GOOD MORNING
The JFK Library Foundation gave Twin Cities residents a “Profile in Courage” award for their response to Operation Metro Surge. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4bCjcOk
The Wisconsin Legislature’s top two Republicans have both announced they’re not seeking reelection as Democrats aim for their first majorities since 2010. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4uGnCwc
The White House is expected to announce its outline for regulating AI today. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4lAJDZ2
It’s National Ravioli Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
The WCCO Radio morning take from today with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bLBAW6
Sunday Take featured Sen. Ron Latz and a check in on the legislative session – lots of noise, few signals and a feeling that in a closely divided legislature isn’t listening to the data, but only to the loudest voices. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3P87zXL
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TOP STORIES
SENATERACE: via news release out later today from the Angie Craig campaign, VERBATIM: “Throughout her career, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has consistently failed to show up to do her job. As a Minneapolis school board member, Flanagan missed 15% of votes. Last year, KTTC reported, Flanagan only convened approximately half of the committee meetings she was required to by state law. Despite a promise of shaping the office in new ways, Flanagan has “rarely been seen” at the state capitol. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Angie Craig continues to have one of the highest attendance records in Congress, making 99% of votes last year and 99% overall during her four terms in Congress.” CRAIG: “The bare minimum as an elected official is showing up to work – and the Lieutenant Governor failed to do just that, from her time on the Minneapolis school board to now as the state’s second in command. It’s unacceptable. The choice in this race is between someone who shows up and gets results or someone who fails to show up time and time again. Democrats cannot risk nominating an absent Lt. Governor when Donald Trump is actively dismantling our democracy and ignoring the needs of working families.”
SENATERACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is pointing to Democratic primary outcomes in Illinois as a precursor of what could come in Minnesota. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton bested U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in that state’s primary contest. … The Flanagan campaign drew parallels between Illinois and what’s happening in Minnesota because Krishnamoorthi was a better-financed candidate, as [Angie] Craig is in Minnesota, and Stratton didn’t shy from positions that lined up more with the left flank than centrist voters. Both Flanagan and Craig have said they’ll run in the DFL primary if they don’t pick up the party’s endorsement in May.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lCacNs
TAFOYA: Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya went viral this week for saying Minnesota voters should be “keeping a stiff upper lip” about rising gas prices during an interview on Tennessee’s KWAM. On X alone, Tafoya’s comments have over 300,000 views. QUOTE: “We’ve all been told that the word ‘affordability’ is key, and it is. … [But] during the past wars, especially World War II, Americans got behind our servicemen and women and we did little things to show our support. … Maybe you take one less trip to Starbucks, and so that gas goes a little further until this thing is over and these gas prices come back down again. Let’s just try to be patriots about this.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4smFiez CLIP: https://fluence-media.co/40ImASB
NOTE: Michele Tafoya has been invited but not yet scheduled for an interview on Sunday Take.
WALZ: In a KARE 11 interview, Gov. Tim Walz discussed his decision to drop out of the governor’s race, his political future and more. VERBATIM: “The governor said he did not receive direct pressure from allies to step aside in the race. And, while he said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s interest in running for the position helped him make his decision, he said it was not the deciding factor. … He said he has no plans to ever seek elected office again.” QUOTE: “Going back to the summer, especially after Melissa and Mark [Hortman]’s murder, I just didn’t know how much my heart was in it. … I’d like to teach again, I think.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4skNmfQ
NOTE: Sources say Walz may not have heard much from allies because he delayed meetings with allies that he knew would be critical of him and his re-election effort.
NEXT WEEK: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Deadlines are coming at the Capitol. Policy proposals must clear committees in their chamber of origin by [Friday, March 27] to continue in the legislative process. Though there are exceptions to the committee deadline, it does typically winnow the proverbial wheat from the chafe as the session barrels toward a May 18 adjournment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pc4Z34
NEXT WEEK: National protest groups will host a flagship “No Kings” rally in St. Paul on Saturday, March 28. Speakers will include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, DFL Rep. Shelley Buck and numerous celebrity activists and union leaders.
