Spotted at a St. Paul grocery store over the weekend – something many retailers have to consider after the elimination of the penny:
The Gopher women may be the only Minnesota basketball team that made it to March Madness, but they’re not the only Minnesotans playing. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4cVjDFL
KTTC-TV’s Rochester-area viewers shared photos from that area’s epic snowfall. PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4cOQI6b
MnDOT has reopened most highways in the southwestern region of the state. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uswi9r
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/4bfuXeE
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
WAITING FOR THE THAW
CHOIR STUCK: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “A choir from a Bloomington high school is turning to the public to help get its students back to Minnesota after Sunday’s winter blizzard canceled their original flight plans. The Bloomington Kennedy Choirs posted that they are facing an unplanned $30,000 expense to cover new flights and buses for the 126 students who were on the trip to Los Angeles.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/417hVtv
TARGET: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Artificial intelligence and improved technology will be central to Target’s recovery after several years of sluggish performance, said Prat Vemana, the retailer’s chief information and product officer. The company plans to invest about $6 billion this year in its stores, workers and technology to turn the tide. Chief Executive Michael Fiddelke, who took the helm in February, told investors earlier this month that Target had lost its way. The company has struggled to boost sales in recent years as shoppers have complained of messy stores, high prices and less exciting products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uqTHI9
POT: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The City of Osseo is moving forward on progress to have its municipal cannabis store open by the end of the year. It would be the second city-operated cannabis store in the state, after Anoka opened its wholly-owned operation earlier this year.” QUOTE: “We’re going a different route here in Osseo,” said City Administrator Shane Mikkelson, who is also the chief of police. “We’re going to contracting with a private company to run the store and do some of the build-out. Currently, those contracts are getting finalized with Voyager Cannabis.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rDbb1f
AT THE CAPITOL
GHOST GUNS: Via news release from the Attorney General, VERBATIM: “Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Senator Ron Latz, and Representative Dave Pinto announced legislation to prohibit the creation, possession, and sale of ghost guns, HF 3407/SF 3661, given the clear danger these weapons pose to the safety of Minnesotans . . . Although Minnesota law already bans removing or altering a firearm’s serial number, a recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision found that Minnesota’s statute only requires firearms to have serial numbers if the guns were required to be serialized under federal law. By tying Minnesota’s current statute to constantly changing federal regulatory standards that currently do not outright prohibit all ghost guns, the ruling created a significant loophole in state law that requires lawmakers’ urgent attention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sdswiu
WARRANTS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “While some call reverse location warrants a critical tool for criminal investigations, others call them a breach of the U.S. Constitution. Either way, they are being used in Minnesota. With a judge’s order, those warrants allow law enforcement to gather data revealing cellphones and other devices that were present in a certain place at a certain time. Law enforcement can request data related to crime scenes – or more expansive areas – and work backwards to look for suspects. A group of bipartisan Minnesota lawmakers says they should be illegal except in emergency scenarios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cPVIHM
FAKE COPS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “After a gunman impersonating a police officer came to her home last summer, state Rep. Kristin Bahner, DFL–Maple Grove, says the experience has made legislation addressing officer impersonation deeply personal . . . The bill, which is co-authored by Rep. Ginny Klevorn, DFL-Plymouth, would create increased penalties and fines for someone impersonating a police officer. Under HF3404, impersonating a police officer would become a felony crime.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47KY6fe
HOUSING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “One bill, which has been introduced but hasn’t moved forward in previous sessions, is aimed at cutting down on home building costs and encouraging cities to adopt zoning that creates more opportunities to build new housing. Reps. Mike Howard, DFL-Richfield, and Spencer Igo, GOP-Wabana Township, have been pushing the bill the last few sessions. Howard says the bill is focused on reducing costs and red tape involved with building new homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sQNYdh
MAYORS: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayors from across the Iron Range are concerned about the state’s fiscal trajectory and how it’s affecting their cities and residents. Nineteen mayors from the Iron Range area signed a letter calling on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the state legislature for responsible, fiscally prudent leadership and to recognize the essential roles that cities play along with the financial pressures they’re managing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40yEnf2
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)
MONDAY MORNING EARNINGS
LIFECORE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR) on Monday reported a loss of $6 million in its fourth quarter. The Chaska, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 16 cents per share. The agricultural and food packaging products company posted revenue of $35.7 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQr80t
FORGENT: Via RTT News, VERBATIM: “[Maple Grove-based] Forgent Power Solutions, Inc. (FPS), a designer and manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment, on Monday reported a sharp rise in second-quarter revenue but a decline in net income, primarily due to higher hiring and expansion costs as the company ramps up production to meet strong demand. The company also guided the second half and full-year 2026 and noted that it recently completed its initial public offering and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47DeONF
