January spending was up in high-income households, down in low-income households, and focused on essentials. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/41h7bsm
Despite recent snow, Minnesota’s drought situation has worsened – 67% of the state is now in drought, up from 63% a week ago. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
A few golf courses in the area are open this week to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Xlfmmp
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XjQons
DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger was on Sunday Take to discuss Minnesota’s current needs, the race for an open Senate seat, pushback against DFLers and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4idQkxd
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
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)
TWINS: Via Twins, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins today announced that Derek Falvey will officially be elevated to President, Baseball & Business Operations and Dave St. Peter will transition to the role of Strategic Advisor, effective on Monday, March 3. This completes the Twins’ executive leadership succession plan announced by Twins Control Owner Jim Pohlad and club Executive Chair Joe Pohlad on November 12, 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E3tPZH
CUTS: From Christopher Ingraham via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Ben Jaques-Leslie is a data scientist with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management based in St. Paul who worked on internal programs to make the agency more efficient and transparent. He took the Trump administration’s deferred resignation offer after officials directed the agency to cut 70% of its workforce and end remote work options, and is now looking for other jobs in public service. OPM is the federal government’s HR division, which means Jaques-Leslie’s work often touched on other areas of the government as they sought improvements . . . Jaques-Leslie recently spoke with the Reformer about the work he did and what the government is losing as a result of the administration’s indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts to the federal workforce.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kaHkLr
MORE: From Mathew Holding Eagle III via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Minnesotan employed with the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado has her job back a week after being laid off. Emma Schultz who is originally from Roseville, Minn., was terminated from her position as a result of the Trump administration’s reduction in federal workers, including about 3,400 Forest Service jobs . . . Schultz said she heard one of the reasons for the decision was because the forest industry as a whole had expressed concerns about a lack of timber staff across the nation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43fWpFl
IMMIGRATION: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “For better or worse, immigrants – legal or not – play a key role in the American workforce, often taking on unskilled, high-demand jobs that many in the native-born population don’t want. But many immigrants have also gone on to become entrepreneurs who employ others. As a whole, immigration has played an essential role in sustaining population levels as birth rates stagnate – in Minnesota and around the nation. Those were a few takeaways from a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce workforce summit held in Brooklyn Park on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41zOG3G
MORE: Via Minnesota Chamber, from a report released at Wednesday’s summit:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4khAZO1
NEXT WEEK: From OutFront Minnesota via Facebook, VERBATIM: “A transgender sports ban, HF 12, is moving to the floor of the Minnesota House on Monday, March 3rd. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are being targeted for exclusion at a federal and state level, it is important that we as Minnesotans stand up for our shared values of welcome and inclusion. Let’s send a clear message: Minnesotans across our state are ready to stand with LGBTQ+ communities. Join us at the Capitol Monday, March 3rd to rally and lift up our LGBTQ+ communities starting at 2pm.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41kR8d6
FLOYD SQUARE: From Taylor Rivera and Steve Simpson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis City Council has voted to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto that will allow the city to move forward with a pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square. Council members argue the move is in line with community members’ demand for a pedestrian model, despite surveys that don't support that. The Mayor has called the move shady and accused the council of ‘gerrymandering,’ saying it violates state law because more than 50% of adjacent property owners object to it.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3DbtlEf
MORE: Via news release from Minneapolis Council Member Katie Kashman, VERBATIM: “This veto override means the City is moving forward with a concept that guarantees pedestrianization. In addition to cultivating and protecting the existing memorial from non-delivery, maintenance, and emergency vehicles, the pedestrian mall concept would also provide new boulevard spaces that will allow for plantings, trees, and stormwater treatment areas and prioritize traffic calming, safety, and accessibility improvements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4brmN11
MORE: Via news release from Minneapolis Council Member Emily Koski. KOSKI: “The Mayor’s Flexible-Use Plan was put to a vote—and it failed. Only the Mayor had the power to propose a compromise, the responsibility to lead, and the chance to bring us together. Instead? Nothing. No effort. No leadership. No attempt to bridge the divide. The Mayor’s veto offered no path forward, his plan wasn’t viable, and he had no backup. But this community has already created a space of remembrance, healing, and reckoning, and they deserve a city that recognizes and supports their work. This week, George Floyd’s family called on me to overturn the Mayor’s veto . . . Two weeks ago, I made a promise to see this through. I will not break my promise or turn my back on this community. This city must choose justice over convenience. Healing over indifference. Action over empty rhetoric. Today, I choose justice.”
