What’s Minnesota’s best month? POLL: https://fluence-media.co/3XzYWGD
The boys’ high school hockey tournament doubles as a showcase for impressive hair. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41NHWPC
The Wild made a trade with Boston. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4iuSmcz
Target Field’s getting some upgrades ahead of Twins season. SI: https://fluence-media.co/3D98ku8
Why is Minnesota a “terrible place to host a dating show?” The Wall Street Journal says we’re too snoopy. READ: https://fluence-media.co/43tYcqm
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)
TARIFFS: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The U.S. partially pulled back tariffs on some goods from Mexico and Canada after markets sank and companies lobbied President Trump, as the administration’s swerving trade policy strained relations with allies and raised recession fears . . . Thursday’s respite doesn’t end trade tensions in North America, though, and there are still goods that will continue to be hit with new tariffs because they weren’t covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, U.S. officials said . . . The leader of Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, said a 25% export tax on electricity sold to New York, Michigan and Minnesota would take effect Monday and remain in place until Trump drops all tariff threats against Canada, including the potential April 2 snapback.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bzny8b
MORE: From Jimmy Lovrien via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “While Minnesota is linked to Ontario's grid by a transmission line over the Rainy River, Duluth-based Minnesota Power bought just under $310,000 of electricity from Ontario's system in 2024, according to public filings. It did not buy electricity from Ontario in eight months of the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Lmgnh
MORE: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, President Donald Trump postponed his 25 percent tariff on most goods from Mexico and Canada. The tax is still set to hit in a month, on April 2. Once the tariff on Mexico goes into effect, stores that specialize in selling foods from across the border could be hit. La Picante Market in New Hope is one of them. It offers food imported from Mexico and African countries. ‘We try to have a specialty in food here, different from other people,’ owner Mahmoud Habib explained. Habib said his shop’s been in place since the late 90s. It fills a much-needed niche in New Hope, selling American foods as well as 80 percent imported goods. Habib said probably 60 percent is from Mexico, particularly the produce, like cacti, avocados and peppers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4isnLw9
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Off-road vehicle maker Polaris said it may introduce a surcharge on some goods sold in the U.S. if the Trump administration's tariffs on imports from Mexico persist. The Minnesota-based company’s largest factory is in Monterrey, Mexico, accounting for a third of its production by revenue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Dqzxs9
EGGS: From Nicole Ki via MPR, VERBATIM: “Keys Cafe and Bakery has introduced a temporary 50-cent surcharge per egg at its nine Twin Cities locations, citing supply shortages and rising costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Dpv3SG
NEXT WEEK: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Voters in Minnesota will choose a new representative Tuesday in a heavily Democratic state House district at the center of a post-Election Day drama to control the chamber. The special election in House District 40B, in the northern St. Paul suburbs, was scheduled after a state court ruled that Democratic state Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson failed to meet residency requirements. Had Johnson taken office, the House would have started the 2025 session in a 67-67 tie that was expected to result in a power-sharing agreement between the two parties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hbkTCV
SD24: From Alex Karwowski via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “An English teacher from John Marshall High School threw his hat in the ring for a State Senate seat. Simon Glaser announced his candidacy for District 24 as he looks to take Sen. Carla Nelson’s (R-Rochester) seat.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43r147m
HWY 14: Frm Aaliyah Demry via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Road improvements could be underway soon on Highway 14 in and near Byron. Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is seeking funding for a bill that will make improvements to County Roads 3 and 5. In a Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee hearing in February, Sen. Nelson explained that County Roads 3 and 5 along Highway 14 have been extremely dangerous to residents in Byron and those traveling along the highway.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DoDcqm
