27% of U.S. adults say they’ve intentionally bought dupes of premium products. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/41U4RHZ
RIP Viking Paul Flatley. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iyDN8a
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3FyIBfo
MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan is retiring from politics reporting – he joined Sunday Take to discuss his time at the Capitol and his thoughts on transparency in politics and the media. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3DzQosN
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
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)
3M: Via HR Dive, VERBATIM: “A federal judge granted summary judgment on March 12 to 3M in a discrimination lawsuit filed by a White male former employee who alleged he was fired over policy violations for which Black female employees were not similarly terminated. The plaintiff in Barnes v. 3M Company, Inc. claimed he was fired for using his cellphone in a prohibited area and that two Black female employees accused of similar violations were not fired. The judge, however, determined that the proposed comparators’ conduct differed from the plaintiff’s, and therefore he failed to establish a prima facie discrimination claim.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42aGlUf
TODAY: Via House DFL Caucus, VERBATIM: “Today, during the House Floor session, State Representative-Elect David Gottfried (DFL - Shoreview) will be sworn into office. Last week, Rep.-elect Gottfried was elected to fill the vacancy in House District 40B. His swearing-in will bring the House to a 67-67 tie, triggering the bipartisan power-sharing agreement DFLers secured.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iyw3ml
TODAY: Speaker Lisa Demuth and House Republicans will hold a media availability about House File 4 (“Portion of projected budget surplus required to be returned to state taxpayers, and constitutional amendment proposed”) and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4iiBVjV
BUDGET: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Only if the budget writers look 27 months into the state’s fiscal future does a deficit appear, which could be why it is nearly always described as ‘looming.’ Which raises an important fact about how Minnesota, and about half of the states, do their spending and revenue forecasts. Since at least the mid-1980s Minnesota’s finance agency and its economists look four years or more into the future. While that can expose deficits that otherwise might be hidden, it also gives the governor more time to address future disconnects between projected spending and projected revenue. What is fiscally smart can sometimes be politically awkward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43SFoBk
BEER: Fulton Beer’s Ryan Petz talked with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about his concerns over trade wars. QUOTE: “Have we seen an impact yet? Not really. But, as far as concern going forward, I think, yeah, there’s definitely concern. At this point in our life cycle, aluminum is a really important input for us because, of course, of the cans.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41wNBZd
NOAA: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “As thousands of staffing cuts have hit various federal agencies, some lawmakers are demanding answers. Several senators, led by Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, have called on the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to learn more about how cuts to the agency would impact the Great Lakes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iWM9Gr
VA: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Iceley Andaya started a job in the Veterans Benefits Administration in December shortly after earning her bachelors degree. She’s a veteran who served four years in the Air Force. ‘I love helping veterans,’ Andaya said. ‘I think veterans are one of the cornerstones of the country because we are the people who are serving to protect everyone, not just ourselves, not just our families, everyone in the country, regardless of any differences.’ Andaya was program support assistant, helping process financial hardship waivers for veterans who were mistakenly overpaid benefits but couldn’t afford to repay the funds. But soon after she was trained in, she received a boilerplate letter sent to tens of thousands of probationary employees — usually those in their first year or two of service — saying she was being terminated for poor performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43PTyDe
ACQUISITION: From St. Paul-based Anchor Paper via Facebook, VERBATIM: “We're excited to announce the acquisition of SS Material Handling Installers Inc., a full-service material handling and industrial equipment distributor located in Newport, MN. This strategic purchase strengthens our packaging department by enhancing our product range and service offerings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hjJWUy
DOWNTOWNS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “As downtown St. Paul's real estate scene grows bleaker by the week, Detroit's 15-year renaissance offers one example for how to end such a doom loop . . . St. Paul developer Ari Parritz raised an idea in an interview with Axios, saying that the city is ripe for a billionaire large business owner to relocate employees to downtown and buy large chunks of real estate on the cheap. This is what Rocket Mortgage founder Dan Gilbert did in downtown Detroit, starting in 2010 when he moved thousands of employees to the struggling city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iaYxTu
DULUTH: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “[Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert], who campaigned in part on revitalizing Duluth’s downtown core, said, like many downtowns, Duluth’s began as a retail district, built to support the working waterfront on Lake Superior. Then ‘they became professional and commercial,’ Reinert said. ‘But their future is residential.’ That’s the bet that downtowns across the country and around Minnesota are making, five years after the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the work patterns that have sustained urban cores for decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41RipUB
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
TODAY: Vai SEIUMN, VERBATIM: “As spring break travels increases, frontline MSP Airport workers will speak out TODAY, Monday, March 17th at Noon to highlight various crisis facing workers at the airport and demand action from the Metropolitan Airport Commission, the body that runs the airport, who are holding their monthly meeting Monday afternoon. The Noon press conference will be on the mezzanine level above ticketing in Terminal 1. Rep. Samakab Hussein & Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega are expected to join workers at the press conference to support workers fighting for justice at MSP Airport.”
