lunch take | REPORT: $20 Billion a Year for MN Climate Inaction + Walz Budget Update
Mar 17, 2026
What happens when a journalist learns the city’s trying out a new plowing plan in his neighborhood? He documents it. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/417ftTR
Two dozen school districts in southern Minnesota are closed again today. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4sqSIWU
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/47AsSYe
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
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UP FIRST
BUDGET: Via news release from the Governor’s office, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today released his 2026 supplemental budget proposal at the Eastside YMCA. The budget prioritizes lowering costs for middle class families, helping Minnesotans through workforce disruptions caused by artificial intelligence, and responding to Operation Metro Surge, while making responsible cuts to continue Minnesota’s record of balanced budgets.” WALZ: “As families see higher prices and more economic uncertainty, we’re proposing legislation to make everything from child care, to housing, to property taxes more affordable for middle class families,” said Governor Walz. “This is a fiscally responsible plan that cuts spending to maintain a balanced budget while preparing our economy and our workforce for the challenges of artificial intelligence.”
MORE: Via the Governor’s office, a one-page summary of the proposal. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dr3w2K
MORE: From WDIO-TV via YouTube, the Governor talking about the proposal. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bidP84
CLIMATE COSTS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A new report estimates that climate change could cost Minnesotans more than $20 billion a year by 2040, if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and the state doesn’t take action to adapt to a warmer climate. Those costs include medical treatment for illness from extreme heat and air pollution, repairing damage to roads and buildings from floods, lost crop productivity and an increase in invasive pests that affect recreation, fishing and forestry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4btSp6F
MORE: Via MPCA, from the report:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4bpyAgI
RELATED: Via Bring Me The News, a look at how climate change could impact Minnesota creatures that thrive under the snow. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rA03lK
INEQUALITIES: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “A new report published this month by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Center on Women, Gender, and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs details the inequalities women, girls, and gender-expansive people face in the state . . . With 79 percent of women’s workforce participation, second in the nation, and first in post-secondary degrees, women still face persistent wage and wealth inequalities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uAca52
MORE: Via WFM, from the report:
MORE: Via WFM, from the news release, VERBATIM: “According to Gloria Perez, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, the disparities shown in the report limit women’s potential, compromise their safety, hinder access to healthcare, and limit leadership opportunities.” PEREZ: “We must close the gaps in earnings, safety, health, and leadership – especially for Black, Indigenous, and women of color. All women and girls deserve equal access to opportunities. When we invest in women and girls, families and communities thrive.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sT98HJ
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)
AT THE CAPITOL
AUDIT: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A new report highlights an issue with how the Minnesota Department of Human Services handled some claims of kickbacks in autism services and recommends changes to the agency’s definition of fraud. The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) — the nonpartisan office focused on strengthening accountability in state government — released the report Tuesday from its special review, which focused on allegations of kickbacks tied to fraud in the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program from 2017 to 2024.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sKHzQz
RESPONSE: Via MN House GOP, from Speaker Lisa Demuth, QUOTE: “For years, credible allegations of kickbacks in the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program were brought to the Walz Administration, and for years they refused to investigate, hiding behind the false claim that they lacked authority to act. Today’s report proves that excuse was never true. We now know that they always had the authority to investigate these claims and once again chose not to act to protect tax dollars. This is more than incompetence, it’s a clear pattern of prioritizing spending taxpayer dollars over accountability and compliance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sjN1dw
MORE: From the OLA report:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/419OVBq
RESPONSE: Via Senate Republican Caucus, from Human Services lead Jordan Rasmusson, QUOTE: “The Department of Human Services knew about potential kickbacks in autism services and chose to ignore this theft from taxpayers. Despite having legal authority to stop kickbacks, DHS knowingly allowed this service to be defrauded. This OLA report provides another example of Minnesota Democrats failing to protect taxpayers and the Minnesotans who rely on these services.”
