A Twin Cities plant nursery is among the ten best in the country according to USA Today. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3QvgvUq
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4beoGxT
DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger was on Sunday Take to discuss Minnesota’s current needs, the race for an open Senate seat, pushback against DFLers and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4idQkxd
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MN HOUSE: From Peter Cox via MPR, VERBATIM: “After a rough session beginning, bills are reaching votes in the Minnesota Legislature though still encountering some turbulence. Another vote is on tap in the state House on Monday on a bill that deals with funding for light rail projects. But it could reach the same fate as the first bill voted on last week; it failed to muster enough support to pass. The close political divide is still defining how business is moving forward — and isn’t. There is lingering frustration over an early-session power struggle between Democrats and Republicans and clear resentment over the run-the-tables approach DFLers took in the two years before.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QApgN7
TODAY: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is expected to testify in front of the newly formed House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee on Monday morning. Shireen Gandhi will speak on fraud prevention efforts and oversight of DHS licensed daycare facilities that are receiving Child Care Assistance Program funding, also known as CCAP.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i6S38h
MORE: From MNHouseInfo via YouTube, Gandhi’s testimony. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4if6uq7
TODAY: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Monday, February 24 at 12:30 p.m., the House and Senate DFL, AG Ellison, and victim advocates will hold a press conference on the Trump Administration’s funding freeze and its disastrous effect on victim services. Even though the freeze was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, many of the funds are still frozen, meaning many advocacy groups will have to cut staff and services soon.”
STAUBER: Rep. Pete Stauber talked with fill-in host Tom Hauser on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about his work to honor the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team, why he’s not planning to run for Senate or Governor, and about the current efforts underway to shrink the size of government – something that’s impacting workers in his district. QUOTE: “We can do better as a nation. And I know President Trump promised on the campaign trail, Tom, that he was going to look at the inefficiencies in our government. And I think that when all’s said and done, we’re going to look back and say, we did what we had to do to make good on the promise he made.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ERvHJ3
MORE: From Declan Desmond via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “With thousands of forestry workers among the Trump Administration's mass federal firings, one state senator from a heavily impacted district is urging the president to undo the decision. Sen. Grant Hauschild, a DFLer who represents northeastern Minnesota including Hermantown and a chunk of St. Louis County, sent a letter on Thursday to President Donald Trump as well as U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber — a Republican whose district covers Hauschild's.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43agqwV
MORE: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Following other protests held in the Northland in opposition to President Trump, a large crowd of demonstrators gathered in Hermantown to call on Representative Pete Stauber on February 23. As with other recent protests, those in the crowd chanted slogans and held signs denouncing the Trump administration, and especially Elon Musk. Many also called on Stauber and other Republicans in congress to do more to ‘stand up’ to the White House, as well as Musk.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41sEc6c
IMMIGRANTS: From Jp Lawrence via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Experts question how the administration can conduct mass deportations without widespread violations of civil rights. Some of Trump’s efforts are being challenged in court. Across greater Minnesota, a network of advocates and faith-based organizations are preparing for what may come. They are examining the executive orders, establishing legal services hotlines and hosting know-your-rights workshops. ‘We’d rather be prepared and not need to use the resources, than be naïve,’ said Wendy Zuniga of Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action, or COPAL. Among the efforts by advocates across the state are clinics to help people understand and fill out the DOPA forms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EPYEVT
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
TWINS: Via CBS Sports, VERBATIM: “Justin Ishbia, one of the owners of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, had in recent weeks looked like a favorite to buy the Minnesota Twins from the Pohlad family. Instead, it appears that he might be shifting his priorities to becoming the successor of White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Justin and his brother, Mat, emerged as suitors to buy the Twins in December, a few months after chairman Joe Pohlad -- whose father, Carl, purchased the Twins for $44 million in 1984 -- announced that the family would explore options to sell the ballclub.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hO1NUD
TEAMS: From Susan Du via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A big shift is coming to Minneapolis’ youth park leagues. For the first time this spring, the Park and Recreation Board will move to ‘central registration’ for youth sports in what some laud as a long-overdue overhaul of a system wracked with inconsistencies that had boxed some kids out from park leagues. With the shift scheduled to start on March 5, unhappy coaches and families representing teams from the city’s Black and American Indian neighborhoods confronted park commissioners at their two regular meetings this month. Their fear: Established teams would be broken up, and critical relationships disrupted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41s6C07
