morning take | NFL Draft, Session Vibes, Stunning Sheriff Funding Comments

March 25, 2026

Mar 25, 2026

HUMP DAY

Wild let one go in Tampa. Wolves host Houston tonight.

Brett Larson is the new head coach for U of M men’s hockey.

Renewing the call for a group entrance for next session at the Capitol complex. On busy Days on the Hill wait times are 15-20 minutes.

Later this morning, Rep. Angie Craig will announce that Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse has endorsed her campaign for US Senate.

Willie Nelson’s “Outlaw Music Fest” will come to Minnesota for the first time in August. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3PmcO6m

OpenAI is discontinuing its TikTok competitor Sora after six months on the App Store. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3PFsvWc

Minneapolis office building values hit a 10-year low. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/47njqrj

Gallup finds that a 49% plurality of U.S. workers say they’re struggling, and 72% think it’s a bad time to find a job. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/3Pqpo4x

Reuters finds that 29% of Americans approve of Donald Trump’s economic policies, the lowest of his presidency and worse than Joe Biden’s low point of 32% on the issue. Trump’s overall approval is 36%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/40OrJbU

Telling sign? A Democrat won a special election in the district that includes Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The seat had been Republican.

Happy International Waffle Day…to the reader who checks daily for the holiday we’re celebrating.

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Sunday Take featured GOP Rep. Jon Koznick and DFL Sen. Scott Dibble discussing transportation in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4t1X5aP

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NFL DRAFT

Developing this morning…Minnesota is officially in the mix for one of the NFL’s biggest stages. Minnesota Sports and Events confirmed it has submitted a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft, positioning the Twin Cities as a serious contender for an event that can draw more than 500,000 fans and deliver over $200 million in economic impact. The effort, backed by the Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium and a growing list of corporate leaders, underscores both the region’s event-hosting track record and a broader push to secure sustainable funding to compete for major national moments.

Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of MNSE, said, BLACKSHAW: “Hosting the NFL Draft would be a defining moment for Minnesota - not just as a world-class event, but as a global showcase of who we are. We’ve proven we can deliver on the biggest stages, and this bid reflects both our ambition and our confidence in what this region can offer. At the same time, opportunities like this reinforce the importance of establishing a sustainable, long-term funding model, so Minnesota can remain competitive for events of this scale in the future.”

CONFOUNDING COUNTY

HENNCTY: What’s the Sheriff’s job? That seems to be the question of a couple Hennepin County Commissioners including Marion Greene. At yesterday’s county board meeting, which don’t usually get much attention Greene suggested the scope of the Sheriff’s office duties should be reviewed. GREENE: “The Hennepin County Sheriff’s office is not actually responsible for public safety on the street…I want to us to look and reconsider the community ambitions for the for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office when it is not funded to provide public safety for Hennepin County.”

Commissioner Heather Edelson countered and read the statute that created the Sheriff’s office, the opening line, “The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace.”

Greene counters with “I’m not willing to fund the Sheriff to provide public safety for Hennepin County.

WATCH… the whole clip is worth a watch to see the disconnect between some of the County Board members and the role and expectation of the Sheriff’s office. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4taX6tq

TAKE: These are the kind of discussions that residents of the entire county deserve to hear. As the county seeks state approval for more HCMC funding, apparently some commissioners don’t believe public safety is a core service for the residents of the county. The reality is that considering the past six years, Mary Moriarty’s failed one-term as County Attorney the alternate reality that is often shared in these conversations is not aligned with the principles of a civil and safe society.

A new level of insight and information….

CAPITOL VIBES

Deadline week before the Easter/Passover break has increased the anxiety and gamesmanship at the Capitol. In two instances this week, DFLers took out DFL supported bills. First in the House on a bill to support dairy operations, DFLers defeated a bill supported by the Governor. In the Senate, Sen. Zaynab Mohammed challenged Senate President and Jobs Committee Chair Bobby Joe Champion on his bill in the committee and defeated it, causing Champion to suggest the committee may not meet for the rest of the year.

There is always brinksmanship at the Capitol but the division within the caucuses, trends of endorsing conventions and lack of anyone’s courage to “piss off leadership” especially in the tied House should be the reflection while on break next week. Do you serve leadership or do you serve your constituents?