A new level of insight and information….
WEEKEND
There are two political conventions to watch this weekend, the first is the battle between Sen. Ron Latz and St. Louis Park City Councilmember Lynette Dumalag in Senate District 46. This is representative of the dilemma within the DFL. How liberal can they be, before they are no longer mainstream? Dumalag is the fmr. campaign manager of Rep. Larry Kraft and her campaign is chaired by fmr. St. Louis Park Jake Spano.
The challenge doesn’t seem to have basis, other than “Lynette shows up for the community”, which is to suggest Latz doesn’t. Latz has endorsements from Sen. Maj. Leader Erin Murphy, Sen. John Hoffman and many local officials. Locals say that Latz, who is leading gun law reform in Minnesota has built a strong campaign. Dumalag started strong but has lost momentum. If Latz wins, Kraft may have some crow to eat. If not the far left has moved from Minneapolis to St. Louis Park.
The other race to watch is in Senate District 15, where there is a three-way race for the Republican endorsement, and a two-way race for the House endorsement. The seats will stay Republican, but replacing Sen. Gary Dahms and Rep. Paul Torkelson in one election illustrates the loss of thoughtful policymaking experience that this election may pose. In the Senate race, Braxton Seifert the young son of fmr. Speaker Marty Seifert is one of three candidates. The other two were in DC for the Jan. 6th protests, and Brian Mock served time for his actions. The other candidate Tiffany Lesmeister-Knott was in DC on January 6th but didn’t face charges. Mock has been an agitator within CD7 politics, which has created headaches for Rep. Michelle Fischbach. On the House side, Geri Theis a local realtor faces Tammy Houle in HD15B endorsement fight.
Turnout for the convention is expected to be very high. Sources say there are over 435 delegates. Eligible to vote which is a contrast to 2010 the last time the seats were open.
YOUR NEIGHBORS RIDE ATVs: From the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, thousands of Minnesotans own and ride ATVs. They are families, veterans, teachers and small business owners who rely on Minnesota’s trail system for recreation, tourism, and economic activity. ATV riders aren’t just “up north” — they live in the Twin Cities metro area, and they care deeply about maintaining safe, well-managed trails. As the legislature considers trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, ask them to support Minnesota’s ATV community and the outdoor opportunities they value. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
SESSION
OIG: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “There’s hope for one high-profile bill that’s been hung up so far this year. GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth told reporters yesterday that there’s been ‘good progress’ on a bill to establish a fraud-fighting Office of Inspector General — a measure that passed the Senate last year but has been stalled in the House. … House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson said work continues on the bill, [but] ‘I don’t think there’s anything insurmountable there.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pc4Z34
BONDING: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Last month, [Gov. Tim] Walz said that a bonding bill is his ‘top priority,’ but lawmakers have done more to draw attention to different issues, including fraud as well as tax and spending measures. … Walz has maintained — including in the supplemental budget he presented Tuesday — that he wants around $900 million toward projects such as new fire stations or removing harmful chemicals from waterways. But Legislative leaders have yet to present an overall spending target, nor gotten too far into the process of vetting specific ideas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sV4WHe
SELF-DRIVING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The House Transportation Committee failed, again, to advance a bill to establish a legal framework and formally allow self-driving vehicles in Minnesota. The bill would cover all autonomous vehicles but is being supported by industry leader Waymo. … Committee Co-Chair Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, told reporters he’s made changes to his bill at the suggestion of Democrats on the committee, including limiting it to no longer allow autonomous freight trucks and establish a permitting framework within the state Department of Transportation. … But his Democratic co-chair, Brad Tabke of Shakopee, [said] Democrats would present their own plan next week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pc4Z34
ABSENTEE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is one of eight states that allows residents to permanently receive absentee ballots. Rep. Duane Quam (R-Bryon) is pushing for added assurance that ballot casters are who they claim to be. He sponsors HF3723, which would mandate that county auditors or city clerks submit any absentee ballot applications that weren’t submitted electronically to the Secretary of State’s Office to verify the voter’s driver’s license, state identification card or Social Security number. … The bill failed on a 5-5 vote along party lines in the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NMorTy
STICKERS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Is it time to reimagine that red-with-white-lettering ‘I voted’ sticker? At least one Minnesota lawmaker thinks so. DFL Rep. Bianca Virnig of Eagan would invite more public participation in the design. … Her bill introduced yesterday would have election administrators periodically conduct a contest to update the ‘I VOTED’ stickers. The designs would have to be politically agnostic and must include those words. No other words or numbers could be used. Multiple winners could be selected.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lCacNs