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)
BUSINESS MOVES
MEDIA: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Pioneer Press has promoted Deputy Editor Mike Decaire, a Twin Cities native, to editor and vice president, as current editor Mike Burbach takes a step toward retirement after 15 years in the job.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uskrbr
FASTENAL: Via Winona-based Fastenal, VERBATIM: “Fastenal Company (NASDAQ: FAST) has announced it will begin construction of a new Southeast U.S. regional operations and logistics center in Carrollton, Georgia.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40zAVkc
SHAKOPEE: Via Food Business News, VERBATIM: “Baking, snack and meals manufacturer Maker’s Pride LLC plans to shut two production plants, in Shakopee, Minn., and Salt Lake City. The Downers Grove-based company – rebranded to Maker’s Pride nearly a year ago from H-Food Holdings LLC, the parent of contract manufacturer Hearthside Food Solutions – said it expects to complete the facility closures in the 2026 third quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sSRUdv
MPLS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports the assessed values of many of the major office towers in downtown Minneapolis continue to drop with most down more than 20%. READ: https://fluence-media.co/475eZkJ
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)
TRAVEL & TOURISM
SHUTDOWN: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The CEOs of the nation’s top airline companies, including American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue, are imploring Congress to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and embrace a bipartisan solution to pay federal aviation workers including airport security officers during the partial government shutdown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s7VIHL
(DISCLOSURE: Delta is a Fluence Advisory client)
ACQUISITION: Via Allegiant, VERBATIM: “Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) and Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY) today announced the early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in connection with Allegiant’s previously announced proposed acquisition of Sun Country. Receiving U.S. antitrust clearance is an important step toward completing the combination of the two airlines.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4btiFho
SPLIT ROCK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Visitors trekking to the North Shore of Lake Superior expecting to see the iconic vista of Split Rock Lighthouse perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake will soak in a slightly different vista beginning Monday. That’s when Minnesota Historical Society crews begin scaffolding around the iconic structure, part of a three-month restoration project to repair damaged bricks and mortar. To help prevent future cracking, the historical society will also install moisture sensors to measure the humidity in the lighthouse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4skv5j4
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
NIRON: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, the leading manufacturer of rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, today announced that it is initiating a formal site selection process for a new high-volume manufacturing (HVM) plant in the U.S. The new plant is intended to significantly expand national production capacity for the next generation of permanent magnets that are critical across automotive, consumer electronics, industrial, and defense sectors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cKjsNj
3M: Via 3M, VERBATIM: “3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a major planned expansion of U.S. manufacturing capacity for its 3M Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) interconnect technology, a high-performance optical connectivity solution engineered to improve deployment speed, reliability, and operational efficiency within next-generation AI data centers. The expansion will include adding new advanced manufacturing equipment and additional production space to support increasing global demand for high-speed interconnects in AI data centers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bpRSma
REGIS: Via Minneapolis-based Regis, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM: RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, today announced key executive leadership and board appointments that will build on the company’s recent strategic progress, further enhance operational excellence and guide its next phase of growth. Susan Lintonsmith, former Board Chair, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer; Jim Lain will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer; Nancy Benacci has been named the new Chair of the Board; and Andrew Alfano has been appointed as an independent director.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dmESjI
WHAT’S NEXT?
WEDNESDAY: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2026 third quarter on March 18, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l0wngi
SATURDAY: Via Rondo Community Land Trust, VERBATIM: “Rondo Community Land Trust will host a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the opening of Rondo Exchange, a new small business incubator designed to support artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood.”
NEXT WEEK: Via MnDOT, VERBATIM: “A section of Riverfront Drive, between East Main and Plum Streets in Mankato, will close tentatively starting Wednesday, March 25, as crews begin removing the deck of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/472BaYH
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SURVEY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Last month, we asked readers to share their takes and tips on solo dining in light of new data showing it’s on the rise. As usual, the answers were *chef’s kiss.* The big picture: Many of you really enjoy the experience. Some of you even used words like ‘divine’ and ‘sublime.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47M2omy
LIST: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Every year, we here at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine anoint the best 50 restaurants in the Twin Cities. This year, with ICE in the streets and so many local spots teetering inside this new instability, naming our leaders in hospitality seems more important than ever.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bqJWRL
BDAYS: Star Tribune’s Ryan Faircloth, ag leader Kent Thiesse, attorney Sam Stern, Sleep Number’s Christine Ackerman, banker Joe Dolphin, politico Bethany Peterson
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.
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