Americans are growing pessimistic about whether they’d be able to cover emergency expenses. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/41sHMgJ
Bachman’s wants to help you learn how to grow weed. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41sP0RT
Sunday Take will feature a conversation with DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger at 9AM on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XbnndA
Adam Schwarze, a former congressional candidate in the 3rd Congressional District, was the guest on last weekend’s Sunday Take. Schwarze declared his candidacy for the open Senate seat on Thursday. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gNCzUW
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
TARGET: Via Retail Brew, VERBATIM: “As calls grow among civil rights leaders and Black clergy to boycott Target after it announced on January 24 that it was backtracking on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, foot traffic is down at its stores, according to data from Placer.ai prepared exclusively for Retail Brew. Target’s announcement was on a Friday, and on the following week that began January 27, foot traffic fell 4% YoY, then fell 8.6% the week beginning February 3, and 3.9% the week beginning February 10. It was the first drop in foot traffic this year for Target, with foot traffic for the first four weeks of 2025 up between 5% and 11.8%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hPy2mc
MORE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Florida's new attorney general filed a federal court lawsuit against Target on Thursday, claiming the discount store chain ‘misled investors’ by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that prompted a backlash and hurt sales, ultimately costing shareholders . . . In the lawsuit filed in Fort Myers, Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier argued that Target violated the Securities Exchange Act by failing to disclose ‘the known risks’ of its DEI and Pride month initiatives.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k7aGdr
INFLATION: From Mark Zdechlik via MPR, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates food prices will rise 2.2 percent over the course of this year, slightly below last year. If they’re correct, that increase would be way down from just a few years ago. Grocery prices jumped nearly 10 percent in 2022. They were up nearly 6 percent in 2023. Many consumers think price gouging is driving high grocery prices. But Minnesota Grocers Association President Pat Garofalo said grocery stores, just like their customers, are struggling.” QUOTE: “This was not as a result of your local grocery stores making more money,” Garofalo said. “This was just a result of a significant disruption throughout the entire worldwide supply chain.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gQXHJV
MENTAL HEALTH: Via NAMI Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Over 600 people from around the state of Minnesota attended the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) Day on the Hill on Thursday, February 20th. The theme was From Crisis to Recovery: A Path Forward for Mental Health. We know what needs to be done to build our mental health system, to help people go from a mental health crisis to recovery. The MHLN is introducing a series of bills to address all facets of our mental health system – building on what works, investing in our providers, and providing early intervention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41mAdYJ
ELLISON: From Rebecca Gilbuena via blck PRESS, VERBATIM: “Donald Trump has been back in the White House for one month and has issued a slew of executive orders attacking American civil rights and liberties. Here at home, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his team have been responding in real time, filing nearly a lawsuit a week.” QUOTE: “We are not here to fight Trump, but if he picks a fight, we are never going to shrink from it,” Ellison said, speaking to a room of philanthropists on Wednesday. “I can barely keep track of how many times we’ve sued Donald Trump already. The fact is, I’ll do it every single day if I have to.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QvFXJw
CYBERSECURITY: Via State Scoop, VERBATIM: “After the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency last week announced cuts to its staffing and programs, several secretaries of state told StateScoop they’re concerned about what it could mean for the future of the nation’s voting systems. Their worries follow acting CISA Acting Director Bridget Bean last week circulating a memo announcing a ‘review and assessment’ of every program, service, action and position related to the agency’s efforts to counter ‘mis, dis- and malinformation,’ with results due March 6 . . . The moves reverse the government’s posture over the last several years, when officials sought to identify and counter mis- and disinformation leveled against all 16 sectors designated by CISA as critical infrastructure, a group that also includes the power grid, transportation and water systems.” QUOTE: “I don’t think the elections sector differs from any other sector that enjoys the critical infrastructure designation,” said Steve Simon, Minnesota’s secretary of state. “Meaning if a foreign adversary is spinning up false tales and lies about any sector, I think we should have folks in the federal government who are there to identify it and push back on it. I think it would be a major mistake and a danger to national security to abandon the misinformation mission.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gXZcWJ
