President Trump could move as early as today to eliminate the Department of Education. WSJ: https://fluence-media.co/43IRm0z
He’s putting some planned tariffs on Mexico on hold. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/3D6Xy7G
The House – including nearly a dozen Democrats – voted to censure Rep. Al Green for his protest at the President’s address to Congress. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3XyUJ67
Almost half of voters – including 20% of Republicans – say Elon Musk has too much influence over President Trump. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/3QM7bvv
This Saturday, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will meet with voters at the first of series planned “kitchen table conversations” as she begins her campaign for Senate.
There might be another big snowstorm headed our way. FORECAST: https://fluence-media.co/4bwHb0D
Today's Sports Take sorts out the Vikings' quarterback situation and has a road map for the year's best weekend of watching sports on TV. Also a new women's college sports league financed largely by the Vikings and the sad story of a Twins prospect who has blown up his own career. That and more comes out this afternoon.
Jason DeRusha’s Friday fish fry picks. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4isHA6F
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4h6rKO4
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-09) was on Sunday Take to discuss the upcoming state budget forecast, federal funding and impacts on the Health and Human Services budget. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ipEyjL
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)
FORECAST: Via Minnesota Management and Budget, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s budget outlook has been adjusted downward amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty. The FY 2026-27 projected balance is now $456 million, $160 million lower than prior estimates. Higher forecast inflation results in increases in projected revenues and expenditures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i8CuN2
MORE: At a news conference this afternoon, Governor Tim Walz talked about the updated forecast. He said it reflects what’s happening on the national level, citing, as an example, changes just today in President Trump’s tariff plans. QUOTE: “This is chaos. It’s nonsense. It’s not how you run any business, let alone the federal government. And the impact on states is immense.” From KARE-TV via YouTube, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DuMVLN
MORE: From the MMB presentation deck:
DECK: https://fluence-media.co/4gf0mNI
MORE: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “This compares to November forecast of a $616 million surplus for ‘26-27 with a $5.1 billion deficit in ‘28-29.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/41KhQx6
MORE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The sweeping cuts and policy changes being imposed at the federal level by the Trump Administration is introducing ‘significant uncertainty’ into Minnesota's budget outlook, state forecasters said on Thursday . . . In the budget summary, Minnesota Management Budget notes that higher forecast inflation will result in an increased of both projected tax revenues and expenditures, but ‘spending growth outpaces revenue growth’ through the fiscal year 2029.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F4nBgn
RESPONSES:
DEMUTH: Via MN House GOP, from Speaker Lisa Demuth, QUOTE: "House Republicans warned that the out-of-control spending increases and tax hikes passed by the Democrat trifecta would wreak havoc on our state budget. While revenue continues to grow, spending is growing even faster. We cannot and will not raise taxes to fill this gap, especially after Democrats raised taxes on Minnesota families by more than $10 billion over the last two years. My expectation is that Democrats will come to the table with savings and cuts — not tax increases — to fix the mess they created. House Republicans are ready to work toward a responsible balanced budget that funds our priorities and protects vulnerable Minnesotans while addressing the fiscal disaster Democrats have created." SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4bxWdDG
HORTMAN: Via House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, QUOTE: “Thanks to responsible DFL budgeting, the November forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus in the current biennium, and today’s forecast shows a $456 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle. The state continues to have our highest budget reserve fund ever. But when the federal government walks away from its obligations, the state has to step in, and we simply won’t have the resources to keep up. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.”
MURPHY: Via Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul), QUOTE: “We have faced worse economic positions in the past. With strong leadership, and the contributions of hard-working Minnesotans and the economy they create, we have turned potential deficits into surpluses. But never in our history have we had to do that work up against a President who seems hellbent on ruining the American economy. Only one thing has changed since the November forecast, and that is the election of Donald Trump.”
JOHNSON: Via Senate GOP Leder Mark Johnson (DFL-East Grand Forks), QUOTE: “The forecast shows one thing: Minnesota Democrats broke Minnesota’s budget. They spent an entire $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion and we now facing a $6 billion future deficit. Minnesotans sent a clear message this year – they want the out-of-control spending from the Democrats to stop and for their budgets to be put first. Minnesota Democrats will be quick to blame Washington, D.C., but there is no one to blame but themselves. They squandered the surplus, they raised taxes, and they wasted half a billion dollars on fraud. This is simply a Democrat Deficit.”
