rarick and I are still going to run again. We don’t have children that live with us anymore so we don’t have to worry that they could be killed.”
MORE: via the Star Tribune,VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers may create a new unit within the State Patrol to protect constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices and legislators after last summer’s deadly attack on two lawmakers… The change is among many safety measures legislators are considering following the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and attempted slaying of state Sen. John Hoffman… Eight state troopers would be assigned to the new protective services unit under the bill. As many as 30 more troopers would receive personal security training and be strategically placed throughout the state to respond to threats as needed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41XAv86
TOMORROW: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to deliver his eighth and final State of the State address to 134 representatives, 67 senators, and a handful of other state officials gathered in the House Chamber Tuesday evening. … Although these [addresses] are guaranteed to set out the general plans a governor has for their term — or what’s left of it — many are run-of-the-mill political stump speeches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eKrlDe
WALZ TRAVEL: Via Axios Twin Cities, a look at how Gov. Tim Walz has paid for recent trips to Spain and California. VERBATIM: “Campaign funds paid for the recent trips overseas and to Los Angeles, a spokesperson confirmed. … But taxpayers are still on the hook for some related travel costs. The reason: Walz’s State Patrol security detail accompanies him on out-of-state travel, even when the trips are for personal or political purposes. … Minnesota State Patrol spent over $700,000 in state funds to protect the governor as he crisscrossed the country between mid-2023 and the end of 2025, data obtained by Axios via a public records request shows. Destinations included overseas trade missions, family vacations and dozens of fundraisers and speeches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mUzXta
CONVENTIONAL?
In midterms gauging the electorate can take until mid-to-late summer. Despite mid-term trends being tough for the incumbent party the opportunity in open seats rests with candidate quality. In Congressional races, challengers must build early energy event if the party index of the races are not favorable. DFLers feel energy in CD1 and CD7 and yet they might starting to feel a little anxious in CD2. The reason is the contested race that has not energized delegates yet – but there is still time.
Next weekend’s endorsing contest will test the conventional candidate model that Sen. Matt Klein has tried to run, while creative candidate fmr. State Sen. Matt Little has built momentum. State Rep. Kaela Berg may be surging, and the energy that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has brought to the US Senate races suggests more than ever that delegates in CD2 could break conventional candidate endorsements.
CD2: DFL candidate for CD2 and state Rep. Kaela Berg told WCCO-TV this weekend that although she is trailing fellow DFLers Matt Little and Matt Klein in fundraising for the seat, she thinks her campaign is still building momentum. The district’s DFL endorsing convention is next week on Saturday, May 9. BERG: “We have picked up a lot of momentum. People hear my story, they relate to me. They see somebody who understands them, and they’re coming in and they’re joining our team.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ubDB4q
CD3: The CD3 DFL endorsed Rep. Kelly Morrison in her reelection bid yesterday. The CD3 GOP endorsed Quentin Wittrock.
CD7: As seen in sunday send, Rep. Michelle Fischbach was endorsed by the CD7 GOP despite challenges from right-wing activists. The CD7 DFL endorsed Erik Osterberg.
CD8: The CD8 GOP endorsed Rep. Pete Stauber in his reelection bid this weekend.
GPMN: via Green Party advisory, VERBATIM: “At their state endorsing convention, the Green Party of Minnesota (GPMN) endorsed four candidates for the 2026 election: Steven Young and Jane Kirby for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively, Seth Kuhl-Stennes for Secretary of State, and Ngone Niang for the District 39 State Senate seat.”
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
DC SHOOTING
DC SHOOTING: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Rep. Tom Emmer were among the attendees at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner when a gunman opened fire in the lobby of the Washington Hilton. … Both are safe after the incident. Both Frey and Emmer praised the quick actions of law enforcement to stop the gunman. … Frey was at the dinner as a guest of MSNOW. … [The suspect] was stopped by the Secret Service and one officer was shot during the encounter.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421zQlY
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Frank Bi, a Minnesota Star Tribune product manager, was in attendance at the dinner and said he heard four shots ring out. … The Hilton remained open to regular guests during the event, and security had typically been focused on the ballroom rather than the hotel at large, with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4991T6M
MORE: As seen in sunday send, DNC Chair and former DFL Chair Ken Martin was also present at the White House correspondents’ dinner, as were KARE 11’s AJ Lagoe and Gary Knox. They were not injured. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4cOXx68
REACTIONS: Minnesota officials from both parties condemned Saturday’s shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner, which resulted in hospitalization for one Secret Service agent. DFLers said the incident points to a need for gun regulations, while Republicans argued for funding the Dept. of Homeland Security.
