Bemidji was the venue of what’s billed as “the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lF4F95
Because of the weather, a Northfield bookstore postponed an event it had planned for this past Sunday. They’ll discuss the book about surviving a blizzard at a later date. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rK7LtP
For the second day in a row, a Twin Cities school district canceled in-class learning due to a safety concern – this time it’s South St. Paul. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bwaBwy
Fluence Advisory is seeking candidates for a new position. JOB: https://fluence-media.co/4duXaiK
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bBOBAn
Sunday Take featured Sen. Ron Latz and a check in on the legislative session – lots of noise, few signals and a feeling that in a closely divided legislature isn’t listening to the data, but only to the loudest voices. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3P87zXL
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
THE MIDWEEK
LIST: Allianz, Best Buy, CHS, Ecolab, Honeywell, Medtronic, nVent, U.S. Bank, and Xcel Energy all made Ethisphere’s annual list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3NGFLt4
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
GEN MILLS: Via Barron’s, VERBATIM: “General Mills stock ticked lower after the cereal maker reported uneven performance across key metrics in its latest quarter and reaffirmed the guidance it provided earlier this year. The owner of the Pillsbury and Lucky Charms brands logged adjusted earnings of 64 cents a share in the fiscal third quarter, missing analysts’ calls for 73 cents. Net sales including the impact of divestitures and acquisitions fell 8% to $4.44 billion, edging past consensus calls for $4.41 billion. Sales were down 3% on an organic basis, trailing Nielsen-measured global retail sales by roughly 1.5 points.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4duXgXH
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Chief Executive Jeff Harmening said the year is playing out as expected, with investments, divestitures and unfavorable timing comparisons driving declines across General Mills’ profit and sales, even as the company improved volumes and gained market share. ‘As we move to the fourth quarter, we expect to deliver a step up in organic sales trends and return to earnings growth,’ he added, citing continued market share momentum, as well as more favorable timing comparisons and an additional week in the fiscal year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sLgWem
BUDGET: Via WCCO-Radio, House Speaker Lisa Demuth on the Governor’s supplemental budget proposal. The Speaker praised the components to upgrade technology to better fight fraud. She singled out nursing home cuts, tax increases, and specifically a social media tax as “off the table.” DEMUTH: “What we are saying is there has to be other ways . . . we can cut spending at the state level before we start raising taxes in different areas.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rJt92r
DHS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Last week, Gov. Tim Walz proposed major changes to the state’s Department of Human Services that included eliminating the use of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the Medicaid program and giving more power to the state over counties for determining eligilibity. This would need buy-in from the Legislature, but GOP representatives are concerned with the proposals.” QUOTE: “Obviously, DHS is one of the reasons why we are kind of in the situation that we’re in right now,” said Rep. Bidal Duran (R), House District 2A, in an interview with Lakeland News. “Giving them more authority and actually centralizing the power and the oversight that they have is kind of concerning.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ds2vr5
HINDUS: Via Coalition of Hindus in America, VERBATIM: “The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomes the introduction of Resolution SF 4115 in the Minnesota Legislature condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. The initiative reflects sustained efforts by members of the local Hindu community to obtain recognition and protection. It has drawn broad support with more than 400 Minnesotans signing a letter, organized by CoHNA, urging the resolution’s passage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bz6ujg
MPD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A conservative legal group has again filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis, hoping to pressure the city to hire more police officers more quickly. The lawsuit alleges Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has failed for four-and-a-half years to comply with a Minnesota Supreme Court decision that found the city is required by its charter to employ 731 officers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sjNaxJ
HCSO: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt‘s defending her office’s overtime costs during Operation Metro Surge, the federal government’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The department’s overtime costs totaled $1.3 million in January, which was $860,000 over budget. Witt explained to WCCO Radio’s Adam and Jordana they didn’t have a choice.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4biFB4g
ICE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents forced medical staff to give ‘powerful sedatives’ to a mental health patient so they could remove him from the hospital, his lawyers allege in a new court filing. Adrian Sotelo Guzman was hospitalized at M Health Fairview Southdale hospital in Edina on Feb. 19, after agents arrested him during Operation Metro Surge. After detaining him, agents took him to the hospital after he appeared to have ‘abnormal behavior and an altered mental state.’ He was diagnosed with being in psychosis due to bipolar disorder. ICE agents sent Sotelo Guzman to Texas last month, despite arguments from his attorneys and hospital staff that doing so would harm his well-being.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uQEv7A