HOME SCHOOL: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Mary Francis Clardy, D-53A, has introduced 24 bills in the Minnesota House, ranging from more providing education benefits for the children of disabled veterans, making more infrastructure improvements, to investing in research to help explain sudden unexplained death in infants, and more. A bipartisan bill she introduced last week seeks to extend counseling and guidance services to home-schooled elementary aged children.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bw6PTf
HOUSING: From Peter Callaghan via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “When you have a legislative body that currently has 100 Republicans and 100 DFLers, anything with the descriptor ‘bipartisan’ starts with a little extra juice. Backers of this year’s model for legislation to boost housing supply — partly by pulling in the reins on local government zoning and land use — couldn’t talk enough Wednesday about the coalition containing people from both the DFL and GOP, from both home builders and environmental groups, from both developers and social justice advocates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hjA50S
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
MAIL: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Residents of a new Brooklyn Park apartment complex have been enjoying all of the amenities that come with a new building with one notable exception: they haven’t received any mail . . . Tessman Ridge opened in December, but [resident Kevin Duffy] says the U.S. Postal Service needs to install a specific lock in the building’s mail room.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hfsiRC
ICYMI… from morning take…
USPS: via a Rep. Angie Craig post, CRAIG: “The USPS Office of Inspector of General’s report for the first quarter of 2025 is alarming – the Minnesota-North Dakota District’s performance decreased by 5.1% since last quarter and is 8% below the national target level. This is unacceptable, and I’m continuing to push USPS to do its job and restore reliable mail service to our communities.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4bu1OKS
FOOD HALLS: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The fate of Keg & Case may look like a cautionary tale for any enterprising minds looking to dive into food halls. But other food hall operators in town say that, despite the perennial challenges facing the hospitality industry, they have plenty of reason for optimism. A couple of them are even looking to expand operations and open new locations. Nationwide, observers note that food halls tend to be more resilient than traditional restaurants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F5rvpg
NEW: From Serena Maria Daniels via Eater Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Welcome to the Eater Twin Cities heatmap, a collection of exciting new restaurants and pop-ups that have opened or re-opened in the last six months or so. Minneapolis and St. Paul’s resilient restaurant community continues to find creative ways to introduce diners to fantastic and unexpected food and drink.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3SudPIR
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)
JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $11.2 million for job skills training, work readiness, internships, work experience, on-the-job training and job placement for Minnesotans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41LI2Hx
LAKES: From Kirsti Marohn via MPR, VERBATIM: “Every winter, thousands of people fish on Minnesota’s frozen lakes. Some leave trash, an unsightly problem that can affect a lake’s health. Lake advocates say a recent Minnesota law targeting litter left on the ice is helping curb the problem. But they’re hoping for more action, including passage of a bill requiring state agencies establish a statewide ‘Keep It Clean’ program and provide funding for local cleanup efforts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bz4zdV
ST PAUL: From Josie Albertson-Grove via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Three candidates are running to replace Mitra Jalali on the St. Paul City Council for the Ward 4 seat that represents Hamline-Midway and Macalester-Groveland. Jalali announced her sudden resignation in January after service as council president for a year and clashing with Mayor Melvin Carter over the most recent city budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DhYF4r
ROBBINSDALE: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “As Robbinsdale Area Schools looks to address its more than $20 million budget deficit, the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program has been taken off the chopping block.
