Despite the publication’s name, Twin Cities Business says its most-read story of 2024 was about Duluth. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3W29spE
From MplsStPaul’s Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, two picks for 2024 restaurant of the year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Pkmkn2
The new Drought Monitor reflecting data as of Tuesday shows some improvement, but nearly half the state continues to be in drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4j2Y4U3
From Sunday Take, a review and preview of the legislature and Governor with MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gAJ3aE
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
UNITEDHEALTH: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Since the assassination of his top lieutenant Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, Andrew Witty has been keeping long, difficult hours at the Minnesota headquarters of the giant company he runs, UnitedHealth Group. Witty has been telling company executives during meetings and rank-and-file employees in videos that the work they do is important, lifesaving and deeply appreciated following the killing of Thompson, who had run the company’s health-insurance division. More quietly, Witty is telling executives that the company is expecting to hit financial records by the end of the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fHG4ff
MATH: Via Hechinger Report, VERBATIM: “Under a 2006 Minnesota law designed to boost the number of students going into math and science careers, all eighth graders were required to take Algebra I. At the time, legislators argued that getting more kids through algebra before starting high school would ensure they were on a path to graduate having taken calculus, often seen as a gateway for entry to selective colleges and to well-paying jobs in fields like engineering and medicine . . . But a Hechinger Report analysis of federal data shows Minnesota’s law hasn’t worked out as planned. Between 2009 and 2017, the share of the state’s students taking calculus did rise modestly, from 1.25 to 1.76 percent. But other states saw far larger gains, and Minnesota dropped from sixth to 10th place among states for calculus enrollment as a share of total enrollment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h0t7xY
2025 SESSION: From Shannon Slatton via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, plans to work toward bonding projects for a Brooklyn Park fire station and community activity center improvements, alongside tax increment financing (TIF) provisions. As chair of the Human Services Policy and Finance Committee, Hoffman says he believes discussions will be based around innovation and crucial needs.” HOFFMAN: “It’s going to be discussion based on need and not anything else. Remember Rep. Jim Ramstad? He would say, leave your ego in the hallway, focus on the needs, focus on what’s important. I think that’s what’s going to happen within the human services bucket this year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h193fc
MPD: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The police chief of Minneapolis is reacting to reports that city officials have reached a tentative consent decree with the federal justice department. Chief Brian O'Hara posted on social media to MPD staff that he wanted to express his feelings about the potential agreement before city council reviews the proposal.” O’HARA: "When we focus on the right priorities, supporting one another, engaging in our community, and remain committed to our shared values, we can, and will, navigate this process successfully, and emerge stronger." he said. "I strongly believe in this team, and I know we are all capable of rising to the occasion." READ: https://fluence-media.co/3W1G9U4
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
DULUTH: Via Minnesota House, statements from Senator Jen McEwen and Representative Liish Kozlowski and Representative-elect Pete Johnson expressing support for Duluth city workers. VERBATIM: “The largest union representing Duluth city employees has voted to authorize a strike after a contract offer that fell short of union members’ needs. AFSCME Local 66 represents over 500 Duluth city workers, including library workers, utility staff, gas and water maintenance, snowplow drivers, inspectors, police records staff, and many others.” STATEMENTS: https://fluence-media.co/4a2SEED
HAZING: From Taylor Rivera via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Senior US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) is celebrating the passage of a new national hazing law she helped author. In 2021, a former Eden Prairie high school student Danny Santulli suffered alcohol-induced brain damage while pledging a fraternity at the University of Missouri. Klobuchar says his parents Mary Pat and Tom were major advocates for the new law requiring colleges to release information about fraternity hazing.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3W4immq
INFRASTRUCTURE: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) today announced more than $265 million in loans and grants awarded to 27 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects during the first three months of the fiscal year. The funds help cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49ZgNvC
LEAD: From Mohamed Ibrahim via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Thanks to an infusion of state and federal funding, Minneapolis is in the midst of a massive effort to remove lead from residential homes, which includes replacing lead service lines at 40,000 homes in the next decade. The city has completed an inventory of all water service lines in Minneapolis, and letters went out to homeowners with lead service lines in mid-November. The city plans to replace 400 service lines — free of charge to homeowners — by the end of 2024, and another 1,000 in 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DCLNpg
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)
MONTICELLO: From Xcel via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy will extend the operation of its carbon-free Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant well into the future to support its clean energy vision, following the recent renewal of the plant’s operating license by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The federal approval allows the plant to operate an additional 20 years, through 2050, provided the plant’s extended operation is also approved by state regulators. Monticello’s continued operation will ensure that nuclear energy plays a foundational role in Xcel Energy’s transition to 100% carbon-free electricity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3W2unsA
VOTING: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new Minnesota law goes into effect on Jan. 1, allowing college campuses to request and receive an early voting polling place. The new law said any post-secondary institution that requests an early voting polling place on or near its campus can get one.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4j2jPmU
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)
FLIGHTS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Cam Bonelli reports Denver is the destination with the most available seats for flights out of MSP during the winter’s coldest months. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41XpRPB
POSTPONED: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon announced in a Facebook post that the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon postponed to March 2 due to unsafe trail conditions. Race officials say there is insufficient snow and the terrain along the 300-mile course is icy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j2k6Gq
