WEEKEND READY
Wolves win. Twins lose. Twins go to Tampa. Vikings pick DT Caleb Banks.
Play your Saturday Wild at 4:30 and Wolves at 7:30.
Millions of Americans are now also considered Canadians under a new citizenship law. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ct08DL
A U.S. soldier was charged with betting on the outcome of his own mission to earn over $400,000 on Polymarket. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4e1WUbx
There are “zombie fish” growing in population in Lake Superior. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/3QtPZhB
YouGov finds that 46% of Americans say the Trump Admin. is “very corrupt,” while 33% say the same about the Biden Admin. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4cNQ5Ih
Six in 10 U.S. adults say they see people treating others with kindness and respect either “very often” (20%) or “often” (40%), GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4911eUT
Tommorow is Independent Bookstore Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured four leaders at the TwinWest Legislative Breakfast — GOP Senate Ldr. Mark Johnson, GOP House Flr. Ldr. Harry Niska, DFL Senate Asst. Maj. Ldr. Nick Frentz and DFL House Flr. Ldr. Jamie Long — discussing the final month of session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mFbCY1
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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)
With soldiers and lawmakers getting caught on prediction markets, it’s probably time to acknowledge that I didn’t even think to bet on a prediction market when I knew Gov. Tim Walz was going to announce he was leaving the Governor’s race. On one hand, I laugh that it was a missed opportunity, but on the other its clarity that it wasn’t a motivator to providing readers the information we have over the last 16 years.
Monday will mark 16 years since I opened my email and sent out the first edition of morning take, now the kids who grew up knowing nothing different than dad waking up to do the newsletter and radio are subscribers.
The newsletter audience has grown every year thanks to you – the readers. There may be some more reflections in the days to come, but if you have an idea this weekend – give it a shot – you never know what it might create.
GOV RACE: GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins released a new digital ad for her governor campaign that calls her a “conservative fighter” who has “taken on the fights others wouldn’t.” A press release adds that as chair of the House fraud prevention committee, she is “the only one holding politicians accountable,” likely intended as a comparison to other Republicans in the race. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mP04BQ
SENATE RACE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan posted a social media video addressing recent ads that claim Rep. Angie Craig is standing up to ICE and Pres. Donald Trump, as seen in Monday’s morning take. Flanagan accused “out-of-state billionaires” of “acting like we’re stupid” and trying to “rewrite Angie Craig’s story.” Craig responded directly: “I’m happy to discuss my record on standing up to Trump and ICE. Instead of tweeting videos, let’s debate on TV before the convention. Deal?” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4cKFj5J
WHITE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Republican U.S. Senate candidate Royce White is subject to a no-contact order after a Minnesota judge ruled there was credible evidence of threats of harm toward his ex-wife and one of two children. … In an interview, White said his ex-wife ‘has a personal vendetta.’ … White said he is pressing forward in his [Senate] campaign. … The court case overlaps with his campaign in financial ways, too. According to campaign finance disclosures, White began paying attorneys [with] three $5,000 installments from Senate campaign funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eAy8PW
CD5: Former GOP Rep. George Santos, a New Yorker who was expelled from Congress in 2023, announced on social media that he is willing to run against DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Via X, SANTOS: “If Congress doesn’t move to remove illegitimate Rep. [Omar] I’ll run again just to remove her from office in 2028. Think I can’t win? Try me, my life is an open book and I’ll take aim at any seat and primary someone out just to prove a point, the American people rather vote for someone who is open about their life and past and seeking truth than someone who is shady and full of secrets. Remove [Omar] NOW!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4mPSmXZ
TAKE: Stay home George, we’re not interested in more drama. We have enough.
SD7: Hibbing School Board member Kim McLaughlin announced she is seeking the DFL endorsement for Senate District 7. McLaughlin said in her announcement that she will work “across the aisle” and her priorities are “strengthening public education, making healthcare affordable and accessible, creating and protecting jobs, and building safe, supported communities.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3QDX8vF
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
STATUS
THREE THINGS: The Star Tribune highlights three things that might pass in a divided legislature.
1. HCMC Relief
2. Fraud Measures
3. Bonding
READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OZM4Zl
FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A longtime employee at Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS), who blew the whistle on DHS’s oversight of taxpayer money, is renewing those concerns as the state’s largest agency grapples with an unprecedented crisis….Allegations of widespread fraud in multiple state Medicaid programs are driving state and federal investigations, as well as proposed reforms at the legislature. BERNSTEIN: “I would love to just say ‘I told you so!’” said Faye Bernstein in a rare, on-camera interview with 5 INVESTIGATES.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w6OtT1
CONFERENCE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Traditionally, the Senate and House would pass bills that match or have similar issues within them that would get negotiated into a final draft in a conference committee. But with the tied House, several bills have stalled. That means Senate bills that have passed don’t have a companion and conference committees don’t automatically bring members of each chamber together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vPdSQH
MORE: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and GOP Sen. Eric Pratt spoke to reporters about the difficult path to conference committee negotiations this session.
