One year ago today, three Burnsville first responders were killed by an ambush. Remember Paul Elmstrand, Mathew Ruge and Adam Finseth today.
USA loses to Sweden in the Four Nations. Final vs. Canada on Thursday
New hitting coaches for the Twins. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4hIslqa
Schools in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester and more are closed today due to extreme cold weather. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/431nAnk
Rep. Mary Frances Clardy appears in the Minneapolis season of “Love Is Blind” — her daughter is one of the contestants. REFORMER: https://fluence-media.co/3X4y4OS
A flight from MSP crash landed upside-down in Toronto. No fatalities were reported. DELTA: https://fluence-media.co/4gT91FK
Minnesota leaders shared condolences and reactions following an MSP-to-Toronto plane crash. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4b1HRuX
(DISCLOSURE: Delta Air Lines is a client of Fluence)
The Trump Administration is firing hundreds of FAA radar, landing, and navigational aid maintenance employees. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3QkgBOL
Thousands of IRS employees are expected to be laid off before tax season is over. NYT: https://fluence-media.co/4hK0RRg
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
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
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
SENATE RACE: Rep. Angie Craig has publicly confirmed that she is “giving serious consideration” to a run for Senate and “will make a decision in the near future.” Insiders reported last week that Craig was privately expressing interest after Sen. Tina Smith announced she will not run for reelection in 2026. Former Rep. Dean Phillips supported Craig on social media, saying “her principles, pragmatism, and both private sector and political experience are a combination of attributes which we need more of in Washington.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/41imBxK
MORE: Wall Street Journal reporter John McCormick shared on social media that a source close to Gov. Tim Walz told him Walz is “now looking unlikely to run for Senate.” Previous reporting indicated that Walz is privately deciding between running for governor or Senate in 2026. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4hDuhR1
LT GOV: Following Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s announcement that she will seek outgoing Sen. Tina Smith’s open seat, Smart Politics reported that this is not the first time a lieutenant governor has run for Senate. VERBATIM: “Smith herself was completing her third year as Lieutenant Governor under [Gov.] Mark Dayton when he appointed her to Al Franken’s vacant seat. Flanagan, however, is seeking to become the first Minnesotan to win election to the nation’s upper legislative chamber while serving as the state’s Lieutenant Governor. … The only Minnesotan to serve as Lieutenant Governor to enter the U.S. Senate via the ballot box was Republican Governor Edward Thye in 1946. … The only other Lieutenant Governor to run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota history was Independent-Republican Joanell Dyrstad in 1994.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/431qTdX
TAKE: Rep. Angie Craig’s confirmation that she is seriously considering a Senate run begins to create a clearer view of the DFL field. Craig would after Gov. Tim Walz be the likely preferred candidate of Leader Chuck Schumer, and she’ll come with a significant fundraising advantage. Craig has consistently increased her fundraising in each cycle including $7.8 million in 2024. Craig has also increased her electoral margin, and outperformed Harris-Walz in CD2 in 2024 and winning by 12 points over Joe Teraib. Unlike Republicans, in open seats DFLers have produced statewide candidates that won from a primary battle in the 2010 and 2018 Governor’s races. That doesn’t mean that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won’t be formidable. She has a national fundraising base, but hasn’t had to raise Senate amounts of money. She will have an early edge for the DFL endorsement. A crowded primary, would also mean money that will be needed in November for DFLers – keeping the decisions of Secretary of State Steve Simon and Gov. Walz curious.
PHILLIPS: Former Rep. Dean Phillips made an appearance on Fox News to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and its resistance to Pres. Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Phillips said he agrees with Trump and Musk’s stated intent to increase government efficiency, but he disagrees with their methods in practice, adding that “neither party” has been successful in fixing the country’s problems recently. QUOTE: “We need to reform our federal government, but we need to do so legally. … We have to be a nation of progress, and that’s why I wish my Democratic colleagues and Republican colleagues would work together to do better for all of us — because frankly, neither party is doing it real well right now.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3D4HNhd
RECALL: The Minnesota GOP announced that more legislative recall filings will be completed this afternoon. Republicans are engaged in an ongoing effort to recall DFL lawmakers who boycotted the House session earlier this year. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3QmXq6P
TODAY: The second protest this week against Pres. Donald Trump will begin at the Minnesota Capitol today at 4:00 p.m. Via a press release, We Make Minnesota says protesters will “call for elected officials in the state Capitol and Congress to ‘Fund Our Future’ by blocking cuts to vital programs and increasing revenue for public services.” Attorney General Keith Ellison will attend.
PROTESTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A group of hundreds that oppose [Donald Trump and Elon Musk] held a protest at the state Capitol Monday as part of a national movement. Another protest is planned for [today]. … The hundreds who rallied outside the Capitol on Monday hoisted signs that said ‘Deport Elon’ and ‘Impeach Trump.’ Nancy Steinke, of Wayzata, said she didn’t have a sign but had her father’s military jump boots slung over her shoulder. ‘My dad's generation fought so hard for our freedoms in this country, and right now, I'm so worried about those freedoms being jeopardized,’ Steinke said. … Susan Thompson, a retired nurse from Minneapolis, carried an American flag hung upside down to display her frustration. … Thompson said the event provided a sense of community, but she worried that it would only be like ‘preaching to the choir.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41i8BUF
CCAP: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “5 EYEWITNESS NEWS first reported last month that the state still gave millions of dollars from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to some daycare providers who had patterns of serious safety violations over several years. Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) is now preparing a bill she hopes to introduce this week which will make it easier for state regulators to halt CCAP payments to daycare providers who’ve been warned repeatedly about serious violations. … Under Robbins’ bill, a daycare provider with that type of track record would have its CCAP funding withheld until the provider fixes problems found by state regulators.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4126YsT
CONTRIBUTIONS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Elliott Engen (R-White Bear Township) believes there is a conflict of interest when a nonprofit or other organization receives state funding [and] is allowed to donate that money as a political contribution to a friendly candidate. … Engen sponsors HF72, which would prohibit any organization receiving state funding, including nonprofits, from making political contributions or expending money for a political purpose. The bill was approved 6-5 on a party-line vote and sent to the House Floor. … Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Mpls) said the bill would repeal laws already on the books because certain nonprofits already cannot make political contributions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFE7Sb
POT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Eighteen months after Minnesota legalized marijuana for adult use, the state’s new cannabis agency will officially begin to accept applications [today] for the first round of marijuana business licenses. The licenses will be awarded to qualified applicants in lotteries later this spring. … Businesses will not be able to open until rules governing the legal marijuana market are in place, expected within weeks. Licensed businesses must secure ‘labor peace agreements’ with unions, undergo background studies and ensure they’re in compliance with local zoning ordinances. They also must pass a pre-opening inspection by the OCM.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EHEJs2
MORE: MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan notes on social media that cannabis businesses in Oregon recently filed a lawsuit in federal court over the state’s own “labor peace agreements.” The plaintiffs allege that such agreements violate the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which could have implications for Minnesota’s cannabis laws. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4k5om8E
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “For 55 years, the state of Minnesota has distributed money to help students who attend non-public schools. … But perhaps for the first time since [its passage], it is being threatened with cancellation. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget for the two-year period starting July 1 would zero out $109 million in non-public school aid — about 0.4% of the state’s education budget. … Tim Benz, the president of MINNDEPENDENT, [said] he has spoken with private school officials with [more] experience on the issue and none could recall an attempt to repeal the program, though it did face cuts during budget deficits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ZpBAr
ELECTRIC CARS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The move toward electric vehicles has been afoot on Minnesota roads for at least the last decade. But Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township) believes that how the state funds the upkeep of those roads hasn’t kept pace. One of the three primary revenue sources for the state’s roads is the motor fuels tax…but electric vehicle owners would be asked to pitch in more under HF189. It would double the surcharge on the purchase of all-electric vehicles. … On Monday, the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QofbCG
DATA CENTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “At its potential data center in Becker, Minn., [Amazon] wants a fleet of 250 emergency generators to be exempt from a state permit that would require Amazon to prove the infrastructure is necessary and that there is no cheaper, cleaner alternative. … The exemption request made to Minnesota utility regulators has drawn opposition from environmental organizations, as well as state officials. Attorney General Keith Ellison said the PUC should closely scrutinize the data center plan, in part because of diesel’s greenhouse gas emissions. … The board’s ruling, expected Feb. 28, could set a precedent for other data center projects. … [But] Republican state lawmakers have advanced a bill that would exempt data centers from the permit requirement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EEzyZI