SEARCHES: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court this week clarifies what is considered a 'public place' to include the inside of a car and it's stirring some controversy. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt tells WCCO's Adam and Jordana even so, law enforcement still needs probable cause to conduct a search.” QUOTE: "You can't just go eeny, meeny, miny, moe, I'm choosing you and searching your car," says Sheriff Witt. "The other thing is, we need to remember that driving is not a right, it's a privilege. And you, everybody is expected to follow the laws. When you have that probable cause to search a vehicle and it's on a public roadway, I absolutely agree with that." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4kblN5c
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.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
ARENA: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “If Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are serious about building a new basketball arena, picking a high-profile site in the middle of downtown could be a huge win. State of play: The duo still needs formal approval from NBA owners to take control of the Timberwolves. Once they do, they intend to build a privately financed arena to replace the league's second oldest venue, Target Center, The Athletic reported in June. Why it matters: Previous speculation on where to build an arena — and the United FC and Vikings stadiums before that — was focused on the Farmers Market site on the fringe of downtown. But with real estate values plummeting in the core of downtown, the new owners should take a look at the City Center complex.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XdSftP
ELK: From Mathew Holding Eagle III via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the University of Minnesota to conduct a new elk research project over the next two years. Researchers intend to capture and GPS collar 25 adult cows and around 15 adult bulls per year beginning in early March. This project is only the second of its kind in Minnesota, said Amanda McGraw, a DNR moose, elk and deer research scientist. McGraw said this study is more comprehensive than the first, held between 2016-2018, when only adult cows were studied. This new study will include data from bulls, cows and calves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41c6gti
FISH HOUSES: From Kirsten Mitchell via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “If you have a fish house on one of Minnesota's frozen lakes, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging you to start making plans to remove it before the deadline. For anglers in the lower two-thirds of Minnesota, the deadline to remove shelters is fast approaching: March 3. Those further north have a bit more time, with a final removal date of March 17.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Xgasqt
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)
MEDIA: From Lev Gringauz via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Kevin D. Hendricks was never going to start a hyperlocal news outlet for West St. Paul. In 2019, after several years of avid personal blogging about the (perhaps confusingly named) St. Paul suburb, someone asked Hendricks, ‘Oh, are you going to launch your own site?’ Nope. ‘That sounds terrible,’ Hendricks replied. That was just a few months before he did, in fact, launch the West St. Paul Reader to cover the city of roughly 20,000 people. For the last five years, he and 11 freelancers have been filling an information gap that, despite being part of a major metro area, wasn’t being addressed by other news organizations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QzvGw2
HELIUM: From Gene Rebeck via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “You might have read last year about a potentially significant deposit of helium found underground near Babbitt in northern Minnesota. That part of the state has long been known as a source for extractable metals, including iron, nickel, and copper. But a gas? One that’s known to most of us for lighter-than-air party balloons? In fact, helium is one of the world’s most commercially important elements. It’s used in semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, medical equipment, and electric vehicles, among others. It’s also in short supply. That’s what makes the Minnesota discovery intriguing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XiDgim
STATE FAIR: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Hunt Adkins, a leading independent creative brand consultancy based in Minneapolis, has been chosen to spearhead the creative advertising campaign for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. This partnership will bring a vibrant, multi-channel campaign to life, celebrating the spirit, tradition and excitement of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4koyjhU
MAPLE GROVE: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “This weekend marks the end of a relatively short era for a local restaurant. After two years of providing food, drinks and entertainment to people in Maple Grove, Paulie’s is shutting its doors.” QUOTE: “Yeah, it sucks man,” said Damien Junco, a bartender/server at Paulie’s. “This place is like a family to me. They’ve always treated me well.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ERTvwq
TOMORROW: From Minneapolis-based Sezzle via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its fourth quarter 2024 results after the market close on February 25, 2025. The Company will host a conference call at 5:00pm ET that same day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QhbP4o
WEDNESDAY: From New Brighton-based APi via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) announced today that it intends to release its financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2024, before the market opens on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hoTSN8
WEDNESDAY: Via Eden Prairie-based SunOpta, VERBATIM: “SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food, today announced that the Company will issue financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 after the markets close on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42OcAcV
WEDNESDAY: From Bloomington-based SkyWater via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT), the trusted technology realization partner, today announced that it will report its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results following the close of the market on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The same afternoon, management will host a webcast to discuss its business and financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40TGhqb