● Via Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, QUOTE: “Countless kids across America experience the fear of gun violence every day when they go to school. That it was new to many people in the room last night who have the power to change gun laws should be a necessary wake-up call.”
● Via GOP Rep. Tom Emmer, QUOTE: “The coward who attempted to attack an event celebrating our constitution and American values must not deter us as a nation. Political violence will never be tolerated.”
DHS: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer spoke to Fox News on Sunday about his experience at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and why he thinks it underscores the need to fully fund the Dept. of Homeland Security. EMMER: “These Democrats are literally playing with the safety of Americans. … The fact that [Secret Service] performed so flawlessly last night while under the stress of wondering whether they’re going to continue to get paid and all the rest of it is even more impressive.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eJAImD
RHETORIC: Members of both parties blamed their opposition for escalating political rhetoric following the shooting in Washington, D.C. For example, in response to Gov. Tim Walz saying Saturday that “political violence has become all too prevalent,” the Republican National Convention highlighted a previous quote from Walz saying “no one has ever been more dangerous to this country than Donald Trump.” The RNC claimed that Walz’s “disgusting rhetoric is inciting these violent attacks.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4cT6YBz
SECURITY: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Nearly a year after the assassination of a Minnesota legislative leader, lawmakers across the U.S. have worked to fortify security in state capitols and improve safeguards when officials are in their communities. The changes have followed a rise in political violence nationwide. … Twenty-five states, including Minnesota, now formally allow candidates to use campaign funds for personal security. … [And] it’s not just happening at the state level. Security spending for congressional and presidential campaigns has jumped fivefold over the past decade.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vU65RO
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
THREE WEEKS
SPENDING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Faced with critical needs but a relatively small pool of money to address them, Minnesota lawmakers are mulling creative outlets to spread the love — and resources — around… Legislative leaders agree on some must-tackle items this session. That includes new funding for safety net hospital HCMC and a pipeline to upgrade aging computer software counties use to provide healthcare and other public services…With a narrowly-split Legislature and differing views about whether to extend or raise taxes, some have proposed leveraging a state public construction projects bill — or asking Minnesota voters to grant them the authority to make that move later on.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41YzfkY
MN HOUSE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “House GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska and House Speaker Lisa Demuth said conversations between legislative leaders and the governor are ongoing, but they don’t anticipate taking on proposals that haven’t moved forward in their chamber.” NISKA: “We aren’t really excited about the fact that the way the Senate is doing business is sending those things over. … A lot of those look like they’re sending over things that just don’t have bipartisan support in the House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cxEgXT
MN SENATE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says the bulk of the chamber’s priority bills will have moved through the chamber by the end of [this] week. The St. Paul DFLer said a safety and security package and health and human services bills will come up for floor votes. Also expect proposals banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. … The firearm and immigration proposals have stalled in House committees, but Murphy said she’s hopeful they can come into play in end-of-session negotiations.” MURPHY: “We’re going to push as much as we can…and we’re going to keep pulling the House along.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cxEgXT
HCMC: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers are expressing confidence about keeping Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) afloat amidst financial crisis. … [But] right now, there are two major tax bills in play, both of which tack on an increase to the 2007 Hennepin County sales tax used to fund construction of the Minnesota Twins stadium. … The Senate bill would increase the tax to .25%, up from the current .15%. … The House bill features a much steeper 1% rate. … Details remain hazy about how lawmakers would reconcile the competing bills if they pass. However, lawmakers [said they] remain confident that HCMC will avoid closure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5NT17
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)
SENATE RACE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The head of the Minnesota Republican Party is calling on U.S. Senate candidate Royce White to suspend his campaign over allegations of domestic abuse. … Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash says that the party can’t force anyone out of the races, but candidates ‘must demonstrate sound judgment, behavioral discipline, and respect for the law. These reports raise serious questions about all three.’ … White called Plechash a ‘fruitcake’ [in response].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mNKRAM
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)
IMPACTS
RELIEF: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Months after the wind-down of the federal government’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, local businesses and governments are still assessing the full impact of the operation. Some Minnesota lawmakers want to spend state money to soften the blow, but their proposals face uncertain prospects in the Legislature. … [Proposals] range from forgivable loans to a $100 million package to provide grants directly to small businesses. … At least one Republican, [Rep. Dave Baker], has publicly acknowledged how ICE activity harmed business, though he has not signaled direct support for any aid proposal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QzcqSv
EVICTIONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “By the end of the first quarter of 2026, about 6,400 eviction filings were made statewide, up slightly from last year. In Minneapolis, where much of Operation Metro Surge was focused, filings climbed sharply between January and March, surpassing last year’s rate of eviction filings in the city. And statewide through mid-April, eviction filings are still above 2025’s record pace.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QBnBtS
ARRESTS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “At the peak of the [ICE] crackdown, carloads of masked immigration officers were a common sight in the streets of Minneapolis, while thousands of people were being arrested every week in Texas, Florida and California. … [But] in late January, the killings in Minneapolis of two American citizens by immigration officers and growing concerns over the government’s heavy-handed tactics led to a shake-up of top immigration officials. In the weeks that followed, ICE arrests across the country dropped on average by nearly 12%. … Those arrest numbers were still higher on average than during much of [2025].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d6mZ8e
COURTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “In his first interview since Operation Metro Surge, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz explained how ICE strained Minnesota’s federal courts during the unprecedented immigration enforcement operation. … Judges faced a record surge of lawsuits from detained immigrants, with more than 1,100 habeas cases filed through March. The fallout from the surge, including disputes over court order violations, is expected to impact Minnesota’s federal courts for years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41Zh0Ml
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)
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
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis may put a moratorium on data centers, even as some see the facilities as possible saviors of the downtown commercial tax base, which has plummeted in value in recent years. … The council scheduled a vote on a moratorium for May 21, giving members time to see whether state lawmakers enact statewide regulations. The council is largely split on the issue along its usual political divide, with more moderate Democrats worried that a moratorium would put the brakes on an emerging market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eFnXJW
ARDEN HILLS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The federal government has auctioned a section of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant property in Arden Hills to a private ownership group for $3.58 million. … A written statement from the GSA does not elaborate on the new property owner’s plans for the land parcel, but GSA Administrator Edward Forst is quoted as saying the sale will ‘save taxpayers approximately $3 million and create economic opportunity for the region.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cAVEeg
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 FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Inver Grove Heights could become the latest Minnesota city to switch back to the old state flag. Its council will vote on switching back to the old state flag at a meeting on Monday evening. … A memo included on the council agenda notes it will take four to eight weeks for delivery [and] installation of the replacement flags at a cost of about $3,000.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cIoPuI
ST LOUIS CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A northeast Minnesota county at odds with the Trump Administration over local union labor agreements appears primed to prevail. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) warned St. Louis County last month that its policy to use local union workers for federally funded road construction projects put it at risk of losing millions of dollars. … Some county commissioners called it union busting. [But] Rep. Pete Stauber, the Republican who represents the county in Congress, [said] he had worked with the White House and federal transportation department to allow the county to go forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42BusGh
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Options for opening the Rochester Regional Sports Center to increased community use are set to be discussed Monday by the Rochester City Council. … The sports center has seen an additional $14 million in support through city sales tax funds since it was constructed, but material prepared ahead of the meeting points to the potential for funding another $55 million over at least five years to address deferred maintenance and potential expansion in an effort to meet indoor recreation needs that align with recent community feedback.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tSGFCR
CHURCHES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Nearly three dozen [churches] in central Minnesota [are] slated to close as part of the most drastic reduction of Catholic parishes ever seen in Minnesota: merging 131 parishes down to 48. … The St. Cloud Diocese, which stretches across 16 counties in central Minnesota, is planning the closures in response to steady declines in both the number of priests and parishioners, as well as trends of people becoming less religious.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P3WAyL
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)
COMING UP…
SESSION: House floor session at 1:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House will hear the education omnibus and bills on campaign finance, local government, health jobs and more. The Senate will hear business relief and omnibus bills on jobs & economic development, education, and labor. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear the labor and industry omnibus plus bills on public safety, veterans and more. SENATE: Finance hears business relief and omnibus bills for jobs & economic development, education, and labor. Transportation hears presentations on accountability, wheelchair accessibility and wayside detector systems. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4cIiHmg
TODAY: The Somali American Coalition Action Fund will host a “Somali Day at the Capitol” on Monday, April 27, starting with a press conference at 8:30 a.m. and a rally at 10:00 a.m. Speakers will include DFL Sen. Omar Fateh, GOP Sen. Jim Abeler, DFL Rep. Samakab Hussein and DFL Rep. Cedric Frazier.
TOMORROW: 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.
WEDNESDAY: 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.
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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BDAYS: SOS leader Julie Strother, public affairs veteran Joe Weber, Minneapolis lobbyist Loren Olson, 2nd Harvest’s Zach Rodvold
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.