Paper straws are now officially banned from federal government use. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/419wopJ
An athlete from Golden Valley is among 10 Americans competing in the Biathlon World Championships. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hyt0KN
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4aSJ8UQ
A conversation with Minneapolis candidate for Mayor DeWayne Davis on Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4179dfz
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
TWINS: Via Twins, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, today put subscriptions on sale for the direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming option of Twins.TV. Available to fans – without blackouts – in all of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, along with western Wisconsin, Twins.TV features MLB’s award-winning production and enables fans to watch all Twins regular season games, live or on demand, on their favorite connected devices.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4hSJRrk
TARIFFS: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “When Wyoming Machine, a sheet metal fabricator in Stacy, Minn., met with a large customer this week, President Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on Canadian imports was a subject of discussion. Traci Tapani, co-president of the 45-person company, which purchases aluminum from Canada, said the repeated changes in tariff policy have made it more difficult for her company to operate.” TAPANI: “There is a lot of uncertainty in business no matter what we do,” she said. “The President going back and forth every few days about what is going to happen with these tariffs is not helpful.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jRtLjM
FUNDING: From Winter Keefer via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Chief Financial Officer Dushani Dye’s face lit up the morning of Feb. 7 when she received notice during a MinnPost interview that federal funding disbursements had officially appeared in the city’s bank account. ‘We have actually received the funding, so that’s only to say business as usual for the time being even with the chaos,’ Dye said. The funds came in about a week and a half after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt federal grant spending, with the reimbursement system scheduled to shut down Jan. 28, Dye said. Like many cities across the country, Minneapolis scrambled to submit its case for reimbursements at the deadline. A federal judge ultimately blocked Trump’s order, but questions about whether the funding would go through had lingered.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJHtU8
DATA CENTERS: From Kirsti Marohn via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is one of several U.S. states where companies are building mega-scale data centers to keep up with the explosion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Many data centers use water — sometimes in large amounts — to cool their equipment. That’s raising some concerns about their impacts on the state’s groundwater supplies. A single large data center can use as much water as thousands of homes, or ‘equivalent to a city,’ said Carrie Jennings, research and policy director at the nonprofit Freshwater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hUJMUn
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
IMMIGRANTS: From Madison McVan via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Venezuelans are just one of the immigrant groups targeted by Trump in his first week of office, as the president makes good on his campaign promises to ramp up deportations and slow the entry of immigrants into the country. Now, faced with the end of their deportation protections and work permissions, Venezuelan immigrants will have to choose one of the following options: return to their home country, still reeling from economic collapse and plagued by political violence and organized crime; find another country to seek refuge in; pursue other avenues to legal status in the U.S., which are often difficult to qualify for; or remain in the country without authorization. Temporary Protected Status for one group of Venezuelans expires in April; another round is set to expire in September, and is unlikely to be renewed. While it’s difficult to get an accurate count of the number of Venezuelans who have relocated to Minnesota in recent years, it’s clear that the population has grown significantly.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Tx9Sr
MINING: From Catharine Richert via MPR, VERBATIM: “Two years ago, the Biden administration banned mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber has reintroduced legislation to overturn the ban, which was also a campaign promise of President Donald Trump. In Ely, the issue has become so toxic that a group of residents last year started a local chapter of a national organization called Braver Angels. It’s a group that helps people talk about the political issues that divide them.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3WV2B1w
MORE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, says the Duluth complex, located within northern Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, is a ‘world-class mineral deposit containing nearly 8 billion tons of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals.’ He says these minerals ‘will soon see huge upswings in demand due to their use in defense applications, battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and other rapidly expanding sectors.’” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3CLpHRk
BRAINERD: From Theresa Bourke via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Hiring practices, student data compilation, Indigenous People’s Day and leadership training are all areas where Brainerd Public Schools leaders can improve in terms of Indigenous education. School Board members heard from the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee on Monday, Feb. 10, and received a vote of nonconcurrence, meaning the district does not meet the needs of American Indian students, based on criteria from the state Office of American Indian Education. An annual vote on concurrence is required under Minnesota state statute.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WVThdS
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)
DUCKS: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “On my morning walks along the aqueduct connecting Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Creek, I've been surprised to see hundreds of ducks sticking it out in temperatures as low as minus 20. State of play: It's not just my imagination. More ducks are opting against migration due to evolution and natural selection — and there's an association with warming winters caused by climate change, Dale Gentry, director of conservation for Audubon Upper Mississippi River, told Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Evk8H7
ELK: From T Kaldahl via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Community members have two chances this week to weigh in on bringing elk back to northeastern Minnesota. That effort is being led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Band, working with the DNR, plans to move a small number of elk from a herd in northwest Minnesota to the west side of the Fond du Lac Reservation each year until they are self-sustaining.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3CXKtgB