MEATRAFFLE: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s beloved meat raffles could soon get juicier prizes and higher ticket prices under a bill moving through the Capitol… Charities buy the meat—usually at a discount—and a spin of the wheel decides the winner. Last year, these games raised about $5.9 million for Minnesota organizations…As meat prices rise, some winners are seeing their prizes shrink. JENNER: “We used to be able to do, you know, rib-eyes and really nice, thick cuts of meat,” said Jenner…The bill would raise the maximum ticket price from $2 to $5 and boost the top prize from $70 to $200….”People love the meat raffle in Minnesota, and we just want to keep it both profitable for the organization and fun for the player.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PvmPy7

TAXES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he has no plan to opt the state into a federal policy creating a new $1,700 tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. He offered a sharp rebuke to Republican lawmakers who threatened to hold up other education policies until Walz moves to change the tax code to enable scholarships that could help pay private-school tuition or other add-on costs like tutoring. … Some Democrats, teachers and Minnesota Department of Education officials say it could encourage enrollment in private schools over public schools, which lawmakers have a responsibility to support.” WALZ: “They can shut the whole session down. That is never going to happen.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uMVt6E

RESPONSE: via GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “Minnesota used to lead the nation in education. Under Tim Walz, we are falling behind — and instead of empowering parents with solutions, he’s doubling down on the status quo that is failing our kids. … His message was clear: if parents want more options for their kids, ‘shut the whole session down.’ That’s not leadership — that’s arrogance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NZuPqA

SIGNING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Two bills are on the way to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk for his signature — the first to make their way there this legislative session. The Senate approved a bill yesterday that would allow hemp-derived edible cannabis products like gummies to be tested in laboratories outside the state through May of next year. … Another bill, which would require drivers to stop when a school bus’ red lights are flashing, cleared the House. Both bills had previously passed in the opposite chamber.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PtN1Jn

OIG: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “An Office of Inspector General may yet be created this session. … Stuck in the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee for the past month, HF1338/SF856* finally got through Tuesday with bipartisan support, although some is tepid. … Some DFL members said their positive vote was simply so the bill can work its way through the committee process. Without changes, their future votes are not expected. … Rep. Matt Norris (DFL-Blaine), who sponsors the bill, [said] the bill has ‘critical concerns’ that need to be addressed in a bipartisan way before it is ready for House passage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40OAKlh

MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers had been split on key details, like whether the [OIG] should have its own law enforcement powers and how leadership is chosen, but there is hope among lawmakers that those hurdles can be worked out. … The only member to vote against the Inspector General bill was DFL Rep. Larry Kraft.” KRAFT: “I’ve had an issue with this bill from the very beginning. We’re putting in place a very large new bureaucracy. We don’t know how much it’s going to cost. My sense is we would have better results by spending the money in different ways.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47lhUpB

KICKBACKS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Legislators are responding to a March 17 report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor that found the Department of Human Services has more power than it believes to investigate kickback complaints. … Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) sponsors HF4566 to specify that a credible allegation of fraud includes an allegation of illegal remuneration, AKA a ‘kickback.’ The bill would also direct the department to use expedited rulemaking to correct a reference in the definition of fraud and permit the suspension of medical assistance payments during investigation of kickback fraud. … The bill was laid over Tuesday by the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee for future consideration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lPgZ6w

ELLISON: via right-leaning Center of the American Experiment, VERBATIM: “The re-election campaign for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has now returned $12,500 in campaign donations made by five men associated with the infamous Feeding Our Future fraud scandal. The returned donations are reflected in a report filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board by his campaign treasurer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t8IsCN

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 +

ZONING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “This was supposed to be the year for a bipartisan group of reformers pushing legislation that would force local governments to allow more types of homes, like duplexes and townhomes, in more places. … Key legislators had pared back their bill from previous versions and won something of a truce from longtime opponent, the League of Minnesota Cities. … But that still wasn’t enough for members of the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee, who voted down the measure 5-7 yesterday. Other local government groups still oppose the bill and lobbied hard for Republicans on the committee to vote no, said sponsor Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v8ehh5

GHOST GUNS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “So-called ‘ghost guns’ are firearms lacking serial numbers that can be 3D printed or assembled at home from kits sold online. HF3407, which would ban the sale and possession of ghost guns, received strong support from Attorney General Keith Ellison [and] Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. … Despite the support of Ellison, O’Hara, and a former agent with the [ATF], the committee failed to advance the proposal on a 10-10 party-line vote. … Bill opponents cite historical precedence for possessing homemade guns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c2k4wS

CAMPUSES: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Rep. Nathan Coulter, DFL-Bloomington, [has] proposed a bill that would allow public universities to ban visitors from carrying firearms on campus. While private universities are currently allowed to prohibit visitors from carrying firearms on school grounds, public universities and institutions don’t have the same powers. … The bill failed to pass through committee in a 7-7 vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Wz8K3