TOURISM: From Madison Roth via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Can Minneapolis become the epicenter of women’s sports? That’s one of six ambitious goals that tourism nonprofit Meet Minneapolis hopes to achieve over the next decade. At its annual meeting at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Wednesday, Meet Minneapolis unveiled a broad 10-year master plan for the city. Titled ‘Destination Minneapolis: Charting the Future of Minneapolis Tourism,’ the plan came with five strategic goals and six ‘big ideas’ intended to ‘uniquely position Minneapolis as a premier destination.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41fufHX
MORE: From Dustin Nelson via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “While the city has continued to see tourism and business travel numbers rise since pandemic shutdowns and the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd, it's clear that Minneapolis is still in the rebound phase, with many of its tourism numbers noted as the city's best since 2019.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bjNkgC
BROOKLYN PARK: From Corey Bork via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston is weighing in on a letter the city received from mayors of neighboring cities asking Brooklyn Park to stay consistent with surrounding development. ‘Maple Grove and Champlin saw fit to tell Brooklyn Park how we should develop our city, and I think the majority of Brooklyn Park folks take issue with that,’ said Winston. ‘I certainly take issue with that.’ At issue is a 700-acre swath of land in northwestern Brooklyn Park that borders Champlin and Maple Grove. Brooklyn Park’s early vision for the site is a biotech district that could potentially create 5,000-10,000 jobs. But of concern to nearby cities is the possibility of high-density housing that could be part of the development.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XkidMg
HUNGER: From Hannah Yang via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans made nearly 9 million visits to the food shelves in 2024, a steady increase in visitation rates since pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report’s findings. The Food Group, a nonprofit working toward food justice and equity, released the report on Wednesday in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Highlights show grocery prices increased by 28 percent over four years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bigmNA
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are 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, Rookie; 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
VOLUNTEERS: Via Congressman Pete Stauber, VERBATIM: “This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) reintroduced the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act to increase the federal tax deduction mileage rate for volunteer drivers from its current rate, 14 cents per mile, to be equal to the Internal Revenue Service’s business rate, currently set at 70 cents per mile.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41zs0kc
TARGET: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Target is doubling down on its store-within-a-store strategy and will open small Warby Parker eyewear shops in some locations, the Minneapolis-based retailer shared exclusively with Axios Thursday. Why it matters: Teaming up with national brands has helped Target attract consumers and grow sales. Target already has shop-in-shops with Apple, Disney, Levi's and Ulta Beauty in some of its stores.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kf0mjJ
NEXT WEEK: From Carson Hartzog via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “All eyes will be on Target Tuesday as the Minneapolis-based retailer unveils its latest plan to jumpstart growth and recapture ground lost to competitors over the past few years. Investor pressure is high. Target’s reliance on shoppers’ discretionary spending has put pressure on margins. Analysts are hoping for a strong reset in response to continued economic limbo.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xm2Jaq
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
HORMEL: “Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL) on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $170.6 million. The Austin, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 31 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were 35 cents per share. The results missed Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of Spam canned ham, Dinty Moore stew and other foods posted revenue of $2.99 billion in the period, which beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bjsYEd
PATTERSON: “Patterson Cos. (PDCO) on Wednesday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $31.3 million. On a per-share basis, the St Paul, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 35 cents. Earnings, adjusted for amortization costs, came to 43 cents per share. The results missed Wall Street expectations . . . The medical supplies maker posted revenue of $1.57 billion in the period, also missing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XmYbkl
