Wild and Timberwolves win. Twins tied.
What does a “backup bullpen” look like? READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XpbO2y
The Star Tribune looked into how Minnesota high school sports have changed over the years as student bodies are becoming increasingly diverse. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/41lRG2j
Plowable snow could come to the southern half of Minnesota this week. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4i0XGEC
The latest Inside Elections podcast discussed Minnesota’s statewide races in 2026. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/43l290p
Target will hold its investor preview tomorrow.
A CBS News poll finds that 82% of American adults think Donald Trump should make the economy a high priority, but only 36% think he is prioritizing it “a lot.” Similarly, 80% think inflation should be a top priority, but only 29% think Trump is prioritizing it “a lot.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4bnwuh4
An MPR. Marist poll, finds majorities say the state of the union is not strong, that the country is headed in the wrong direction. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4kfWNtH
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-09) was on Sunday Take to discuss the upcoming state budget forecast, federal funding and impacts on the Health and Human Services budget. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ipEyjL
Sen. Amy Klobuchar at 7:20 on WCCO Radio on Ukraine. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio regarding Sen. Klobuchar and Ukraine, as well as the dueling rallies in St. Paul today. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41D9cQR
DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger was on Sunday Take to discuss Minnesota’s current needs, the race for an open Senate seat, pushback against DFLers and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4idQkxd
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
RESPONSIBLE GAMING: 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)
FIRST: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “Today, Xcel Energy proposed to deliver $318 million back to Minnesota customers on their bills, with most of the refund coming from federal tax credits on the energy generated by the company’s nuclear fleet. This is the first time customers will see savings from the federal tax credit on nuclear energy generation, which the company advocated for in recent law. … The nuclear energy generation tax credits will make up $176 million, about 55%, of the company’s overall $318 million refund as part of its annual Fuel Clause Adjustment process. If approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Xcel Energy estimates that the average residential customer will receive a total refund of $81, reducing their monthly bills through March 2026.”
MORE: lunch take will have more details on the Xcel announcement. Share this update, and sign-up at www.TheDailyAgenda.com
FORECAST: via an MMB press release, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Erin Campbell, State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker, and State Budget Director Ahna Minge will present the State of Minnesota’s February 2025 Budget and Economic Forecast on Thursday, March 6. The February forecast announcement is scheduled about a week later than usual this year due to a later-than-usual release of key federal employment data.” MMB will post a summary at 9:30 a.m. and full materials at 12:00 noon. The press conference is at 12:30 p.m.
TODAY: The House GOP announced they will be hosting the “Preserve Girls’ Sports Rally” at the Capitol this morning to advocate against allowing transgender students to participate in girls’ academic sports. Speaker Lisa Demuth, Rep. Peggy Scott and Sen. Julia Coleman are among the attendees, as is former collegiate swimmer and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines. The event is at 11:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/43eedAF
MORE: via a House DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “On Monday, March 3, members of the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus and Minnesota House DFL will hold a press conference to voice their opposition to House File 12, legislation that would prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls' sports in Minnesota schools before it is heard on the House Floor.” Reps. Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long will attend. The event is at 12:00 noon.
MORE: OutFront MN announced they will be hosting a rally in the Capitol at 2:00 p.m. before the House votes on HF 12. Later, at 4:00 p.m., they will host “Let Kids Play Day” with local LGBTQ sports clubs. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4iju7OA
TODAY: via an ISAIAH press release, VERBATIM: “Childcare providers, parents, teachers and community members across Minnesota will be hosting or participating in Day Without Childcare events on Monday, March 3 to demonstrate how many people truly rely on childcare in our state. Several childcare centers that serve hundreds of children and families across the state will be closed to elevate the need to fund childcare and early learning.” Centers in Virginia, Bemidji, Duluth, St. Paul, Rochester, and Elk River will participate. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Sen. Liz Boldon and Sen. Grant Hauschild will speak on the matter at 3:30 p.m. in St. Paul.
WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz was on The New Yorker Interview podcast to discuss losing the 2024 election, his views on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and his plans for the future. Notably, Walz said he’d rather “eat glass” than return to Congress, but under the right circumstances, he might consider a presidential run. QUOTE: “When I see Medicaid cuts happening, when I see LGBTQ folks being demonized…that’s what weighs on me personally. I knew what my job was. It wasn’t to become vice president — it was to protect the most vulnerable. … I never had an ambition to be president or vice president…[but] if I feel like I can serve, I will. And if, nationally, people are like, ‘Dude, we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that. … I certainly wouldn’t be arrogant enough to think that it needs to be me.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XrA2cp
DEADLINES: On Friday night, the Minnesota Legislature’s four caucus leaders announced an agreement on committee deadlines for the 2025 session. The first and second deadlines will both be on Friday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. The third deadline will be on Friday, April 11 at 12:00 noon. Per joint rules, the third deadline applies to “major appropriation and finance bills,” while the first and second deadlines cover all other bills. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3EYAVma
UKRAINE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Members of the local Ukrainian community expressed disappointment and resentment after the tense meeting Friday that unraveled between President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Supporters of Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022, gathered Friday afternoon for a rally in northeast Minneapolis, marching across the Hennepin Avenue bridge, waving the Ukrainian flag and hoisting signs reading ‘Stand with Ukraine.’ Up to 200 people participated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ioBVi7
MORE: Via ABC News, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday after the volatile White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Friday, saying she "just couldn't believe” how Friday’s meeting unfolded…The Minnesota Democrat told ABC News' "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos she was "appalled by what happened in the Oval Office," and thinks the fallout of the exchange "is not in President Trump's best interest."
"We stand with our friends, not our enemies," Klobuchar said. "The great country of America goes into negotiations with strength, not surrender." WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/41GhFTD
REACTIONS: Minnesota’s federal delegation responded along party lines to Pres. Donald Trump and Vice Pres. JD Vance publicly arguing with Ukraine Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a meeting that ended early on Friday. In particular, Vance’s assertion that Zelenskyy was not sufficiently thankful for past aid drew harsh condemnation from Democrats.
● Via a Rep. Angie Craig post, CRAIG: “JD: The Ukrainian president has thanked America over and over. He just refuses to kiss your ass. A stronger Putin puts America — and democracies around the world — at risk.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/41DjzUL
● Via a Rep. Tom Emmer post, EMMER: “Peace through strength is the only way forward. That's the America First leadership [Trump] and [Vance] showed today. The bloodshed must end, and President Trump is the master negotiator and peacemaker who can get it done.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4hlQa6t
TARIFFS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The nation appeared headed for a trade war as President Donald Trump [last week] said tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will go into effect March 4 ‘as scheduled’ and China will face an additional 10% tariff. … The tariffs are expected to cool trade between Minnesota and Canada and Mexico, the state’s main trading partners, especially if those nations keep their promises to strike back with tariffs on a wide array of U.S. exports. According to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, about half of Minnesota’s exports went to Canada, Mexico and China in 2021, up from about one-third in 2002. And the chamber said trade between Minnesota and Canada grew about 39% from 2019 to 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QEhge3
PROTEST: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Sunday afternoon saw the largest gathering of protesters [this year] at Minnesota Rep. Pete Stauber’s office in Hermantown. Participating community members say they’re upset about issues regarding Medicaid, veterans being denied benefits, Elon Musk, and his Department of Government Efficiency entity. Many also voiced concerns about [Stauber’s] recent deciding vote in support of the Republican budget resolution. … The crowd size was well over a hundred people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QEQSk6
ELLISON: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was interviewed on WCCO-TV Sunday morning to discuss his flurry of ongoing lawsuits against Pres. Donald Trump’s executive orders. Ellison is currently litigating against Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, freeze federal funding, cut NIH funding, and punish organizations providing gender-affirming care, in addition to two lawsuits against DOGE. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DauWKF
SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sen. Tina Smith’s…retirement announcement unexpectedly put Minnesota on the political map. Her absence will force Democrats to defend a seat they’ve held since Norm Coleman, Minnesota’s last Republican senator, left it in 2009. … Democrats are feeling good about their chances heading into a midterm election that could serve as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s return to office. But they’re leaving nothing to chance. … Though Republicans haven’t won statewide in awhile, they believe the right candidate and support from Washington could help them pull off a win. The GOP Senate campaign arm says Smith’s seat is in play.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D54AK6
