New data out this morning shows economic growth at the end of last year was slower than it appeared from earlier reports. NYT: https://fluence-media.co/4rygcZc
The last Hooters in Minnesota – an original MOA tenant – will soon close. MSPBJ: https://fluence-media.co/4boQH6m
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Sunday Take discussed the state of Minnesota’s workforce with MN Chamber’s Sean O’Neil and Doug Loon, UMN Pres. Rebecca Cunningham, MSU Chancellor Scott Olson and UST Pres. Rob Vischer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bxGdmo
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A SNOWY WEEKEND AHEAD
DRONES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security, ICE and the new federal Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems did not respond to requests for information on their use of drones in Minnesota. Erin had never seen a drone in her neighborhood before the surge. Since then, she has recorded footage of at least 16 possible drone sightings, which she shared with MPR News. Other observers in the Twin Cities have documented dozens of other possible sightings, cross-referencing them with aircraft flight plans to be sure that they weren’t mistaking planes for drones.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46U7ltl
TARIFFS: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The clock is ticking for the federal government to refund businesses for tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). After the United States Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs in February, the US Court of International Trade ordered US Customs to issue refunds, plus interest.” QUOTE: “I’ve paid just, just under $50,000 in tariffs,” said Beth Benike, owner of Busy Baby in southern Minnesota. “Getting that $50,000 back is gonna help me kind of dig my way out of the hole of debt that I had to go into this summer just to stay in business.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lsdz9S
BONDING: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Water infrastructure is one of the biggest needs of all statewide, according to a MinnPost analysis of capital investment requests from local governments. A total of 141 requests this year would combine for more than $1 billion in state funding for water projects alone. These projects include proposals for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Cities turn to bonding bills – which enable the state to borrow money to fund construction – for this because covering the costs on their own could raise local user rates beyond affordability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Yug3c
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
RULES & REGULATIONS
MED WASTE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “It’s a cringe issue- yet a very serious one. ‘Body parts, organs, you know, just vials of blood. It’s just - it’s gross.’ That’s what former state lawmaker and current Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham says is not being disposed of properly and is ending up in county recycling facilities . . . She says a bill at the capitol would put more teeth into a current state law by allowing for unannounced audits of medical facility waste practices, and increase fines for offenders.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bl1O0e
HOUSING: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “In 2024 and 2025, the optimism of the unlikely ‘Yes to Homes’ coalition — Republican and Democratic housing committee leaders, labor unions, housing developers and religious groups — slammed into a wall of opposition from city government leaders with clout at the Legislature, who view the effort as an attempt to wrest local decision-making from cities. The bills have never reached the floor of the House or the Senate; in 2024, when Democrats alone controlled both chambers, the late House Speaker Melissa Hortman said the ideas required more study. This year, however, the largest lobbying organization for Minnesota cities has shifted its approach. While the League of Minnesota Cities still opposes the bill, it will refrain from whipping votes against it, said Daniel Lightfoot, a League lobbyist.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bHbnI8
BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A few months ago, members of the Brooklyn Center City Council brought forth a proposal: remove two of its tenant protection ordinances. The issue is tabled for now, but some residents are worried the proposal will come back. Brooklyn Center has several tenant protections for affordable properties that were enacted in 2022 and unique to its surrounding cities. One of them, the Just Cause Non-Renewal ordinance, prevents a property owner from not renewing a tenant’s lease without a legally sufficient reason. The second, the Pre-Eviction Filing Notice, requires a 30-day written notice before filing an eviction on an affordable housing unit. The notice can apply to nonpayment of rent or a serious violation of the lease.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lLgGdj
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)
WORKFORCE
CLOSING: Via Maker’s Pride, VERBATIM: “Maker’s Pride announced yesterday it will begin winding down operations at its manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah and Shakopee, Minnesota. The closures are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NmIx6v
MORE: Via Just Food, VERBATIM: “Maker’s Pride did not mention how many jobs will be impacted from the Utah and Minnesota closures. Just Food has asked the company to clarify the numbers and for details on its ‘strategic growth’ initiatives. However, the company did say it will ‘make transition resources available to impacted team members’.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4saFJc7
NEXTGEN: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “This spring, Heather Isernhagen, math specialist at Dougherty Family College (DFC), is going to graduate her first STEM class. ‘We’re helping those students who are interested in science and math to really build up that foundation as they move up through DFC,’ Isernhagen said. DFC opened in 2017 and is a two-year college located within the University of St. Thomas’s downtown Minneapolis campus. It offers an associate degree and a rigorous curriculum, including leadership development, mentoring from St. Thomas faculty, and paid internships.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4srR1sF