DONALDSON: “Donaldson Co. (DCI) on Thursday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $95.9 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 79 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and restructuring costs, were 83 cents per share. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of filtration systems posted revenue of $870 million in the period, which also missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCf5Yg
SUNOPTA: “SunOpta Inc. (STKL) on Wednesday reported a loss of $8.7 million in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 8 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and to account for discontinued operations, came to 6 cents per share. The natural and organic food company posted revenue of $193.9 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DadPbM
TILE SHOP: “Tile Shop Holdings Inc. (TTSH) on Thursday reported a loss of $628,000 in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Plymouth, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 1 cent. The stone tile retailer posted revenue of $79.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43mbRzA
LIFE TIME: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LTH) reported better-than-expected fourth quarter results and raised its full-year 2025 guidance. The company’s shares slipped -1.61% in pre-market trading following the announcement. The fitness center operator posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.27 for Q4, significantly beating analyst estimates of $0.11. Revenue came in at $663.3 million, also topping expectations of $643.75 million and representing an 18.7% increase year-over-year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gZoW5m
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.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
MINNEAPOLIS: From Kyle Stokes via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis may soon require gardeners to get a permit for their planter boxes in the boulevard strip between the sidewalk and street. Why it matters: Raised-bed gardens are already everywhere in Minneapolis, even though city codes don't technically allow them. A new ordinance before the City Council Thursday would change that. Friction point: Some boulevard gardeners call the permit requirement — and the $50 fee that might come with it — an unnecessary barrier to a small-scale balm for environmental harms and high food prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41gWWV2
ENERGY: From Dan Kraker via MPR, VERBATIM: “More than $250 million in federal funds promised to the Minnesota Department of Commerce for energy efficiency, home weatherization and other clean energy related programs has been frozen by the Trump administration for the past several weeks. It’s part of billions of dollars in grants for climate and energy programs nationwide that came out of the bipartisan infrastructure law, passed in 2021, and the Inflation Reduction Act, approved the following year, that the federal government has paused for review. Some of that money has been released since federal judges ordered the funding to be unfrozen. But state and local officials say a lack of communication has led to confusion and uncertainty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EYRajm
FUNDING: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced nearly $6.2 million in grants to support local community and economic development on Minnesota's main streets. Nine partner organizations will use their Main Street Economic Revitalization grants from DEED to offer assistance – 30% matching grants up to $750,000 – for businesses in the communities they serve.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41h0OVN
“IT’S OUR PEOPLE’S LIVES THEY SAVE” - The Cass Lake Fire Department, located on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in northern Minnesota, serves an area of 400 square miles, three counties, the city of Cass Lake and the Reservation. A foundational Enbridge donation has helped the department begin plans for building a new fire hall to replace its current home base, which the fire department has outgrown. “Our top needs are health and safety—having a decontamination hot zone, and another is training capacity,” says Robert, the chief of Cass Lake FD. Adds Diane, an Enbridge Tribal liaison and a Leech Lake Band member: “We want to see what the needs are out in the communities, and the fire department here is so important to everyone’s safety and well-being . . . it’s our people’s lives they save.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RfodC9 (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
GROCERIES: From Senator Grant Hauschild via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Each year, the Minnesota Grocers Association hosts a Bipartisan Big-Off Competition with a representative from each caucus. The effort raises money for food shelves in each of our districts, including our region’s Second Harvest Northland! While I unfortunately placed in last, I’m proud of the effort I gave and the money we raised for a good cause!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3D6EA0T
MORE: From Minnesota Grocers Association via Facebook, VERBATIM: “The Grocers Day on the Hill was a fantastic opportunity for our members to unite at the Minnesota State Capitol. We celebrated the industry’s commitment to our customers, our communities, and our great careers!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Dd7sVc