FRIDAY: Via MPCA, VERBATIM: “Please join us Friday March 21 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to see online maps and data on the level of nitrogen and phosphorus in your water. Learn how to view online data detailing annual changes in nutrient levels. Experts will show you how to explore water quality near your farmland, cabin, or favorite fishing spot.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4i9jo9J
BRIDGE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “At the state Capitol, there are efforts to rebuild a well-traveled bridge over Highway 169 between Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park. The Highway 169/County Road 130 interchange project is up for possible inclusion in a final budget bill. County Road 130 is also named Elm Creek Boulevard on the Maple Grove side and Brooklyn Boulevard on the Brooklyn Park side.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bUTu7g
HEARING: Via news release from White Bear Lake-based Envoy Medical, VERBATIM: “Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: COCH), a revolutionary hearing health company focused on fully implanted hearing systems, today announced the reintroduction of the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) reintroduced the House version of the bill - H.R. 1921 - along with Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) on March 6, 2025. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the Senate version of the bill - S. 983 - along with Senator James Lankford (R-OK) on March 13, 2025. Each bill is expected to gain additional bipartisan support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DN5Vp1
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)
38TH & CHICAGO: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis is continuing its efforts to engage the community in selecting a nonprofit organization to lead the redevelopment of Peoples’ Way at George Floyd Square. Since announcing four nonprofit applicants in January, the city has hosted a series of community engagement events to gather public feedback.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hgZc4x
SHELTER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Bridges of Hope is looking to pilot year-round operations at The Bridge on 7th overnight shelter this year. The decision comes in response to Brainerd’s proposed ordinance and Baxter’s ordinance, both of which prohibit unauthorized camping in public and private areas.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bDrG7s
VITAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FUELS THE FUTURE OF THIS WISCONSIN TRIBE - In 2017, one of the “glaring needs” for the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, in northwest Wisconsin, was an expanded wastewater treatment facility. “It was at capacity. We were not able to expand any of our businesses or facilities,” says Jason, the LCO Band’s Emergency Management Coordinator. With the support of Enbridge and several other partners, the LCO Band quadrupled its wastewater treatment capacity—allowing for creation of a new preschool, fire hall, 40-unit apartment complex, police headquarters and, still to come, health clinic and new residential community. “I’m very grateful for the partnership we’ve developed with Enbridge,” says Jason. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49v4mHc (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
THRIVENT: From Minneapolis-based Thrivent via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Thrivent today announced a refreshed brand and new marketing tagline, ‘Where Money Means More,’ that reinforces its deep expertise as a Fortune 500 company that puts generosity at the heart of saving and investing. Brought to life through a $50 million national marketing campaign, the new look emphasizes Thrivent's differentiated story at the intersection of financial planning and generosity, creating deeper connections with both current and prospective clients to better serve future generations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bGYHiX
PRETZELS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Brown as chestnuts, sparkling with salt, tied in pious and festive loops, clustered on a custom-built pegboard—are these the most beautiful pretzels in the world? Walk in the door to Aki’s BreadHaus and WunderBar, now in its new location on Marshall in Nordeast near the river, and see for yourself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4izXEUq
TODAY: From DiaMedica via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DMAC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for severe ischemic diseases, announced today that its full-year 2024 financial results will be released after the markets close on Monday, March 17th. DiaMedica will host a live conference call on Tuesday, March 18th at 7:00 AM Central Time to provide a business update and discuss financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Fi4X4N
WEDNESDAY: From General Mills via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2025 third quarter on March 19, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bf7AQF
