65% of Americans say ICE has “gone too far” in a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. More from the poll results:
22% say controlling migration is a top priority – a distant second to the 54% who want lower prices. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4rrahFw
The New York Times looks at the situation in El Paso, TX where 35 of 45 documented ICE flights have taken Minnesota detainees. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4keTinq
What’s it been like for the journalists covering the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota? The Strib asked three of its own. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4a0C7Tp
Today’s Sports Take: How will the Wolves’ quest for Giannis Antetokounmpo end up? We’ll know today. Also, a guide to following the Olympics focused on Team Minnesota, the C-Suite dramas of the Twins and Vikings, the Super Bowl, P.J. Fleck meets with Gophers boosters and more.
RIP Minute Maid frozen orange juice. AP: https://fluence-media.co/49ZVHPB
Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. www.FluenceElectionTracker.com
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45LMgRh
Last night the State of the Governor’s race – a MNSider Brief. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r3ACtF
Sunday Take analyzed this week’s caucuses and what’s changed in the Legislature with retiring GOP Rep. Paul Torkelson. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qd7D5h
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
THE MINNESOTA ECONOMY
ST PAUL: Via SPDDC, VERBATIM: “Announced today, the Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC), a real estate-focused subsidiary of the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, has formed a Saint Paul Downtown Investment Fund which will support commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate development projects of the SPDDC – all focused on advancing redevelopment initiatives in downtown Saint Paul. Securian Financial and the Bush Foundation as lead funders have already invested $30 million in this new fund.” QUOTE: “Downtown Saint Paul isn’t just where Securian Financial has been headquartered for more than 145 years—it’s an essential part of who we are as a company,” said Chris Hilger, chairman, president and CEO of Securian Financial. “We are all in on doing our part to help revitalize downtown and are investing in this fund because Saint Paul is our home and we are committed to it for the long run.”
SURVEY: The Minneapolis Fed surveyed 351 manufacturers in the region (MN, MT, ND, SD and parts of WI and MI). A couple of charts that caught our attention:
Still, there is optimism. VERBATIM: “As in last year’s survey, manufacturers said they expected conditions to rebound in 2026. Overall, they anticipated growth in most business indicators in the year to come, particularly for demand: 42 percent of respondents said they expect orders to increase. Outlooks for productivity and production levels were strong, while investment and profits were expected to remain flat.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4a2AKne
UNCERTAINTY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “With a new governor coming in and the state elections for House and Senate control a tossup, it could be hard for businesses to know which combination of spending reductions and tax increases will emerge from legislative sessions this spring and next. Perhaps most important are concerns about the short- and longer-term effects on the labor market from the immigration crackdown, according to Louis Johnston, professor of economics at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University.” JOHNSTON: “The main source of labor force growth in Minnesota has been either the immigrant population or families of first-generation immigrants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ahpQsy
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)
POLITICS
POLL: Via Alpha News, VERBATIM: “A new poll shows former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya has a 30-point lead in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Minnesota . . . Conducted by a polling firm called Peak Insights for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the survey asked 500 likely GOP primary voters who they would support in the GOP primary election for U.S. Senate if that election were held today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kf3CvG
ENDORSEMENTS: From the Angie Craig campaign, endorsements from five local officials. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3NVjEis
2026 SESSION: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s legislative session begins in two weeks, and lawmakers have said they’ll be busy dealing with the aftermath of the state’s fraud scandals and the ongoing immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis. At the same time, a coalition of more than 100 cities in the rest of the state is hoping it can make headway with its own legislative agenda, which includes funding various grant programs, passing local tax reform and blocking legislation it said would wrest control of zoning away from local governments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ccdrbR
ST PAUL: Via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Kaohly Her today signed an ordinance passed by the Saint Paul City Council aimed at responding to increased federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Minnesota. The new ordinance, developed in collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and the City Council, prohibits law enforcement staging or operational activity on city-owned property, restricts access to non-public city spaces, and codifies the city’s cease-and-desist letter dated December 19, 2025, which directs federal law enforcement to leave city-owned property.”
