More reports of ICE action today in Minneapolis…and a Timberwolves + Lynx garage sale tomorrow. Holiday shopping needs to start soon.
We’ve been remiss in congratulating Adam Platt on being the new EIC at TCB, and them adding Charlie Rybak to the team. Welcome to our subscribers list too.
A menswear retailer, not Martin Patrick 3, in Minneapolis made The New York Times’ list of the 50 best clothing stores in the country. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Mb3mBb
Minneapolis last made the top ten two years ago, but New York, Seattle, and Orlando are the top winter holiday destinations, according to Allianz.. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/445AfW0
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44Mc1jH
Sunday Take on WCCO Radio this week was a recap of Thanksgiving week and previews what to watch this holiday season and into 2026. And a replay the recent interview he had with the new Saint Paul Mayor - elect Kaohly Her. The take focuses on how to revitalize our urban neighborhoods – especially St. Paul. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pa02oi
Blois
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Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
New polling from Gallup out this morning shows one thing Republicans and Democrats seem to agree on: the other party goes too far with rhetoric. It shows how impressions changed from shortly after the 2011 shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to shortly after this year’s assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
From the accompanying story: “While partisans are reluctant to blame their own side for going too far with the tone of their political rhetoric, they are generally in agreement on the major factors contributing to political violence in the U.S.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pLiTWK
45% of Americans say they’d consider a 50-year mortgage, a concept suggested by the Trump administration. More likely to consider it: Republicans. Less likely: Minnesotans.
Breakdowns by party affiliation and generation HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4acvHB9
NOTE: Lots of mortgage bank employees in North Carolina and Minnesota.
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)
DRIVING THE NEWS
TODAY: Via Senate DFL Caucus, VERBATIM: “At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, Somali-Americans and allies will hold a community response at the Brian Coyle Center in Minneapolis to denounce the targeted deployment of ICE against Somali-Americans and Donald Trump’s hateful, threatening statements about the community.”
Minority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) responded to criticism of the actions this morning on Fox News, EMMER: “Calling out criminal activity, Bill, is not racist and it is not unfair . . . It is not just the $250 million fraud case, the largest pandemic fraud case in the country, that’s Feeding Our Future. It is Medicaid housing fraud, it’s autism centers… the list goes on and on—daycare fraud. This idea that it is not going to Al-Shabaab? They’re sending the money back to Somalia, Bill. People should understand Al-Shabaab controls the financial infrastructure in Somalia. It is going back to Somalia, where Al-Shabaab, the terrorist organization, is in charge.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Xuoogz
More signs that Minnesota is more of a national story, that locals need to see a lense on via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning an operation in Minneapolis targeting the city’s Somali immigrant community, according to an administration official familiar with the matter. About 40,000 Minnesota residents were born in Somalia, according to 2024 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. ICE will send roughly 100 officers and agents from around the U.S. to help with the operation, which is intended primarily to target Somali immigrants with final deportation orders, the administration official said. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is home to the largest Somali-American community in the U.S.; most of its members are either citizens, permanent residents or hold other forms of legal status.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48iVRRa
From 1600 Penn…Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The launch of the immigration operation came as Mr. Trump delivered a tirade against Somalis during a Tuesday cabinet meeting at the White House. ‘When they come from hell and complain and do nothing but bitch, we don’t want them in our country,’ he said. ‘Let them go back to where they came from and fix it,’ the president said, as Vice President JD Vance banged on the table in approval.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XwXlkM
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
MAYO: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Across its entire enterprise, Mayo Clinic reported to the Internal Revenue Service a higher operating margin in 2024, compared to the prior year, per the health system’s group nonprofit tax filing. With total revenues of nearly $14.9 billion and just over $14.3 billion in expenses, Mayo Clinic’s Form 990 group return reports a $566 million, or 3.8%, operating margin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ozmdn0
IPO: Via news release from Roseville-based Park Dental, VERBATIM: “Park Dental Partners, Inc. today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 1,535,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $13.00 per share. The gross proceeds from the offering are anticipated to be approximately $20 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48BsrN3
LIST: Fast Company’s list of “121 brands that matter in 2025” features Cargill, citing a new identity, and Hormel with its “here for the snacks” campaign. TOP BRANDS: https://fluence-media.co/49TTup7 MARKETING MOMENTS: https://fluence-media.co/3YbcpEF
CARGO: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines is opening an operations base and hiring pilots in Cincinnati for cargo flights. The airline said Tuesday that the expanded operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) would support its standing partnership with online retail giant Amazon, which operates a major air cargo hub and sorting facility there.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pgRtbz
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)
IN THE CITIES
ST PAUL: Via St. Paul Downtown Alliance, VERBATIM: “The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance today announced the launch of Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul: Transforming the Core – a comprehensive, community-driven initiative designed to inform the future of downtown’s economic vitality and urban experience. With the Downtown Investment Strategy in place, the Downtown Alliance and its subsidiary Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) are moving from vision to implementation, engaging the community in shaping a future-ready downtown.”