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS: “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
MASSAGES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is one of only four states in the entire country that doesn't license massage therapists. That means there are no uniform background checks or training required by the state and no oversight on the practicing therapists by a statewide governing body. Instead of a statewide system, Minnesota leaves licensing laws up to individual cities. … The American Massage Therapist Association [said] fewer than 1 in 8 Minnesota cities requires the licensure of every practicing massage therapist.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QofKwi
LSSMN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is eliminating 27 staff positions, citing the Trump Administration’s suspension of refugee admissions and stoppage of federal funds for resettlement agencies to aid newly arrived Americans. ‘With no new arrivals [and] no funding for resettlement services, we are in the unfortunate position of reducing staffing to align with the financial situation,’ the nonprofit organization informed staff in a letter sent out Friday. … Friday’s letter said the majority of the position eliminations will be effective Feb. 18 and that staff have been provided information about other opportunities to stay with LSSMN in other service areas if possible.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41maS1f
SPPS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Public Schools board will vote Tuesday on a cell phone policy it spent the fall drafting. … SPPS’s policy draft to be presented to the board states that the use of personal electronic devices will not be permitted during school hours and must either remain at home, in lockers or turned off and put away. That includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, gaming systems and earbuds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k6aqvs
ADOPTION: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Senate co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption, introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation, the Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act and the Safe Home Act. … The Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act supports adoptive families with pre- and post-adoption resources, including mental health treatment. … The Safe Home Act protects a parent’s ability to place their children with a trusted relative when appropriate but ensures they cannot transfer custody to a stranger without the oversight of the child welfare system.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k3h6dp
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
PFAS: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “Rep. Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) has introduced a bill that would transfer money out of Minnesota’s 3M Settlement for the purposes of funding water treatment center improvements in Hastings. In 2018, the state of Minnesota settled its lawsuit against 3M Company for its pollution of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in the East Metro region of the Twin Cities. As a result, $720 million in state grants became available to communities impacted by the contamination of drinking water in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42YkuAk BILL: https://fluence-media.co/435KGcx
RESPONSE: via a DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger statement, SEEBERGER: “By diverting a large chunk of these allocated dollars to Hastings, [Rep. Tom Dippel] would effectively be stealing from communities like Cottage Grove, who have already made plans for their own infrastructure improvements – making it harder or impossible for other cities to finish their projects.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42YkuAk
MORE: via a DFL Rep. Rick Hansen statement, HANSEN: “While Rep. [Tom] Dippel calls this bill ‘outside the box’ thinking, in reality, it's theft. 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.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ERQJHg
MIGRANTS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A bill authored by a Minnesota House Republican would block ‘undocumented noncitizens’ from receiving various state services, including subsidized health care under the MinnesotaCare program or academic scholarships under the ‘Minnesota Dream Act.’ … Rep. Isaac Schultz (R – Elmdale Township) said in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee: ‘Should [Minnesotans] be paying the bill for people who do not have legal status in our state?’ … Democrats say those undocumented residents will still need health care services that would likely end up being paid for by hospitals — and, ultimately, by taxpayers. … The bill passed the committee on an 11-10 party line vote.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4k6a8Ez
FARMS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Nearly 30% of farmers today have less than 10 years’ experience, and these new farmers need a unique set of business management skills to succeed in a difficult profession. To give these farmers a helping hand, Rep. Nathan Nelson (R-Hinckley) [sponsors] HF653, which would boost funding from $4.5 million to $6 million in the 2026-27 biennium for the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council for distribution to farm business management programs. … The committee laid HF653 over for consideration in its budget bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X6P2fA
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)
ST LOUIS CTY: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County commissioners have praised the largely successful results of continued efforts to stop the spread of invasive organisms into local waters. But they’ve recently focused their attention on a new potential emerging threat: complacency. In the past decade, the county has invested more than $6.8 million to keep invasive plants and animals out of area lakes and waterways. However, state funds that have supported those efforts could dry up soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41kQFZy
