Thanks to a polar vortex, our cold air is also cooling states to our south. READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3QjSD6e
A passenger escaping yesterday’s crash of a plane from MSP to Toronto recorded the experience. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QpKOvM (NOTE: strong language)
Native American activist Leonard Peltier was released from prison this morning. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/431LT4r
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QmDOQg
Adam Schwarze, a former congressional candidate in the 3rd Congressional District, was the guest on Sunday Take this week. Schwarze declared his candidacy for the open Senate seat on Thursday. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gNCzUW
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
POLL: Via Gender Justice, VERBATIM: “A new statewide poll conducted between January 23-27, 2025, confirms that Minnesotans overwhelmingly support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and want lawmakers to act. Two-thirds of voters polled (67%) support adding an inclusive ERA to the state constitution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41ld9d2
MORE: Via Change Research, the full poll results including demographic and geographic breakdowns. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41mFsHK
GOLF: Via Minnesota Golf Association, VERBATIM: “Since the previous economic impact study was released in 2019, and after weathering a global pandemic, Minnesota’s golf industry has experienced a resurgence in golfer participation and rounds played, and corresponding economic growth. The size of Minnesota’s direct golf economy grew accordingly, from $1.555 billion to $1.867 billion, or at a 2.31 percent CAGR (compound annual growth rate). When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism), Minnesota’s golf industry generated approximately $3.04 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $1.207 billion of wage income and 34,829 jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/430tCEr
WORKFORCE: From Heartland Forward via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “A new report from Heartland Forward, a policy think-and-do tank focused on advancing economic performance in the middle of the country, leading urbanist Richard Florida and Karen King reveals a continued exodus of top talent from coastal hubs like San Francisco, New York and Boston, in favor of emerging heartland metros like Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tenn. and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. The shift is transforming the geography of innovation, economic growth and workforce development—positioning the heartland as an increasingly powerful economic engine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFJAIF
MORE: Via Heartland Forward, from the report:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4hIZQZv
TWINS: Via Twins, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins, in conjunction with partners Major League Baseball, Audacy’s 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM) and 102.9 The Wolf (KMNB-FM), and the Treasure Island Baseball Network (TIBN), today announced a comprehensive 2025 spring training broadcast schedule that delivers FREE access to 30 of the club’s 32 Grapefruit League games.”
CANNABIS: Via Office of Cannabis Management, VERBATIM: “Today, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications for cannabis business licenses. During this license cycle, which will remain open until March 14, OCM will accept applications both from verified social equity applicants and from any applicant seeking to participate in general licensing in the following license types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b7Cha8
MORE: From Matt DeLong via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The opening of the application window marks a key milestone on the path toward launching the state’s legal marijuana market for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The agency has faced challenges in recent months — including a change of leadership in January, just weeks after it canceled a planned social equity license preapproval lottery amid a wave of litigation from applicants who alleged they were unfairly disqualified.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jZMyJD
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
REFUGEES: From Kirsti Marohn via MPR, VERBATIM: “Almost exactly a year ago, Rahima Frogh, her husband and their five children left their homeland and arrived in the U.S. Frogh’s husband, Hamayoun Ali Babur, got a special immigration visa because of his work for the State Department. It grants permanent residency to Afghans who helped the U.S. during its 20-year war in Afghanistan. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, those who had helped the U.S. were at risk . . . Frogh is grateful her family is safe, and now living in St. Cloud. But she worries about the relatives she left behind. One of President Donald Trump’s first actions after taking office was an executive order indefinitely suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gJ5Xf3
MEDIA: From Lev Gringauz via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “For some news people, AI is a death knell. AI-generated slop now blankets social media, crowding out work from real people. Meanwhile, AI tools openly steal from news sites. But for many, AI is an opportunity, and perhaps even a lifeline. Easily turning written work into audio — which some news organizations are already doing — is just the tip of the AI iceberg, especially for small outlets with few resources. That’s what brought [Jason Kelly], a software engineer with no journalism background, to the University of Minnesota in late January for an AI hackathon put on by the Minnesota Journalism Center, Hacks/Hackers and the U’s Data Science Initiative.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CYLo0r
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)
MEDTRONIC: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Medtronic on Tuesday missed Wall Street estimates for third-quarter revenue due to lower purchases of its surgical devices by distributors and said the problems would persist in the current quarter, sending shares down more than 7%. Some distributors brought down their inventory levels below normal towards the end of the third quarter, which pressured the unit, along with ongoing competitive pressures in the surgical staplers market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hY3zC4
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
TENNANT: “Tennant Co. (TNC) on Monday reported earnings of $6.6 million in its fourth quarter. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 35 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and restructuring costs, were $1.52 per share. The maker of products for cleaning floors, parking lots and hospitals posted revenue of $328.9 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4325WzU