MURPHY: “[I hear] a lot of questions about what’s happening in the other body. And I wish I was a person with the crystal ball on what’s happening there. We all know that they are in a tie, and that has, I think in this session, perhaps made things less clear.”
PRATT: “It feels like the Senate is going rogue on this one. We’ve just decided we’re going to do it this way. We don’t like omnibus bills, but we’re going to put everything in an omnibus bill and move it forward. I just wish we were working better between the two chambers.”
TRANSPORTATION: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate, led by the DFL majority, passed a transportation bill that includes some Republican-backed ideas. However, the bill does not address autonomous vehicles. … It does include a clearer definition of e-bikes [and] requires driver’s education classes for anyone under the age of 21. … Republicans have made it a priority to set up rules for companies like Waymo, [but] lawmakers say the chances of passing statewide self-driving vehicle legislation this session is slim.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sUFq4D
(DISCLOSURE: Waymo is a Fluence sponsor)
HCMC: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing [HCMC] in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation. … The commission gathered Thursday to finalize their strategy on getting lawmakers to sign on to a 1% sales tax in Hennepin County. That would mean buying a $40 dinner would now have an extra 40 cents tacked on, and buying a $30,000 car would cost an extra $300. … Lawmakers have three and a half weeks to make that emergency save, [but] county leaders say they have hope because there is some support from state leaders in both parties.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mMUSOT
MED FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A KARE 11 Investigates review of Medicaid billing records, corporate filings, state, county, and city grant contracts, along with social media videos and document metadata, reveals a network of interconnected healthcare businesses billing government programs considered high-risk for fraud. Clients tell KARE 11 some bills are for services they never received or were improperly provided.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sOL7kn
WFH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously [that] a Dakota County employee who was injured while loading her car with work equipment after being told to return to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic is entitled to relief under the Workers’ Compensation Act. It’s one of the first instances of the state’s highest court examining when an injury suffered as a result of the world’s new hybrid work reality is eligible for medical benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d2WK2x
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
ISSUE TRACKING
EVENTS: via Senate GOP advisory, VERBATIM: “The Senate Taxes Committee on Thursday heard a bipartisan bill authored by Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) that would give Minnesota a permanent funding source to compete for major sports events. Senate File 5101 creates the Sports and Events Reimbursement Program. … [It] would capture tax revenue generated by qualifying large-scale sporting events, and route that money to a special revenue fund allowing organizations like Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) to use for future event bids. This is a performance-based funding model, and no existing state funds would be used. … The bill was laid over and will be considered for a larger tax bill.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4mQhi1N
COMMERCE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A virtual currency kiosk ban received the green light from the House Thursday when it was included in the omnibus commerce policy bill, HF4188, that, as amended, was passed 122-12. The bill now goes to the Senate. … The omnibus bill includes consumer protections, broker dealer changes, unclaimed property and technical law changes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mRdhKn
POLICE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Thursday to enact harsher penalties for people who impersonate law enforcement. … A companion bill in the Senate passed last month, also on a unanimous vote. The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature. … The bill also includes a provision that requires law enforcement to identify themselves by their agency, name and badge number. This section explicitly excludes undercover officers but does not mention federal law enforcement.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mT7Smc
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)
SECURITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats say they’re prioritizing a Capitol security package as part of their priority list. … Under an executive order from Gov. Tim Walz, Capitol security officials put in new safety measures in the building this year, including enhanced patrols and weapons detection technology. Lawmakers are proposing to keep those measures in place beyond the end of the legislative session. The bill would also create a protective services unit under the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tasked with ensuring the safety of state legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vPdSQH
FRAUD TAX: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Senator Steve Drazkowski [wants to] impose a 100% tax on the money that fraudsters steal from Minnesota taxpayers. ‘This would allow the Department of Revenue to collect this money and get the taxpayers’ money back,’ Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) told the Senate Taxes Committee on Thursday. … The bill passed the Senate Taxes Committee unanimously.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4urfOxB
DEEPFAKES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Anyone can take a non-explicit photo of someone, upload it to a platform that offers an AI ‘nudification’ feature and create a non-consensual, sexually explicit image or video of the person. … HF1606 would prohibit a user to access, download or use a website, application, software, program or other service to nudify an image or video. The advertising of any such service would also be banned, and a legal avenue is provided for the victim against the violator. Passed 132-1 by the House Thursday, it now goes to the Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48kyuX6
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)
MONEY…
GAS PRICES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Gas prices are surging due to the war in Iran, and a home-grown fuel made from corn is being promoted as part of the solution. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is investing millions into expanding access to blends of gasoline with high concentrations of ethanol. … E15 is only available at about a quarter of the gas stations in Minnesota, so the agriculture department is offering gas stations up to $199,000 each through its Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program to subsidize things like gas pumps that can handle higher amounts of ethanol.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sWXHOx