POSTPONED: From Dan Kraker via MPR, VERBATIM: “Organizers of the first sled dog race of the season in Minnesota have postponed the event due to poor trail conditions caused by recent rain and warm weather. The Gunflint Mail Run was scheduled for Jan. 11, 2025. Fifteen teams of 10 dogs were set to run 65 miles in two legs along the Gunflint Trail in far northeast Minnesota, departing and finishing from Trail Center Lodge, about 30 miles north of Grand Marais.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41YQWlv
RETAIL: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “In the most competitive holiday season in years, major U.S. retailers Target and Walmart are spending more on ads to reach shoppers on short-video app TikTok and streaming platforms. But while recent U.S. credit- and debit-card data point to a small gain for Target, with its shoppers spending slightly more in early December than a year ago, there's little that the Minneapolis-based chain can do this year to reverse the trends that have put it at a disadvantage, investors told Reuters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40hugM7
EAGLE: Via Axios while our newsletters were away, VERBATIM: “The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the U.S. after President Biden signed into law legislation amending a code to formally recognize the previously unofficial American emblem . . . ‘With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity,’ added [National Bird Initiative co-chair Preston Cook], who spearheaded the legislative effort with Minnesota Reps. Brad Finstad (R) and Angie Craig (D) and Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41WY8i0
PEACE: From Allison Kaplan via Twin Cities Business, a look back on the life of Dorothy “Dottie” Dekko, co-founder of the Minnesota Kicks and retail entrepreneur. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PhPfrU
NEXT WEEK: From Trent Abrego via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis will deliver his final State of the City address at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PlpIOK
THIS MONTH: From Andrew Stark via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “When I attended my first Icebox Days back in January 2017, I quipped that International Falls, officially known as the Icebox of the Nation, felt more like the Refrigerator of the Nation. Temperatures hovered around 40 degrees. Everywhere dripped, sloshed, puddled, and pooled. The water-resistance of my Red Wings was tested. I repeatedly shed and added layers, and much of the sunny proceedings—toilet seat toss, frozen turkey bowling, something called Smoosh Racing—were observed through a fixed squint. And while the winter sky over this village of about 6,000 can typically look and feel like a galvanized lid, that weekend it gleamed a cloudless Barbicide blue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BHkXfd
THIS MONTH: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is delighted to invite you to join Governor Tim Walz, Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen at a luncheon event to honor this year’s recipients of the Governor’s International Trade Awards. These prestigious awards recognize Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in exports to foreign markets, as well as foreign-owned companies that have made significant economic contributions through their investments in the state.”
From December 23rd’s Fluence newsletters:
CORN: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States has prevailed in its dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) challenging certain Mexican biotechnology measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn. The USMCA panel agreed with the United States on all seven legal claims, finding that Mexico’s measures are not based on science and undermine the market access that Mexico agreed to provide in the USMCA.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41IdsiB
MORE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The corn dispute began six months after USMCA came into force in July 2020 when then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador decreed that GM corn be banned by the end of 2024 -- a move largely targeting U.S. corn exports. His successor, President Claudia Sheinbaum, has supported the policy. After years of little movement in consultations, USTR requested arbitration to settle the dispute, challenging Mexico's 2023 decree that immediately banned use of GM corn in tortillas and dough, and instructed government agencies to gradually eliminate its use in other foods and in animal feed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iPvzsY
TURKEYS: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “South Dakota State University’s Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory is taking a leading role in combating a new strain of avian metapneumovirus, a virus that is causing significant economic loss to the United States poultry industry. Avian metapneumovirus, or aMPV, is an upper respiratory tract viral infection that affects all types of poultry but is most harmful to turkeys. The virus is divided into four different subgroups: A, B, C or D. While each subgroup can be found in different parts of the world, the U.S. has previously only experienced outbreaks of subgroup C.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/407TkFk
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CANNABIS: From Cam Bonelli via Minne Inno, VERBATIM: “Vireo Growth Inc., a company that manufactures, processes and distributes medical marijuana, closed an $81 million private placement offering, the company announced Tuesday . . . Vireo plans to use the proceeds for working capital and acquisitions — and it already has some in the works.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pj7Y6s
HB FULLER: Via Seeking Alpha, VERBATIM: “[St. Paul-based] H.B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL) on Thursday said the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.84 for fiscal year 2024 compared to consensus EPS estimates of $4.16. The company sees net revenue of $3.57 billion for fiscal year 2024, in line with consensus revenue estimates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gSQeLz
MORE: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “Shares of HB Fuller Company (NYSE:FUL) fell 5% on Thursday after the adhesive manufacturer slashed its 2024 financial outlook on weaker-than-expected demand and delayed customer orders. The company now expects fiscal 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $594 million, down from its prior range of $610 million to $620 million, with net revenue estimated at $3.57 billion and adjusted earnings per share at $3.84. Cash flow from operations is forecast at $300 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h1chzk
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BAKERIES: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Why are bakeries booming in Minnesota while restaurants in general are still struggling? ‘It’s an affordable luxury,’ says Sarah Botcher, chef and owner of Black Walnut Bakery. ‘Compared to a sit-down restaurant, it’s low commitment, too.’ You can pop in, have a coffee, hang out, not talk to anyone—or you can find community over a Kouign Amann.” LISTS: https://fluence-media.co/40iDXtK
BDAYS: lobbyist Amber Backhaus, chamber exec John Connelly, fmr. Sen. Fritz Knaak, House GOP Researcher Amy Zipko
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