The Atlantic released the entire Signal chat in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gives attack mission details with what the AP calls “jaw-dropping in its specificity.” AP: https://fluence-media.co/3FEDz0J
Consumers – especially those with high incomes – believe tariffs will be inflationary. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/3XvPV1o
The state’s tourism agency is hoping to bring Brewers fans to Target Field. MSPBJ: https://fluence-media.co/4l7Wh1e
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iWgncE
Wall Street Journal reporter John McCormick was on Sunday Take to discuss Gov. Tim Walz’s national town hall tour, the future of the Democratic Party and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iBTrjs
I’ll be on Almanac from the Capitol tonight at 7pm with Mary Lahammer.
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
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)
MN DOGE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are discussing the creation of a state commission similar to the federal Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE. GOP Rep. Elliott Engen has a bill to create the Commission on Government Efficiency and Ethics. The commission would consist of a panel of six citizens who would investigate fraud in state agencies and potential conflicts of interest in the Legislature. Three members would be appointed by Republicans and three by Democrats. Engen says problems could be exposed by having an independent body examining government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FH4E3D
ELECTIONS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate Elections committee just passed a bill that would do more to prevent bribing voters. DFL State Senator Bonnie Westlin (Plymouth) says her bill is in response to what's happening in Wisconsin in a State Supreme Court race.” WESTLIN: "The AP reported that Elon Musk's political action committee has not only spent money directly on the race, but the PAC, whose largest funder is Elon Musk himself, is now offering $100 to Wisconsin voters to sign a petition in opposition to activist judges." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iDzsAB
IOWA: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Local governments in Iowa may soon have to stop their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Tuesday, Republicans in the Iowa senate passed a bill banning the practices. If this were to become law, Iowa’s cities and counties would have to close their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices. It would also prohibit local governments from filling a position based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/427V3dz
MINING: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump has evoked a Cold-War era law in an effort to expand the production of critical minerals, which could boost the prospects of new copper, nickel and cobalt mines in northern Minnesota. Citing his authority under the 1950 Defense Production Act, Trump said he wants to reduce U.S. reliance on critical minerals through imports from countries like China. An executive order Trump signed late Thursday gives his administration emergency powers to prioritize mining on public lands, which could include the Superior National Forest, a watershed for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l31EPd
ICE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The chief judge in Hennepin County district court is deciding whether to allow a woman detained by ICE in Kandiyohi County to withdraw her 2020 guilty plea. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office joined the request made by Mai Vu Vang’s attorney, and Judge Kerry Meyer’s decision potentially could impact whether the woman is deported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFZ8LH
SENIORS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “For Mark Peterson, being able to open the door to his own apartment once again, feels at times like a miracle. ‘Got a roof over my head, and I can cook my own meal, shower when I want,’ he said. It wouldn’t have happened without a program supported with state funding and run by Catholic Charities Twin Cities. But as the group seeks to replenish the money to keep assisting people like Peterson, it’s running headlong into the reality that state lawmakers have less money to prop up all kinds of worthy projects.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJNiAk
MEDIA: Via Engadget, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Gaming journalism stalwart Game Informer has risen from the ashes. More than thirty years after its debut issue back in August 1991, the media outlet was officially shut down by parent company GameStop in August 2024. Since then, the rights to Game Informer were acquired by Gunzilla Games and, in an all-to-rare win for today's media world, the entire team that worked for Game Informer at the time of its closure will return to their jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FHUFLh
WILD: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Craig Leipold, owner of the Minnesota Wild, again made their pitch to state lawmakers for nearly $400 million in state appropriation bonds to fund a makeover of the Xcel Energy Center and the city’s RiverCentre convention center. They found a more receptive audience in a key Senate panel Tuesday than they did last week with a committee composed of House lawmakers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y3yVj8
TWINS: Via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins and Progressive Insurance announced a multi-year deal for naming rights of the club’s streaming and television broadcast platform on Tuesday. The first official game on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive will be this Thursday, March 27, when the Twins visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43nti33
TARGET: Via Quartz, VERBATIM: “Target has announced it will reduce bonuses for salaried employees due to weak consumer spending and inflationary pressures. Bloomberg, citing sources with knowledge of the situation, said employees will receive 87% of their eligible 2024 bonuses, a sharp decline from the previous year, when workers received 100% of their bonuses, with some even seeing their payouts double. The bonus cut follows Target’s (TGT) March earnings report, in which it issued a cautious outlook, citing ‘ongoing consumer uncertainty’ and concerns over tariff impacts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c55gvK
TILE SHOP: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Cabell Lolmaugh arrived in the corporate office at Tile Shop Holdings Inc. eight years ago just as it was being forced to adjust to anti-dumping penalties against China, the source of about half the tiles it sold. Today, Lolmaugh is CEO of the Plymouth-based retailer and the U.S. is again raising import barriers, not just on China but many other countries. Tile Shop’s defense strategy is diversification and innovation. China is a small source for the company today, chiefly for natural tile that can’t be found anywhere else. It closed an office it had there in 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l43tew
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
IRRR: Via Senate Republican Caucus, VERBATIM: “Senator Robert Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) has been named Chair of the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Advisory Board, a key position overseeing economic development and investment in northeastern Minnesota.”