POLL: PUBLIC WORRIES AS PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS REACH NEW HIGH, HARMING PATIENTS AND SAFETY NET HOSPITALS: Despite bipartisan attempts to lower the cost of drugs, a growing majority of Americans are worried about being able to afford prescription drugs, and majorities across parties want the government to do more to regulate prices, a new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds. At the same time, drug prices in Minnesota have increased, on average, more than 37% over the past five years — three times the rate of inflation on medical goods. With 30% of Minnesota’s hospitals operating in the red, immediate relief from the world’s highest drug prices is critical. Lawmakers should pass HF 3609/SF 3769 this session and stop drug companies from robbing resources from rural and safety net hospitals that Minnesotans rely on every day. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3P6gitA (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
NATIONAL
ABORTION: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration said Thursday that it has launched investigations into 13 states that require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover abortion. The probes are the latest in a long-running dispute between the political parties on how to interpret a provision, known as the Weldon Amendment, that’s included in federal spending laws each year. It bars states from discriminating against health entities that don’t provide, cover or refer for abortion. … The states with the coverage requirements [include] Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bQzjJf
RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Michelle Fischbach post, FISCHBACH: “The Weldon Amendment exists to protect healthcare entities from being forced to participate in or fund abortions. Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it will be investigating Minnesota for its extreme abortion coverage mandate. It’s time to hold the state accountable for violating federal law and forcing its radical agenda on Minnesotans.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4uGUx3w
PENTAGON: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, a sizable amount that is certain to be met with questions from Congress. … The department sent the request to the White House, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private information. Asked about the figure at a press conference Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not directly confirm the amount, saying it could change, [but] ‘it takes money to kill bad guys.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NsRY4C
RESPONSE: via joint statement from DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar and others, STATEMENT: “It is preposterous for the White House and the Pentagon to think of requesting any defense money from Congress while waging a war we never authorized, let alone $200 billion. … It is deeply shameful that Republicans always find money for wars, but are unable to allocate funds to take care of the American people. Congress should immediately reject this request.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bmJN30
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)
JUSTICE SYSTEM
WHIPPLE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “During testimony in a Minneapolis courtroom, attorneys and previously detained immigrants revealed more insight into their difficulties accessing counsel at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, including instances that came after a judge ordered the U.S. government to overhaul how it offered legal services. … At an evidentiary hearing on Thursday, March 19, two immigrants formerly detained at Whipple testified that federal officers told them at first they could only make one phone call and did not mention they could access an attorney.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bl0NGN
FAKE COPS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Impersonating a police officer could get offenders a stronger punishment in Minnesota because of an assassin’s attacks on lawmakers last June. … Sen. John Hoffman [wrote] a bill to make impersonating an officer a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It passed through committee unanimously on Thursday, and if it becomes law, it would take effect on August 1.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PwGEox
(DISCLOSURE: Fluence is providing media support for the Hoffman family)
BOELTER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Shortly after 2 a.m. on June 14, a man disguised as a police officer, armed with guns and a list of names, began a reign of terror. … Twenty minutes after [Vance] Boelter allegedly opened fire at the Hoffmans, he went to the home of Representative Kristin Bahner. This is the first time she is telling her story publicly. … She and her family went on a trip [that] they were supposed to take Saturday morning, and had they waited, she and her family very likely would have died that night.” BAHNER: “There were 99 out of 100 scenarios we would have been home, I would have opened that door, and I would be dead. And very likely, my family would be dead. … I call it divine intervention.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41hZbYm
CONGRESS
