Despite despising this contest as a waste of time and energy from state government…the snowplow names are in. We know if you click…. there’s also a list of names that didn’t make the cut. LISTS: https://fluence-media.co/4aBXFWK
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/4tUJvHz
Sunday Take dug into Minnesota’s housing situation with DFL Rep. Esther Agbaje and James Vagle, CEO of First Housing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cImGAP
Blois
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MIDWEEK RESET
TODAY: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies will execute multiple warrants across the metro on Wednesday. According to a post made by the Minneapolis FBI office, the warrants are being issued to arrest members of a ‘violent drug trafficking organization.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c9ySuc
TODAY: At 1PM, the U.S. Attorney, FBI, DEA, MPD, and Hennepin County Sheriff will hold a news conference “to announce federal charges for members and associates of violent Minneapolis street gang.”
TODAY: At 5PM, via the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “Tonight, following End Citizens United’s endorsement of Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate today, Lt. Governor Flanagan will join U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Chris Deluzio, Congressman Greg Casar, and End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller for a virtual town hall focused on End Citizens United’s Unrig Washington agenda and the fight to get corporate money out of politics.”
SURVEY: Revenue and profits are down for businesses in the Ninth District according to the 1,073 respondents to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis between January 12th and February 6th. When asked about their biggest challenges, government policies topped the list as it did in July.
Tariffs continued to be a major government policy cited, though uncertainty lessened. Respondents alco mentioned immigration enforcement and Minnesota’s taxes and paid leave.
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The survey also captured geographical differences. For instance, companies in the Twin Cities had worse expectations for the first quarter of this year than companies in Greater Minnesota. [Analyst Haley Chinander] said that may be due to the surge in immigration enforcement, but that took place after the survey questions were finalized.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46raYa1
You can see the full slide deck HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4b9xIxJ
The Minneapolis Fed presentation can be watched HERE: https://fluence-media.co/46puzas
MANUFACTURING: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Central Minnesota manufacturers are gearing up for growth in 2026, even as tariffs, lingering COVID-19 effects and new Paid Family Medical Leave rules put pressure on industry. Last year, seven manufacturing expansions in Stearns County created 15 jobs and nearly $35 million in investments, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.” QUOTE: “I think that, naturally, manufacturing will continue to grow,” Lynda Bailey, executive director of the Midwest Manufacturers Association told St. Cloud LIVE. “I think it’s got a real positive outlook. It’s been through a lot of changes over the last few years, and changes are definitely going to come.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tVaeUz
MANKATO: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “After more than a month of tense meetings and heated discussion with the public, Mankato’s city council passed an emergency ordinance addressing law enforcement activity in the city. While the new law affects all law enforcement, it’s clear that it’s a direct response to ICE activity in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N0uUda
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)
2026 SESSION
MED ASSISTANCE FRAUD: Via news release from the Attorney General, VERBATIM: “Today, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, and Representative Matt Norris introduced a updated version of their Medical Assistance Protection (MAP) Act, H.F. 2354 which expands the Attorney General’s Office’s ability to investigate fraud in Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program (known federally as Medicaid), give the office new tools to hold fraudsters accountable, and increase penalties for those found guilty of stealing money meant for low-income Minnesotans’ healthcare.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qUzlEk
SPORTS BETS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The long-running debate at the Minnesota Capitol over sports gambling is moot for now: Prediction markets essentially allow gamblers to wager on anything they could with a sportsbook — and more. Why it matters: Opponents say prediction markets operate like the wild west — and the state of Minnesota, Indian tribes and casinos don’t get a cut of their revenue, as they would from sportsbooks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46qUPRS
(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a Fluence client)
SD42: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Sen. Bonnie Westlin, DFL-Plymouth, told CCX News in Newsmakers that she will advocate for housing affordability, Plymouth bonding projects and state Capitol security.” QUOTE: “I actually will be dropping a bill that would completely ban guns on the Capitol complex except for our law enforcement officers who were there on official business,” said Westlin. “I think it’s just the environment that we live in today. We want to make sure that everybody who comes to visit our Capitol, including thousands of school kids, feel comfortable there.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tZI8aQ
AWARENESS: via social post this morning from Sen. Erin Maye Quade.
