PLAYOFF SZN
This morning’s sunrise…
Twins lose, Frost lose. Wild at 8:30, Wolves at 9:30 tonight – pre-game naps acceptable.
A previously unreleased Prince song will be unveiled tomorrow. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3QmMqto
U.S. customs will begin issuing refunds today to businesses that paid unlawful tariffs. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4tkFo6W
Iran and the U.S. both attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend, with Iran declaring the strait closed again. ABC: https://fluence-media.co/3OsVxby
NBC News finds that 33% of Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling the conflict in Iran, while 67% disapprove. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4ewGBDI
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
Some people celebrate 420 day, but it’s really National Pineapple
Upside Down Cake Day
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh and GOP Rep. Ben Bakeberg discussing education issues and what fixes are being considered this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cEc99g
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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)
WALZ FUTURE
This morning TimWalz.com redirects to Small Town Pac, a new effort about his future. Via an email to supporters, WALZ: “When Democrats stop showing up in certain places, somebody else fills the void. … I think there’s a better path. It starts by taking small towns seriously. It starts by respecting people enough to tell the truth. And it starts by building power in places too many folks in politics have given up on. … If we want to build a stronger Democratic Party, we’ve got to be willing to show up, listen, organize, and compete in more places.”SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48ZalWa
MORE: The Star Tribune shared more info from Gov. Tim Walz about the announcement. WALZ: “[I’ve] spent a lot of time listening, reflecting, and thinking about what this moment demands of us. … [Midterms] will be decided in the places we’re willing to go. So that’s what I’m going to do. In the days ahead, I’ll have more to share about how I plan to help — the people I’ll be standing with, the fights I’ll be taking on, and the kind of politics I think is worth building right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sNAX3I
NOTE: Gov. Tim Walz has nothing on his schedule today, so there won’t be a chance to ask why he’s making this announcment now.
SPAIN: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Progressive leaders from around the globe gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to try and galvanize their forces. … U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were present alongside the leaders of Brazil, South Africa and high-ranking officials from other left-leaning governments. … [Walz] threw barbs at U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who [has] backed far-right parties in Europe.” WALZ: “Unlike our current vice president, I’m not here to arrogantly lecture or scold you. I am not here to pick a fight with the Pope or host a rally for any local wannabe authoritarians.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cFqstj
USSEN: The Civic Progress Fund is running TV ads that simultaneously support and demand more of DFL Rep. Angie Craig. The ads praise Craig for advocating against ICE’s actions during Operation Metro Surge, but they end with a plea for viewers to “call Angie Craig” and “tell her to keep fighting ICE and the immigration reconciliation bill.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dWQM4n
TRUMP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Republicans chasing statewide office in Minnesota look for an advantage in competitive primary races, one thing can give them a decisive edge: an endorsement from President Donald Trump. … The path to winning that coveted backing, however, can be unpredictable. … A month out from the Minnesota Republican Party’s convention, where activists will make their own influential endorsements of candidates, it’s not clear if or when Trump will weigh in. … Trump regularly endorses candidates in Minnesota, though it’s usually after a contested primary is decided.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OzRkmm
ICYMI: A Saturday edition of morning take featured analysis of the fracture between Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the finances of Rep. Ilhan Omar and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42hmpyl
MNLEG
SCHOOLS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State lawmakers returned to the Capitol this year vowing to address school safety in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August…But with a month left in the legislative session, they’ve yet to coalesce around a proposal that can pass the narrowly split Capitol…Across party lines, lawmakers agree that more funding is needed to augment safety in schools — and districts should adopt plans for violent incidents and implement anonymous reporting systems to flag potential threats.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tZKwgV
PAIDLEAVE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Demand for Minnesota’s paid leave program remains higher than predicted as debate over the program’s effect on companies continues to sizzle…Officials predicted 130,000 applications for the entire year; 62,000 people applied by the end of March. The deluge of requests is starting to lighten, state officials said, and early wrinkles in the system are getting resolved….Small-business employers report varied experiences with the program, with some grateful for the chance to offer workers a benefit they previously couldn’t afford while others bemoan the added cost and last-minute gaps that create administrative headaches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mEz9sn