FRAUD: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and fellow DFLers held a news conference this morning to introduce a fraud prevention package. Senators introduced components of the package and talked about disagreement on fraud prevention in the House. MURPHY: “Perhaps it is the politics of a tie that is getting in the way, but the Speaker does have the title and the role of Speaker and we’re counting on Leader Demuth… Speaker Demuth… to bridge whatever divide is occurring over in the House to get one proposal together and through the House.” From Senate Media Services via YouTube, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sOGyHe
RETAIL CRIME: Via WCCO-Radio, an interview with Minnesota Retailers’ Brad Nustad ahead of a news conference today on organized retail and supply chain crime. NUSTAD: “What we’re really concerned about is 17 or 18 other states have sort of come together and said, ‘we’re gonna coordinate our efforts across the states.’ And if we don’t sort of join that effort and get a little smarter on this, Minnesota will continue to be a little bit of a… you know the crime gravitates towards easier to commit.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sKeCnW
LICENSE PLATES: Rep. Brad Tabke held a news conference this morning to talk about HF4205 which would regulate automated license plate readers. TABKE: “Minnesotans expect that when they get a license plate, when they’re driving through the state of Minnesota, that they will have an expectation of privacy. But that private data, names, addresses, information about those people, are being absolutely misused.” From KMSP-TV via YouTube, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3NEeuYe
FREE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Political differences are nothing new in the U.S. and in Minnesota these days. And nothing brings people together like a meal. Now, a restaurant in Minnesota is trying to mend some fences by offering free food to politicians - but there’s a hitch: They have to agree to break bread with colleagues from across the aisle. Sweeney’s Saloon in St. Paul says the meals are on them. But only if state lawmakers can set aside differences and smooth things over between Democrats and Republicans.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4upJtrw
JUDGES: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Commissioner on Judicial Selection announced on Monday that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District, with two of the candidates currently being based in the Lakeland viewing area. One vacancy occurred upon the elevation of the Honorable Anne M. Rasmusson to the Court of Appeals, and the other will occur later this year upon the retirement of the Honorable Jeffery R. Remick.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bSmmO7
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)
THE LOCALS
TOWNSHIP: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The City of Bemidji has officially denied Northern Township’s request to connect wastewater services to the city’s facility. After a judge ruled in favor of Northern Township’s incorporation request and against Bemidji’s proposed annexation of parts of the township, and after the city’s request to reconsider portions of the trial, a letter was submitted by the township requesting discussion from the city about the wastewater connection.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4btYZdn
RESTAURANTS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The challenges faced by [India Kutir owner Md Ikbal Hossain] — and other Indian restaurant owners — are a microcosm of the upheaval local restaurants faced as several thousand federal agents flooded the state. The heavy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence largely shut down immigrant corridors such as Lake Street. Other parts of the Twin Cities were not exempt. The closure of Curry Corner in northeast Minneapolis drew international attention. At least two other Indian restaurant chains with suburban locations closed for part of January. Owners say they are slowly recovering now, hoping for a boost from iftar dinners as diners slowly trickle back.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lygSwj
RESPONSE: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wants you to put that smartphone camera to work. Speaking at a Minneapolis Regional Chamber event on Friday, the mayor made the case that patronizing and promoting local restaurants is one way people can help businesses recover from the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge.” FREY: “You shouldn’t just be going out to dinner. You shouldn’t just be bringing somebody along with you. I also want you to tell people about it. Put it on social media. Take those obnoxious pictures of your food. Show people the exquisite city that we’ve got here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NsJSJd
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)
REAL ESTATE
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The vacant CVS in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood is set for demolition Tuesday morning, according to the demolition company. Veit Construction originally planned to take down the building March 9, but they pushed it back a week. The company delayed it one more day after a blizzard engulfed the Twin Cities over the weekend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rAogsk