LAWYER: Via Mother Jones, a profile of a self-described “nobody lawyer” in Minneapolis who found himself helping lead the charge to fight the federal government’s deportation efforts. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NGAn9k
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)
TECHNOLOGY
FACIAL REC: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Angela Lipps was arrested in July for a crime she says she didn’t commit in a state she’s never been to. Still, she was held in custody for more than five months. Her lawyer Jay Greenwood said Fargo police did not do their due diligence before using AI-driven facial recognition software as evidence to arrest her for a series of bank fraud incidents. Greenwood said it all started with a video from the bank’s security camera.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41dtvTW
WAYMO: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Some of Minnesota’s most powerful labor unions want lawmakers to pump the brakes on Waymo‘s expansion. The big picture: To labor, the fight over driverless vehicles isn’t just about hailing robotaxis — it’s about the future of work. Boosters, meanwhile, argue that Minnesota will fall behind without action to authorize the rapidly expanding technology here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uAoAdn
ICYMI… morning take had more on how tech is driving (pun intended) conversation at the capitol. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lE7Lds
DATA CENTER: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Opponents of a proposed Google data center in Hermantown are calling for a new form of environmental review as the city moves to update the review already conducted. The topic sparked debate during the public comment period at the Hermantown City Council meeting on Monday. Hermantown conducted an alternative urban area-wide review (AUAR), which was approved in October. In a letter addressed to the mayor and city council, Hermantown city officials write they’re now updating the AUAR as additional details and analysis have become available. Many opponents are calling for a form of review called an environmental impact statement (EIS) instead, which they view as more rigorous.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3P81bQp
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)
UPDATES
ACQUISITION: From Minnesota Nurses Association via Facebook, a statement on California-based Sutter Health’s plan to acquire Allina. QUOTE: “This announcement reflects a growing and troubling trend that impacts patients, healthcare workers, and communities. Corporate mergers and healthcare monopolies like this are driven by power and financial priorities rather than patient care and healthcare expertise.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rEvzz8
ICYMI… Tuesday’s health take had more information about the acquisition. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4scfdPm
BRIDGE: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Federal officials say more than $1 billion is now headed to a long-awaited bridge replacement project connecting northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The project was awarded the federal grant in 2024 after passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation did not finalize the necessary grant agreement amendment to release the funds until now.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Pi2R9V
TRANSIT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Metropolitan Council recently approved staff recommendations to move forward with two new bus rapid transit corridors, including the future J Line stretching along West Seventh Street from downtown St. Paul to the Mall of America in Bloomington, to be followed by the K Line along Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis to American Boulevard in Bloomington. … Planning for the 12-mile J Line corridor will begin this year, followed by the K Line next year. The routes could launch between 2030 and 2035.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sl1Axx
ATV TRAILS SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES ACROSS GREATER MINNESOTA: Minnesota’s ATV system connects riders to rural communities — supporting local lodging, restaurants, fuel stations, and small businesses. Trail investment is not just recreation policy — it’s economic development. Watch how riders describe the economic impact of responsible trail access. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4kZDS70 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
SCHOOLS & FACILITIES
HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A mediation session between the Hibbing School District and AFSCME Local 480 failed to bring about a tentative agreement, according to a news release from the district. School will operate on a normal schedule today, and Early Learning, Community Education, and Spring Activities will continue as scheduled.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4lGM7W6
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “After the Bemidji School Board took the first step toward closing J.W. Smith Elementary in an effort to address a $3.5 million projected deficit for the district, the community has had many chances to voice their concerns about the closure. On Tuesday night, the board held an open answer-and-question session to hear more of the public’s concerns and give further details on why they voted to move forward with closing the K-3 school.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bgNS8N
THREATS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Police say threatening voicemails that prompted the closure of Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools Tuesday originated out-of-state and aren’t believed to pose any real danger. … The district, which serves roughly 29,000 students, canceled classes Tuesday out of an abundance of caution. … The FBI is now taking the lead on the investigation because the threats originated from outside of Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bA7BiI