MBP: Via Minnesota Business Partnership, from CEO Kurt Zellers, QUOTE: “What this forecast shows all Minnesotans is fiscal responsibility isn’t just a choice; it’s now a necessity. Our businesses and taxpayers need a realistic and responsible bipartisan balanced budget. Minnesota needs an economically competitive approach—one that meets the state’s needs and strengthens our Headquarters Economy without more tax hikes. The economic uncertainty ahead for Minnesota businesses and families requires our leaders to get this budget right.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bwJ3qh (DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Business Partnership is a Fluence client)
LTC: Via Long-Term Care Imperative, QUOTE: “Governor Walz has indicated he strongly opposes cuts to Medicaid at the federal level, yet his current budget proposal includes devastating cuts to Medicaid funding that supports access to long-term care,” said Kari Thurlow, CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota. “How are we supposed to reconcile that? His proposed reductions to nursing home funding will harm seniors and their caregivers, by reducing access to long-term care in our communities and restricting caregiver wages and benefits.” (DISCLOSURE: LeadingAge Minnesota is a Fluence client)
CHAMBER: Via Minnesota Chamber, QUOTE: “This should be a wake-up call for policymakers to focus on growing the economy, not raising taxes,” said Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “With new taxes and costly mandates set to take effect, the pressure on Minnesota businesses will only intensify. The Legislature must take a responsible approach that fosters a strong business climate and controls spending – everything else this session depends on it.”
TODAY: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Today, Thursday, March 6 at 2:30 p.m., the House DFL and gun violence prevention advocates will hold a press conference on the Republican Shoot First legislation, HF 13, scheduled for the day’s House floor session. HF 13 would remove Minnesota’s duty to retreat, allowing Minnesotans to shoot first when they feel threatened.”
I-94: From Janet Moore via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Republican-backed measure that would require state funds appropriated for the proposed Rondo land bridge over Interstate 94 to be returned to highway coffers for other projects across the state sparked passionate, and often pointed, debate at the State Capitol this week. In the end, the bill was tabled, but it could be reconsidered in the future. Sponsored by Rep. Nolan West, R-Blaine, it also sought to block future federal funding for the unique project. Led by the St. Paul-based group ReConnect Rondo, the project calls for a bridge to be built over I-94 between the Lexington Parkway and Dale Street exits to accommodate parks, homes and businesses. The idea is to help repair Rondo, a predominantly Black neighborhood in St. Paul that was divided by the interstate’s construction in the 1950s and 1960s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i3jIqD
MANDATES: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota House education policy panel has approved a bill to let schools opt out of mandates. Republican Rep. Ron Kresha from Little Falls is the bill’s sponsor in the House. The legislation would allow a school board to opt out of compliance with laws enacted in 2023 or 2023 relating to earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, education policy, education finance, and children.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41U0m1z
WEATHER: From Lindsey Peterson and Susie Jones via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Meteorologist Paul Douglas has spent decades doing the weather at numerous stations including at WCCO Radio, WCCO-TV, and KARE 11 in the Twin Cities plus for several years in Chicago. Douglas is not mincing words as the government cuts hundreds of staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which is the overarching agency of the National Weather Service.” DOUGLAS: "It's not a luxury, it's a necessity, and we shouldn't have to pay for information that could save our lives.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4kvhD8a
TARIFFS: From Sophia Lauber via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A Lincoln Park restaurant says customers may soon feel the impacts of the new tariffs imposed by President Trump. Owner of Oasis Del Norte Eduardo Sandoval-Luna is committed to serving authentic Mexican food, but that means buying roughly 70% of his goods from Mexico. He’s already seeing the effects of the 25% tariffs that President Trump placed on Mexican imports.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Fl17re
McCOLLUM: Rep. Betty McCollum appeared on Canada’s CBC News to discuss how tariffs on Canadian imports could impact Minnesota and the Great Lakes Region. The full interview was shared on her official social media pages. QUOTE: “I have no idea what this president has in mind [for the future] because he’s out of his mind with these kinds of tariffs on Canada.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DsBXXa
ELLISON: Last night, Attorney General Keith Ellison joined fellow attorneys general from Arizona, New Mexico and Oregon to host a town hall meeting in Phoenix, AZ. Per a release, the group discussed “the impact that Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s federal firings and funding freezes are having on the American people.” A recording of the forum is available to view online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43pDWq2
