Canadians’ views of the United States fell after the November election and fell again with the threat of tariffs. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/3EU8Fkw
What’s open and what’s closed on this holiday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3X2ODKU
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bbfKtm
REPUBLICAN: Adam Schwarze, a former congressional candidate in the 3rd Congressional District, was the guest on Sunday Take this week. Schwarze declared his candidacy for the open Senate seat on Thursday. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gNCzUW
Blois
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TODAY: From Clay Masters via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Capitol is humming on the President’s Day holiday, which is fitting because President Donald Trump is casting a shadow over discussions in St. Paul. Democrats, who hold a slim majority in the Senate, are alarmed over the Trump administration’s intent to dramatically cut the federal budget given that many state programs rely on aid from Washington. While Republicans, who hold a temporary majority in the House, are bringing bills to committees that mirror Trump’s priorities. And on this holiday Monday, a group that opposes virtually all that Trump is doing plans a protest at the Capitol as part of a national movement.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3X3knzE
TOMORROW: Via Gender Justice, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, advocates and state lawmakers will hold a news conference to share new statewide polling data that shows strong support for Minnesota’s Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). After passing the state House last session, a weeklong filibuster prevented the Minnesota ERA from passing in the Senate. Advocates and state lawmakers are demanding action this year to put the Minnesota ERA (SF473/HF501) on the ballot.”
LRT: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A bill from a Maple Grove lawmaker could bring work on the Bottineau Blue Line LRT Extension to a halt. Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) introduced the bill in the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 12. The bill would prohibit the Metropolitan Council from expending funds on light rail projects, including the Bottineau extension, until the Southwest Green Line LRT extension is finished.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3EGXtIa
PFAS: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Today, ahead of an announced press conference by Representative Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) discussing his new bill to fund water treatment facilities in Hastings, Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) blasted the legislation as an attempt to raid the trust fund established following Minnesota’s settlement with 3M over its uses of PFAS, or forever chemicals.” QUOTE: “While Rep. Dippel calls this bill ‘outside the box’ thinking, in reality, it's theft,” said Representative Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul). “This proposal directly contradicts the Minnesota Supreme Court’s intent when setting up the 3M trust fund, shifting decision-making on funding from the $720 million settlement to individual legislators to dole out as they see fit.”
PLEDGE: From Peter Passi via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Brandon Parker remained seated and silent as those around him stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of last week’s City Council meeting. But Parker rose to speak his mind shortly thereafter as the council welcomed public commentary in advance of regular business. He suggested that forgoing the pledge at future meetings ‘would make this chamber more inclusive, accessible and inviting to all Duluthians, as well as being more representative of our history and values.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CVqpLR
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
BIZ LEADERS: From Liz Fedor via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities Business interviewed several top business and community leaders to hear their assessments of the state of CEO civic involvement, understand the roots of Minnesota’s public-private partnerships, identify obstacles to civic engagement, and learn how corporate responsibility in the Twin Cities is evolving.” QUOTE: “There’s been a precipitous decline in involvement by the leadership of our major companies,” says Russ Nelson, retired president/principal of NTH Inc., a real estate firm based in downtown Minneapolis. Not all corporations and their CEOs have retrenched in their civic engagement, but many of them have, he says. “Covid had a major impact,” Nelson says. “I get it. That slowed the train down tremendously, but that excuse is [wearing] thin now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CTQE5t
IMMIGRANTS: From Katelyn Vue via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “About 30 people held up signs that read “Love Your Immigrant Neighbor” at the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge in the early morning of Valentine’s Day, aiming to spread a message of love for immigrants across Minnesota . . . Last November, more than 90 Minnesota immigrant advocacy groups formed the Immigrant Defense Network to combat the fears and protect the rights of immigrants. President Donald Trump’s reelection and promises to crack down on immigration spurred the groups to organize, [director Ryan Perez] said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CIMSvP
HOAS: From Shannon Slatton via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) will continue working on homeowners association reform in the new legislative session. Bahner says Minnesota homeowners have long faced challenges with homeowners associations (HOAs), but a lack of state statutes has left consumers without protections.” BAHNER: “We really we didn’t have anything in state statute that could really protect consumers and the attorney general really didn’t have the authority to do anything because there wasn’t a statute to lean on,” said Bahner. “The old adage, ‘if you don’t like it you don’t have to move there,’ really doesn’t hold true anymore. With the increase in associations, we continue to see challenges arise.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3X6rveB
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)
RETAIL: From Kent Erdahl via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “If you haven't set foot in Maplewood Mall for a while, you'll probably still recognize its famous carousel but you might not recognize the names of too many businesses.” QUOTE: "All of the local businesses have a loyal following that comes with them," said George Roethemeyer, Maplewood Mall Manager. The mall started seeing the power of that following after it welcomed Sustainable Safari a few years ago. The business, which offers wildlife shows and live animal exhibits, has since opened the door to several more experience-based tenants, such as an escape room, arcade and several attractions. "We're making it more of a family-friendly environment," Roethemeyer said. "It's not just someone coming to shop. You can come with your kids and there are all kinds of stuff to do." WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/433hnHl
EGGS: From Ubah Ali via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The bird flu is leading to skyrocketing egg prices in Minnesota and across the country. Consumers are feeling the strain at grocery stores, while bakeries are finding themselves at a crossroads. The rising cost of eggs, a key ingredient in many baked goods, is putting a strain on small businesses like Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar in St. Louis Park.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QopxCG
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)
MAPLE GROVE: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Maple Grove is projected to add nearly 20,000 people to its population over the next 30 years. That’s according to a forecast from the Metropolitan Council. The overall metro is set to grow by 650,000 people by 2050. Within the forecast, each city is also set to grow at varying amounts — and Maple Grove comes in at one of the highest. ‘The basis of any good planning is some understanding, or some expectations, of what is going to happen in the future,’ explained Todd Graham, Met Council’s principal forecaster. He said Maple Grove’s substantial growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including the real estate market.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41imbHB
FLOOD: From Kirsten Mitchell via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A beloved local bookstore, the Paperback Exchange, is facing an unimaginable loss after a water main break flooded their South Minneapolis store early last Thursday morning. The store, which was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary this spring, now finds itself in the midst of a crisis.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kdMs1k
TRAIL: From Sophia Lauber via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A lodge up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais has created one of the longest ice skating trails in the U.S. A lodge in Vermont claims to have the longest ice skating trail in the U.S. with over four miles, but Gunflint Lodge thinks they have them beat with roughly six miles of trail out on Gunflint Lake.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4112pin
TODAY: Via Minnesota Senate, VERBATIM: “Today, Monday, February 17, at 3 p.m., Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development Committee Chair Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud) will hold a hearing focused on interactions between federal and state programs that support Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture economy. The hearing will consider current and potential impacts of the federal government’s funding freeze, tariffs on Minnesota’s trade partners, and consequences of these decisions for food safety and access. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, farmers, and hunger relief organizations will present their concerns and discuss how this will impact Minnesotans.”
