Two weeks after announcing it would close many of its stores, Joann now plans to close all of them, including 8 in Minnesota that had previously been spared. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3QzqtnS
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gWrDo3
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
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)
SURVEY: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Businesses have continued to feel pressure from increased prices and heightened operating costs, according to the most recent General Business Survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The January survey received 568 responses from business owners across the Ninth District. Companies reported that profits and revenue declined, and some observed that additional economic uncertainty made already price-sensitive customers more skittish. Amid this uncertainty, more businesses reported pulling back on hiring but for varying reasons.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QAN03u
PLEDGE: From Emily Halling and Jadie Jones via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council chamber would be more inviting and inclusive for all Duluthians.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bdwkZz
TIKTOK: From Nick Lentz via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A mother in Little Falls, Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against TikTok's parent company, alleging it is violating federal data collection laws and unjustly making money through advertisements targeted at children. The class-action lawsuit filed in federal district court on Friday names Katherine R. Walters, on behalf of her 11-year-old son, as the plaintiff. The lawsuit alleges ByteDance, which owns TikTok, has violated, and is continuing to violate the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Children's Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) by collecting and using children's personal information without notifying their parents or getting their parents' consent.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gYDD8P
FEED FRAUD: From Matt Sepic via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Twin Cities restaurant owner who partnered with Feeding Our Future to serve free meals during the pandemic testified Monday that the charitable meal service he operated in 2020 started out as legitimate. But then he joined what prosecutors allege was a $250 million scheme to fleece taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs during the pandemic. Abdulkadir Awale pleaded guilty in 2023 to stealing $11.8 million from the child nutrition programs after making phony reimbursement requests through his three restaurants, Sabusa King in Hopkins, Nawal Restaurant in Burnsville and Karmel Coffee in Minneapolis. He also pretended to be a food vendor for other fraudulent meal sites.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gYBAl9
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
SPEED CAMS: From Kyle Stokes via Axios, VERBATIM: “Lead-foot motorists, take note: Speed enforcement cameras are coming to Minneapolis as soon as Aug. 1. Why it matters: Roughly 80% of Minneapolis' traffic fatalities involve speeding drivers. City officials said electronic eyes are an effective tool for slowing drivers down. How it works: The system will nab vehicles going at least 10 mph over the speed limit, Ethan Fawley, who coordinates the city's Vision Zero traffic and pedestrian safety efforts, told Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xl3G2P
HCSO: From Nick Lentz via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Authorities in Hennepin County are reviewing a video of an arrest made by two deputies last month, according to the sheriff's office. Officials say the incident happened on Jan. 9. The video appears to show one of the deputies striking the man in the head, and the other deputy using both arms to hold the individual down.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3EVzSDA
BYRON: From Ryder Blair via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Byron public schools has decided more budget reductions as total district cuts now exceed $3 million over the course of two years. During Monday’s special school board meeting, board members planned $1.6 million more in cuts after a nearly $2 million budget miscalculation last spring, a failed referendum last November, and a debt service payment of $4.9 million was made in January. Meanwhile, Superintendent Mike Neubeck submitted his resignation and will be relieved of his duties in June.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ix9Oxl
BEARGREASE: From Sydney Witte via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will now start in Two Harbors on Sunday. The move comes after unseasonably warm weather impacting the snowpack at the original start site at Billy’s in Duluth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kgyPys
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)
CAMPERONI: From Allison Kaplan via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Once a startup takes on investors, the question isn’t whether to grow, rather, how to grow. In its second season of automating camp registration for parents, Minneapolis-based Camperoni made the decision to expand to Duluth and Rochester as well as Denver and Boston. But the team is constantly evaluating whether to add new functionality for existing customers or additional cities for new customers. ‘As a startup, you can’t do everything all at once,’ says co-founder and CEO Meredith Englund. She shares the strategy and early learnings behind Camperoni’s growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XiNTBz
SAINTS: From Al Schoch and Lindsey Peterson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Saints are at it again. Or still? The Twins minor league affiliate in St. Paul is taking suggestions on what to name their ball pig mascot for the upcoming season, a tradition each year since 1993. The pig has a satchel draped over its back, loaded with baseballs and water, and waddles up to the home plate umpire anytime he needs fresh baseballs or hydration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QFs0IR
CHI-CHI’S: From Melissa Turtinen via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “Chi-Chi's, the popular Mexican restaurant chain founded in Minnesota, recently announced its comeback after closing decades ago, and now it's been revealed where the first restaurant will open. What we know: Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi's founder, said in a press release that he plans to turn his Rojo restaurant in St. Louis Park into a Chi-Chi's, with it scheduled to open sometime this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EOBDCs
