An eco-hydrologist and assistant geology professor at the UofM walked a red carpet in Hollywood last week. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d0KO1J
According to an analysis, a short-term rental property in downtown St. Paul would bring in an average of $45,000 a year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4l5wAyy
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/4cYcBzM
Sunday Take discussed the future of mining on the Iron Range with GOP Rep. Spencer Igo, DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild and Mining Minnesota CEO Julie Lucas. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4seg0ij
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DC + MN
WALZ & ELLISON: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison testified on fraud to the House Oversight Committee Wednesday, hours after the committee released a report accusing them of ignoring concerns. The report alleges that Walz and Ellison knew about fraud concerns in various state social service programs, including Feeding Our Future, but did not stop payments to the involved companies out of fear of lawsuits and appearing discriminatory. Committee members wrote that the Minnesota Department of Education continued payments to Feeding Our Future companies even after identifying several issues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NcwSY1
MORE: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “In opening statement, House Oversight Comm Chair Rep. James Comer calls fraud in MN the result of a ‘sustained failure of leadership’ from Gov. Walz and AG Ellison. Ranking Dem Robert Garcia in his opening asked why no hearing about ICE surge in MN or fraud in GOP states?” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3ML7x7r
EMMER: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Rep. Tom Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in the U.S. House, grilled Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison on what they knew about fraud in Minnesota, often talking over them and not giving them the opportunity to respond . . . Emmer’s closing remarks caused Minnesota DFL Rep. Betty McCollum to become visibly upset in the hearing room. She left shortly after to attend another event.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rOL5JH
WATCH: You can watch today’s hearing HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4u9rqpu
IRAN VOTE: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Senate on Wednesday will vote on a measure that would require that the president seek authorization from Congress before taking further military action against Iran. On Thursday, the House will follow with its own vote on a war-powers resolution. Most Democrats, including those representing Minnesota, are expected to vote for the resolutions and most Republicans will vote against them. As House Majority Whip, Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District, has been lobbying House Republicans this week to defeat the resolution in the closely divided U.S. House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l8CKOn
SGT AMOR: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor was just days away from returning home to her husband and two children in Minnesota when a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait killed her and five other U.S. service members . . . Amor was one of four U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war on Sunday and identified Tuesday by the Pentagon; two soldiers haven’t yet been publicly identified. The members of the Army Reserve worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sIXf7d
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)
AT THE CAPITOL
FRAUD: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion is standing firm against a proposal by Governor Tim Walz that could fundamentally reshape how the state supports community-led initiatives. At the heart of the dispute is the state’s response to the Feeding Our Future scandal—a massive federal fraud case involving the misappropriation of millions in pandemic-era food aid. Senator Champion notes that there are no allegations of fraud involving organizations that received direct appropriations, and argues that including the end of such funding in an anti-fraud package wrongly suggests they contributed to the crisis—likening the move to a man passing gas and blaming the dog.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b5gznE
DATA CENTERS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The developments in the proposed Hermantown data center project have evoked concern from some lawmakers in the Northland. Amid conversations around the data center project, DFL Senator Jen McEwen of Duluth is moving to pause plans for all data centers in the state. She is introducing a bill that would put a two-year moratorium on new data center permits to allow for lawmakers to further evaluate the potential impact of data centers before new ones are built.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OFe5Fg
AVIATION: Via MN House GOP, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ron Kresha is advancing a series of aviation-focused proposals this session aimed at supporting Minnesota’s airports, protecting local decision-making, and strengthening rural infrastructure . . .
HF3266 — Provides $100,000 to assist small airports with maintenance and repair of airport courtesy vehicles, which are critical for serving pilots and visitors in rural communities.
Special Aviation License Plates — Establishes aviation-themed license plates, with proceeds supporting airport and aeronautics-related initiatives.
Airport Fuel Autonomy — Prohibits the state from imposing fuel restrictions on airports, ensuring local airports can manage their own fuel supply based on operational and safety needs.
Aeronautics Support Legislation — Strengthens state support for small airports and aviation infrastructure to maintain Minnesota’s competitiveness and connectivity.”
READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rctpGV
OFFICIAL MINERAL: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Iron ore would be designated as the state mineral under legislation introduced by Iron Range state legislators. Sen. Rob Farnsworth, R-District 07 and Rep. Cal Warwas, R-District 07B, are calling for iron ore to be the official mineral of the state of Minnesota under bills brought forward at the 2026 Minnesota legislature. Farnsworth said a constituent suggested the legislation to him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l8Cj6F
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)
COMMERCE
TAR-ZHAY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “New Target CEO Michael Fiddelke laid out his plan to turn around the struggling Minneapolis retailer on Tuesday. Why it matters: Fiddelke is not only trying to win back shoppers, but also assure skeptics on Wall Street that an insider can bring about significant change . . . A key to Fiddelke’s plan is getting the ‘Tar-zhay’ buzz back by fixing the company’s home and apparel categories, which have been losing market share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r8KsJI
MORE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Target is investing another $2 billion in its business this year to spruce up its store experience, remodel stores and invest in its workers as it tries to turn around a persistent sales malaise and reclaim its authority on style . . . That includes opening 30 new stores and plans to remodel 130 of its existing stores. Many of the stores that are being refreshed haven’t been spruced up in a decade, Target executives said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cZinB9
FLOW: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “At its core, Flow Environmental Systems is a heat pump company. But it’s also one piece of a vision for how Minnesota can grow its clean tech and manufacturing sectors simultaneously. With hundreds of new jobs and a national expansion on the horizon, this Rogers-based company is worth some attention. Flow has plans to announce a $20 million manufacturing facility somewhere in Minnesota in the next year.” QUOTE: “We could pick anywhere in the U.S. to create a factory,” CFO Navaid Burney told TCB. “But high-quality, mission-aligned partnerships in both the private and public sectors make Minnesota a natural place for Flow to call home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40GSRcy
THOMSON REUTERS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Thomson Reuters is facing pressure from employees to be more transparent about how the federal government may be using a massive trove of personal data sold by the company. Internal chat boards have lit up with concerns the data is being used to detain immigrants without criminal records and intimidate observers, employees say. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a contract with Thomson Reuters for its CLEAR investigative database, which includes cellphone numbers, addresses and much more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40NJZ4V
BLANKETS: Via Faribault Mill, VERBATIM: “Faribault Mill, the storied Minnesota manufacturer known for crafting premium American-made blankets, throws, and accessories since 1865, today announced a three-year partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to launch a series of products that showcase the vision of the America’s greatest architect. The collection will launch on March 16.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sqjsql
MINNESOTA’S ATV RIDERS ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS: Last September, hundreds of riders joined the ATV Minnesota President’s Ride — families, veterans, small business owners, and volunteers from across the state. They represent thousands of Minnesotans who responsibly use and maintain Minnesota’s ATV trail system. As decision makers evaluate trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, we invite you to hear directly from the people they represent. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
PERSONNEL
MINNEAPOLIS: From former Minnesota Trade Office Deputy Director Laurence Reszetar via LinkedIn, VERBATIM: “I’m excited to share that I’ve joined the mpls downtown council | DID as Chief Operating Officer!!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40tNwpf
WAYZATA: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Wayzata School Board has narrowed the list of candidates for the district’s superintendent position down to three finalists. The finalists were announced following a special board meeting Monday night. The school board selections were unanimous. Candidates for the job include Rainey Briggs, currently the chief operations officer for Des Moines Public Schools, the largest school district in Iowa; Cory McIntyre, superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools, the largest school district in Minnesota; and Robb Virgin, assistant superintendent for Eden Prairie Schools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MUbyXd
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A retired Duluth police lieutenant is suing the city. David Drozdowski, who spent about two decades on the force, claims that after Mike Ceynowa was named police chief and Mayor Roger Reinert was elected, he saw a shift. Drozdowski alleges there was an increase in what he called blatant discrimination, missing use-of-force records, apparent data manipulation, and other alleged wrongdoings.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46ADHcr
BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Brainerd City Council has accepted the resignation of Brainerd Police Chief John Davis after his decision to retire at the end of April.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46H1SG5
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)
SMALL BIZ
BOOKS: Via MplsStPaul, the prospect of a rent hike pushed James and Mary Laurie Booksellers to find a new home. VERBATIM: “More than 15 years ago, they moved into the Traffic Zone building in the scalding-hot North Loop, where they hoped to encounter a spike in walk-in traffic. But with the shop tucked off the beaten path on Third Avenue North, many missed the store altogether. ‘Most people walking by were going to baseball games,’ Jim says. ‘They didn’t stop.’ Now back downtown, the Lauries have already seen a significant uptick in visitors in their new location, largely thanks to its obvious presence on the ground-floor corner facing the massive downtown Hilton.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rN9BuB
ROBBINSDALE: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Affordable. High technique. Suburban. Independent. Sounds like everything you’d want in your neighborhood restaurant, right? Risata, opening Monday, March 10, in downtown Robbinsdale is a bit of a unicorn right now. It’s not an extension of the DDP empire, it’s not another restaurant that Travail has taken over or that Jester is incorporating. It’s two guys who’ve opened dozens of restaurants for others, doing their own thing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MESkVu
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis-based Sleep Number, VERBATIM: “Sleep Number Corporation (Nasdaq: SNBR) will release its fiscal fourth quarter and full year results through January 3, 2026, before market open on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Management will host its regularly scheduled conference call to discuss the company’s results at 8:30 a.m. EDT (7:30 a.m. CDT; 5:30 a.m. PDT).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46FHg0X
THIS MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota isn’t just a one-day affair—it’s practically a season. By mid-March, patios reemerge (optimistically), bagpipes echo through downtown streets, and entire taprooms transform into seas of green. Whether you’re 2% Irish or simply Irish at heart for the weekend, this is the time to lean in.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MEREPW
JUNE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A gem of summer in St. Paul, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, is coming into focus. The fest has unveiled the headliners for its 2026 event, which will take place on June 19 and 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b8jcFu
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
WOMEN’S DAY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Officially, International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8—the day marking the wide array of achievements by women across the globe. But we Twin Citians know just how easy it is to celebrate the women we know, love, and admire, so we’re expanding the party past one day. Here’s where to go.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4b96k1R
BDAYS: ag leader Whitney Place, radio guy BT Turner
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