HOUSING: via a MNLEG press release, VERBATIM: “Today, housing leaders from the Minnesota House and Senate GOP and DFL caucuses joined advocates from across the state to unveil a package of legislation aimed at building more homes, building them faster, and making them more affordable: the Yes to Homes Legislative Agenda. … Leading the package of legislation will be the Minnesota Starter Home Act, producing homes for first-time buyers and seniors looking to downsize; the More Homes, Right Places Act, building homes where Minnesotans need them, near transit and corridors of commerce; and the Transforming Main Street Act, creating multi-family and mixed-use housing, including homes to rent and condos to own within commercial corridors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hX7kbv SUMMARY: https://fluence-media.co/3DkjtIo
TRAINING: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would allow Americans to use 529 education savings accounts to pay for training programs. By broadening the scope of qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, the bill would expand tax-advantaged resources to families, students, and workers who are pursuing career growth outside of a traditional four-year degree.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kkydro
MORE: via a Rep. Michelle Fischbach press release, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Angie Craig (MN-02) in reintroducing the Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act. … Currently, nurses and other allied health professionals who receive their education and training at hospital-based programs can only provide clinical training at their program’s host hospital. … The Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act addresses several chronic issues that have hampered the ability to train and grow the next generation of health professionals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i5VUlE
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
TORO: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Toro Co. (TTC) on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $52.8 million. The Bloomington, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 52 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to 65 cents per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The landscaping, maintenance and irrigation equipment maker posted revenue of $995 million in the period, which fell short of Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4icPFg3
SECURIAN: From St. Paul-based Securian via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Securian Financial achieved strong financial results in 2024, delivering above-industry growth in the markets it serves while again being there for customers and the community, the insurance and retirement solutions provider announced at its recent annual all company meeting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hbRKHC
TARGET: Via HuffPost, VERBATIM: “A prominent Atlanta megachurch pastor is calling on the Black community to boycott Target for 40 days in retaliation for the company ditching its diversity, equity and inclusion policies upon President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The so-called ‘Target fast’ spearheaded by Rev. Jamal Bryant, who has more than 800,000 followers on Instagram and promoted the campaign across several media outlets, kicks off Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and lasts the duration of the Christian observance period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kswdgQ
MORE: Via CNN, VERBATIM: “Melissa Butler, the CEO of the Lip Bar, one of the largest Black-owned makeup companies carried in Target, said on TikTok that she was disappointed about Target’s DEI pullback. But she worries that the boycott could hurt Black-owned businesses. ‘We don’t want these minority businesses to suffer or to be impacted negatively,’ she said. Target declined to comment to CNN about the boycott. A spokesperson for Target said the company is still committed to inclusivity and offers a wide range of products and services, including items that are owned by Black and minority vendors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hcB1Er
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)
SLEEP NUMBER: From Sleep Number via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Sleep Number Corporation (Nasdaq: SNBR) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Linda Findley as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of the Board, effective April 7, 2025. Findley succeeds Shelly Ibach, who previously announced her intention to retire in October 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43t6cb9
DAM: From Hannah Yang via MPR, VERBATIM: “Researchers are flying drones over the Blue Earth River to study what happened after flooding breached the now-defunct Rapidan Dam last summer. Fresh from its flight, a large drone buzzed loudly as it slowly lands. During its expedition, it captured photos and data on changes to the Minnesota Valley resulting from the deluge. Phil Larson, earth sciences director at Minnesota State University Mankato, is helping lead the project. He hopes to present their findings to Blue Earth County and other public officials who manage similar aging infrastructures. He is also using it as a learning opportunity for his students.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hdXfpx
FLIGHT: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “A ‘security concern’ prompted a flight headed to Mexico from the Minneapolis region to divert to El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, officials said. More details about what caused Sun Country Airlines Flight 593 to make the unscheduled stop in El Paso were not immediately clear. The airline said the plane landed without incident.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i4MMxX
SPRING BREAK: Via Metropolitan Airports Commission, VERBATIM: “The first and perhaps biggest wave of spring travelers will arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) this week. Over a stretch of four consecutive days beginning Thursday, March 6, more than 192,000 passengers are expected to go through MSP security checkpoints. Daily checkpoint volumes for two of those days are expected to surpass more than 49,000 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41IZE6U