MORE: Via IRRR, VERBATIM: “Rep. Roger Skraba, vice chair of the IRRR Board, called the special meeting to reorganize the board and select a new chair following last week’s resignation by former Sen. Justin Eichorn from the Minnesota State Senate. With his resignation from the senate, Eichorn was therefore no longer the chair of the IRRR Board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l0jYIy
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The number of people living in Minneapolis homeless encampments has fallen by two-thirds in recent months, according to the city's running count. Why it matters: City leaders contend stepped-up police enforcement designed to block encampments from forming, paired with thoughtful outreach and community organizing, is contributing to the reduction. Yes, but: Critics say the city has focused on attacking the symptoms of the crisis rather than its root cause — a lack of affordable housing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43qlPAj
ST PAUL: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s City Council attracted glowing national media coverage following the 2023 city election. Seven women—young, progressive and mainly of color—were elected to the seven council seats. Less than two years later, the state of Minnesota faces a large projected deficit, and economic and electoral realities are affecting local politics in St. Paul. Rebecca Noecker, the longest-serving council member, first elected in 2015, became the council president Feb. 12 after the unexpected resignation of Mitra Jalali. Chosen by her fellow council members, Noecker sets priorities for the council’s work, presides over meetings, and speaks on behalf of the council in public settings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QO5PQZ
DULUTH: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert delivered his second State of the City address from Ordean East Middle School on the evening of March 25. Speaking to other city and community leaders, as well as public safety officials and ordinary citizens, Mayor Reinert’s second State of the City partly focused on the city government’s accomplishments for 2024.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3FRUmNT
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. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
TOURISM: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The announcement earlier this month of the sale of Cragun’s Resort inspired an outpouring of nostalgia in the press . . . It is a big deal. In many ways, the Cragun’s sale reflects what’s been happening to Minnesota’s resort economy in the last five years as an older generation of operators gives way to new owners, economic pressures, and changing guest expectations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iKc9p0
SCHOOLS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education. Completing its dismantling is most likely impossible without an act of Congress. However, school districts are expressing a lot of uncertainty about what this means for funding. ‘If there isn’t a department, what does that say about the value of education in the United States?’ said Duluth Superintendent John Magas. In a letter sent out to Duluth Public School parents last week, Magas outlined some of the district concerns involving the executive order and federal funding.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QPvkRZ
MPS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis school board members Tuesday night began detailing difficult cuts they expect to make to close a $75 million budget gap for next school year, including cutting more than 100 positions tied to special education. District leaders had previously signaled school nutrition and special education would be affected by cuts. Some layoff notices had already been sent. As they met Tuesday night, the board’s finance committee said the total number of position cuts coming hadn’t been finalized.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XV07AX
FOOTBALL: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A new era in Minnesota high school sports starts this spring. The first statewide high school girls flag football league will kick off next month. More than 50 schools will compete thanks to a $600,000 donation from the Minnesota Vikings to support the league.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iEfs0J
Enjoy stories about Minnesotans and Minnesota organizations doing good? We publish them regularly HERE: https://fluence-media.co/43G34c2
VITAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FUELS THE FUTURE OF THIS WISCONSIN TRIBE - In 2017, one of the “glaring needs” for the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, in northwest Wisconsin, was an expanded wastewater treatment facility. “It was at capacity. We were not able to expand any of our businesses or facilities,” says Jason, the LCO Band’s Emergency Management Coordinator. With the support of Enbridge and several other partners, the LCO Band quadrupled its wastewater treatment capacity—allowing for creation of a new preschool, fire hall, 40-unit apartment complex, police headquarters and, still to come, health clinic and new residential community. “I’m very grateful for the partnership we’ve developed with Enbridge,” says Jason. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49v4mHc (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Center City Council went ahead with a significant decision Monday night that will impact the future of the Heritage Center, the city’s historic convention and events complex. The council, acting as the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), approved a new catering contract for the Heritage Center. The contract is a three-year deal with Mintahoe Catering & Events, the largest family-owned and operated caterer in Twin Cities. Catering and events drive business at the venue. However, the city-owned and managed property continues to operate with deficits.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Y2kSug
UPTOWN: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Peter Remes of Minneapolis development firm First & First has purchased the former Apple store in Uptown as he hopes to help restore the neighborhood's identity as a thriving entertainment and retail district. The Apple store opened in 2010 after the closure of the Uptown Bar & Cafe – an iconic music venue that hosted Nirvana twice in 1989.” QUOTE: "Many of us who've been around for awhile have spent many days and nights there and have enjoyed it immensely," Remes said of the neighborhood. "Of course, that experience is no longer what it once was." READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DVUefV
HAPPY CHEF: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “In the late 20th century, 65 Happy Chef Restaurants dotted seven states across the Great Plains and Midwest. They could be found in the Dakotas and Wisconsin, as far south as Kansas, and all over Minnesota. Known for their enormous, talking fiberglass chef statues, all-day breakfasts, and 24-hour service, Happy Chef was founded by the Frederick brothers, Sal, Bob, and Tom, in Mankato in 1963 . . . The statue remains, and after two decades of silence, once again greets guests with cheesy jokes. Those yearning for yesterday will find nostalgia, comfort food, and a classic diner atmosphere at the Mankato restaurant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DUgGGk
TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, March 27, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will be available to answer questions from the press regarding the latest employment data.”
