A Morning Consult analysis of stories seen, read or heard “a lot” over the past year finds the ones that resonated the most were about divisive politics. Go figure. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Y1CYMQ
New data out this morning shows inflation fell in November, surprising many analysts. UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/4j1wLKd
It’s a canceled classes and online learning sort of day in northwest Minnesota. BLIZZARD WARNING: https://fluence-media.co/4j73mOU
Why? This is what a plow cam saw near Crookston this morning:
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pMd4J7
Sunday Take featured analysis of who Republicans want for governor and Anders Folk discussing his run for Hennepin County Attorney. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oTaKic
Blois
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NEW THIS MORNING
FRAUD: From the Governor’s office this morning, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today called on Minnesota House Republican leadership to immediately provide any and all information related to alleged fraud to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Inspector General, warning that withholding whistleblower tips and evidence undermines efforts to protect taxpayers and stop criminal activity.” WALZ: “This is outrageous,” Governor Walz said. “I expect political attacks in an election year. What is unacceptable is actively withholding information about fraud and blocking investigations in order to advance a political agenda. If there is fraud, it needs to be investigated immediately — not sat on, redirected, or used for political theater.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MPyAxS
LATER TODAY: The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis has scheduled a news conference on fraud.
EARLIER: This new development had already garnered a lot of political heat by the time morning take sent – catch up HERE: https://fluence-media.co/48LexJF
11,000 PLANES: Via Duluth-based Cirrus, VERBATIM: “Cirrus today delivered its 11,000th SR Series aircraft, a testament to the company’s innovation, safety, quality and service. The latest model, SR Series G7+, features Safe Return Emergency Autoland, the world’s first FAA-certified autonomous emergency landing system in a single-engine piston.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oZXlVu
ACQUISITION: Via Twin Cities-based Wealth Enhancement, VERBATIM: “Wealth Enhancement, a national independent wealth management firm dedicated to enriching clients’ lives, announced it will acquire AEGIS Financial, an independent RIA with locations in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44ysxUu
NASDAQ: Via Chaska-based Lifecore, VERBATIM: “Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR), a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization, today announced that it has been notified by Nasdaq that the company’s stock is expected to be added to the Nasdaq Biotech Index (NASDAQ: NBI) as part of the annual reconstitution of the 2025 Nasdaq indexes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p4Lkyd
MEDIA: Via Footwear News, VERBATIM: “Just as Outdoor Retailer (OR) is getting into its groove again with a move to Minneapolis as its new stomping ground, it might see another change ahead in 2026. On Tuesday, OR’s parent Emerald Holding Inc. said it has begun a review of ‘potential strategic options’ for a possible sale of itself following receipt of inquiries from interested buyers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/457Hj4N
POLITICALLY CONNECTED
EPSTEIN: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “A group of Democratic senators [including Sen. Amy Klobuchar] is asking the Justice Department to explain why federal law enforcement never interviewed Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer or in-house accountant when they investigated his sex-trafficking scheme. Attorney Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn were officers of Epstein entities that obscured transactions, arranged cash for Epstein, made payments to women and facilitated marriages between women that turned out to be shams, The Wall Street Journal recently reported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44yzxkn
LGA: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The State Legislature will reconvene in two months and there’s a push to increase Local Government Aid (LGA) this session. The St. Paul City Council heard a presentation of legislative priorities on Wednesday, based primarily on council recommendations, which include an increase to LGA and indexing LGA to inflation. The legislature has established a $644 million fund for LGA. Increases have to be approved by the Legislature.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49jTP3G
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
AROUND MINNESOTA
STEWARTVILLE: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Dozens of community members gathered Wednesday evening for a prayer vigil in downtown Stewartville, five days after a shooting outside the high school that left one student critically injured and the gunman dead.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4s1j16i
BECKER CTY: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “White Earth author and activist Winona LaDuke blasted law enforcement in a news release Monday for not making more progress in solving the Nov. 18 drive-by shooting at her home. ‘It’s inexcusable that nearly a month after this potentially horrific incident the authorities at all levels of Minnesota government have not made a concerted effort to find the perpetrators of this terrorist crime,’ LaDuke said. ‘Nor has anyone condemned it’ . . . Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander, who has relatives and friends with White Earth roots, took offense at the allegations of racism.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MGXShM
