Out on Lake Itasca, a history preservation group showed how ice was harvested to keep ice boxes cold and food fresh. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4udl9sJ
New data out this morning shows the U.S. lost 92,000 jobs in February, surprising economists who’d expected job growth. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rlsX9j
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Sunday Take discussed the future of mining on the Iron Range with GOP Rep. Spencer Igo, DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild and Mining Minnesota CEO Julie Lucas. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4seg0ij
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FRIDAY FEED
NEXTGEN: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “As the aviation industry faces a global and growing shortage of aircraft mechanics, a local Duluth program is doing its part to help fill the gap. We heard from an instructor at Duluth’s Lake Superior College on Thursday, learning why employers are practically lining up to hire their students.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OOFqox
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Political and community leaders from around the Bemidji area drove down to the state Capitol on Thursday for the 19th annual Bemidji Day at the Capitol. The event gives representatives from the Bemidji City Council, the Beltrami County Board, and the Bemidji School Board, along with several community leaders, a chance to lobby for possible solutions to problems facing the community with state legislators. A total of 39 Bemidjians visited the Capitol.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4b3L2mc
HIBBING: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Hibbing school leaders are weighing whether to close an elementary school, and now, they’ve scheduled a public meeting to walk the families through the proposal. That will allow community members to join the conversation about either closing or selling Greenhaven elementary. The hearing will be at 6 p.m. on March 26th, at the Lincoln school auditorium.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47sTUk6
ANNUNCIATION: Via MPR, on the parents of 10-year-old Harper Moyski who died in the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. VERBATIM: “The Moyskis set out on a mission to talk to as many legislators as possible, with a focus on Republicans and lawmakers in purple districts. ‘What we found is that these are human issues, and if we can set the political pieces of this aside and just dive into what can we actually do to make change,’ said Moyski. The first conversations were with the four legislative leaders individually: Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Democratic House Minority Leader Zack Stephenson, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. The Moyskis’ goal was not to get anyone to flip on their position on guns or school safety. But they wanted to create an open dialogue where everyone could see each other as humans first, put politics aside and see where they could come together.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3MPUrG2
ADDRESSES: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “After the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband last summer, a bill could pull lawmakers’ addresses from campaign documents. Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, is sponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.” QUOTE: “I don’t really want to revisit [the assassination] in committee — honestly, I’m not sure how well I’d keep it together if I did,” Freiberg said. “I certainly don’t want to platform a murderer, but suffice it to say that the public availability of the home addresses of many legislators put our safety at risk in the heightened political environment we find ourselves in.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4csCJTi
39B: Via Spriggs campaign, VERBATIM: “Justice Spriggs formally announced his candidacy earlier this week for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 39B, representing St. Anthony Village and portions of Columbia Heights and New Brighton. Spriggs, 29, announced his candidacy as a democrat for the open seat after current State Representative Sandra Feist announced she would not be seeking re-election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40LHHDt
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)
FED SURGE
FEDS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she was told by a top White House official that federal immigration agents are at or near their ‘original footprint’ in Minnesota, contradicting a claim from the departing Homeland Security secretary. In front of Congress earlier this week, Secretary Kristi Noem said 650 agents, far above the original number, remained in the state. Klobuchar said Thursday that White House official Tom Homan called the senator to clarify Noem’s estimation was incorrect.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/46MfS1j
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)
MINNESOTA’S ATV RIDERS ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS: Last September, hundreds of riders joined the ATV Minnesota President’s Ride — families, veterans, small business owners, and volunteers from across the state. They represent thousands of Minnesotans who responsibly use and maintain Minnesota’s ATV trail system. As decision makers evaluate trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, we invite you to hear directly from the people they represent. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
DRILLING & MINING
GAS PRICES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Gasoline prices are jumping as oil prices spike following the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran, reflecting market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval. Why it matters: Americans use about 370 million gallons of gas per day, so price increases have an immediate effect on their pocketbook and mood about the economy. State of the pumps: The average price of unleaded gas in Minnesota hit $3.07 per gallon Wednesday, according to AAA, up 29 cents from a week ago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4skffnY
HELIUM: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “For the seventh consecutive time, Pulsar Helium has struck helium near Babbitt. The international helium developer said it has hit a pressurized zone in the seventh appraisal well it’s drilled at its Topaz Project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b87Tgf
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)
COMMERCE
TARGET: Via Fortune, VERBATIM: “Earlier this week, I traveled to Target headquarters in Minneapolis to interview newly minted CEO Michael Fiddelke . . . Target had just reported a fourth straight quarter of comparable sales decline, continuing a slump that has seen it lose market share to many rivals. That same day, Fiddelke outlined for an audience of Wall Street analysts an ambitious plan he said would bring the most change Target has seen in a decade. But Fiddelke, a 23-year company lifer who took the reins five weeks ago, said that plan can’t work unless Target returns to a culture of talking honestly about failures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lhsu6H
RESTAURANTS: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Despite the mire, Twin Cities restaurants are still fighting to move forward with planned openings. The year ahead brings a new wave of restaurant openings, including projects from established chefs and restaurateurs and menus influenced by Hawaiian, French, Palestinian, and Indigenous food cultures.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3MZu0xF
TACOS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Mike’s Red Tacos, a burgeoning San Diego-founded taco chain specializing in beef birria, has announced a big expansion into Minnesota. The company announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Michael McGuire and 825 Ventures to bring 15 locations to the Twin Cities and surrounding region.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ufhMl5
NEW CSCO: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced Jonathan Ness has been named Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective March 16, 2026. He will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening, join the company’s Senior Leadership Team and have accountability for the company’s global supply chain operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rYaalF
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via SEIU MN, VERBATIM: “Friday, March 6th, at 12:30 p.m., on Zoom, members of Doctors Council - SEIU will announce the results of their vote for an open-ended Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. The group, which brings together 600 Allina doctors, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners who provide primary care, have been voting this whole week.”
TOMORROW: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County Public Health Department is holding its inaugural Winter Festival this Saturday, which will be hosted at Kelliher Public School. Organizers say this free event is meant to celebrate the end of winter with local resources and neighbors.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4udrAfn
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SUMMER CAMPS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Whether you’re a total newbie, chasing big skill gains in something you love, or wanting to try something totally unique, summer camps in the Twin Cities (and beyond!) are delivering in a major way. Here’s what’s out there for beginners, experts, and kids just hungry for the wackiest fun summer can offer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40ayh4l
BDAYS: fmr. legislator Dave Lislegard, golfer Steve Harper, Vikings scribe Tom Pelissero, comms pro Amy Bryant. SAT: fmr. TPT producer Brendan Henehan SUN: IFM’s Aaron Cocking, lobbyist Jerry Seck
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