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED:” EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES - Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
ALBERT LEA: From Matt Rineer via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “On Monday, a budget discussion was underway at a Freeborn County School District board meeting. Albert Lea Area Schools is looking at a potential budget cut this year of $2 million. School Board Chair Dave Klatt said some reasons for this were due to declining enrollment and excessive spending.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3R7Rpvn
OSSEO: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Osseo Area School District is looking for community feedback as it moves ahead with plans for attendance boundary changes. According to John Morstad, executive director of finance and operations for the district, changes in population density in the district are a driving factor in the need for new boundaries.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DlWXiw
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Over 60 people from Bemidji, ranging from government officials to concerned citizens, traveled to St. Paul on Wednesday for Bemidji’s 18th annual Day at the Capitol. The event gives Bemidji citizens a chance to tell Representatives and Senators in St. Paul their concerns and lobby for potential funding for city projects.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3F63VIS
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and Minnesota is about to get a whole lot greener! Whether you’re chasing rainbows for parades, looking to party like you’re the leprechaun in charge, or seeking family fun that’ll make you shout ‘Erin go bragh,’ we’ve got the best events across the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41HdEhw
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)
SEPTEMBER: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Applications now open for interested energy and cleantech companies to exhibit in the state’s booth at RE+, one of the largest clean energy trade shows in the U.S.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kuoCi0
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
BIRD FLU: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is pleased with USDA’s plan to address highly pathogenic avian influenza. Executive director Ashley Kohls says many of the items listed in the department’s five-point strategy have been discussed among the poultry industry for several years.” KOHLS: “Largely since 2015, but it’s refreshing to have the current USDA leadership want to talk about this more broadly within the agency instead of folks just within the poultry industry discussing it.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XtxXN6
DISASTER RELIEF: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered remarks at Commodity Classic, where she announced the Department’s plan to distribute the economic and disaster aid passed by Congress late last year. She also walked the trade floor and met with leaders of the four primary commodities represented at the event: corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum.” QUOTE: “The state of the Ag economy—especially for row crop producers—is perhaps the worst it’s been in one hundred years,” said Secretary Rollins. “Fortunately, the era of economic malaise and decision paralysis ended the day President Trump took the oath of office. Working alongside each of you, we are going to chart a new course for American agriculture.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F4sQwo
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GEN MILLS: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “General Mills (NYSE: GIS), currently trading at $60.96 and showing strong financial health according to InvestingPro analysis, has announced a leadership change within its North America Pet segment. Liz Mascolo will take over as Segment President, North America Pet, and will join the company’s Senior Leadership Team starting March 16, 2025. This follows the planned retirement of Jon Nudi, who currently holds the position, on June 30, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41pQmLT
INGREDIENT: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Today, Ingredient, a Minneapolis-based food marketing agency, welcomes Berit Morse as VP of business development. Uniting brands and consumers through common purpose for nearly three decades, Morse joins the agency to lead growth initiatives for its renowned CPG clients like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, and grocery retailers like Gelson’s, Lunds & Byerlys, and more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ivibtf
ACQUISITION: From New York-based Crestview via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Crestview Partners, a leading private equity firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of [Eagan-based] Smyth Companies, a premier, full-service provider of pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, in-mold labels, glue-applied labels, and flexible packaging, from Novacap. Crestview is investing alongside members of the Company's founding family and the existing management team led by President & CEO Scott Fisher, who will continue to lead the Company.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43kBMrF
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MARKETS: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “In March and April, a variety of craft shows and vendor markets are popping up across Minnesota, offering everything from unique handmade jewelry and home decor to delicious artisanal foods and gifts. Whether you’re hunting for seasonal decor, one-of-a-kind treasures, or simply a fun day out, these events have something for everyone.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/41H0Gk2
BDAYS: pickleball champ Steve Harper, change leader Amy Bryant, NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero
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