FRIDAY WARM-UP
Frost lose. Wolves play tonight. Wild tomorrow.
Stillwater hosts its first-ever Governor’s Fishing Opener this weekend. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3QXQTDd
Fishing license sales for 16-20-year-olds are finally rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4d7s66Z
Some Minnesotans want a gas tax holiday, but the state constitution is a major hurdle. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4tg9aZL
More tariffs were declared illegal, but they’ll remain in effect during the appeal process. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4tYwwnR
Campaign staffers say they’re making “thousands” betting on their own candidates. NPR: https://fluence-media.co/4tkNgEM
Republican Sen. Candidate Michele Tafoya will be m guest on WCCO Radio Sunday at 9AM.
It’s National Have Coke Day and National Coconut Cream Pie Day….two of my favorites.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms including the late Bev Olson.
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
SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
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Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
CAMPAIGN 2024
CD2: Via Star Tribune, a preview of tomorrow’s DFL endorsing convention in the 2nd Congressional District. VERBATIM: “Former Lakeville Mayor Matt Little, state Sen. Matt Klein and state Rep. Kaela Berg are vying to replace Rep. Angie Craig. … Regardless of whether there’s a winner Saturday, the current three-way race could stretch on into a crowded primary. … Little, who recently said he believes he has a majority of delegate support, [said] he’ll drop out of the race if he does not get endorsed, [unless] the convention results in no endorsement. … Klein has been firm that he’ll move to a primary since he jumped in the race. … Berg, who initially indicated when she entered the race in October that she, too, would keep running in a primary, has been undecided on her plans as of late.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4try8p3
TAKE: Insiders agree that fmr. State Sen, and Lakeville Matt Little is the favorite to win the endorsement this weekend, and State Sen. Matt Klein will run in a primary, and likely that Rep. Kaela Berg will also run in primary. The primary in CD2 will be a snapshot of the mood of the DFL in August. Consider that Rep. Angie Craig a business minded DFLer, who was embraced by CD2 for her race would rise to reshape the districts electorate. The test will be did the district change, or have activists and delegates changed? The turnout in a CD2 primary will also play into the DFL Senate primary. The biggest question is who can capture energy outside of the activists. Stay tuned.
CD1: Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved its rating for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District slightly to the left, from “Safe Republican” to “Likely Republican.” EXCERPT: “This used to be a swing district, but it has moved to Republicans and [Donald] Trump, backing him most recently by 12 points as Rep. Brad Finstad (R, MN-1) won by more in 2024. … [But] Jake Johnson (D), a local high school teacher, did outraise Finstad in the first quarter of 2026. As we think about what a really big hypothetical Democratic wave might look like, we thought it made sense to highlight some places that typically haven’t been competitive lately, but were in 2018 — the last big Democratic year. MN-1 fits that mold even though it is very much a longshot Democratic target.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pt2Gcb
CD5: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In Minneapolis, incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing two Democrats in the Fifth District DFL convention [tomorrow]. DNC member and party activist Latonya Reeves is one, and the other is Julie Le, a former federal attorney. … But Omar and Democratic political observers, including some who have worked to oust her in the past, believe the congresswoman will win the convention outright.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4try8p3
DATA BREACH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Just as finals begin at the University of Minnesota, a hacker group has disrupted a key digital platform used by the U and schools around the world. Those logging in to Canvas on May 7 were met with a sinister-looking screen that [said] ‘You have till the end of the day by 12 May 2026 before everything is leaked.’ … The U is among nearly 9,000 schools and 275 million people worldwide affected by the Canvas breach — the second in the span of a week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cWQauy
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
ANTI-FRAUD
OIG: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The House finally passed a bill Thursday to create an Office of the Inspector General. The vote was 127-5. Fully operational by Sept. 1, 2027, the office would oversee current agency-based inspectors general and investigate credible allegations of fraud or misuse in state-administered programs. … Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the office would have the authority to appoint licensed peace officers and establish a law enforcement agency to be called the Inspector General Anti-Fraud and Waste Bureau that would conduct statewide investigations and make arrests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uAHDn8
MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “[The bill] would also set program integrity standards for state agencies and allow for more communication between agencies about potential bad actors trying to go between various state departments for funding, even after they’ve been flagged. … Senate sponsors said they hope to adopt the changes implemented by the House soon, teeing the bill up for Gov. Tim Walz’s signature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RbbiEN