ATV TRAILS SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES ACROSS GREATER MINNESOTA: Minnesota’s ATV system connects riders to rural communities — supporting local lodging, restaurants, fuel stations, and small businesses. Trail investment is not just recreation policy — it’s economic development. Watch how riders describe the economic impact of responsible trail access. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4kZDS70 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
THE LOCALS
UP NORTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Thursday, leaders from Hermantown, Proctor, and Rice Lake delivered their annual State of the Cities addresses. But the focus revolved around plans for the Hermantown data center, and the proposal’s environmental review amid a lawsuit over the project. This event is an annual snapshot of progress and priorities—but this year, it was also a moment to confront community concerns and divisions over development.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4s2i8do
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The long-vacant Four Seasons Mall site, often described by locals as a neighborhood eyesore, may soon find a second life as a premier regional hub for youth sports and community recreation. The Plymouth City Council is currently advancing a proposal to transform the property into a massive year-round sports complex. The centerpiece of the plan includes three turf soccer fields and a covered, refrigerated outdoor ice rink, designed to serve both local athletes and regional tournaments.” READ/RENDERING: https://fluence-media.co/47tVS3O
LAKES: Via ISG, VERBATIM: “The fourth annual The Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference and new Lake Management Workshop brought together over 90 lake advocates, local leaders, researchers, and natural resource professionals to advance practical solutions for improving lake water quality across southern Minnesota. Hosted by ISG, the two‑day event continued to build momentum around collaborative lake stewardship and applied learning.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47HAGr4
WAKES: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “Kandiyohi County is in discussions to implement a new ordinance regarding no-wake zones on the lakes with the most recreational use. The ordinance would allow no-wake zones to be implemented without the need of county commissioner approval if the water level meets a designated trigger level on 13 local lakes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4urQ70l
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs, and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy – and the team dog, Paulie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: Wild About Reading (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
PERSONNEL
MOVE: Via Dorsey, VERBATIM: “Surya Saxena has returned to Dorsey & Whitney LLP as a Partner in the Government Solutions & Investigations (GSI) group in Minneapolis, the law firm announced today . . . A former federal prosecutor and in-house counsel, Surya represents clients in government enforcement matters, investigations, white collar crime matters, and complex civil litigation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s9dkD9
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Golden Valley has named two candidates for its next police chief. Christopher Chrisostomidis, a police captain with the Savage Police Department, and Victor McDowell Jr., deputy chief of police with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, are the two candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P4rzKR
MODERN WORK: Via HealthPartners, VERBATIM: “A commentary from HealthPartners Institute published in the Journal of Aging Research & Lifestyle points to a hidden cost of modern work. As jobs increasingly revolve around screens, long hours of sitting and constant connectivity, the brain systems that power memory, focus, creativity and emotional well-being are under strain.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4loQipa
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Another Friday the 13th has arrived. While the superstitions around the pseudo-holiday are absurd, it’s a nice excuse to indulge in the macabre. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can do that around the Twin Cities this weekend.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4rycnmO
NEXT WEEK: Via Medical Alley, VERBATIM: “Alley Chats is a Medical Alley signature networking event that brings together more than 200 professionals from across the healthcare ecosystem. Designed as a high-impact space for connection, it offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, gain critical market insights, and cultivate the strategic relationships necessary for personal and professional growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4us8DG3
MARCH 24: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “With a budget shortfall on the horizon, the Bemidji School District will be holding a question-and-answer session on their plans for closing one of its schools to save money.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4luNabB
NEXT MONTH: Via MplsStpaul, VERBATIM: “Mark your calendars cinephiles: The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is returning this spring for its 45th anniversary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NATHoo
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS WEEKEND: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until Tuesday, but there’s no shortage of options for starting the celebration early — with or without alcohol.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4sOezHX
MORE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “St. Patrick’s Day might be the most popular time of year to hit up your neighborhood Irish bar—but really, these local pubs are cozy places for respite, good whiskey, foam-topped pints, and hearty Irish fare year-round.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4uzo7bt
BDAYS: Sen. Maj. Leader Erin Murphy, realtor Meta Webb. SAT: RDO’s Jennifer Maleitzke, Rep. Sandra Feist, Sports Take’s Howard Sinker, lobbyist Julie Idelkope, SUN: senior care leader Mark Anderson, writer David Hakensen, lobbyist Jeff Peterson
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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