CARGILL: From Liz Fedor via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Uncertainty in U.S. trade policy is among the key challenges facing Cargill CEO Brian Sikes in 2025. Sikes, who succeeded Dave MacLennan as president and CEO of Cargill in 2023, discussed the company’s role in the world food and agriculture system as well as pressing issues in the U.S. during a Wednesday appearance before the Economic Club of Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QE1Q9q
MINNEAPOLIS: From Susie Jones via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Violence prevention in Minneapolis is complicated to say the very least, but one long time North Minneapolis Pastor says he has some ideas. The Rev. Jerry McAfee is passionate about violence prevention. He's been at it for more than 40 years and has seen programs work - and some programs fail. McAfee says it's about more than just the young person getting into trouble.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ifJSGf
TODAY: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “An annual tradition begins this week in Maple Grove that gives people a chance to shop local. The indoor farmers market kicks off Thursday afternoon, Feb. 27, at the Maple Grove Community Center.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h4CHzw
APRIL10: Citizens League will honor Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council Chair and Sharon McMahon, at the 2025 Civic Celebration. The annual Civic Celebration is an inspiring evening, gathering hundreds of Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies to celebrate our state’s enduring civic culture, leadership, and commitment to public service. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/41txP1p (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
USDA: From Nicole Heslip via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee are demanding answers from the U.S. Ag Secretary about recent staff firings. During Wednesday’s hearing, Minnesota’s Tina Smith said the committee’s efforts to address staffing shortages at the Farm Service Agency have gone out the window. ‘What the administration is doing right now goes absolutely counter to, I think, what is a shared bipartisan goal,’ she says. ‘I hope that we can find a solution that will make sure that our farmers across the country have the support that they need.’ She questioned former Michigan FSA director Tim Boring, current director of the state’s ag department, about the importance of their expertise.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41dzqbr
MORE: Via Senate Ag Committee, today’s hearing. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QD8GvS
MEXICO: From Ruth Conniff via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “John Rosenow climbed into a pickup truck in Zongolica, a small city in rural southern Mexico, squeezing into the front with several friends and relatives from Wisconsin and Minnesota . . . ‘This never gets old,’ said Rosenow, a 75-year-old dairy farmer from Waumandee, Wisconsin, who has made the same trip every winter since 2001, often joined by other dairy farmers who come to visit the families of their Mexican workers. He warned the group he might cry when he met up with some of his former employees. One current employee he’s particularly close to, Roberto, was contemplating moving home in December, but decided against it. ‘Man, that was the best Christmas present,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4igUpB6
LOANS: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) Board has further expanded eligibility for zero-interest Disaster Recovery Loans available to Minnesota farmers whose operations have sustained livestock losses due to three animal diseases: avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and the H5N1 flu virus. The RFA Board is now allowing losses from April 1, 2024, to February 24, 2026, to be eligible for the loan program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QxZV6x
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MEDIA BRIDGE: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Media Bridge, one of the fastest-growing, women-led advertising agencies in the Twin Cities, announces its expansion with the launch of MB Activate, the agency’s new experiential marketing division that specializes in immersive events and experiences. The launch of MB Activate comes at a time of rapid acceleration and evolution for the agency after experiencing a 223 percent revenue increase over three years and answering the call from clients for more opportunities to work with Media Bridge’s high-touch, care-focused team.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h8xTte
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
TOMORROW: From Binta Kanteh via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The month of Ramadan will commence on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar and is the month in which the Quran was revealed . . . In Minnesota, mosques and other organizations will open their doors and set the table for iftars, the sundown meal where people look forward to breaking their fast with plates piled high with their favorite dishes.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/41zpR88
BDAYS: lobbyist Jill Sims, financial advisor Joe Pitzl, journalist Kevin Featherly, civic stalwart Chuck Slocum, retired lobbyist Kathy Hahne
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