STILLWATER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Hope House of the St. Croix Valley in Stillwater — a home for people who have HIV/AIDS — has closed following the suspension of its license by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. DHS officials [cited] an ‘imminent risk of harm’ to the people served by the program. The license suspension, which went into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, means Hope House, located in a large two-story Victorian in the North Hill neighborhood, is ‘prohibited from providing home and community-based services, including those services in the community residential settings,’ according to the DHS.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ETOraD
WINONA: via Winona Daily News, VERBATIM: “The Winona Area Public Schools district is advancing key decisions necessary to enact its new reconfiguration plans for the upcoming school year. Starting in the fall, all kindergarteners will be at Goodview Elementary and all first through fourth graders will be at Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko elementaries. … The district announced earlier this month that two of its elementary principals will switch schools starting in the fall. … The district is continuing to work on staffing changes involving other employees in the schools, according to a release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/414ddMN
MANKATO: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Beginning Monday, 18 eateries in Mankato and North Mankato will be offering special menus as part of a concentrated week of restaurant deals. The promotion, dubbed the first ‘Greater Mankato Restaurant Week,’ runs through Sunday. The hope is to bring foot traffic back to Mankato-area restaurants after a tough few years that include the pandemic, flooding and construction, restaurateurs said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41iSV3n
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
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
USDA: Via a USDA press release, Minnesota Reps. Angie Craig and Michelle Fischbach shared reactions to the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture. CRAIG: “Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.” FISCHBACH: “Congratulations to the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins! This is a great appointment for Minnesota farmers, and I look forward to working with her and the Trump administration for our strong rural communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436OKsG
PLEDGE: 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
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.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3EGXtIa
ALL THE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: State Govt. hears bills on fraud reporting and creating an OIG. Judiciary & Civil Law hears the GOP’s public safety “mini-omnibus” bill. Education Finance hears the GOP’s school “mini-omnibus” bill and changes to transportation funding. Children & Families hears three child care bills. Education Policy hears a repeal of ethnic studies requirements. Public Safety hears increased penalties for driving crimes. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear bills on teacher’s aides, facility fees, immunity for providers and more. Taxes will hear an eligibility change for redevelopment districts. Commerce hears a ban on “whippet” nitrous oxide canisters. Housing & Homelessness hears a bill for statewide tenant education services. Higher Education hears a ban on legacy admissions. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4i4vUGT
TODAY: In the Netherlands, Governor Tim Walz will attend a roundtable meeting with members of the Hague Parliament and tour Neste’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refinery. Later, he will deliver remarks and join armchair conversations hosted by the John Adams Institute.
TODAY: At 1:30 Senate Republicans to announce updated and new ethics complaints against Sen. Nicole Mitchell.
TODAY: via a Gender Justice advisory, VERBATIM: “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). … [We] are demanding action this year to put the Minnesota ERA (SF473/HF501) on the ballot.” Rep. Leigh Finke and Sen. Mary Kunesh will attend. The event is at 10:30 a.m.
TODAY: via advisory from Rep. Kelly Morrison, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) will visit Gillette Children’s in Maple Grove, Minnesota to highlight the critical importance of Medicaid and the dangerous threat that Republicans are posing to Minnesota families by proposing cuts to this health insurance program. … The event will be open press, followed by a media availability.” The event is at 2:30 p.m.
NEXT WEEK: Axios energy and climate reporters will host a conversation with Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith and Ohio Rep. Bob Latta for their “Powering the Electric Future” event on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3WY8vz0
JOY: Congratulations to Minneapolis data journalist, and Fluence map creator David H. Montgomery on the birth of his first child, Wren. PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4k717vd
BDAYS: lobbyist John Apitz, Washington Post’s James Hohmann, agency leader Kathy Tunheim, ACES’ Christina Saunders, tech guy Jake Levy-Pollans, Minnesota Winds co-founder Meagan Bachmayer
SHARE: Signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy. Please share with your friends, colleagues and family. HERE: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets
TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories? Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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