SUPPLIES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Elliott Engen (R-White Bear Township) hopes that [educational] burdens could be eased a bit by creating a sales tax exemption for school supplies. That’s the gist of HF331. … On Tuesday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over, as amended, for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bIZbFF

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)

DC + DRAMA

SENATE DEMS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In the Senate, [Tina] Smith is reportedly part of a group of progressive senators known as the ‘fight club’ who are growing tired of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s approach to the upcoming midterm elections and may be looking for ways to see him challenged for his leadership spot. … They also reportedly believe that Schumer is favoring centrist Democrats in some key midterm races and not paying attention to the enthusiasm new outsider candidates are creating. … [Smith] declined to comment, [but] has notably taken a side in the race for her seat, backing progressive candidate Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, while Rep. Angie Craig, a moderate Democrat, has been backed by Democratic leadership in the lower chamber.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v8ehh5

EVIDENCE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is suing the federal government for evidence related to three shootings during ‘Operation Metro Surge.’ Two of those shootings resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The third shooting injured Minneapolis resident Julio Sosa-Celis. The state claims in the lawsuit that federal officials have repeatedly declined to share evidence in these shootings and ignored their requests. … Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty [said] cooperation between federal and state investigators initially appeared to follow standard practice, but quickly broke down. … Moriarty said the state will continue its own investigation regardless of federal cooperation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/486IiDL

ICE/SNAP: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Angie Craig announced legislation that would rein in President [Donald] Trump’s out of control Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ensure families are able to put food on the table. The Feeding Families Not Fear Act would rescind the $75 billion dollar handout to ICE Congressional Republicans enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and reverse their historic cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t1EeNe

TARIFFS: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today sent a letter to President Donald Trump pressing the Trump Administration to return tariff revenue that courts have ruled unlawful. As the state recognizes Agriculture Day, the Governor warned that the damage to Minnesota’s economy, particularly in agriculture, is deepening and will be difficult to reverse. … According to the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, tariffs imposed between February 2025 and January 2026 increased costs for American households by roughly $1,745 each. In Minnesota’s approximately 2.4 million households, that totals more than $4.1 billion.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/485MB26

REJECT 340B EXPANSION: A new Minnesota Department of Health report shows hospitals made at least $1 billion dollars from a federal drug discount program known as 340B. The program should help patients, but experts say there is little accountability for where the money goes. The report was delayed and only recently released, showing the program isn’t working as intended. But Minnesota politicians are fast tracking a bill to expand the 340B program anyway. Lawmakers: reject House File 3609 / Senate File 3769. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uUobCQ (SPONSORED: Community Action for Responsible Hospitals)

STATE TRENDS

MEDICAID: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ decision to re-examine thousands of Medicaid service providers [is] raising alarms with providers as a deadline approaches. The state said in February that it would be revalidating the 5,800 organizations that are enrolled to provide services through Medicaid-funded programs the state has identified as at high risk of fraud before June. The move is part of a corrective action plan the state sent to federal officials. … But as the June deadline approaches, providers say this sweeping approach is imposing burdensome demands but doing little to identify and root out fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pu9MwO

POPULATION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Rural Minnesota populations were shrinking for decades. But with more people migrating to those counties, that trend is reversing for now. The Center for Rural Policy and Development produces a report every year analyzing demographics and economies in rural Minnesota. In its 2026 report, it highlighted two trends pulling rural populations in different directions: migration and aging. … Population growth from migration is making up for negative net natural population change, [but] it likely won’t last long because the natural change in population will only worsen as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47iabsj

TSA: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Transportation Security Administration officers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are still reporting to work despite going unpaid during the latest federal shutdown. … Neal Gosman, treasurer of American Federation of Government Employees Local 899, [said] some workers are already falling behind on rent or mortgage payments. … He also pushed back on the idea of ICE agents being brought in to help at checkpoints.” GOSMAN: “We are not law enforcement officers. We are security screeners. … [ICE agents] have a totally different mission in the world, and there’s not much they can do at the checkpoint that would make the checkpoint better.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lRdaxY

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Despite low morale, fewer than 10% of screeners at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have stopped working since the [partial] government shutdown started on Feb. 14. So far, MSP has avoided the long waits afflicting other airports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lQ0SFP

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

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis leaders are weighing a plan to shift millions from other city projects for a new first responder training and wellness center. The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on moving money to buy property for the proposed $38 million project. The city also hopes to get $19 million from state bonding, but the plan still faces questions at City Hall and the Capitol. … Sen. Omar Fateh, who represents part of Minneapolis, said he does not plan to support it.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3NBT3an

