More than 2,000 drivers were ticketed in drop-off and pick-up areas at MSP last year. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3XFLpgN
Rain/Thunder/Snow is headed our way later this week. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4kASfxU
Patrick Reusse deleted his X account after a Tweet was perceived as racist. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bIvN1R
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ih9WB4
GOP Rep. Brad Finstad was on Sunday Take to discuss tariffs, the Farm Bill, the federal deficit and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hmnB8E
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
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)
SUPCT: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change suits against the oil and gas industry from Democratic-led states. The justices acted on an unusual Republican effort to file suit in the Supreme Court over the Democratic states' use of their own state courts to sue fossil fuel companies for deceiving the public about the risks of their products contributing to climate change . . . The Republican action specifically sought to stop lawsuits brought by California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey and Rhode Island.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Dgkb9O
CD7: Via email from the Osberg campaign, VERBATIM: “Erik Osberg, a passionate advocate for rural Minnesota, will officially launch his campaign for Congress in Minnesota's 7th District on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The event will take place at the Wadena Depot, a historic venue in Wadena, Minnesota. Osberg, who has a deep commitment to the values and communities of the 7th District, will outline his vision for a future that works for all, focusing on rural prosperity, agriculture, accessible healthcare, and strong education systems.”
THIS WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s House enters its third act this week. After a January lockup and slumping through much of February and early March, a special election offers the latest restart. That along with a fresh economic forecast provide the foundation for lawmakers to get down to the Legislature’s main task: Setting a new state budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ieIaVL
TODAY: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Monday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m., House DFL lawmakers will hold a news conference at the State Capitol prior to a vote on HF 11, a Republican bill to delay the implementation of Paid Family and Medical Leave in Minnesota by one year.”
INDEPENDENT LIVING: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “A bill laid over by the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday would provide $14 million in the 2026-27 biennium from the General Fund for a centers of independent living grant program. The total matches current biennial funding, which was increased by $8 million over base in 2023. The money would go to eight centers around Minnesota which are among the few statutory nonprofits in the state. They serve thousands of Minnesotans of all ages and disabilities and assist with a range of activities such as managing finances, choosing a career path and getting a driver's permit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41um7Dm
BORDER: The Wall Street Journal reports on how current disputes between the U.S. and Canada are impacting International Falls and its cross-border neighbor. VERBATIM: “‘They’re basically Northern International Falls, and we’re Southern Fort Frances,’ said Harley Droba, 46, a downtown business owner and former mayor of International Falls. ‘I mean, we are one town of 12,000 people.’ Now, that tightknit bond could fray, as the U.S. and Canada plunge headlong into a trade war. Adding to the drama: President Trump’s musings about Canada as the 51st state are setting free wild guesses about what could come next. ‘So we’re both going to have to change our name. They’ll be National Falls and we’ll be Fort Frances, Minn.,’ cracked Heather Johnson, executive director of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FhBwja
IMMIGRATION: Via Center for Rural Policy and Development, VERBATIM: “The Center for Rural Policy and Development has released a new report, ‘Time to Work Together: Our Roles in Keeping and Attracting Residents,’ which sheds light on Minnesota’s shifting population trends and the increasing importance of migration in sustaining the state’s workforce and economy. The report underscores a crucial finding: birth rates are no longer keeping pace with death rates, making migration the key driver of Minnesota’s future population growth. According to the Minnesota State Demographic Center, by the late 2040s, any population growth the state experiences will be due to migration rather than natural increase.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kFoo7s
MORE: From the report:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4bGsMit
(DISCLOSURE: Center for Rural Policy and Development is a Fluence client)
AIRPORT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Spring break season hits the Twin Cities this week. Why it matters: The office might be a little emptier and the airport lines a little longer for the next few weeks as colleagues, friends and neighbors seek a respite from one of Minnesota's least favorite months. Driving the exodus: School is out this week in South Washington County and Anoka-Hennepin, the state's largest school district, kicking off a month or so of higher-than-usual travel demand at MSP Airport.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hk2rrJ
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are 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, Rookie; 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
USPS: Via news release from Rep. Angie Craig, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced that the USPS Office of Inspector General has reported another decline in service levels in the Minnesota region during Q1 of FY2025. According to the USPS Office of the Inspector General, the service standard for first-class two-day service in the Minnesota-North Dakota region has gotten worse – with only 79% of mail arriving on time, 8 points below USPS’ national target of 87%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Fjp7v9
MORE: Via USPS OIG, the report. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3V5pq2x
MINNEAPOLIS: Via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Today, Mayor Jacob Frey announced his priorities for 2025, laying out a progressive agenda that will drive the City's policy and budget decisions. The priorities build on the work already underway and focus on key areas that will shape Minneapolis’ future: building out a comprehensive safety ecosystem, expanding affordable housing, creating economic opportunities, advancing climate action, and ensuring good governance.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3Fjfhcy
38TH & CHICAGO: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “What’s new with George Floyd Square? Nothing has changed and that is the story. ‘To this day, I’m like, why am I still doing this?’ Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins said . . . On March 3, Jenkins announced she won’t seek a fourth term, which means she likely will not be on the city council when a decision is made.” JENKINS: "For the broader community, I'm going to keep saying we need to reopen the intersection at 38th and Chicago." WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41C2h9p