District officials discovered an accounting error last fall that resulted in the budget shortfall.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iav8Zs
“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)
GROCERIES: From Alfonzo Galvan via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “A young couple with a big dream has opened what they say is the Twin Cities’ first Karenni grocery. Htay Reh, 24, and his wife, Ranjana Baraliy Meh, 23, held a grand opening for the Karenni Grocery Store on Saturday in a Maplewood strip mall. Their 20,000-square-foot store is stocked with fresh fruit, Southeast Asian ingredients and a meat case that includes wild boar. The store also has shelves of brightly dyed Karen and Karenni clothing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F8vRMe
UNITEDHEALTH: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “A court-appointed special master has found that U.S. authorities do not have evidence to support their billion-dollar fraud case accusing UnitedHealth Group of keeping overpayments from the government for patients on its Medicare insurance plans. The recommendation by Special Master Suzanne Segal on Monday is not a final ruling, but if it is adopted by U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin, it would end the U.S. Department of Justice's claims against the health insurer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XtDEuk
THIS WEEKEND: From Corey Bork via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “This is the last weekend to go tubing at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41ytZDU
SUNDAY: From Dominic Vitiello via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “From uncertainty on how winter will be to a glorious end to the Chester Bowl’s ski season. ‘This Sunday is the end of Chester Bowls alpine season, we’re going to have a great day,’ said Dave Schaeffer who is the executive director at Chester Bowl.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3FbuOLt
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Teatro del Pueblo will showcase Voces Latinas: A Broadway Musical Revue from March 14 to 16 at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul. The bilingual production, directed by Mark Valdez and music directed by Brenda Varda, will celebrate the significant contributions of Latino artists to the Broadway stage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XwlI28
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:
MENTAL HEALTH: Via MMA, VERBATIM: “A coalition of Minnesota-based professional associations, led by the MMA, are working together to end the fear and stigma that many healthcare professionals experience when in need of mental health services and support . . . The Treat Yourself First campaign, which is funded by a 2024 Minnesota Department of Health grant, is designed to: build awareness of stigma around help-seeking and create a supportive environment that encourages clinicians to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed; create peer-to-peer messages and resources designed to amplify clinicians’ voices to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health care; and communicate to all Minnesota clinicians that there are effective and confidential resources available to help them battle burnout and fatigue and focus on their own well-being.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kqFBSd
LTC: From Genworth Financial via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “The cost of long-term care services in Minnesota increased year-over-year, exceeding national costs, according to the 2024 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth and CareScout . . . National 2024 Cost of Care Survey data showed a continued upward trajectory in long-term care costs across care types, with cost increases for most care types continuing to outpace inflation rates1. The top factors contributing to increased costs were inflation and labor costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QRLASg
CADRE: From Allison Kaplan via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Social media is often blamed for America’s mental health crisis, but Luke Wendlandt saw an opportunity to use it for good: Cadre is a social network for mental health support. ‘We’re giving therapists and coaches a platform to speak at scale,’ says founder and CEO Wendlandt. Experts in the field are using the app to host daily livestreams on everything from parenting a child with autism to grief.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41KQC9C
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MERGER: From Eden Prairie-based Surmodics via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Surmodics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRDX), a provider of medical device and in vitro diagnostic technologies to the healthcare industry, today provided the following statement in response to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s announcement that it will challenge the proposed acquisition of Surmodics by funds affiliated with GTCR LLC, which have an equity investment in Biocoat Inc., a maker of medical coatings” QUOTE: “Surmodics respectfully disagrees with the FTC's decision and remains committed to completing the Merger. Surmodics remains confident in both its rationale for the Merger and the value it will bring to all stakeholders, including shareholders, customers and patients. We have worked constructively with the FTC over the last several months to secure regulatory approval for the Merger and are disappointed by its decision to initiate litigation, as the Merger is pro-competitive.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43vCrGH
FRANCHISES: From MassageLuXe via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “MassageLuXe, a premier spa franchise specializing in high-quality massage, facial, and waxing services, revealed today its strategic plans to expand the brand's presence in Minnesota via the Minneapolis market with the help of existing and new franchisees, presenting the area's aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand a brand with a strong business model into their local communities. MassageLuXe has plans of opening 16 locations in Minneapolis over the next 5 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kvLMUT
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
ORPHEUM: From Macy Harder via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Man’s complex relationship with the natural world—and more specifically, with animals—is the heart of “Life of Pi.” Yann Martel brought the original story to life in his best-selling novel, which later received an award-winning film adaptation. The imaginative nature of books and movies go hand-in-hand, as computer-generated imagery (CGI) and animation can make nearly any scenario look like reality. But what happens when you bring these stories onto a stage? How do you translate the danger of being trapped in a lifeboat with a zebra, hyena, and Bengal tiger to a live audience—and make them believe you? You need expertly constructed puppets, brought to life by a talented cast of puppeteers.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Fnzdec
BDAYS: MNDOT’s Mike Dougherty, retired TPT producer Brendan Henahan. SAT: Insurance leader Aaron Cocking, lobbyist Jerry Seck, the one and only Billy Sushi. SUN: Commissioner Karla Bigham, WCCO’s Denny Long, Rep. Nathan Coulter, and a guy who tries to keep you informed throughout the day via newsletter
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