SECURITY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Boosting security for lawmakers, both at their homes and at the Minnesota Capitol complex, has been a top issue for state leaders. … A bill moving forward in the Legislature this session aims to improve communication between local law enforcement and Capitol security and would create a dedicated protective services unit for lawmakers, statewide officials and justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vESqOd
HIGHER ED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are looking for a solution to combat the growing issue of ‘ghost students’ stealing college financial aid. A House bill allots $1.5 million a year for new software at Minnesota State that would confirm students’ identity when they register for classes. … The new state funding would pay for ‘automatic identity proofing’ software — the gold standard for stopping ghost students. The program uses biometrics, document authorization and behavioral analysis to figure out if students are real.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mH1oGM
MEDICAID: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The [Big Beautiful Bill] is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, leaving Minnesota lawmakers grappling with how to implement changes to the state’s administration of Medicaid funds before the legislative session ends. … Both Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature said they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon. … But some state legislators have raised concerns about the lack of clear guidance from CMS on how to implement the upcoming work requirement changes. This uncertainty puts the state at risk of noncompliance, which could result in the loss of Medicaid matching funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tWTATA
E-BIKES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A few years ago, state lawmakers passed legislation to subsidize e-bikes for Minnesotans, arguing at the time the motorized bikes would make car-free transport more accessible. Now, the Legislature is considering a bill to implement new safety regulations on e-bikes, citing a recent surge in injuries. … Some proposals on the table include requiring helmets for riders under 18, registration for e-bike owners and licenses for sellers, with fines for any violations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cPJuhH
TRANSIT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A bill directing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to study extending passenger rail service from the Twin Cities to Fargo and establish a new line to Kansas City has found new life. The measure, which failed to pass the House Transportation Committee last month, has been rolled into the Senate omnibus transportation bill. … More people than ever hopped on Amtrak trains in Minnesota last year, including nearly 200,000 in St. Paul [and] 264,600 people [statewide].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42gTomi
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https://fluence-media.co/electiontrackerCASH CONTRAST
STATE STUFF
UMN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Graffiti appeared outside the Chabad house at the University of Minnesota this weekend after a pro-Palestinian protest was held during a Friday night Shabbat dinner featuring a speaker who had served in the Israeli military. The demonstration and graffiti, which included messages including ‘death to the IDF’ scribbled in chalk on the sidewalk, were just the latest evidence of rising tensions on campus over the war in Gaza.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tOVQw4
DRIVERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Drivers associated with a non-emergency medical transportation company [held] a rally outside the state Capitol building in St. Paul on Saturday after an out-of-state brokerage firm abruptly canceled its contract with their Minnesota-based employer, putting nearly 100 jobs in jeopardy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYhIAM
TORNADOES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Cleanup continued Saturday after tornadoes damaged dozens of homes in southeast Minnesota on Friday afternoon. National Weather Service survey crews confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down in Minnesota. … The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office said about 30 homes were damaged — a dozen with significant damage — by a tornado in Marion Township, southeast of Rochester.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ttGE8c
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)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
DHS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services filed a lawsuit against a North Minneapolis church, accusing the church of misuse of funds. … The state is accusing Zion Baptist Church of breaching a contract and unjust enrichment after accepting approximately $2,483,958 in funds to provide services that the state believes were not offered. The DHS seeks to recover [the funds]. … The church was granted funds to provide services such as ‘mental health, substance abuse, and violence prevention.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tXrmIu
FRAUD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A 76-year-old Hubbard County man is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly defrauded more than $250,000 from government assistance programs. … [The suspect] received assistance from state and federal programs including Medical Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Assistance, Group Residence Housing Benefits, Emergency General Assistance, the Medicare Savings Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tnQAQz