NEXT: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “The [OIG] bill calls for appointing an inspector general by February. … [Meanwhile], a closely watched proposal to give state agencies more power to stop payments to suspected fraudsters sailed through the House, but has so far stalled in the DFL-controlled Senate. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy told reporters recently that some of her members have concerns about due process for legitimate providers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ndPHaG
PAYMENTS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Legislature is considering a lot of anti-fraud measures, but one stalled in a House committee. … The bill aims to stop people who have defrauded the state from getting additional money in the future from another agency. The bill would require anyone applying for a government grant to certify they haven’t violated labor laws or defrauded another state program. Chief sponsor Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, said she expected the bill to pass the House Ways and Means Committee, [but] Republicans stalled the bill. ‘I like it. I’m just asking for more time to vet it out,’ Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48O3YFi
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)
MORE BILLS
SHOOTINGS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “After St. Paul’s Non-Fatal Shooting Unit was started, the solve rate nearly doubled and the number of such shootings dropped 40 percent. Now, there’s a push to fund a statewide grant program. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill [this week] that includes $1 million in funding to solve nonfatal shootings. A companion version has advanced in the Senate, but awaits a final vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uA9Fim
PIPES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Three years ago, the Minnesota Legislature resoundingly agreed to put a down payment on removing all lead pipes from the state. That resulted in Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, and other lawmakers approving $240 million in funding. … [But] funding is running out this year, and no federal support is slated to come through after 2027. … [More state funds] may still come through, but Franson [said] time is running short to get it done this session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48O5Xte
SHROOMS: via MN House advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, the Minnesota House passed SF4612, the Health and Human Services supplemental budget bill. Prior to passage, the House accepted an amendment by Rep. Andy Smith (DFL – Rochester), modeled after HF2609, to establish a psilocybin therapeutic use program in Minnesota. The Amendment was accepted with overwhelming bipartisan support, on a vote of 114-5.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4dd3Zns
SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Today, Governor Tim Walz signed ten bills. … HF 3875 [is] the Minnesota Judicial Branch policy bill. … HF 1606 prohibits access to nudification. … HF 4052 clarifies and modifies provisions governing telephone company regulation. … HF 3155 includes gift card fraud within the definition of organized retail theft. HF 4075 establishes a uniform procedure for [gun] restrictions. … HF 2358 provides enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. … SF 2971 [covers] suicide reduction measures. … SF 3888 permits tow trucks to use variable message signs. HF 4224 modifies notice requirements for water discharges. HF 3970 establishes a remedy to extinguish a joint interest in a contract for deed of a perpetrator of domestic abuse.” READ/LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4u0KXrK
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 STUFF
OFFICERS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen spoke at a roundtable discussion with law enforcement hosted by Rep. Tom Emmer in Blaine. Rosen spoke about his office’s capacity to prosecute crimes following a depletion of prosecutors during Operation Metro Surge. The roundtable also addressed ways to coordinate resources to counter growing gang violence and drug trafficking.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tTRu7n
TRANSFERS: via Rep. Pete Stauber advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki requesting more information on how the federal government monitors large amounts of cash being transported internationally.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4njFkCz
FARM BILL: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined agricultural stakeholders, local businesses, farmers, producers, and rural leaders at AGCO in Jackson for an event celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (2026 Farm Bill).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ZpzHe
MORE: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer hosted a Farm Bill roundtable with constituents and agriculture stakeholders to discuss the House-passed Farm Bill and how it will impact Minnesota’s needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R8l8r1
SETTLEMENT: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison led a bipartisan coalition of states working with the United States Department of Justice in resolving the civil antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. for organizing and sharing anticompetitive information exchanges among meat processors. The settlement, reached just before trial was set to begin, requires Agri Stats to stop certain anticompetitive behavior regarding its data collection and sharing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42iTvy3
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)
METRO