SAFETY PLANS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “State legislators are considering a bill that would require school districts to set up safety plans aimed at preventing school shootings. The Senate’s Education Finance Committee discussed the bill this week. It would require the state to write a model policy, which schools would then adapt. One of the bill’s co-authors, Sen. Bonnie Westlin, DFL-Plymouth, said it’s a way to help schools plan for emergencies.” WESTLIN: “These are issues that districts struggle with, and to be able to provide them with a resource that will be helpful to them, in order to keep our school safe for our kids, is an important thing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NaQIDb
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The northwest Metro marked a major recreational milestone this week as city leaders, contractors, and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of phase one of the Maple Grove Community Center renovation and expansion project. The grand opening ceremony, which was hosted on March 16, was the culmination of a years-long effort to modernize the facility, keeping pace with the city’s rapidly growing youth sports scene and its reputation as a regional destination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sjTZ2j
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
DC: Via TopLine, VERBATIM: “TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., March 2 through March 5, 2026, as part of the annual America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference, the credit union industry’s largest advocacy event.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4us9J4y
NIRON: Via Twin Cities Business, more details on news first shared in Monday’s lunch take, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics officially announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility, which it is planning to begin building in 2028. Niron’s first facility will open in Sartell in 2027 . . . The Minneapolis-based company manufactures a proprietary magnet that uses iron and nitrogen instead of rare earth materials, which are largely controlled by China. The idea was born out of research at the University of Minnesota . . . The new facility is expected to be 1.6 million square feet. Ideally, it helps the company increase its manufacturing capacity to 10,000 tons a year while supporting 700 full-time jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47RKRcJ
VENUE: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “A new performance and private event venue is coming to downtown Minneapolis as Dakota announces the opening of The Quinlan Room by Dakota inside the historic Young-Quinlan Building. The expansion marks a major milestone for Dakota, a nationally recognized venue known for pairing live music with chef-driven dining, as it grows its footprint in the heart of Nicollet Mall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Doe88
RESTAURANTS: Via MinnPost, a look at how restaurants are faring as one in St. Paul unlocks its front door for the first time in months. VERBATIM: “At Homi and scores of other immigrant-run restaurants in the Twin Cities, a security-first mentality created a disquieting environment for hospitality, suggesting that customers should look over their own shoulder to make sure a plainsclothes immigration agent wasn’t tailing them into the building. An unlocked front door may be a milestone, but at Homi, the numbers don’t yet reflect a return to normalcy. [Owner Miguel Lopez] has been able to fill seven of the nine full-time positions he had on payroll prior to Operation Metro Surge. While it’s an improvement, he is apprehensive about returning to pre-surge staffing before customers fully return.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rGv1cd
CLOSED: From Pajarito via Instagram, VERBATIM: “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to announce the permanent closure of our Saint Paul location.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47skf27
FLOWERS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A floral business that’s been serving the metro for years has set down roots in Maple Grove. Indulge & Bloom, which previously had two locations in Minneapolis and one at the Mall of America, has reopened in the strip mall located at 13712 83rd Way. It’s a rebrand for the spot occupied by Maple Grove Floral.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NLgL3V
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT MONTH: Via Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its first quarter 2026 results. A news release containing first quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on April 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uACR9X
SEPTEMBER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “For the first time since its inception in 2004 as an online platform for artists to share photography, Flickr is moving off the apps and choosing Minneapolis as the location for Mode, the World’s Photography Festival. The event will take place at downtown locations September 18–20 and mixes elements of a traditional trade show with a vibrant arts festival. Attendees can expect concerts, screenings, panels, food and drink, and the opportunity to connect over work and shared experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sXvqbj
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BOOK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Historian and best-selling author Ibram X. Kendi said he launched his new book in Minneapolis, ahead of its official March 17 release, after the surge of federal immigration enforcement in the city. The Howard University professor authored the international bestseller ‘How to Be an Antiracist’ in 2019. His latest book, ‘Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age,’ examines authoritarianism and its relationship to the ‘great replacement’ conspiracy theory.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bgCCJw
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