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 CITIES
NEXT MONTH: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “When Tom Morello put together his ‘Defend Minnesota’ benefit concert in January, Bruce Springsteen was a surprise guest, closing out the afternoon show with ‘Streets of Minneapolis,’ ‘The Ghost of Tom Joad,’ and a sing-along cover of ‘Power to the People.’ The ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ singer announced a new tour last week, which will start in Minneapolis on March 31. Now that Target Center gig will look a lot like the January one at First Avenue. Morello, a founding member of Rage Against the Machine, will be joining Springsteen and the E Street Band for their spring trek.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kYnyn5
MOVE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Allen Slaughter, who is one of the prosecutors who recently left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is rejoining Robins Kaplan where he previously worked as an associate. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ONdH7v
MOVE: Via Dorsey, VERBATIM: “Wynne Reece has joined Dorsey & Whitney LLP as Of Counsel in the Mergers & Acquisitions group in Minneapolis, the international law firm announced today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c9E3ub
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
ACQUISITION: Via Eagan-based Tavoron, VERBATIM: “Tavoron, a national provider of automation, robotics, compressed air and industrial solutions across the United States and Canada, today announced the acquisition of Doig Corporation, an established factory automation distributor headquartered in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The acquisition enhances Tavoron’s presence in the Upper Midwest and adds complementary automation distribution capabilities to its growing platform.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oy69Wc
NEW CTO: Via Hormel, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced the appointment of Donald Monk as chief technology officer, effective March 23. In this newly created role, Monk will serve as the company’s senior-most technology leader, responsible for envisioning, aligning and delivering the enterprise technology, digital and data strategy that supports long‑term growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kRr4PU
HOTELS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal cites a report from travel data firm STR in reporting hotel occupancy in the Twin Cities was up six percentage points year-over-year in January, a boost attributed to the federal immigration enforcement surge. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aDCmUA
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (APG) on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter net income of $97 million, after reporting a loss in the same period a year earlier. On a per-share basis, the New Brighton, Minnesota-based company said it had net loss of $1.19 . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The company posted revenue of $2.12 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MIryLQ
SCAM CALLS: Via City of Golden Valley, VERBATIM: “The City of Golden Valley has been made aware of fraudulent phone calls claiming residents have an outstanding utility or City bill and must make immediate payment over the phone. These calls are not from the City of Golden Valley.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4saPuqf
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT WEEK: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Anyone commuting around Tangletown in Minneapolis will have to bob and weave through the neighborhood starting next week. The Nicollet Avenue Bridge, which crosses over Minnehaha Creek, will close on March 3 for significant work that will last for 18 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MNUqlG
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Paul Bunyan, is that you? The Upper Midwest’s most famous lumberjack would feel right at home at Faribault’s annual Flannel Formal, which returns for its 10th year on March 7. ‘We like to call it the most Minnesotan event in Minnesota,’ says Devin Winjum, director of Visit Faribault.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tVPVWU
NEXT MONTH: Via General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2026 third quarter on March 18, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l0wngi
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FILM: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “During the pandemic, director Vanessa M.H. Powers reconnected with her high school friends. She was shocked by how easy it was and became fascinated with comparing a person’s 32-year-old self to their 16-year-old self. She took some notes and filed that thought away. This October, her idea made it to the Twin Cities Film Festival (TCFF) as the film Silly Little Wounds, where it won the Bill Cooper Best Minnesota Feature Award.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qRmqCX
BDAYS: lobbyist Quinn Cheney, retired golf guy Steve Sherwood, Walz insider Josh Syrjamaki, hockey guy Dave Schwartz, lobbyist Cullen Sheehan
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
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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