OTTER TAIL: “Otter Tail Corp. (OTTR) on Monday reported earnings of $54.9 million in its fourth quarter. The Fergus Falls, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.30 per share. The power company and manufacturer posted revenue of $303.1 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/415kbB3
GEN MILLS: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “In a challenging market environment, General Mills Inc. (NYSE:GIS) stock has touched a 52-week low, dipping to $56.7. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a GOOD financial health score and trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 12.8x, suggesting potential value for investors. The consumer foods giant, known for its array of established brands, has faced headwinds that reflect a broader trend in the market, leading to a notable decline.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41kmkdt
BRINGING SAFETY TO “THE NEXT LEVEL” - As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
RESTAURANTS: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “The recent wave of restaurant closures is not abnormal during Minnesota winter, but it's revealed an industry facing serious challenges beyond the normal ebbs and flows. Driving the news: Several restaurants have closed their doors over the last six weeks, including all four Revival locations, St. Paul's Dark Horse, Rosemount's The Clover and Lake Elmo's Machine Shed. Why it matters: Restaurateurs say rapidly rising labor and food costs are forcing them to shut down or change the way they do business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QoQ96I
(DISCLOSURE: Hospitality MN is a client of Fluence)
WEST DULUTH: From Izabella Zadra via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Elite Sports Complex is taking residency at the old Essentia Health storage and calling center near West First Street and North Forty-sixth Avenue West. The Elite Sports Complex is the first indoor sports facility of its kind in Duluth. The 48,000-square-foot athletic building is equipped with five pickleball courts, two basketball shooting machines, four turf quads and six batting cages.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42ZZ99C
ACQUISITION: From Kinzie via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Kinzie Capital Partners LP, a Chicago-based private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fraser Steel, LLC, a leading manufacturer of value-added, steel tubular products . . . Founded in 1970, Fraser provides design and engineering, laser tube cutting, precision bending, robotic welding, machining, and fabrication services. With a strong focus on customer service, the Company serves diverse end-markets, including powersports, commercial furniture, lawn and garden, and agriculture. Operating from an 80,000-square-foot facility outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fraser manufactures up to 200,000 parts per day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QlRCdM
THIS WEEK: Via Rep. Ilhan Omar, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) will host several events throughout the 5th District of Minnesota this week.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4i5zall
TOMORROW: Via MN House GOP, VERBATIM: “Press conference on House File 733 to discuss the importance of restoring the use of electronic gaming devices to support charitable organizations across the state. House File 733 is scheduled for its first committee hearing in the Veterans Committee on Wednesday at 8:15 AM.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k6aKKk
TOMORROW: Stillwater Winterfest begins. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3EVzp48
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
CORN VS BEANS: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A north Iowa farmer is considering more corn acres this year. Caleb Renner of Klemme says prices are favoring corn over soybeans, but pest management is a factor.” RENNER: https://fluence-media.co/3EGAAod
JET FUEL: From Michael Johnson via Agweek, VERBATIM: “Sustainable aviation fuel efforts in the upper Midwest are on the move — and there’s no place better prepared in the world than the Midwest to make it work. That’s according to Jeff Davidman, Delta Air Lines vice president of state and local government affairs. It’s something he believes in so much that he shared the message to thousands of eventgoers between stops at the South Dakota Corn Conference, Minnesota Ag Expo, both in January, and once again at the Northern Corn and Soybean Expo in West Fargo, North Dakota, on Feb. 4. He even made his first appearance at the Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy committee to boost SAF on Feb. 10.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZzW3u
(DISCLOSURE: Delta Air Lines is a Fluence client)
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MOVIE: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “If all the pieces fall into place as producers hope, this year or the next could see cameras rolling on the highest-budget movie to be made in Northeastern Minnesota in over two decades. ‘The 7th,’ a planned science fiction feature, is currently budgeted at $10 million-$12.5 million. The most recent film made in the Northland with an eight-figure budget was the $35 million ‘North Country,’ a 2005 Iron Range mining drama with Oscar-nominated performances by Charlize Theron and Frances McDormand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i6nD5z
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FILM: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “File this under the more obscure client requests — COOL STORY recently completed a short film for a client who, that’s right, got last place in their fantasy football league.” QUOTE: “When it comes to ‘last place punishments,’ typically you hear about some kind of public shaming,” says Alex Frecon, founder of COOL STORY, “but rarely do you see a last-place punishment involving funding an entire short film. This is clearly a high-roller league.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bmpdhD
CLAW MACHINES: From Nicole Ki and Ben Hovland via MPR, VERBATIM: “When Zhengui ‘Z’ Lin pitched the idea of an arcade filled with 100 claw machines, he says several Twin Cities property managers raised an eyebrow. ‘They think about the old claw machine in the back corner of a Walmart,’ said Lin, 23. ‘They think it’s like that and we’re gonna put 100 machines. And they think we’re not gonna make any money.’ But Lin said Duck Entertainment, or DUCK!, in Eagan is ‘a new concept’ of an arcade space that has proven to be a hit since opening on Jan. 1.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3ELFuAj
BDAYS: lobbyist John Apitz, Washington Post’s James Hohmann, agency leader Kathy Tunheim, ACES’ Christina Saunders, tech guy Jake Levy-Pollans, Minnesota Winds co-founder Meagan Bachmayer
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