From the job market to politics to AI, workers hoping to change jobs are finding an especially challenging market. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/42WEgf1
Where do you put 144,000 ladybugs? Inside the Mall of America. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42UVMjQ
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jHXsme
NOTE: This coming Saturday, we will publish a 15-year take to honor the launching of morning take in April 2010. Please send any good memories, or significant takes that you appreciated – bloisolson@gmail.com
ICYMI… today’s morning take featured a look back at how it all began. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RxT1yG
On Sunday Take, DFL Chair Richard Carlbom says he believes Gov. Tim Walz will run for re-election and shares plans the DFL has to organize in greater Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Y7faYd
This week's Sports Take will be delivered Friday morning, a day later than usual, to include news from the first-round of the NFL Draft and to preview where the Vikings stand going into Friday's and Saturday's picks. We'll also have the latest on the Wolves and Wild in their playoff chases, the Twins and their struggles and lots more as we look ahead to a busy sports calendar. SIGN UP: https://fluence-media.co/sportstake
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tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
RESPONSIBLEGAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
TOMORROW: Via Senate DFL Caucus, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, April 24, legislators and Minnesotans of all backgrounds will gather to demand a state budget deal that protects Minnesotans from cuts to essential services. With continued attacks by the Trump administration on everything from public health to Social Security, Minnesota must end special interest tax breaks in order to protect the programs that Minnesotans rely on. Speakers will share personal and expert perspectives on the dangers of cuts to programs like SNAP, special education funding and more.”
INTEREST RATES: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota President Neel Kashkari said on Tuesday it is too soon to know how short-term borrowing costs may need to be adjusted for U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and their expected impact on inflation and the economy. Kashkari's view is widely held by his colleagues and is likely to leave the Fed on hold at its rate-setting meeting in two weeks . . . While it is ‘logical’ that tariffs alone would not reaccelerate inflation, recent high inflation means the Fed cannot ignore this risk, he said, noting that tariffs will likely also slow growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YKhftf
MANKATO: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Court documents show a St. Peter man may have been planning a mass casualty event before he was arrested by local law enforcement. Documents show Mankato Police were called last Thursday to a Mankato business after a man entered the store wearing a heavy winter coat, hat and COVID-19 mask and gloves and began looking at high-priced items, including several magazines for firearms, bear spray and body armor.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jpA2m8
PULLTABS: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Eight Minnesotans face racketeering charges after investigators say they stole more than $200,000 in pulltab cash from bars and restaurants throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cOfD7N
TROOPERS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota State Patrol swore in 42 new troopers during a graduation ceremony today. The cadets took the oath following their successful completion of the 70th training academy at Camp Ripley. Gov. Tim Walz and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson were on hand, as were several State Patrol leaders.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42pVEIX
MERGER: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Seven employees from Northwest Airlines founded the business that has grown into Wings Credit Union, the largest financial service provider of its kind based in Minnesota, with about 372,000 members. It’s about to get much bigger. The Apple Valley-based Wings announced Wednesday the next chapter in its story through a planned merger with Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Ent Credit Union.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jIvlU7
MN HOUSE: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The House is two months into a power-sharing truce between Republicans and DFLers, a deal that was brokered because there are exactly 67 members of each party in the legislative chamber, the first House tie since 1979 . . . Fast forward to today and [House DFL Leader Rep. Melissa] Hortman and her GOP colleagues see a split House as a secondary concern to hammering out a two-year budget to fund Minnesota’s government.” QUOTE: “For the most part, it is working really well,” Hortman told reporters before lawmakers took off for spring recess (Legislators came back to the Capitol Monday). “I was pleasantly surprised that we had budget targets on time. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the number of bills that are complete.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y8Nkeb
HEALTHCARE: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) and Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-Elmdale Township), along with Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) and Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids), held a press conference on Tuesday to voice serious concerns over a dramatic surge in enrollment by undocumented immigrants in Minnesota’s taxpayer-funded health care programs. This spike follows the implementation of new Democrat-backed policies that took effect in January, according to a news release from the four lawmakers. Rasmusson and Schultz, the chief authors of SF 690 and HF 10 — legislation that would repeal eligibility for undocumented immigrants to receive these benefits — warned of the growing fiscal and ethical implications of the policy shift.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42Vbqf4
SCHOOLS: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Public and charter school teachers could receive a major boost in pay in the form of a $1,200 refundable tax credit under a bill pitched by Minnesota Democrats. The bill (SF186) could help Minnesota schools struggling to attract and retain teachers, but the proposal must compete with a slew of other spending priorities as lawmakers craft a two-year budget — with a gloomy budget forecast on the horizon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rv82RO
SUMMER: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A pot of state money meant to help Minnesota schools start paying summer unemployment to bus drivers, cafeteria staff and other hourly employees is running dry. Why it matters: Districts are seeking tens of millions of dollars in additional state funding to keep the benefits flowing this summer amid a projected shortfall. The ask is just one example of cash-strapped schools seeking more money — or flexibility —from the increasingly cash-strapped state budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cIOfrT
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