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A lawsuit accusing the city of St. Paul of dipping into its new ‘Common Cent’ sales tax revenue for unauthorized spending may derail, for now, planned parks projects at The Heights and Victoria Park. That said, it won’t impact dozens of other maintenance and improvement projects at existing Parks and Recreation facilities throughout the city, according to the author of the lawsuit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O056yj

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

ACROSS MN

DULUTH: via WDIO, VERBATIM: “Mayor Roger J. Reinert delivered the State of the City address…outlining Duluth’s progress and ongoing challenges…Reinert cited five big issues for Duluth; housing at all income levers, growing the city’s commercial tax base, streets and utilities, Downtown Duluth, and affordable property taxes. Facing a large budget deficit this year, the Mayor told reporters it’ll be a difficult year financially, particularly after facing an even larger deficit the year before….All the low hanging fruit has been plucked. That was used up last year. The decisions that have to be made this year have to be reduction in services, reduction in staff, or significant property tax increases. And I know how the community feels about property tax increase,” he said, speaking to reporters…A large percentage of the address was spent discussing budget challenges, and explaining the strains on the city’s coffers, such as mounting deferred maintenance, increasing staffing costs, and aging infrastructure. All costs he described as “sobering.”…During his speech, the Mayor was interrupted by protestors nearly half a dozen times, leading to shouting from audience members. Many of the protestors questioned the Mayor’s role in allegations of whistleblower retaliation, as detailed in a recently filed lawsuit by a former member of the Duluth Police Department.” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/40WuaJt

DULUTH2: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Councilors pumped the brakes on the city’s proposed purchase of eight vehicles [this week], asking staff to consider buying electric-powered vehicles instead of conventional ones that burn fossil fuels. … Jim Benning, Duluth’s director of public works and utilities, said that while the idea is laudable, the city currently lacks the needed charging infrastructure to support the addition of more electric vehicles to its fleet.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dNRtN0

ST CLOUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The St. Cloud City Council [has] rejected a resolution that would have affirmed the council’s support for law enforcement and the rule of law. Council member Scott Brodeen originally brought up the resolution in January. … [This week], Brodeen brought the proposal back to the council. After a lengthy discussion, the resolution failed on a 5 to 1 vote. … Several council members questioned the intent and timing of Brodeen’s resolution. St. Cloud saw a large [ICE] presence in recent months, including a confrontation between hundreds of residents and ICE agents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NKKQAG

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Headwaters Regional Development Commission is updating Bemidji’s comprehensive plan, a cohesive framework that can guide the city council on future projects, ordinances, policies, discussions and more. The comprehensive plan is updated once every decade, which means the city has a limited opportunity to address major issues that may stagnate development. … HRDC Executive Director Cal Larson updated the council on the HRDC’s progress, [with] a goal to finalize the plan in July.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47WzX5B

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)

LOOKING AHEAD…

SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear Medical Assistance prepayment review requirements. State Govt. hears the OIG bill. Judiciary & Civil Law hears multiple bills on data privacy. Taxes will hear a sales tax exemption on school supplies. Environment & Natural Resources will hear bills on permitting efficiency and PFAS rules. Children & Families will hear bills on SNAP and childcare costs. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear several new requirements for Medical Assistance providers. State & Local Govt. hears a repeal of Cezar Chavez Day and a ban on NDAs for elected officials. Elections will hear its policy omnibus. Higher Education hears a bill on children’s saving accounts for college. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4szCpY4

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will visit a business in honor of Women’s History Month and attend the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Day on the Hill. Later, he will meet with Sutter Health leadership, attend the IBEW Day on the Hill, and meet with ARB Interactive leadership.

TODAY: The Upper Midwest Law Center will hold a press conference announcing a new legal challenge to the 2024 omnibus bill, alleging in a release that the bill’s “key labor and employment mandates” violated the state constitution’s Single Subject Clause. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.

FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature has its 1st and 2nd deadlines on Friday, March 27, both at 5:00 p.m. Most bills that have not received favorable action by this time will be considered dead, with exceptions for major finance bills and budget-related committees. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4skPm7Q

FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature will be on break for Easter and Passover starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Lawmakers will resume their work on Tuesday, April 7.

SATURDAY: National protest groups will host a flagship “No Kings” rally in St. Paul on Saturday, March 28. Speakers will include Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, DFL Rep. Shelley Buck and numerous celebrity activists and union leaders. Organizers will livestream the event nationwide. 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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BDAYS: community leader Mike Opat, fmr. Rep. Rod Hamilton, Mpls. Foundation’s Sara Dietrich, professor Greg Vendergrift

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