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “An Edina man accused of stealing money from COVID relief funds has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. … The court says that [Mark] Erjavec ‘unlawfully obtained at least $550,000.01 in fraudulent proceeds’ as a result of the scheme. The plea agreement stipulates that the remaining charges will be dismissed [and] the government agrees to recommend a sentence no higher than 21 months.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42iaT5O
CLIMATE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “[Last week], the Minnesota Supreme Court denied a petition for review submitted by ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute after they failed to get Attorney General Keith Ellison’s climate deception lawsuit against them dismissed. … The Supreme Court’s ruling clears the way for this lawsuit to finally proceed to discovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sMcg7Q
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)
DC
DRONES: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Federal Aviation Administration [has] walked back a rule barring drone flights within 3,000 feet of Department of Homeland Security buildings and vehicles. The government’s retreat comes a month after a Minnesota photojournalist sued the aviation agency. … The FAA replaced its ‘temporary flight restriction’ — which carried the possibility of civil and criminal penalties for violators — with an advisory of a similar nature, but with lower stakes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tS29iv
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)
NONCITIZENS: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Immigrant Resettlement & Welfare Abuse Prevention Act, legislation which aims to increase transparency and accountability for tax-exempt organizations that assist non-citizens with resettlement or access to federally funded assistance programs. … It [requires] nonprofits to report the total number of non-citizens they assist with resettlement or relocation, as well as how many individuals they help access taxpayer-funded benefit programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QOQm6h
ACROSS MN
MPS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Public Schools has incurred over $5.3 million in tax penalties from the IRS since 2022. … That’s enough to pay about 40 teachers, given current district labor costs. The IRS penalties were assessed starting in June 2023 and continued into the current month, according to information provided by Ryan Strack, senior executive officer for MPS. The district has thus far paid out $770,000 of the penalties and is working to get the remainder reduced.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tpGC10
LAKEVILLE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “One of the hottest places to build in the Twin Cities is asking if it is growing too fast. … Lakeville Mayor Luke Hellier says growth brings opportunities, but also concerns. … ‘Having the infrastructure to keep up with schools and streets is difficult,’ Hellier said. Now, the city leaders are weighing the benefits of a one-year moratorium that would hit pause on new housing construction. … On the other hand, lawmakers at the Capitol are trying to keep a bill alive that would lower barriers to becoming a homeowner, including taking over zoning authority from local governments.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41EqWe5
ARDEN HILLS: City Councilor Emily Rousseau announced a campaign for mayor in Arden Hills. Via her announcement, ROUSSEAU: “My vision for Arden Hills is to have a city council ready to meet today’s challenges, rather than one tethered to the policies and culture of a quarter-century ago. … And while we are at it, let’s stay on the path to develop Rice Creek Commons (formerly TCAAP); it’s been decades since those 427-acres have been utilized despite its tremendous potential to add new homes, new businesses, and perhaps even a town center.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4vz8f9b
MOORHEAD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For a half century, downtown Moorhead was dominated by Moorhead Center Mall — and not in a good way. It was seen as a sin of urban renewal, with federal money used in the 1970s to tear down the aging buildings of a historic downtown and start anew. … When the struggling mall’s anchor tenant, Herberger’s department store, finally shuttered in 2018, the city had a black hole on prime land. Now the city on the Minnesota-North Dakota border is stepping out with its newest makeover. This weekend, [officials] celebrated the grand opening of the Loop, a $40 million library, community center and entrepreneurship center where the old mall used to stand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tp58zl
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 PURPOSES….
SESSION: House floor session at 1:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House hears numerous bills on public safety and law enforcement, including a bill to withhold state payments under certain circumstances. The Senate hears omnibus bills for agriculture, local government and more. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear the OIG bill, benefits for miners, rules against grooming and more. SENATE: Finance hears omnibus bills for Veterans and State & Local Govt. Transportation hears changes to planning processes and statewide standards. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4cY8qCL
TOMORROW: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) will host a “Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol” to connect energy business leaders and lawmakers. A rotunda program advocating for energy independence will begin at 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj
APRIL 28: 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.
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BDAYS: KSTP’s Boston Marathoner today Tom Hauser, AI thinker Gia Vitali, fmr. Commissioner Gail Dorfman, non-profit leader Ethelind Kaba, lobbyist Scott McMahon, funny man Nate Dybvig
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.