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to keep two recent vetoes from Mayor Jacob Frey intact, while paving the way for what is likely to be another mayoral veto. The council first fell short of the two votes needed to override Frey’s veto of an ordinance that would have decriminalized drug paraphernalia. … Frey also prevailed in his attempt to block an ordinance temporarily extending the notice period landlords are required to give tenants before filing an eviction.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wgCPoz
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her plans to appoint Cedrick Baker as one of her four assistant mayors, and Melanie McMahon as the director of Planning and Economic Development. The two were among five appointments announced Thursday by the mayor’s office. … The St. Paul City Council will vote on Baker and McMahon’s appointments on May 13.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wihcnN
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)
ANOKA CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Anoka County residents are seeing some of Minnesota’s biggest property tax increases as county leaders point to state mandates and worker pay. … Anoka County Commission Chairman Scott Schulte [said] it is the result of bad timing after years of low tax increases dating back to 2017. From 2021 to 2023, Anoka County had zero property tax increases. Schulte said in 2024, unfunded mandates from the state forced the county to [adjust].” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tnsXqe
BLOOMINGTON: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the Bloomington Police Department unveiled its Executive Protection Unit, a specialized team dedicated to ‘ensuring the safety and security of public officials.’ … Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said during a Thursday press conference that the politically motivated assassinations of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk were the impetus in the unit’s creation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QWnGZk
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)
ACROSS MN
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Jerrod Lucker wants to give back to the community that has supported his family since they moved to Rochester nearly four years ago. ‘I want to be of service,’ said the certified health coach, musician and educator as he announced his plans Thursday to run for the Rochester mayoral seat. … He said his campaign will promote unity and resilience, anchored by the theme that Rochester is ‘Stronger Together.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ndVwVA
BECKER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Seven months after the Becker Post Office closed down, news of its replacement was delivered to Becker Mayor Mark Kolbinger. … The USPS announced its intention to rebuild its location, [and] it expects to continue offering the same services the previous location had. … Kolbinger says it’s unclear when they could actually see the new post office, however.” KOLBINGER: “I don’t expect to see final plans or anything probably till towards the end of summer. … I’m hoping sometime in the summer of ‘27 we’ll see a building.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/498h0h9
RESPONSE: via Rep. Tom Emmer statement, EMMER: “Finally, after a year of advocacy with Mayor Mark Kolbinger and the City of Becker, the USPS has made the right call to bring back postal service to Becker. Thank you to Mayor Kolbinger for his leadership, partnership, and constant communication with us as we worked to resolve this.”
SARTELL: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics now plans to build a larger facility than originally proposed. … The rare-earth-free magnet manufacturer plans to add a second floor to portions of the building, increasing its size from 190,000 to 287,000 square feet. The project will be built in two phases. … It will be the company’s first full-scale manufacturing site [and] produce up to 1,500 tons of iron nitride magnets annually for use in data centers, automobile motors, robotics, electronics and defense systems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wc6lM1
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)
LOOKING AHEAD
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. CONFERENCE: Conference committees will hear omnibus bills for public safety. HOUSE: Rules & Admin. has a remote hearing with an unannounced agenda. SENATE: Finance hears the program integrity omnibus. Human Services will have an informational hearing with an unannounced agenda. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/49iU66y
TODAY-TMRW: Gov. Tim Walz released his schedule for the Governor’s Fishing Opener in Stillwater. On Friday, Walz will participate in media row interviews at 7:10 a.m., trout stocking at 10:30 a.m., and fishing with students at 12:30 p.m. On Saturday, Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will fish on the St. Croix River starting at 8:00 a.m.
TODAY: The St. Paul Area Chamber is hosting its 2026 Small Business Summit and Expo from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
TODAY: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will hold a rally in Minneapolis commemorating the one-year mark since she launched her U.S. Senate campaign. The event is at 4:00 p.m.
MONDAY: Advocates will host a demonstration of “vote from your phone” technology at the Capitol from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. The Minnesota Legislature is considering bills to legalize mobile voting, and lawmakers are invited to attend this event.
WEDNESDAY: 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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BDAYS: Eagan City Councilor Cyndee Fields, attorney Roy Ginsberg
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.