JOB TRAINING: As seen in the Feb. 26 morning take, Alpha News published an employee training document previously used by the Minnesota government that refers to the U.S. Republican Party as “overtly and boldly claiming a white supremacy, autocratic agenda.” Now, an MPR newsletter reports that Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia) wants Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell to answer for the material — which is no longer in use — before the State and Local Government Committee. NASH: “I'm going to call shenanigans, and I'm going to use my committee to prosecute that training and find out why state resources were used to shove hate speech down employees’ throats.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ik9fqo
TAXES: Via Center of the American Experiment, Minnesota’s gas tax increased by about 3 cents from July 2024 to January 2025 — the largest increase in any U.S. state, per federal data. VERBATIM: “State taxes and fees on gasoline and diesel fuel averaged $0.33 per gallon of gasoline and $0.35/gal of diesel at the beginning of 2025. National average rates were nearly flat, but taxes decreased in six states, with Indiana’s gas tax dropping $0.036 per gallon. Minnesota had the largest gas tax increase since July 2024, with an increase of $0.031 per gallon to a total of $0.319 per gallon. Minnesota posted the same increase in its state diesel tax rate, ranking only behind Connecticut. Including federal taxes, gasoline consumers in Minnesota pay [around 50 cents] per gallon in taxes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h4m4UL
MORE: The Senate GOP pointed out on social media that Sen. Scott Dibble (D-61) has introduced a bill to remove the $100 threshold on the state’s retail delivery tax. If passed, this means all retail deliveries would have an additional 50-cent fee imposed by the state, regardless of how much the delivery cost. Via the GOP, STATEMENT: “No more $100 minimum. Under this bill, every single order gets hit — even if you're just buying toothpaste or a birthday card.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bpG571 BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4hlTeQ1
CHILDCARE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Two new bills would ease qualification requirements for child care professionals and give parents drop-off and pick-up flexibility in an effort to address rising child care costs and staff shortages across the state. Minnesota lawmakers considered HF 1247 and HF 628 [last] week in the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee. HF 1247, which would provide flexibility for drop-off and pickup time at child care centers, is on its way to the House floor after quickly moving through the committee. … HF 628 was met with some resistance and tabled for later consideration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41zOT6V
MENTAL HEALTH: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “[Last week], the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard Senate File 1402, authored by Senator Melissa H. Wiklund (DFL - Bloomington). This bill aims to build and protect Minnesota’s physical and mental health care capacity by addressing low reimbursement rates in Medicaid outpatient services. Using the 2024 Department of Human Services outpatient rate study, this bill proposes staggered rate increases over the next three years, ultimately reaching 100% of Medicare or similar for all services covered in the bill. … The bill was referred to the Senate Taxes Committee.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/3EVntPZ
DRUGS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “DFL lawmakers in the House and Senate (SF1905/HF1657) ) have introduced legislation that would remove an unusual loophole in state law allowing prosecutors to treat the water in a bong as a controlled substance, no different than the uncut version of whatever illicit drug the bong was used to smoke. Under current law, prosecutors can treat bong water quantities of greater than four ounces as a ‘drug mixture’ and add it to the weight of any actual drugs found on a suspect, which can turn a misdemeanor possession offense into a first-degree felony with the potential for decades in prison.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F3F1cY
STATE SYMBOLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Science Museum of Minnesota [is] working to raise awareness about the giant beaver and about their effort to make it the state’s official fossil. While Minnesota has a variety of state symbols, ranging from a bird to a flag to a muffin to a state beverage, it’s among a handful of states that hasn’t adopted an official state fossil. The giant beaver fossils are part of the science museum’s collection and they were discovered in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F3B0oK
MORE: Via MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan, a bill in the state Senate would make peas the official state vegetable of Minnesota. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3QDNmGR
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)
FEED FRAUD: Via KARE 11, several Minneapolis politicians were spotted in video footage attending a June 2021 celebration honoring Aimee Bock, the former executive director of Feeding Our Future who is currently on trial for fraud. VERBATIM: “In the video, obtained by KARE 11, are statements made by Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman that raise more questions about his connections to the $250 million fraud case. Osman wasn't the only political figure attending and speaking at Bock's party. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's deputy district director Ali Isse was introduced as ‘vital.’ … State Senator Omar Fateh, who is now running for mayor of Minneapolis, was there as well. He thanked Bock for her work and claimed to the dozens in attendance that he obtained a meeting with the governor's office in which he was assured there was ‘zero evidence’ of fraud in the meal program.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XlkQxu
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A federal judge, citing the need to prevent future acts of…witness tampering or intimidation, ordered Friday that the man accused of interfering with the ongoing Feeding Our Future trial remain in jail until his August trial. Abdinasir Abshir was arrested and held in federal custody in Sherburne County jail after allegedly asking to talk to a witness in the courthouse bathroom before the witness testified in the trial this month. … Judge Tony Leung said the potential threat posed by Abshir outweighed the risks of allowing him to remain free while wearing an electronic bracelet monitor or being held in a halfway house.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4knrL2L