“IT’S OUR PEOPLE’S LIVES THEY SAVE” - The Cass Lake Fire Department, located on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in northern Minnesota, serves an area of 400 square miles, three counties, the city of Cass Lake and the Reservation. A foundational Enbridge donation has helped the department begin plans for building a new fire hall to replace its current home base, which the fire department has outgrown. “Our top needs are health and safety—having a decontamination hot zone, and another is training capacity,” says Robert, the chief of Cass Lake FD. Adds Diane, an Enbridge Tribal liaison and a Leech Lake Band member: “We want to see what the needs are out in the communities, and the fire department here is so important to everyone’s safety and well-being . . . it’s our people’s lives they save.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RfodC9 (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
CINNAMON ROLLS: From Christine Schuster via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis cafe named the maker of the ‘world's best cinnamon rolls’ last month is closed Monday for additional staff training and cleaning as it continues to experience a huge surge in demand. In an Instagram post, Isles Bun and Coffee said it will reopen Tuesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41wT83h
RETAIL: From Madeline Cisneros via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “As a kid, Danielle Miller wanted to be in charge of libraries. When she got older, she went a different path by going to law school and practicing law for 10 years. But she never lost her passion for books . . . Miller and her husband had seriously considered moving from Nebraska to Minnesota for several years. So when she decided it was finally time to change careers, she began looking for spaces in St. Paul to open a bookstore. And once Miller found an available Union Depot space, the building practically sang to her. After securing it, she transformed it into Story Line Books: a serene reading escape.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kdn8bw
3M: From 3M via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “This year, Scotch Brand is celebrating 100 years of making moments that stick. From sealing packages for an upcoming move, wrapping gifts for a special occasion, to finishing a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, Scotch Brand has been the unsung hero in countless moments of creativity, celebration, and repair. To kick off this milestone achievement, Scotch Brand partnered with Jenn Todryk, Scotch Brand ambassador and home solutions expert, to announce ‘The Next 100 Project.’ The campaign is designed to encourage everyone to turn ideas into reality and capture, share, and celebrate the next 100 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41eHkkT
TOMORROW: Via MN House GOP, VERBATIM: “WHO: Rep. Elliot Engen, R-White Bear Township, community members, and House Republicans. WHAT: Press conference on House File 15, and bill to ensure student and staff safety measures are required to be included in each school district's long-term facilities maintenance school facility plan, safe schools funding increased, school security systems grants created, and money appropriated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QB33hK
THIS WEEK: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “From Thursday, February 27, to Saturday, March 1, the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis will transform into a cultural hub celebrating the power and resilience of Black artists. For the Love of Blaq Art isn’t just an art exhibit—it’s an experience, a moment to honor and reflect on the dynamic creativity that thrives in the heart of the Twin Cities’ Black community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EPswlc
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 yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
MILK: From Charles Kelley via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “The spread of H5N1 flu virus is impacting dairy cattle across the country. This week, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will start testing raw cow’s milk. It’s collaboration with industry partners and the state government. The focus is to find where it’s present, monitor the trend of the virus and prevent the spread to other poultry flocks and dairy herds.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41cHglx
CUTS: From Hannah Yang via MPR, VERBATIM: “Matthew Moscou is a plant pathologist who worked at the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Cereal Disease Lab in St. Paul for about two and a half years. Part of Moscou’s job was to help growers breed wheat, barley and oats that are more disease resistant . . . Moscou was one of at least three federal employees who lost their jobs from that particular lab, a small research facility on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. His termination letter from the USDA states that it was based on ‘performance.’ But, he and a few other colleagues who were fired say they never received negative evaluations.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4164V6Y
SPORTS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a compliance review of the University of Maine following the State of Maine’s blatant disregard for President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14201, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports . . . As a federally funded land-grant institution, the University of Maine receives over $100 million in USDA funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D6PMdJ
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AOR: From Minneapolis-based Ingredient via PRWeb, VERBATIM: “Plochman's, a Chicago-rooted, family-founded premium mustard company, has chosen Ingredient to lead its marketing and creative strategies to amplify brand growth. Plochman's Mustard is proudly part of HACO Culinary, a leading innovator in premium sauces, dressings, and condiments. As an original brand made in the United States, Plochman's has delivered high-quality mustards to consumers' tables for over 150 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41dLrh6
FISH & CHIPS: From Cinnamon Janzer via Eater Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Whether you’re abstaining from eating meat for religious reasons or are simply in search of a crispy, satisfying fish and chips basket, many Twin Cities restaurants have fish fry specials on offer through Lent, which runs from Wednesday, March 5 through Thursday, April 17, 2025. On this list, you’ll find excellent fish fry standbys any time of the year.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4ieJUxX
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PEACE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who leaped onto the back of President John F. Kennedy’s limousine after the president was shot, then was forced to retire early because he remained haunted by memories of the assassination, has died. He was 93 . . . Hill was born in 1932 and grew up in Washburn, North Dakota. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, served in the Army and worked as a railroad agent before joining the Secret Service in 1958.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gZPSSv
BDAYS: Wild PR guy Dave Schwartz, lobbyist Beth McMullen, golfing guy Steve Sherwood, lobbyist Quinn Cheney, activist Maureen Hackett, DFL insider Josh Syjamaki, lobbyist Cullen Sheehan
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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