HOCKEY: Axios makes the case that the upcoming World Junior Championships is a big deal. VERBATIM: “Imagine if someone combined the Frozen Four’s collegiate-level players, the Minnesota state high school hockey tournament’s spectacle, and the Olympics’ international glory — that’s World Juniors. National teams are stocked with their country’s best talents under 20 years old (and not already playing in the NHL). By the numbers: Tournament organizers estimate the event will fill 8,000 hotel rooms and have a $75 million economic impact, KARE11 reported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pM8P09
NOTE: Even if you don’t think you like sports, give Sports Take a try. Those who aren’t usually sports fans tell us it’s a great read. Find it HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3WSsvmr
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)
LOCALS
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis will fund a promising anti-homelessness program for the next three years — if Mayor Jacob Frey keeps a pledge that helped cinch a budget deal with the City Council this week. Why it matters: The deal between Frey and the council avoids employee layoffs that Frey had opposed and a mayoral veto that might’ve jeopardized some of the council’s priorities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aoz2gn
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The parent organization that oversees Community Action Duluth (CAD) has started what they call ‘enhanced monitoring’ of the non-profit. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families, or DCYF, is a state agency that always performs monitoring visits. But recent allegations against CAD have led DCYF to implement additional monitoring sessions.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YzzSjb
A BUSY BUSINESS YEAR
BANK DEPOSITS: In the past, when the Fed lowers interest rates, people tend to put less in savings. But a recent FDIC report showed deposits have been going up. David Reiling, CEO of St. Paul-based Sunrise Banks, tells Marketplace they’ve seen a steady increase for about a year. VERBATIM: “Reiling said back when interest rates were rising over the previous few years, many customers moved their money out of their checking and savings accounts and parked it in other investments offering higher yields, including money market accounts and stocks. But now that rates are falling, those plain-old bank accounts are getting more attractive.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ML3Fmo
RESTAURANTS: The Star Tribune lists 15 trends its reported spotted in the Twin Cities restaurant industry in 2025. READ: https://fluence-media.co/44yreVJ
MORE: St. Cloud Times with restaurants that opened in that city this year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3L3S8hz
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
THE YEAR AHEAD
FAMILY LEAVE: MPR talked with a Minnesota couple expecting their second child in the new year. That birth will coincide with the beginning of a new program providing up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. QUOTE: “It really helps kind of take the pressure off financially for me to be able to stay home longer,” Alison Skansgaard said, noting it’ll provide peace of mind compared to the experience after her son’s birth. “I would have tough days as you do with a newborn sometimes, and I would call (Luke) and he’s working, so there’s really not much he can do.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pScycI
MORE NEW: From WCCO-Radio, a quick-read on new laws taking effect in 2026 – hunting, data privacy, and elections will all see changes. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qc0Glh
NEXT SUMMER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new restaurant will open in 2026 in Maple Grove. Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar will occupy space of a former TGI Friday’s at 11830 Fountains Way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YxP8No
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
CABARET: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Royalston Experience a luxury entertainment spectacle channeling the golden era of the Gay ‘90s and the enchantment of First Avenue, is coming to the new Royalston Square venue in North Loop.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j1pha6
MOVIES: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “In early December, the Chicago-based Music Box Theatre announced its acquisition of the Heights Theater. It’s the Music Box ownership’s first time venturing out of its home city. It’s also its second ever location. And it’s the acquisition of a beloved local icon—a Columbia Heights arthouse movie theater known for live organ music, screenings of cultishly loved films, and a quaintly old-fashioned interior. The deal was born because the Heights’ longtime owner wanted an ‘exit plan.’ Not because of bad health or bad business. Tom Letness just knew he couldn’t run the ship forever.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qk2Q2z
WHAT’S NEXT?
NYE: From MplsStPaul, a guide to New Year’s Eve celebrations. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4pKle4w
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PEOPLE
HORMEL: Via Hormel, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Jason Levine has been appointed to a newly created enterprise-wide chief marketing officer (CMO) role, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to driving growth and innovation as it continues to strengthen its consumer-centric strategy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48KJTQx
WORKFORCE: Via Minnesota Chamber, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Chamber Foundation today announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, along with a new Chair for its Committee for Workforce Solutions. These volunteer leaders bring deep experience across Minnesota’s business community and will help guide the Foundation’s ongoing work in economic research and workforce solutions. The newly appointed Minnesota Chamber Foundation Board members include:
Kathy Bray, SFM Mutual Insurance Company
Justin Erickson, The Brookshire Company
Mercedes Jackson, Fredrickson
Kristina Morton, API Group
Laura Oberst, Wells Fargo”
BDAYS: St. Paul’s Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher, TPT’s Mary Lahammer
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