THURSDAY: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its second quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42M4EJ5
THURSDAY: From Plymouth-based Tile Shop via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTSH), a specialty retailer of natural stone tiles, man-made and luxury vinyl tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 27, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i96ibU
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:
UNCERTAINTY: From Esme Murphy via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota farmers say they are in a valley of uncertainty amid the layoffs and cost-cutting measures of the first few weeks of President Trump's second term. ‘It's really ... a day-to-day, hour-to-hour situation,’ Minnesota Department of Agriculture commissioner [Thom Petersen] said. [Petersen] says some programs and initiatives designed to help farmers are now in doubt. He also added that there are freezes on grants for research initiatives. He cited that some research funding that goes to the University of Minnesota, for example, is done.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hTW7Zd
MORE: Via NPR, VERBATIM: “On a recent snowy afternoon, Gale Livingstone, a first generation farmer, is working in the propagation greenhouse at Deep Roots Farm, which she owns and operates. Four volunteers are putting collard greens, bok choy, kale and scallion seeds in seed starting trays — just a few of the vegetables Livingstone is growing this spring . . . Livingstone is one of about a million American farmers who benefits from financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) each year. But she says she isn’t sure what the future holds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kdgq5E
MORE: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In alignment with White House directives, Secretary Rollins will honor contracts that were already made directly to farmers. Specifically, USDA is releasing approximately $20 million in contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CZHtR4
MORE: From Kent Erdahl via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Thom Petersen, says the USDA loan freeze is one of several uncertainties taking a toll on farmers right now. ‘It's really hard to keep up on what is happening,’ he said. Petersen said his office has fielded a large number of calls from farmers confused about the sudden firing - and re-hiring - of federal farm loan officers and other USDA staff members who have helped in the first against bird flu outbreaks on farms.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Qu1qCz
MORE: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “State Senator Aric Putnam chairs the Minnesota Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee and says he recently hosted a hearing on federal funding and policy with Minnesota Department of Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen.” PUTNAM: “We know there’s a USDA (and) we know there’s an MDA, but sometimes we’re not sure who pays for what. And that becomes a real challenging budget consideration for the state committee when we’re trying to figure out how to respond to some potential changes that are happening in the federal government.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4i9afxl
FLOOD: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A fundraising effort has been launched to help the Minneapolis bookstore that has lost more than 100,000 books in a flood caused by a water main break. The Paperback Exchange at 2227 W. 50th S. in southwest Minneapolis was among the units heavily damaged when water flooded its basement, with the main break having started in the basement of Italian restaurant Terzo next door.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436qFCj
BOOKMOBILE: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “In many communities, having a library nearby is crucial – for checking out books, movies – even providing internet access for a lot of people. But in rural areas, they aren’t always convenient to access. While the Arrowhead Library System (ALS) includes over two dozen branches throughout northern Minnesota, since 1967, they’ve further bolstered their coverage through their bookmobile service.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41and77
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TIMBERWOLVES: From Britt Robson via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Precious few people on earth have gone out of their way to watch more live basketball games than Tim Connelly. Fresh out of his teens, Connelly spent three years as an unpaid intern for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, scouring for talent in high school and college gyms from Richmond to Philadelphia, trolling up and down I-95 in a maroon Nissan Stanza he inherited from his great-uncle. Although his résumé looks like an inexorable climb up the corporate ladder, he stayed on one rung for a solid decade, spending ages 24 to 34, from 2000 to 2010, as a full-time scout for the Wizards. His days and nights were spent validating rumors and grainy VCR footage of hotshot prospects throughout the United States and around the globe by going to watch them play in person.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41gOQvo
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GUN: From Nick Woltman via Pioneer Press, an update on the gun that fired the first American shot of World War II. VERBATIM: “The gun that fired that fateful shot is now proudly displayed on the Minnesota State Capitol Mall in St. Paul. But lately it has fallen into disrepair, plagued by rust and peeling paint. Randal Dietrich, executive director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, submitted a request in August to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to move the gun to his institution at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. The 49-year-old museum, which will open a new 40,000-square-foot facility in summer 2026, wants to restore Gun No. 3 and house it in a planned World War II gallery, safe from the elements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bhxuTF
BDAYS: attorney Jonathan Fogel, sports writer Jason Olson
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