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:
U OF M: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Nearly 1,000 doctors in training at the University of Minnesota have filed to unionize. Amid an ongoing physician shortage, local residents and fellows argue they are facing unsustainable working conditions. Second-year infectious disease fellow Thomas Schmidt says in some circumstances residents are working up to 80 hours a week on pay as little as $16 per hour.” QUOTE: "A lot of us as trainees, we do stay there longer hours at times, and maybe we're putting off bedtime with our kids to be there for these patients, and not seeing my spouse," says Schmidt. "All these other things that are keys to our identity as people, not just being a physician." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iM7Bi2
MORE: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The move comes on the heels of more than 200 resident physicians at Hennepin Healthcare becoming the first to file to unionize in Minnesota earlier this month as part of a surge in organizing among young doctors in their final years of training.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c3TO3I
ATHLETES: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The families of hockey player Jack Jablonski and football player Ethan Glynn lived through traumatic injuries to the two student-athletes 11 years apart. However, they are now linked in their fight for more insurance coverage for ‘catastrophic’ injuries from the Minnesota State High School League . . . The MSHSL has since increased catastrophic injury coverage to $3 million dollars, but the Senate bill proposes mandating the coverage be increased to $10 million.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bZEaq5
THIS MONTH: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “During World War II, a select group of women completed different transport duties and flew every aircraft available, including the P-51 Mustang and large four-engine B-17 and B-29 bombers. Some of those women were Minnesotans who are now the focus of a new tribute designed to educate and inspire.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41Vb7iM
LIST: Allianz, Best Buy, CHS, Ecolab, nVent, Thrivent, U.S. Bank, and Xcel Energy all made the list of the world’s most ethical companies. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3mNk4d2
MAMAS: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Motherhood and artistry often exist in separate worlds, but the Mamas Ignite Collective creative circles are proving they don’t have to. These monthly gatherings provide a space where mama artists can explore their creativity, connect with like-minded women, and embrace the healing power of art. Held on the last Monday of every month, these sessions at The Legacy Building in Minneapolis offer an evening of artistic expression, performances, food, and deep discussions about the unique challenges and joys of being both a mother and an artist.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4201zDb
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters: https://fluence-media.co/TheDailyAgenda
MOVE: From NJL via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Nilan Johnson Lewis (NJL), one of the country’s largest women-owned law firms, announces that veteran business and health care attorney Susan Kratz has rejoined the firm as a shareholder and member of its health care and corporate/nonprofit groups, effective immediately. Kratz brings decades of private practice experience, including time previously at NJL where she chaired the health care practice and served on the firm’s board of directors. She was most recently serving as Academic Health Center Counsel for the University of Minnesota, a role she assumed in August 2017, advising on operations and clinical activities across the University’s numerous health science schools and programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42rtz2X
LOANS: From Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “In the latest expansion of the State Farm and U.S. Bank alliance, State Farm customers can now apply for U.S. Bank personal loans for up to $50,000 working directly with their agent. The new offering joins the existing suite of U.S. Bank products accessible through State Farm agents that includes deposits, co-branded credit cards and a full suite of business banking products and services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c98TkH
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RETREAT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Eager for our own sense of reinvigoration, my mother and I headed 90 minutes north of Minneapolis to Silvae Spiritus, a nature retreat in Finlayson offering wellness services like forest bathing, meditative sound immersion, and a wood-fired sauna, plus a cold plunge and hot tub.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4hJSiov
CATHEDRAL HILL: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Despite its proximity to the offices and government buildings of downtown St. Paul, the Cathedral Hill neighborhood — called ‘Summit Hill’ by some locals, after its main avenue — is chiefly defined by its calm: stately, ivy-covered homes, cobblestone alleys, wide streets, and the soaring dome of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, which anchors the eastern edge of the neighborhood. From cozy coffee shops to renowned pastry shops to romantic patios, here are 11 must-visit restaurants in Cathedral Hill.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3ikehVq
BDAYS: journalist Rusty Ray, Rep. Spencer Igo, non profit leader Brian Joyce
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