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)
GRAIN: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A new grain facility on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border means new marketing opportunities for farmers. Shortly after a merger that formed Alcivia Cooperative, farmers told the board they needed a way to sell grain to new markets and take a smaller basis hit on grain prices. After a year of construction, President and CEO Jim Dell says their new Hager City, Wisconsin grain drying and loading location along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe mainline is about ready.” DELL: “Burlington Northern has been awesome to work with giving us good domestic destinations in the southwest part of the country, Hereford, Texas, as well as being able to go to Mexico and the Pacific Northwest so we’re really excited about the diversification it will bring us.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4buwg7U
PROCESSING: Via Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, VERBATIM: “On Wednesday, March 12, Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) introduced Senate File 305 in the Senate’s Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee. This legislation aims to appropriate funds to bolster Minnesota’s meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing facilities.” QUOTE: “Our state’s agricultural sector is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy,” said Sen. Lang. “By investing in our processing facilities, we not only support our local farmers and producers but also ensure that Minnesotans have access to high-quality, locally produced food products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kJpLSK
200,000: Via St. Paul-based Little Free Library, VERBATIM: “Little Free Library #200,000 is here! We are proud to announce a significant milestone: the installation of the 200,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box. This landmark library has been donated to Benjamin E. Mays IB World School, an elementary school in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood. It marks the first of 200 Little Free Libraries being granted to Title I schools across the country, in an effort to expand children’s access to books.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ingka2
VIVI: Via Eden Prairie Local News, VERBATIM: “Nevaeh ‘Vivi’ Vilella stood before the camera, her shimmering dress catching the light, her voice carrying through the room. As the first notes of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ rang out, she wasn’t just performing – she was telling a story, delivering a message that had echoed through generations . . . Her 90-second performance, recorded in advance and produced with multiple takes, was part of a Black History Month video project at Central Middle School (CMS). The initiative was led by African American Cultural Liaison Laquita Davis, with support from other CMS staff, to elevate student voices and foster cultural appreciation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/422Zwzk
MORE: Via Facebook, Vivi’s performance. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Fp0r4g
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MEDIA: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Star Tribune today announced several enhancements to its Strib Voices platform — the Strib’s reimagined hub for opinion content from across Minnesota. These exciting changes come under the leadership of award-winning editorial writer and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Phillip Morris.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kzmkOA
HIAWATHA: From Winona-based Hiawatha via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC) today announced that Dan Wigger has been appointed to lead the company following the retirement of President and General Manager Dan Pecarina, after more than 25 years of service with the company.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i9FwRq
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “You won’t have to hop on a plane this spring to experience the rare and captivating plant life of the tropics. On March 23, Galleria Edina will bloom to life with the lush greenery and exotic florals of an island escape, as the sixth iteration of its annual floral experience—'Escape to Paradise’— colors its walkways.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42csUDe
MOVIES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “As they did for the Film Noir Festival, the Heights Theater and Trylon Cinema are teaming up for the 2025 Hitchcock Film Festival, which will present five films from the Master of Suspense. This year's presentation of Hitchcock films includes a couple of his best-known later films, shown once a week at the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights from March 27 to April 24.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ftns67
BDAYS: Stinson’s Suzanna Kennedy, sales guy Wes Sweetser
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