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
MINING: From Gene Rebeck via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Mining might be an ‘old’ industry, but there are still plenty of dramatic twists and turns on the Iron Range, which has been in constant flux for decades. On Wednesday, a new episode launched when the U.S. District Court in Delaware granted a motion by Nashwauk-based Mesabi Metallics to transfer its antitrust case against Ohio-based steel giant Cleveland-Cliffs from civil court to trial court. Mesabi Metallics and Cleveland-Cliffs have been locked in legal battles since 2018. The Nashwauk company’s current suit claims that Cleveland-Cliffs had been trying to stop it from building a new facility combining iron mining and pellet processing on the old Butler Taconite property in Nashwauk. Mesabi Metallics is suing the steelmaker for $1.9 billion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436s2kB
UNITEDHEALTH: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth Group shares tumbled early Friday on a report that the U.S. Department of Justice has started an investigation into the health care giant’s Medicare billing practices. The Wall Street Journal said federal officials have launched a civil fraud investigation into how the company records diagnoses that lead to extra payments for its Medicare Advantage plans. Those are privately run versions of the government’s Medicare coverage program mostly for people ages 65 and over. The paper, citing anonymous sources, said the probe focused on billing practices in recent months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k79dnr
TODAY: Via Fox 5 NY, VERBATIM: “Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, is scheduled to be in court on Friday afternoon for the first time since his December arraignment on state murder and terror charges.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41aU0sR
MED DEBT: From Dené K. Dryden via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “DFL lawmakers from Eagan and Rochester are teaming up with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison again for a bill that would set aside money to buy, then forgive, Minnesotans’ medical debt. Last week, Sen. Liz Boldon of Rochester introduced the Minnesota Medical Debt Reset Act in the state Senate. Rep. Liz Reyer of Eagan sponsors the House version of the bill.” QUOTE: “Medical debt isn’t like other types of debt,” Boldon said in an announcement from Ellison’s office. “No one chooses to have an extended stay in a hospital. No one plans on having their appendix burst or having a heart attack. Medical expenses shouldn’t be treated like a loan for a business. It doesn’t have to be this way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/437XcIy
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)
TAX CREDIT: From Dominic Vitiello via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and tax specialists aimed to spread the word on the state child tax credit in Duluth Thursday. ‘Now I can count on that extra little bit of income that’s gonna help go toward bills and stuff like that so it’s a wonderful wonderful program,’ said a Community Action volunteer and child tax recipient. Minnesota parents who qualify for the program can get a tax credit of up to $1,750 per child. Community Action Duluth, a non-profit dedicated to eliminating poverty, has been helping parents take advantage of the program this tax season.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XbZiTS
XCEL: From Tommy Wiita via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy is on track to speed up its investment in renewable energy, confirming in its latest submission to regulators that it will meet Minnesota's carbon-free law five years before the 2040 deadline. The state's largest electric utility re-affirmed plans to shut down its remaining coal plants – Sherco and Allen S. King – by 2030, according to a new electricity supply plan approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuBuH1
BUS: From Taylor Rivera via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Metro Transit Gold Rapid Bus Line is set to open in a matter of weeks with service between Woodbury and downtown St. Paul. After two years of construction the project is not only finishing on time - but also under budget.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4kcdlT0
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS - “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nation interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
CAMERAS: From Tommy Wiita via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “New cameras could be installed at traffic lights as soon as August in Minneapolis, which would be used to issue citations to speeding drivers and red light-runners. The proposed installation of the cameras are the result of a pilot program approved by state lawmakers in 2024, which would run from Aug. 1, 2025 through July 31, 2029.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EYLkyc
MAPLE GROVE: From Corey Bork via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Maple Grove City Council approved plans Tuesday by Boston Scientific for an 84,000-square-foot expansion to its Weaver Lake Road campus. The plans come as the med-tech company prepares to open a new campus along I-694 in Maple Grove later this year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h8ynzz
ACQUISITION: From Madison Roth via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Larson Engineering Inc., a St. Louis-based engineering firm with Minnesota roots, has acquired Granite Falls-based Fagen Engineering LLC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4310GMN