AMOR: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith introduced a resolution honoring Master Sergeant Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, who died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. … Amor’s husband and children reside in White Bear Lake.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4swJZCL
PFAS: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced the Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act bicameral legislation to address the use of [PFAS] in the domestic supply chain. … The [bill] would…require all PFAS manufacturers and users to file reports with EPA to disclose certain information relating to PFAS, and require manufacturers and users to submit a phase-out schedule of their products to be completed within 10 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41mgEPj
SAVE ACT: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Senator Alex Padilla of California and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota were joined by three Secretaries of State for a virtual press briefing to discuss the potential impacts of the SAVE America Act on elections. Secretary Steve Simon [and others] discussed the impacts to voters, election administrators, and the new costs that will be imposed on states as a result of the legislation.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bUTeXq
340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion IN PROFIT in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate and Congress should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG(SPONSORED: PhRMA)
METRO
HENN CTY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County has established a $2 million fund supporting small businesses that lost significant revenue during Operation Metro Surge. Applications are now open through Wednesday, March 25 at 4 p.m. for one-time grants between $3,000 and $10,000. The grants will help cover up to two months of rent or commercial mortgage payments for small businesses in Hennepin County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4swL4uj
GOLDEN VALLEY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Golden Valley Police Department is continuing its search for a police chief, a position the city initially hoped to have filled by the end of 2025. Two finalists participated in a community forum on March 11, [but] Golden Valley officials ultimately decided that neither of them were the right fit. … Matt Clark was tapped as Golden Valley PD’s interim leader. … It’s unclear whether Clark is being considered as a candidate in the police chief search.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pu1SDx
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: https://fluence-media.co/49AHNSE (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ACROSS MN
HIBBING: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “AFSCME Local 480, the union representing support staff within the Hibbing Public School District, announced Thursday that members had authorized a strike starting next week, unless the school district holds an earlier vote on the tentative agreement proposed between the two parties. This comes after a 16-hour mediation session. … The strike is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, if the district does not hold a vote on March 23.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47eMtgt
WAITE PARK: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Renovations on Apollo High School are expected to be completed by 2028 with continuous construction over the next two years, according to project architects from JLG Architects. Early renovations will also update locker rooms and shared spaces, with a secure entrance added later. Final phases will add new academic labs and complete updates to common areas, arts spaces and classrooms before the 2028–29 school year. … The ambulance bay, EMT classroom, storm shelter and a new indoor athletics center are expected to open in 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uH6h6h
CRITICAL MARKETS FOR MINNESOTA: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers export hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of corn, ethanol, and dried distillers grains (DDG) to Canada and Mexico each year. Those exports support consumers in those countries and account for thousands of Minnesota jobs and over $1 billion in economic activity. That’s why the Minnesota Corn Growers Association supports a full renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the landmark trade agreement that modernized North American agricultural trade.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
WHAT’S NEXT
SESSION: The House and Senate are on break until Monday due to Eid al-Fitr.
SUNDAY: via MIRAC, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will hold a rally at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, in front of [the] Minnesota Governor’s Mansion to demand that the governor issue an executive order making Minnesota a sanctuary state.”
TUESDAY: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.
NEXT WEEK: National protest groups will host a flagship “No Kings” protest in St. Paul on Saturday, March 28. Speakers will include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, DFL Rep. Shelley Buck and numerous celebrity activists and union leaders. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4bxA3l3
MARCH 31: via MDA advisory, VERBATIM: “Network with agricultural leaders at the 28th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on Tuesday, March 31 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme, ‘Local Leadership: Global Impact,’ will focus on developing and uplifting women in agriculture.”
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.