HOTELS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is delaying liquor license renewals for two downtown hotels that have reportedly hosted federal immigration agents as Operation Metro Surge continues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r7BiOM
SATURDAY: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Conservative activist Jake Lang is back in Minnesota. This time, the pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionist claims he has permission to hold his next rally inside the State Capitol. Lang, posted on X saying, ‘We have officially secured the permit for the rotunda.’ State officials confirmed to WCCO that no such permit has been granted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tffzG1
SATURDAY: Via Gardeners of Resistance, VERBATIM: “The West 7th Gardeners of Resistance, a neighborhood group in St. Paul, has just launched a year-long billboard campaign to protest ICE in the Twin Cities and other actions of the MAGA/Trump regime. The billboards, which went up February 2, will be presented at a special event at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 7 at 506 W. 7th Street, near Dousman St.”
EARNINGS REPORTS
Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
XCEL: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $567 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 95 cents . . . The results did not meet Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $3.56 billion in the period, which also missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M7Hebe (DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
DIGI: “Digi International Inc. (DGII) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $11.7 million. On a per-share basis, the Hopkins, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 31 cents . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of communication adapters posted revenue of $122.5 million in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rvvhuN
REGIS: “Regis Corp. (RGS) on Thursday reported net income of $456,000 in its fiscal second quarter . . . The owner of hair salon chains Supercuts and MasterCuts posted revenue of $57.1 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NXEWMi
CLEARFIELD: “Clearfield Inc. (CLFD) on Wednesday reported a loss of $614,000 in its fiscal first quarter . . . The maker of fiber optic management products posted revenue of $34.3 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LSyzJF
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)
AROUND MINNESOTA
NO STRIKE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “HealthPartners and SEIU union leadership reached a deal Thursday, averting a strike after union members voted to authorize one on Jan. 15.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45POorj
WADENA CTY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Longtime Wadena police officer Milo Scott has announced he is running for Wadena County Sheriff.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qUgY37
POT: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “It’s opening day for the state’s first city-run cannabis dispensary. Anoka Cannabis Company broke ground last May and took less than a year to build.” QUOTE: “We’re actually fully booked for, tomorrow’s appointments,” [Enterprise Operations Director Kevin Morelli] explains. “And last I checked, we’re about 60% on Saturday, and then we have a little more openings on Sunday. But we anticipate those filling up pretty quick here. But we do expect some crowds today.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ZPLsHs
MOVE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The PGA of America has appointed UnitedHealth Group executive Terry Clark to be the next CEO, the second time in its last three hires the organization has chosen a business leader who was on its board of directors. Clark, the chief marketing officer at UnitedHealth Group, has been an independent director on the board of PGA of America since 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46wUAo6
BRAINERD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “After conducting interviews with five candidates earlier this week, the Brainerd School Board has named the two finalists in the running for the district’s next superintendent.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZTefuM
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students 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, Paulie; 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 Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
CHALK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A popular summer festival that was in jeopardy after its parent organization disbanded will return to Maple Grove this summer. Maple Grove Chalkfest will now operate as a cooperative between the Maple Grove Arts Center, Experience Maple Grove and well-known local artist Shawn McCann.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bEjlT2
BBQ + PIZZA: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “I’m at the Famous Dave’s. I’m at the Papa Murphy’s. I’m at the combination Famous Dave’s and Papa Murphy’s.
It doesn’t roll off the tongue quite like a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo, but it’s equally real. The first co-branded combination restaurant from the two chains has opened at 1930 7th St. W in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tz2CqK
$152 MILLION: Via Compeer, VERBATIM: “Compeer Financial’s board of directors has approved the distribution of approximately $152 million in patronage payments to its member-owners, returning a significant share of the cooperative’s 2025 earnings to the people and businesses it serves. The first round of patronage payments, totaling $52 million, was issued to member-owners this month.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4qujnAI
(DISCLOSURE: Compeer is a Fluence sponsor)
JAIL: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on plans to convert a former jail annex in Faribault into retail space. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4agM9OS
WHAT’S NEXT?
MONDAY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce will be holding its ‘Running for Office’ workshop next week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qjnDCY
THIS SUMMER: Sierra Ferrell will play the State Fair Grandstand. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4qhSYWw
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FEB 14: Via Minnesota Monthly, local Valentine’s Day gift ideas. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3LT18GV
BDAYS: Xcel’s John Marshall, Haskell’s Ted Farrell, Taher’s Shawn Taher, Strib’s Neal Justin
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