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Corn is a Fluence sponsor)
SNAP: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) in demanding Governor Tim Walz comply with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) verification and enrollment data given the recent federal warrants served during Operation Cold Snap and charges served for SNAP fraud in Anoka County.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4ublgoa
ICE/DHS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Senate Republicans are preparing to push through funding for [ICE] and [DHS] using budget reconciliation, a process which allows the legislative body to pass spending measures using a simple majority. … The 50-48 vote came early Thursday morning, clearing the way for $70 billion in funding. … Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar voted with Democrats against the measure, as did Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Rand Paul (Kentucky). The move sets out the blueprint for funding the departments without requiring Democratic support, allowing them to ignore Democrat calls for reforms to ICE.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tv6VD3
FUNDING: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “The U.S. House Appropriations Committee marked up the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) funding bill, ultimately passing the legislation by a party-line vote of 34-28. Congresswoman Betty McCollum voted no on the bill because it cuts funding for the Small Business Administration and ends the IRS direct free file program. … The committee considered an amendment offered by Congresswoman McCollum that would study the financial impact of increased federal immigration enforcement on Minnesota’s small businesses. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 31-26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cvO1G5
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 MPR News, VERBATIM: “In a lengthy and often tense Minneapolis City Council meeting Thursday, council members approved ordinances to decriminalize drug paraphernalia and extend the city’s eviction notice timeline. The two new ordinances are subject to mayoral approval. The council also left the leadership of the city’s Office of Community Safety uncertain. Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated current commissioner Todd Barnette to continue leading the office, and vetoed an earlier council vote to deny his reappointment; the council today failed to override that veto. That leaves Barnette stuck in the nomination phase, while the council lacks the votes to either confirm him or deny him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sSQcs6
MPD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “5 EYEWITNESS NEWS refreshed questions to every city council member and the mayor on where they stand with their support for Chief Brian O’Hara. The new round of inquiries was sent the day following a very critical audit highlighting the MPD’s handling of two high-profile cases. … Frey’s office [said] ‘The audit has no role in the decision the Mayor will make.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4txjSw4
GRANDMAS RIDE ATVs TOO: Check out Donna’s story — a powerful reminder that ATV riding is about more than trails; it’s about people, community, and connection. Donna’s message reflects what so many riders across Minnesota believe: responsible riding, strong local economies, and protecting access for future generations all go hand in hand. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. Check out Donna’s story HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Weeks after the city completed the demolition of the derelict CVS Pharmacy building at the corner of Snelling and University avenues, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has announced that Dr. Bill McGuire, an owner of the Minnesota United, is acquiring the site to build market-rate apartments over future street-level retail. The private redevelopment, announced Thursday, will be led by 499 Snelling Realty Company. … [McGuire] said he hoped to break ground on a development ‘by next year at the latest,’ and he’s received a number of ideas for potential ground-floor retail.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OIN8AO
FOREST LAKE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “John-Paul ‘JP’ Jacobson, an 11-year veteran in the Forest Lake Area School District, has been tapped to be the district’s next superintendent. The board voted 6-0 [to] enter into contract negotiations with Jacobson, with an anticipated start date of July 1.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u1oF8M
DULUTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Port of Duluth-Superior has received a $27 million federal grant to help build up the Duluth Lake Port pier, a project that could revitalize a key part of the city’s working waterfront. … The U.S. Department of Transportation grant is expected to be used for the reconstruction of 1,150 linear feet of dock wall, the addition of 7.5 acres of new laydown space, the removal of out-of-use grain elevators and installation of utilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cMAfOc
BELTRAMI CTY: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners delayed its budget discussion to Tuesday, May 19, as just four of five commissioners were present during [the latest] meeting. The board will only discuss the budget when all five members are present. … The board will next meet on Tuesday, May 5. [But] Commissioner Tim Sumner will miss this meeting, which pushed the budget discussion back by an additional two weeks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tqfkYh
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: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: No committee meetings. SENATE: Finance hears bills to rename buildings after Kari Dziedzic and Melissa Hortman; omnibus packages for consumer protection, agriculture, higher education and more; and rules for online sweepstakes and prediction markets. Judiciary & Public Safety hears the health and human services omnibus and numerous technical changes. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3OJdcvF
MONDAY: 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.
TUESDAY: 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.
NEXT WEEK: 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.
SEPT 22: The Star Tribune is hosting its second annual North Star Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 22 in Minneapolis. There will also be a VIP dinner on Monday, Sept. 21 and a networking workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event will invite “national and regional leaders” to discuss “issues, ideas and solutions for shaping the future of the Midwest,” per a release.
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BDAYS: NYT’s Ernesto Londono, Sen. Ann Rest, Rep. Emma Greenman, public affairs veteran Tonya Tennesen SAT: Greater MN thinker Steve Greenfield, journalist and data guy David Montgomery, WCCO Radio’s Lindsey Peterson. SUN: Essentia’s Andy Askew, cousin Steve Florman, health guy Al Tsai, trend driver Sarah Edwards.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.