DRY: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the fire danger is high across southcentral and southwestern Minnesota despite the recent rain and snowfall. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several counties in parts of northwest, west central, and southwestern Minnesota due to extreme fire risk conditions on Monday, March 10.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ihwXUr
MORE: A new Drought Monitor will be released Thursday. Last week’s, which reflects data collected before last week’s snow, can be seen HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
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)
LAWSUIT: Via GlobalData, VERBATIM: “The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued to block GTCR’s proposed $627m merger-acquisition of [Minnesota-based] critical medical device coatings manufacturer Surmodics over anticompetitive activity concerns. GTCR owns a majority stake in Biocoat, the second largest manufacturer of hydrophilic coatings used on devices such as catheters, while Surmodics is the space’s largest player. According to the FTC, Surmodics and Biocoat recognise one another as direct competitors and closely monitor each other’s business strategy, while targeting the same large, small, and startup medical device manufacturers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XyYNmL
GUNS: From Burnsville-based Guns.com via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Guns.com, the premier online marketplace for firearms, is proud to announce a year-over-year increase of over 10% in firearm sales for the first two months of 2025, even while the broader firearms industry faces a decline in demand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FeGlKd
BRINGING SAFETY TO “THE NEXT LEVEL” - As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
OLMSTED CTY: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will assist in the investigation after a small plane crashed in High Forest Township around 10:15 Sunday night. The pilot was able to walk away from the crash near County Road 16 SW and was taken by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Services for evaluation at the hospital.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hoZdTU
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A fiber optic internet business has plans to construct a high-speed network in the city of Robbinsdale. Minnetonka-based US Internet plans to lay fiber underground throughout the city, a project that’s expected to take three years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kCGJ55
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Telecom Alliance is a Fluence sponsor)
SKIING: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The sun was shining and kids were out snowboarding and skiing for a bittersweet day at Chester Bowl’s Alpine Hill. Sunday marked the official end of the winter season for Chester but it was met with celebration as they made it their scheduled March 9 closing after not making it in 2023 and only making it by making extra snow in 2024.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Fhr23i
TODAY: Via Hospitality Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Hospitality Minnesota will release its first State of the Industry report highlighting the ongoing economic challenges facing restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other lodging and tourism-related enterprises around the state. The report shows the industry has not fully recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic and is facing unrelated headwinds in every region.”
(DISCLOSURE: Hospitality Minnesota is a Fluence client)
THURSDAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Tickets for one of the nation's largest outdoor Asian food festivals that's coming to the Twin Cities later this summer go on sale Wednesday morning. Panda Fest will bring more than 100 Asian food vendors to the Mall of America this July along with over 50 Asian specialty handicraft products, performances and more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41AOe3W
THURSDAY: Via AP, VERBATIM: “A total lunar eclipse will flush the moon red Thursday night into Friday morning across the Western Hemisphere.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FhNlWF
MAR23-APR6: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Galleria Floral Experience is back for its sixth year at the Edina mall. Starting March 23 (peak spring break time, if only in your mind!), travel to the tropics at the Escape to Paradise display, which will feature vibrant colors, animal prints, and sculptures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XyGfmD
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 Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
CENTRAL AMERICA: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The top ag official in Iowa is encouraged following a recent trade mission to Central America. Ag Secretary Mike Naig says Costa Rica and Guatemala are two strong export markets for the U.S.” NAIG: “Both growing economies (with) growing populations. Guatemala, the largest economy in Central America, is really an important player in the region from a trade standpoint but certainly also from a security standpoint.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41Lcz8p
RECALL: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is notifying consumers of a recall of Thousand Hills Local Farms beef products from Lakewinds Food Co-op of Richfield due to metal contamination. This recall is being issued after staff at the Richfield Lakewinds location and a customer identified metal shot or BBs in beef products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h9Gyvb
120,000 MILES: From A.J. Kaufman via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “A Stearns County man is on a mission to break a world record in continuous motorcycle riding and raise money and awareness for sex trafficking. He has convinced others to help him along the way. Viking Land Harley-Davidson in Sauk Rapids will support Scott Gottschalk during his upcoming ‘No Boundaries Tour.’ The multi-state tour attempts to break world records.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hgwBfs
BIKES: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Turns out good actually does lead to good. In partnership with Free Bikes 4 Kidz, Minneapolis-based agency, Shinebox, created an inspiring video that just won Gold in Public Service and Silver in Animation at The Show. It also took home the coveted Mosaic Addy — awarded to work that amplifies diversity, equity and inclusion.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41tYhYv
Subscribe to other Fluence newsletters
MOVE: Via Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Karen Van Buren is the new COO of Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren. Van Buren was previously finance director for Bassford Remele. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DuGVCQ
MILL CITY: Via Stock Titan, VERBATIM: “[Wayzata-based] Mill City Ventures III (Nasdaq: MCVT) reported its full-year 2024 financial results, showcasing significant improvements in several key metrics. The non-bank lender achieved a net investment gain of $1.33 million, reversing a $420,000 loss from 2023. Investment income remained stable at $3.30 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QXwnPI
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FISH: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Lent is back and that means fish fry specials have returned for the traditional Catholic meat-free Fridays.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3DGF6CO
BDAYS: MN Corn’s Amanda Bilek, Lloyd Security’s Jill Lloyd
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.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2025 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427