MPD: From Laura Oakes and Susie Jones via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Police Department's new Curfew Task Force played a role in the quick arrests of six juveniles in a Minneapolis carjacking over this past weekend. WCCO's Laura Oakes reports the goal of the task force is to get to know at-risk kids before they commit a crime which will help in quickly identifying those responsible for crimes in the city. Sometimes that's by redirecting them to positive programs in the community, but oftentimes it involves building relationships with their parents.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QbO9OK
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
· ECOLAB: “Ecolab Inc. (ECL) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter profit of $472.9 million. On a per-share basis, the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.66. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.81 per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The cleaning, food-safety and pest-control services company posted revenue of $4.01 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40WAH6F
· SPS: “SPS Commerce Inc. (SPSC) on Monday reported fourth-quarter net income of $17.6 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 46 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for stock option expense and amortization costs, came to 89 cents per share. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of supply chain software services to businesses posted revenue of $170.9 million in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CKNy3D
· INSPIRE: “Inspire Medical Systems Inc. (INSP) on Monday reported fourth-quarter net income of $35.2 million. On a per-share basis, the Golden Valley, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.15. The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea posted revenue of $239.7 million in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QbvRxc
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)
FOOD HALL: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, an interview with Market at Malcolm Yards’ Patty Wall. VERBATIM: “Wall said she’s partnered with local real estate company Hempel Real Estate on initial plans for a second food hall in St. Louis Park. Her goal is to open a 40,000-square-foot hall with 14 kitchens and a rooftop deck in the western suburb. The partners are working through details on a specific location for new space.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4htipRi
STILLWATER: From Adam Uren via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Dock restaurant overlooking the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater is closing later this month. The restaurant announced on its website that ‘with a heavy heart,’ its final day of service will be Feb. 23.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qc1OW3
SNOWMOBILERS: From Sydney Dick via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The snow last week came just in time for the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association’s Winter Rendezvous this past weekend. This year’s annual meet-up took place in Bemidji, and throughout the four-day event, there were hundreds of riders traveling hundreds of miles on their snowmobiles.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42SszXg
BIRKIE: Form Briggs LeSavage via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “After this weekend’s snow, American Birkebeiner leaders announced Monday night they will be able to race the full course this year. Nordic ski race leaders shared that news during a virtual update. The American Birkebeiner and some of its related races take thousands of skiers from Cable, Wisconsin to the finish line in downtown Hayward.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aTVfB6
TODAY: Via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey and Michelle Phillips, Director of the Civil Rights Department, will announce a major milestone for worker protections in the City of Minneapolis. The milestone comes after a recent settlement reached by the department's Labor Standards Enforcement Division.”
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Fashion enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and art lovers, unite! Just Imagine is bringing the heat with its 1st Annual Sneakers, Fashion & Art Fest on March 22, 2025, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Maplewood Mall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WXAqip
NEXT MONTH: From Laura Lindsay via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Registration is now open for our next free virtual event, MinnPost Social: Minnesota and the New Trump Administration on Monday, Feb. 24 from 5-6 p.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42M2UQ3
SUMMER: From Alexandra Tostrud via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Treasure Island announced the lineup for the second year of Music by the Mississippi, mixing local and national genre-defying acts with an emphasis on country and folk. After the inaugural success, the festival is expanding to a two day event, July 25–26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QaLdlJ
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
BENSON: From Victor Stefanescu via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “CNH, which makes Case IH agricultural equipment, is cutting 175 jobs at its plant in the central Minnesota city of Benson. Case IH may be the largest employer in Benson, a city of about 3,500 about 2.5 hours west of Minneapolis, interim City Manager Rob Wolfington said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CyW2eh
COMPEER: Via Compeer Financial, VERBATIM: “Compeer Financial and its board of directors announced plans to distribute approximately $187 million in patronage payments to member-owners in 2025. This month, member-owners received the first round of payments, totaling $52 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4huxDp3
(DISCLOSURE: Compeer is a Fluence sponsor)
SYRUP: Via Morning Ag Clips, VERBATIM: “Some maple syrup producers might be concerned about winter warm-ups and sap flowing early. Most large producers in northern Minnesota base their schedules on the calendar— tap in February to be ready by March 1. Producers in the Twin Cities or farther south can be 10 days to two weeks ahead of that schedule.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hv52jG
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SKYWATER: 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
DONALDSON: 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
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BOWLING: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Every Monday night throughout the winter months, Memory Lanes turns into a battleground for ad pros, production studios, music houses, and freelancers, hitting the lanes for competition, camaraderie, and a few well-earned drinks. For over 30 years, Ad League Bowling has been more than just a game. It’s where creative minds connect, unwind, and let loose . . . This season, we’re turning up the energy with a series of off-the-wall videos, produced on a zero-dollar budget by a crew of passionate industry creatives donating their time and talent.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3WTVPZK
BDAYS: creative guy Jake Nyberg, video journalist Ben Garvin, freelancer Elizabeth Millard, fmr. Carver County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik
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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