TODAY: From Eden Prairie-based Tennant via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2024 financial results after the market closes on Monday, February 17, 2025, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7aU6w
TOMORROW: From Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) will issue a news release announcing 2024 financial results on Monday, February 17, 2025 and will host a live conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the corporation’s financial and operating performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aK6MTx
TOMORROW: From Minneapolis-based Tactile via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced that fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial results will be released after the market closes on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aLCFLB
WEDNESDAY: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) announced today that it plans to issue its fourth quarter and year-end 2024 financial and operating results on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, after the market closes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jucDAf
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
TARIFFS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Thursday rolled out his plan to increase U.S. tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports, possibly triggering a broader economic confrontation with allies and rivals alike as he hopes to eliminate any trade imbalances. ‘I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,’ Trump said in the Oval Office at the proclamation signing. ‘It’s fair to all. No other country can complain.’ Trump’s Republican administration has insisted that its new tariffs would equalize the ability of U.S. and foreign manufacturers to compete, though under current law these new taxes would likely be paid by American consumers and businesses either directly or in the form of higher prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CMSrcx
MORE: From Mark Freie via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Impending tariffs have farmers bracing for what could be a bumpy road as they prepare for the spring planting season. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen tells WCCO Radio's The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar that tariffs involving Canada could hurt Minnesota farmers.” QUOTE: "You take Canada, for example, that's $2 billion a year in agricultural products that flow back and forth across the border," Petersen says. "We're very integrated in a lot of cases with Canada, and that's a concern. So those Mexican and Canadian tariffs are paused until March 1st, but that's like two weeks away. So, you know, coming fast." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/412hPDj
EXPORTS: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “U.S. pork demand continues to be boosted by exports. National Pork Board senior vice president of market growth David Newman tells Brownfield 2024 was another banner year for pork exports. ‘And again, we continue to be the shining star globally on both volume and value of exports. So that’s roughly 30 percent of our production, so critically important to our business.’ He says Mexico remains a massive market for U.S. pork.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3X4DF7Y
CARDS: From Maria Vollom via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “This Valentine’s Day, local teacher Karla Line is honoring her late mother with a heartfelt project titled ‘Love, Judy.’ Students of Karla, a teacher in International Falls, have been crafting sweet Valentine’s cards for residents of a nursing home. Karla started this project last year in memory of her mother, Judy, who passed away in 2023, just before her birthday on February 14th. She shared that her mom was a strong believer in spreading love to those who needed it the most.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QhDfal
HISTORY: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Maple Grove Historic Preservation Society embraced its romantic side on Wednesday with a display of historic Valentine’s. Jeri Cobb, a member of the historic society, brought about a hundred of her massive collection of Valentine’s to discuss. She started collecting Valentine’s in second grade and still has a scrapbook of ones she received that year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4k0jp0O
PIE: From Samie Solina via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Rose McGee, founder of the nonprofit Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, is using a beloved dessert to spark conversations about racial justice and provide comfort in times of crisis. The organization, which began in 2014 following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, has since expanded its reach to offer solace and support in the wake of tragedies.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3EB3K81
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SPOON AND STABLE: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and his son E.J. are part of the headlining talent who will show out in the Twin Cities this year for lauded North Loop restaurant Spoon and Stable’s annual Synergy Series. The famous father and son made headlines in recent years when E.J. took over his dad’s iconic namesake restaurant Emeril in 2023, cementing a culinary family dynasty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CVSuCY
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PEACE: From St. Cloud Refrigeration via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud Refrigeration (SCR, Inc.) is saddened to announce the passing of its founder, Donald ‘Don’ J. Fitch, who passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 99. Don's vision and dedication were instrumental in building SCR into the successful company it is today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFAz2u
BDAYS: attorney David Gollin, Sen. Jim Carlson, Rep. Michael Howard, critic Ross Raihala, GOP activist Regina Barr, liquor guy Phil Colich, media guy Dave Colling, RCV’s biggest fan Jeanne Massey, health policy pro Megan Koepke, comms pro Mark Daly
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