MPLS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council signed off on $800,000 in funding for violence intervention contracts with small grassroot groups and organizations last week despite ongoing questions about management, administration, and oversight of the public safety programs. Court and public records obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators over the last year reveal more questions about how the funding was used. … At least one funding recipient has failed to provide required receipts for violence intervention services while under contract with the city of Minneapolis.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kor2i4
WORKFORCE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Nearly 100,000 Minnesotans exited the workforce during the early days of the pandemic and simply stopped looking for work. Thousands have since returned, but there’s still a sizable gulf between then and now, leaving employers scrambling for labor as the post-war ‘baby boom’ generation continues to retire from a workforce held back by low birth rates and domestic out-migration to other states. … Two trends are increasingly standing out to experts who study labor. In 2022, the state’s unemployment rate fell to a record low of 2.3%, the lowest jobless rate in the nation. At the same time, from 2020 to 2024, immigrants accounted for 94% of the net gains in the state’s population growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QG3aIX
NLRB: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Wilcox v. Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia supporting Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump. … The amici states urge the Court to grant Wilcox’s motion for expedited summary judgment and order the defendants to allow her to continue performing her responsibilities as an NLRB member.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41E2hak
CHAMBERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber have made no secret of how difficult it is to keep a dues-based association afloat in an era where many employers have gone virtual and are more prone to sell their services online and around the world. … Is it time for them to merge? The question, which has been raised more than once across the St. Paul Chamber’s 157 years in operation, has resurfaced, this time with more organizational energy and public process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h4wbsv
NOTE: morning take shared this news over a month ago
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)
BORDER: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “When you hear the words ‘U.S. border,’ you probably think of the southern border. It’s usually the only border we hear about from political leaders and the national media. But that’s starting to change. … 170 miles of international border, from Warroad to Grand Marais, [are] increasingly targeted by migrants trying to cross illegally. A Northern News Now review of CPB data shows officer encounters with such people at Minnesota’s border are up 237% from 2022 to 2024, with more than 1,100 caught trying to cross illegally from Canada to Minnesota last year alone.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41EWrFu
PERMITS: via New York Times, VERBATIM: “One of the biggest hurdles to bringing clean energy sources online in the U.S. often isn’t a lack of money, necessity or even willpower. It’s red tape. … But Minnesota is trying to fix its own part of this cumbersome process. Last year, Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill that aims to simplify the state’s permitting process, in large part to help Minnesota reach its goal of having a carbon-free electric grid by 2040. It has typically taken energy projects in Minnesota 12 to 13 months to be granted site permits. … [Experts] expect it will cut permitting timelines on standard wind and solar projects by six to nine months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4idiAQO
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “It’s a post-pandemic world, and Minnesota’s greenhouse emissions are following the nationwide trend of going up. Based on recent state data, from 2020 to 2022, emissions rose 6.4 percent with transportation and agriculture being the biggest contributors. Now, the state is off-track to meet its climate goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h7OAVk
DATA CENTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota utility regulators on Friday said Amazon must prove it needs 250 backup diesel generators at its proposed data center in Becker. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted 4-0 to reject the tech giant’s request for an exemption from a ‘Certificate of Need.’ It’s a first-of-its-kind test of how the state will regulate a wave of giant server farms. The issue has spilled over to the Legislature, where Republicans have advanced a bill to exempt Amazon by changing state law. Many DFLers oppose the idea.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ltboy
DISABILITIES: via a Rep. Pete Stauber press release, VERBATIM: “This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the ‘Think DIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act,’ a bipartisan bill that will help Americans living with disabilities find jobs or become entrepreneurs. … Specifically, the bill would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the National Council on Disability to increase access to resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41qpWcK
TRUCKERS: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) joined U.S. Reps. [including] Pete Stauber (MN-08) [in] reintroducing the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. This legislation addresses the dangerous, nationwide shortage in safe, accessible parking spaces for large commercial trucks by providing U.S. Department of Transportation funding for the construction of new lots and spaces. Currently, there are not enough areas for truck drivers to safely park and rest on highways nationwide – and drivers are often forced to choose between continuing to drive or parking in unsafe locations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41qq8Zw
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)
SLP: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested seven people Wednesday morning at an aluminum manufacturing facility in St. Louis Park, according to immigrant advocates. Three of the seven individuals have been identified by the Immigrant Defense Network, a statewide group of advocacy organizations that provides direct services and legal resources. The organization issued a news release Thursday about the arrests at HardCoat Inc., noting that details about how the arrests were carried out are unknown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41quX58