SD6: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The state Senate District 6 special election is a week away on Tuesday, April 29th, and for this particular election, polling locations have changed for some Crow Wing County residents. Nearly 6,000 people voted in the primary election, but many reported being turned away from precincts for being at the wrong voting location.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jrZZkY
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Crews reached a major milestone for what was previously known as Duluth’s ‘Can of Worms.’ On Tuesday, the final beam was set for the Twin Ports Interchange Project. MnDOT leaders say this now completes a key structural phase of the interchange’s reconstruction.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3GkNCsi
BOAT: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Using house wrap, a big pump, and the knowledge gleaned from years of restoring old houses, semi-retired carpenter Rick Arndt waded into the St. Croix River on Tuesday in an attempt to refloat Sweet Destiny, the 54-foot motor yacht marooned on Beer Can Island near Hudson, Wis. While he did not succeed Tuesday, Arndt said he was only trying the cheapest possible solution at first, and he has more ideas of how he might yet get the boat off the river.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EzG1pc
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Big budget cuts could be looming over Bemidji Area Schools. In a special work session on Tuesday night, superintendent Jeremy Olson informed the School Board of the proposed cuts for the next school year that aim to address an anticipated deficit of over $2 million. Olson spoke on how state funding has not kept up with district needs and that Bemidji schools have operated in a constant deficit since 2018.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ivEdLV
DULUTH SCHOOLS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Duluth School Board room was packed with ‘Music Matters’ signs as students and staff expressed concerns over cuts coming to the band program. Duluth [Schools] are planning to cut one full-time band position at both Ordean East and Lincoln Park Middle Schools.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3S2d08I
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Hackenmueller’s Meat Market has been feeding Robbinsdale residents for decades. Now, a pair of new owners are steering the business into the future while keeping the past in mind. Ande St. Michael and Dustan Posch took charge of the business on April 1.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lIa66P
SATURDAY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day brings readers from across the metro to their favorite bookshop haunts. The best time to support your local booksellers is, of course, every day, but the week around April 26 offers extra incentives with discounts, giveaways, and other events and activities for book lovers nationwide.” STORES: https://fluence-media.co/3w6SVa7
THIS WEEKEND: The MSP Home Tour runs Saturday and Sunday. LOCATIONS: https://fluence-media.co/4jhDFKI
MAY1: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Acclaimed artist and community visionary Seitu Ken Jones is bringing a vibrant, intimate collection of his studio work to the University of St. Thomas this spring. The exhibit, Channeling Blacks & Blues, will be on view in the John P. Monahan Gallery, offering viewers a unique window into the breadth of Jones’s creative legacy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42qBvmc
SEP 18: The History Theatre begins its 2025-26 season. SHOWS: https://fluence-media.co/42JeTMq
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
THIS WEEK: Via MDH, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April 21-28 Infant Immunization Week in Minnesota and the Department of Health is urging families to get children caught up on vaccines. The proclamation is being made in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) to highlight the importance of protecting infants and children from serious diseases by keeping them up to date with well-child visits and recommended vaccines.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lNCBjE
OPIOIDS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Walgreens has agreed to pay up to $350 million in a settlement with the US Department of Justice, who accused the pharmacy of illegally filling millions of prescriptions in the last decade for opioids and other controlled substances. The nationwide drugstore chain must pay the government at least $300 million and will owe another $50 million if the company is sold, merged or transferred before 2032, according to the settlement reached last Friday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ipuaI7
STATE FAIR: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota State Fair is raising money by selling tiles on its new Welcome Wall. The tiles will have names and/or messages engraved onto 3-by-7-inch powder-coated aluminum tiles. The tiles can fit up to three lines of text with up to 20 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42lbTHg
MORE: Via the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, more information about purchasing tiles for the wall. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4jMoRDV
BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Brainerd High School hosted its fourth annual Warrior Day last week. It was an opportunity for the student body, staff, and all involved to take part in a day dedicated to fun, learning, and community. The event started with a talent show.” QUOTE: “[We’re] trying to incorporate as many different types of our students as possible,” said Alexis Marcelo, Brainerd High School math teacher and Student Council advisor. “We are able to bring in kids who are musically talented and sometimes do not participate in a form of a music course. We’ve got singers, singers playing drums, singers playing piano, a jazz combination. It really is just a fun way to just incorporate everybody.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cIFyxt
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
PATTERSON: Via St. Paul-based Patterson, VERBATIM: “Patterson Companies, a leading supplier of products and services to the dental and animal health end markets, successfully completed its acquisition by Patient Square Capital, a dedicated health care investment firm, on April 17, 2025. As a result of this transaction, Patterson’s common stock is no longer traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition, Patterson is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Rajalingam as the new Chief Executive Officer of Patterson. Don Zurbay, who previously served as CEO, will be retiring and will continue to support the Company on a transitional basis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/447xXq6
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FLOWERS: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “After a long Minnesota winter, there are few things more precious than those first spring bulbs. There’s a brief window each year where native spring flowers thrive, and thankfully, Minnesota’s landscape offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at colorful flora in all its glory.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42nAprk
BDAYS: Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, attorney Sara Vergan, outdoor advocate Ron Schara, lobbyist Marty Seifert
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
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