The State Patrol showed off 50,000 fentanyl pills found during what started as a routine traffic stop near Albert Lea. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4aWani0
Headed to Tampa for spring break? The airport would like to talk with you about your planned wardrobe first. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3N73yC8
Sunday Take’s future of Minnesota series will cover mining this weekend. Listen at 9AM on Sunday on WCCO Radio.
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Sunday Take dug into Minnesota’s housing situation with DFL Rep. Esther Agbaje and James Vagle, CEO of First Housing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cImGAP
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MONEY & POLICY
FORECAST: Via MMB, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty. The FY 2026-27 projected balance is now $3.7 billion, $1.3 billion higher than November estimates. A slightly improved economic outlook drives a higher revenue forecast largely driven by more volatile sources of revenue. Spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for FY 2029. The projected general fund balance for the FY 2028-29 biennium is now $377 million, however a significant structural imbalance remains. Shifting policies at the federal level and missing or incomplete data due to recent federal government shutdowns introduce significant uncertainty to the projections.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3ORPX25
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Following rounds of start-and-stop tariffs, a prolonged federal immigration enforcement action in Minnesota, federal funding freezes and financial trickle down effects of federal government tax policies, predictions for how the state budget are considered more tenuous than usual. This is the last substantial glimpse into state finances lawmakers will get before they ramp up the work of the legislative session. The budget outlook dictates what could get done at the Capitol this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ciELFy
RESPONSE: Via MN House GOP, from Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska:
DEMUTH: “Today’s forecast gives us the chance to pass a bipartisan tax conformity bill that helps workers through common-sense policies, like no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, and helps our Main Street businesses continue to be the job creators that keep our state strong,” said Demuth. “Tax increases on Minnesota families and more government spending should be off the table, and our focus should remain on lowering costs on family budgets.”
NISKA: “This forecast demonstrates that pro-business economic policies and economic growth are the real solution to the fiscal disaster created by Minnesota Democrats. We need to reverse the policies that are holding our state economy back if we’re going to participate in the national economic rebound.”
MORE: From Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-10B) via X, VERBATIM: “This session, we must pass a one-time tax rebate to return the surplus back to the people of Minnesota.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4051sFQ
MORE: Via Senate Republican Caucus, from GOP leader Mark Johnson, JOHNSON: “Despite an improved national economic outlook, Minnesota’s economy is stagnant, fraudsters stole billions from Minnesotans in need, and we are paying more in taxes and earning less because of Democrats’ mandates. This forecast requires us to stop the fraud, reduce mandates, and pass tax relief that makes a positive difference to Minnesotans’ budgets.”
MORE: Via joint release from Minnesota Inter-County Association, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Rural Counties, VERBATIM: “The state should use these resources to immediately update archaic technology systems that counties are required to use to implement a multitude of state and federally mandated programs. Some of these systems date back to the 1980s, but all of them cause inexcusable delays, client backlogs, and unnecessary county staffing increases. These problems are made worse by the effects of HR1, a federal law that requires more workarounds, overrides, and duplicative inputs into these systems, potentially shifting hundreds of millions of dollars in cost down to local taxpayers.”
EARLIER: Ahead of the report, Minnesota Chamber president Doug Loon talked about the forecast ahead of its release. LOON: “They’ll call it a stable budget, I expect. But the reality is our economy is not growing at the pace it should be and the other reality is our spending is growing at a faster clip.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4siEcQT
BONDING: Via Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “As far as technology goes, the Lake Crystal wastewater treatment plant equipment is vintage. As Water and Wastewater Supervisor Jeremy Hutchens said, a lot of what makes the plant work has been there since 1985 . . . Their solution — a 14-inch force main pipe to connect to and regionalize with the city of Mankato — is about 10 years in the making; it would take the entire wastewater flow from the city of Lake Crystal. The project’s future depends on whether it’s included in this year’s bonding bill and if a bonding bill passes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rR3tBy
CELL PHONES: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota senator’s bill aims to place stricter regulations on cell phone use in schools, with Rochester state senators from both sides of the aisle saying they support the potential legislation.” QUOTE: “Really, everyone recognizes that it is a problem,” DFL Sen. Liz Boldon said. “The evidence on this is really clear. It is harmful for kids for a variety of mental health reasons. It impacts bullying and it is a distraction.” QUOTE: “In no way do I want to understate the detrimental effect that prolonged overuse of cell phones is causing our next generation of kids here,” Republican Sen. Carla Nelson said. “There’s a lot of research that’s showing that is problematic.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qYYQ7u
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)
BUSINESS MOVES
TARGET: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Target will require every cereal it sells — including national brands — to be made without certified synthetic colors by the end of May, the company exclusively told Axios. Why it matters: The shift puts Target among the first national retailers to remove the additives across an entire grocery category — compelling major cereal makers to reformulate if they want shelf space. Retailers rarely dictate ingredient standards to national brands, underscoring the leverage large chains hold over suppliers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aHQmwA
MORE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Target said that it has worked with national brands and its private brands to reformulate products as needed. Some cereals will have updated formulations, and many others already meet its new cereal assortment standard for no certified synthetic colors, the retailer said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l8QPeP
SOLVENTUM: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Solventum Corp. (SOLV) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $63 million. The Maplewood, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 36 cents per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The health care company posted revenue of $2 billion in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rHmvKQ