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement taking immigrants into custody in Rochester and the Trump Administration promising the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, more than 200 people rallied in support of immigrants in downtown Rochester Sunday afternoon. … Members of the group, the student-led Rochester Community Initiative, decried deportation of immigrants, splitting of families and the fear recent immigration actions are causing among the Rochester immigrant community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41CL9BF
ST PETER: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Employees at facilities for Minnesotans with some of the most challenging behavioral problems say state officials are failing to address workers' safety concerns. … A small group of unionized staff, many of whom have worked at the St. Peter facilities for about two decades, recently protested in the cold by the campus that houses the Forensic Mental Health Program for people with chronic, serious mental illness and the sex offender program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DrQpP8
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:
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
POPULATION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is among the top four states in the country where the Black population has grown the fastest since 2010. According to analysis by the Pew Research Center, Minnesota’s Black population grew by 60 percent — about 197,000 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XiwGbG PEW: https://fluence-media.co/41cwrQs
FBI: via Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “On Friday, his first day on the job, [Kash] Patel ordered officials to relocate 1,500 employees from Washington to cities with high crime rates including Minneapolis, Detroit and Cleveland. Another FBI official piped in with a harsh reality, according to people familiar with the exchange: The restructuring could cost $100 million, with each move estimated at up to $100,000, and the bureau didn’t have the funds to cover it. Government agencies generally aren’t allowed to spend money in ways not authorized by Congress. … Patel was unmoved. Figure out how to do it anyway, and fast, he told them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ESOhjR
UMN: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced Friday it would be visiting 10 university campuses that experienced antisemitic incidents since October 2023. The Department of Justice said the task force will meet with university leadership, impacted students and staff, local law enforcement and community members and decide ‘whether remedial action is warranted.’ … The schools include…the University of Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41jnSU8
GRAIN: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “Legislation chief authored by Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) that will reduce costs for Minnesota grain buyers passed unanimously off the Senate Floor [last week]. The bill, SF 1552, will help lower the cost of doing business for small grain elevators and farmers throughout Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DeiU2Y
THEDAILYAGENDA: 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: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Fraud Prevention & State Oversight hears a presentation from DEED. Ways & Means will hear a one-year delay on paid leave implementation. Elections & Govt. Ops. will hear bills requiring additional voter verification for absentee ballots. Transportation hears a ban on expenditures for the ReConnect Rondo project. SENATE: Education Policy hears a ban on building schools near former landfills and changes to indigenous drumming and mascots in schools. Judiciary & Public Safety hears bills increasing penalties for assaulting officials, coercing violence, driving without a license, removing condoms without consent, and more. Veterans subcommittee hears a federal accreditation requirement for benefit services providers. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3F2XJkP
TOMORROW: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts will host Arts Advocacy Day in the state capitol on Tuesday, March 4. Events include a rally in the rotunda at 10:00 a.m. and meetings with legislators from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
THURSDAY: Minnesota Management and Budget announced that the next state budget forecast will be released on Thursday, March 6. In a press release, MMB said “the February forecast announcement is scheduled about a week later than usual this year due to a later-than-usual release of key federal employment data.”
MARCH 11: via MN Assoc. of Townships, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 1,776 townships will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 11, [also] known as Township Day. … Residents of the townships will meet to voice their opinions about local issues with other township residents and also vote directly on their annual tax levy. … In addition, many of the state’s townships will hold their township officer elections on Tuesday’s Township Day.”
MARCH 11: via an Outfront MN advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism is a grassroots coalition…promoting religious pluralism, defending the separation of church and state, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. This kick-off event will feature ways in which you can get involved in the coalition.” The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4imLRZu
APRIL 10: 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/3EKmNge (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
FINALNOTE: The dust up over Davanni’s is ripe for social media. The difference is the 50 years of roots and community connection of the company absolves it of anyone having a major reason to dislike the brand or boycott. What readers should know is that my first job after the paper route was at Davanni’s. On the wall, still to this day are the Davanni’s values: “Care. Work Hard. Have Fun.” It’s a set of values I share with colleagues to this day. I also ordered a Davanni’s pizza last night – sausage, mushroom and onion, if you were wondering. One may also see those values in this newsletter. Have a good week. -BRO
BDAYS: entrepreneur Amy Langer, attorney Fred Tyler, US Rep. Tom Emmer, Rochester City Council President Randy Schubring
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