HOMES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “It was a cold Sunday afternoon in Moorhead. Snow and wind have been battering Minnesota all weekend and despite the sun, the roads were still icy. Nonetheless, Justin and Amanda Ottesen bundled up and spent the day touring open houses . . . They decided to try to take advantage of the recent trend in Minnesota’s home prices, which were 1.5 percent lower last month compared to a year before, according to new data from the trade group Minnesota Realtors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40xpZDN
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “What was once a vacant lot along Brooklyn Boulevard is now the cornerstone of a mission to reshape the future of Brooklyn Park’s youngest residents. On March 13, city officials and community members gathered for the grand opening of Christina’s Child Care Center, marking the end of a long, uphill battle to bring much-needed childcare resources to the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PcQlIJ
LUTSEN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A string of three townhomes at Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen caught fire on Monday. The townhomes, which make up one of many units, were “completely engulfed” by the time first responders from seven departments arrived around 2 p.m., according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Odyssey Resorts, the lodge’s owner, said in a Monday evening Facebook post the townhomes were safely evacuated and fire crews contained the blaze.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bvye8i
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
BRAZIL: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its business in Brazil to 3corações. The proposed transaction, which includes a portfolio of leading local brands including Yoki and Kitano, is expected to close by the end of calendar 2026, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sHgHRq
MGM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Two new vendors are set to open this weekend at Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. Vegan soul food restaurant Trio Plant-Based and Somali eatery 7 Spices are joining the lineup at the international marketplace on East Lake Street.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bk227G
ECOLAB: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Ecolab plans to spend $500 million to upgrade and expand its longstanding operations in Eagan. … As part of the multi-year construction project along Lone Oak Road, the company is seeking a $10 million grant from the state of Minnesota to support 82,000 square feet in added space, much of it for development of hygiene and cleanliness solutions. A development timeline has not been made public, but a spokesperson [said] more details are expected to be released by the end of the year. … The project would add just five employees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bf9OkK
BIZ GRANTS: via DEED advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $762,000 for three business expansion projects across Minnesota. The projects are expected to create 55 jobs over the next three years and leverage more than $10.12 million in private investment.” READ/LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4dvO8lA
SCHWAN’S: Via Schwan’s, VERBATIM: “CJ Schwan’s today announced that Dr. Gregory Yep, chairman of the CJ Schwan’s board and CEO of CJ Foods, has been appointed interim CEO of CJ Schwan’s. The leadership change reinforces the company’s long-term growth strategy and reflects deeper alignment with parent company CJ Foods.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PemSyb
WHAT’S NEXT?
TONIGHT: “Mrs. Doubtfire” begins its run at the Ordway.
THURSDAY: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “DEED leaders will provide updates about Paid Leave’s progress and answer questions from members of the press.”
THURSDAY: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Investors own an increasing share of single-family rentals over the past two decades. Today, nearly one in 20 single-family homes in the Twin Cities region is investor-owned. While creating more options for renters, the rise of investor-owned homes has reduced opportunities for homeownership, particularly in some neighborhoods. To better understand investor ownership in the Twin Cities region, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis maintains a data tool that tracks investors’ activities within the metro from 2006 through 2024. Additional analyses reveal how the geography of investor ownership has changed over time.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rBCedw
THURSDAY: Funeral services will be held for Army Reserve Sgt. Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake who was killed in an airstrike while serving in Kuwait. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NjqLkN
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
HIGHERED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud State University economics professor Lynn MacDonald doesn’t have pink hair, but for a lecture about the WNBA, donning a pink wig had to be done as a tribute to a craze Minnesota Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman started last season after dying their hair matching neon pink. The lecture, which she presented with another professor King Banaian, was inspired by a lesson plan she made for high school econ teachers through the Minnesota Council on Economic Education looking at economic concepts and using the WNBA as a real-world example.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/474YvZS
BDAYS: actress Marisa Coughlan, Stinson’s Suzanna Kennedy, marketer Brynn Idelkope, the retired Deb Hopp, North Star Media’s Chuck Bolkcom
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