SECRETS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis officials are seeking blanket permission to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with organizers of major events they’re trying to lure to the city. Why it matters: The trade-off for landing a $100+ million, Super Bowl-level event may be some government transparency. What they’re saying: Some high-profile event planners aren’t eager to have their ‘sensitive bid materials’ subject to public disclosure, city officials wrote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44FTLsj
RIP: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “If you know a certain side of Minneapolis, you might have known Peter Hafiz. He purveyed a certain brand of fun downtown, owned real estate, and invested in hospitality businesses. He passed away November 25 at age 65 after a series of health setbacks, and downtown might never quite be the same.” QUOTE: “He was one of the good guys,” says former downtown city councilperson Lisa Goodman, now director of strategic initiatives for the city of Minneapolis. “People assumed things because of the kind of businesses he ran. But he was a mensch.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4po8ikY
AROUND THE STATE
SENATE RACE: Via news release from the Craig campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, Pete Buttigieg endorsed Angie Craig in her campaign for U.S. Senate. Buttigieg served as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and prior to that served two terms as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Buttigieg remains one of the leading voices in the party and represents a new generation of leaders.”
BELTRAMI CTY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Residents of Beltrami County had one final chance to let their concerns be heard before the county board set the official budget for 2026, which included massive cuts to both the Bemidji and Blackduck public libraries. In September, the board voted to approve a preliminary budget that would cut 42%, or $175,000, from community service funding. That decision left the libraries with the state’s mandated minimum funding of $265,000. In 2025, Beltrami County allocated just under $438,000 for both libraries. During today’s public hearing, several residents spoke in protest against the funding cuts and pleaded with the commissioners to change their minds.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pPjBlW
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The long-debated future of Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth took another step forward during a special meeting by the Duluth Economic Development Authority. On Tuesday, DEDA formally approved the resolution to authorize a development agreement with the city of Duluth. The acquisition would allow redevelopment, including much-needed housing on part of the Lester Park Golf Course.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pG5BL6
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)
RETAIL AND MORE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: Via ABC Newspapers, VERBATIM: “The Heights Theater in Columbia Heights will change ownership in early 2026, ending a 27-year run under owner Tom Letness. In a Facebook announcement, the theater said it will be acquired by Brody Sheldon and the Schopf family, who own and operate the Music Box Theatre in Chicago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44rmPE3
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Plymouth City Council voted to let a mixed-use development proceed at the southwest corner of County Road 6 and County Road 101 that will include a four-story 195-unit apartment complex. The vote happened at the Nov. 25 city council meeting that lasted three hours largely due to concerns about the project. Plymouth residents who live near the site expressed reservations about the building’s size, traffic and parking issues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44DDOCV
THE MALL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “While we think of malls as community hubs—where old favorites meet new gems, where people still want to gather, browse, sip, and shop in person—we often associate local shopping with charming neighborhood boutiques. And as much as we love those quaint corners around town, your local mall deserves a spot on your list of local favorites, too. Why? Because those stores—whether independent retailers or national brands–employ local workers, pay local taxes, and contribute to our local economy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xx77Di
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)
FOOD NEWS
POT & SANDWICHES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Cheba Hut has been ‘landing soon’ in Uptown Minneapolis since 2022. But we’re less than a week from never needing to say that again. The cannabis-themed toasted sub sandwich chain will open at 1118 Lake St. W. on Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44NjgIb
PRIVATE DINING: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The hottest trend in dining right now is private spaces—restaurants are remodeling to create more dining rooms and secluded spaces for you to host an event. Mara just shrunk the main dining room to create a new, slightly larger place to rent. Red Cow in North Loop closed for a month to remodel and added a private space for up to 30. These spots are ideal for the holiday season, special moments, or just because.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4497NCG
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEK: Via Solar Arts Building, the 14th annual Holiday Market. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44FWDFt
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CHUTES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A season of hibernation — much like the one Minnesota just entered — pushed Minneapolis musician Ryan Kemp back into the memories of his youth . . . What came to mind were times like attending the Anoka County Fair with his brother and hanging with his dog. Kemp releases music under the name Chutes. He has been playing since middle school. He started by learning the guitar, then he began playing with friends and played guitar for musicians and joined bands.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48MU3zX
BDAYS: Rep. Matt Norris, comms guy Paul Omodt
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