MORE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota-based company is one of the largest providers of sterilization devices, wound dressings, medical tape and other hospital consumables. Solventum‘s MedSurg business, which sells wound dressings and surgical equipment, accounts for more than half the company’s revenue. Sales in the segment rose 5.2% from a year earlier to $1.24 billion during the quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u00YP2
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)
DC + MN
COUNTY DEALS: Via The New York Times, from an article looking at what the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota accomplished. VERBATIM: “White House officials have provided various responses when asked to provide details about the new agreements they said they struck with counties. Speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail the reasoning for winding down the operation in Minnesota, White House officials claimed that 80 counties that previously declined to cooperate with ICE had now agreed to notify the agency when they released undocumented immigrants from their jails. When asked for the names of those counties, the White House said it was sensitive law enforcement information. When asked about various counties that said they were already cooperating with ICE or had not changed their policies, Mr. Trump’s aides argued that some counties have increased their cooperation without necessarily changing their written policies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rE7NUF
HC ATTY: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has dropped an investigation into a policy from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO), according to a spokesperson for the HCAO. The investigation, announced in May of 2025, centered on a policy asking prosecutors to consider “racial identity” during prosecutorial decision-making.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4003ZkK
LAWSUIT: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “A St. Paul, Minnesota, church member has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that a group of people, including journalist Don Lemon and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, unlawfully disrupted a service last month as part of a coordinated political demonstration. The complaint, filed by Ann Doucette in U.S. District Court for Minnesota, alleges that a Jan. 18 demonstration at Cities Church interfered with her ability to worship and caused her to suffer damages, including emotional distress and trauma.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bcLKyC
WHITE EARTH: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As rural health care across the state faces challenges to funding and services, the Public Health Accreditation Board has awarded White Earth Nation’s health care system national accreditation . . . The Public Health Accreditation Board’s review process guarantees White Earth’s health care system meets or exceeds national standards practiced by other governmental public health departments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N8ceIv
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
MIDWAY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Amid snow and ice, two large cranes are visible in St. Paul’s Midway as Dr. Bill McGuire’s long-planned development takes shape. McGuire, who owns the Minnesota United FC professional soccer team, has wanted to increase economic activity in the neighborhood that’s adjacent to Allianz Field, which he built near I-94 with private funds. Four buildings in United Village are now being constructed by Golden Valley-based Mortenson. McGuire, in a TCB interview, said he’s spending about $170 million to build two restaurants, an office building, and a hotel near the busy intersection of Snelling and University avenues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46uuuT1
TOMORROW: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Arguably the most globally famous athlete to ever sign with a Minnesota sports franchise could make his debut Saturday at the Loons‘ home opener at Allianz Field. Stunning stat: Minnesota United FC’s James Rodríguez — whose breakout for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup led to stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich — has 51.7 million Instagram followers. That’s 10 times the number who follow the Wolves‘ Anthony Edwards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ONq3wo
D’AMICO: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “D’Amico and Sons, the company that grew from a single fine dining Italian restaurant to a sprawling portfolio across both the Twin Cities and Naples, Florida, will close its two remaining Minnesota locations in Edina and Golden Valley at the end of March. Brothers Richard and Larry D’Amico, who founded the company in 1982, are shifting their focus to their Naples restaurants—Campiello, The Club Room at Campiello, and The Continental—while their longtime partner Paul Smith will carry on D’Amico Hospitality’s catering operations in the Twin Cities, continuing to expand to new venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N4VbXO
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Race Roster, VERBATIM: “Run Where No One Has Run Before (Literally. They don’t let people do this.) This is a first-of-its-kind race allowed inside the legendary St. Paul Skyway System, a climate-controlled maze where running is as welcomed as singing karaoke in a library. But for one glorious day, you can wind through corridors, sprint above city streets and cruise past familiar landmarks from a whole new perspective - all without worrying about weather, traffic, or pot holes.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tXQM9L
TOMORROW: Via TC Board Game Marathon, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities Board Game Marathon Powered by 2D Con is an all day board gaming event held once a month.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4s9YGej
SEPTEMBER: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The Twin Cities has long been a hotbed of creative inspiration and artistic storytelling—from world-class cultural institutions to large-scale art and film festivals that propel emerging makers and creators into the spotlight. But, for the first time, local photographers are primed to receive a multi-day that is uniquely their own—geared toward all things visual, digital, and candid. Today, global photo-sharing platform Flickr announced the launch of MODE by Flickr, a three-day photography festival set to take place Sept. 18-20—right in the heart of Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kZmSOk
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FISH FRY: Via Axio, VERBATIM: “Lent is back and that means fish fry specials have returned for the traditional Catholic meat-free Fridays. Zoom in: Here’s a roundup of seven spots to try in the Twin Cities.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4r2QCeB
BDAYS: financial planner Joe Pitzl, DHS’s Kristy Graume, civic guy Chuck Slocum, lobbyist Jill Sims. SAT: attorney Tracey Donesky, Youthprise’s Marcus Pope, PR pro Alexis Walsko. SUN: Rep. Mary Franson, fmr. Rep. Bob Dettmer, Rep. Rick Hansen
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