D’AMICO: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “D’Amico Catering, a pillar of the Twin Cities culinary and event scene for over 33 years, announces its rebranding as D’Amico Hospitality. This new identity reflects the company’s evolution and commitment to delivering a comprehensive hospitality experience that extends beyond catering, emphasizing inspired cuisine, intuitive service and inviting venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EQalM2
NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Our Regional Outreach team surveyed businesses across the Ninth District to gauge recent economic activity and the near-term outlook of firms in different sectors. Join Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz for a free webinar discussing the latest results from a January survey of firms, and to learn about how businesses are dealing with current challenges.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3DexqYe
NEXT MONTH: From Dustin Nelson via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Purple Rain may have hit its 40th anniversary in 2024, but the world needs no occasion to celebrate and revel in Prince's music. Dolby and AMC Theatres have announced that Purple Rain is heading back to screens for a one-night-only stint at a handful of theaters around the country on March 5.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i5gMcv
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:
NEXTGEN: From Carly Mallenbaum and Torey Van Oot via Axios, VERBATIM: “The number of first-year Black medical students in Minnesota programs dropped 3 percentage points last year, hitting its lowest level since 2019. Why it matters: Having doctors who resemble the patients they're serving can improve health outcomes and enable patients to feel more comfortable voicing health concerns, multiple studies suggest. Black patients being treated by Black doctors may experience less medical racism, whether that means better treatment in the emergency room or not having pain dismissed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EOABq8
RURAL: From Jeremy Olson via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Dr. Alison Raffman had only arrived in Bemidji two days earlier, with three boxes of stuff and two cats, and already she was hustling around the emergency department at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center . . . Raffman rotated to Sanford Bemidji for one month as part of a new effort by Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis to broaden the training of its residents — doctors fresh out of medical school who practice under supervision for three to four years before they can treat patients independently. The approach could be catching on nationally as hospitals try to solve the looming shortage of rural physicians.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k5QiJI
BORDERS: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “At the nation’s borders, federal workers keep the country safe in many ways: Some investigate sick passengers. Some examine animals for dangerous pathogens. And some inspect plants for infestations that could spread in this country. Late last week, the Trump administration dispatched hundreds of those federal employees with the same message that colleagues at other agencies received: Their services were no longer needed. The absence of these federal officers at the borders leaves Americans vulnerable to pathogens carried by plants, animals and people, experts warned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k9QbNm
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters
AOR: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Colle McVoy’s appointment is the result of a competitive pitch that kicked off in July. The pitch process was led by internal marketing procurement. The Media Agency of Record appointment will cover the Bob Evans Farms portfolio of its namesake brand, Bob Evans—as well as Simply Potatoes, Owens Sausage and Egg Beaters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/419L2vV
TILE SHOP: From Plymouth-based Tile Shop via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTSH), a specialty retailer of natural stone tiles, man-made and luxury vinyl tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 27, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i96ibU
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GRAZE: From Stephanie March via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It's new and splashy! OK, it's not new, but it clearly has a new vibe and new vendors, giving it that glow up the neighborhood deserves. As Graze Food Hall by Travail makes a bid for your social life and dining dollars, what should you know before you go? Here's a cheat sheet for the stalls, the bar, and the events coming this year.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3EJmSkk
NORTHSTAR: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “The overhaul of the downtown Minneapolis Northstar Center is complete, including a wallet-friendly retro cafeteria on the main level of the complex. Dig in: Northstar Cafeteria serves a half-dozen comfort food dishes, including BBQ ribs, meatloaf, Swedish meatballs, rotisserie chicken and a bean and cheese enchilada.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kb0ccV
BDAYS: SAT: Fischbach aide Cory Becker, Insurance advocate Adam Axvig, community leader Nancy Warner SUN: GOP insider Kelly Fenton, journalist Jason Olson
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.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2025 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427