A British community took a page from Minnesota’s playbook – they had residents vote on names for their bin lorries (garbage trucks). The voters did not disappoint. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3ZlhbAe
Hotel occupancy is up in the Twin Cities. You can probably guess why. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3NVWLLS
A Gallup global poll finds the economy is the top concern around the world. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cabTz3
Layoffs have begun at The Washington Post. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Mcqb7F
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/45HHmos
Sunday Take covered the impact of Alex Pretti’s killing and ICE activity in Greater Minnesota with Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar). LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Zxvvpi
Blois
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DRAWDOWN
700 FEDS: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Tom Homan, the White House border czar, said on Wednesday that the federal government would immediately withdraw 700 law enforcement officers from Minneapolis, scaling down the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the area . . . Mr. Homan said that federal officials in Minnesota had made significant progress working with state and local officials, despite some differences. An ‘unprecedented number of counties’ were cooperating with federal officials and allowing ICE to take custody of unauthorized immigrants before they are released from jails, he added.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a8cvCM
MORE: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “About 2,000 agents will remain in the state after the drawdown, according to Homan. Pre-surge, the number was about 150. The reduction will not include ‘personnel providing security and responding to hostile incidents,’ Homan said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ai6UK9
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When asked how much immigration enforcement work is left, Homan said the goal is to get back to the ‘normal operational footprint.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rvOrAD
RESPONSE: From Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey via X, VERBATIM: “2,000 federal agents isn’t a de-escalation. My ask remains: Operation Metro Surge needs to end.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3NWCQfO
SCHOOLS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fridley and Duluth schools, along with the state teachers union, are suing the Trump administration to keep federal immigration agents off school property. The new measure comes as school leaders decry what they say is increased federal agent activity on and near campuses, causing fear and safety concerns. The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction barring enforcement within 1,000 feet of school property.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kgzVur
MASKS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Democrat-led states and cities nationwide are weighing laws to compel ICE officers to show their faces and identify themselves . . . ICE’s defenders have argued agents must protect their identities to prevent doxxing. Driving the news: The St. Paul City Council at its meeting Wednesday will formally introduce a proposed ban on any officer — local, state or federal — from masking while working in the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qZCWBT
NUMBERS: Via KSTP-TV, a comparison of what the feds are saying about who is being arrested in Minnesota and publicly-available data. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ql6oRN
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)
ICE IN MINNESOTA
TX JUDGE: Many noted the pointed writing in federal judge Fred Biery’s decision that led to the release of Columbia Heights 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father. The New York Times adds a little context. VERBATIM: “That may not have surprised some Texas court watchers. Judge Biery, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994, is known for his wit and writerly flair. His judicial order in a 2013 case involving San Antonio strip clubs is famous for its literary allusions (‘to bare, or not to bare’) and its cheeky double entendres. A 2023 profile in San Antonio Lawyer magazine called him ‘a judge with a little extra to say.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qf7Apq
RELATED: Liam’s case also inspired some comic artists. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ro10OC
REFUGEES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Each day, a variation of the same, surreal conversation unfolds between staff at the Center for Victims of Torture and the refugees and asylum-seekers they serve. ‘This reminds me of what I came here to escape.’ ‘This reminds me of what I left.’ ‘If ICE gets me, will I be tortured?’ They’re all sentiments social worker Jill Davidson said she has been hearing from her clients since the Trump administration deployed thousands of masked federal agents into the Twin Cities.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4awqQKv
LEVY ARMSTRONG: Via The New York Times, a deep dive into the White House’s use of a doctored photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong’s arrest connected to the protest at a St. Paul church. VERBATIM: “Legal experts said that the fake image could hurt the Justice Department’s case against Ms. Levy Armstrong. Her lawyers could use it to accuse the Trump administration of making what are known as improper extrajudicial statements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qfMQOA
PD + ICE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Monday night, Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner addressed the City Council to provide clarity on the department’s role regarding federal immigration enforcement and to defend the police response to a recent protest that resulted in 26 arrests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qUa65H
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)
BUSINESS IMPACTS
SMALL BIZ: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Alarmed by plummeting sales at neighborhood shops and immigrant-owned businesses during Operation Metro Surge, the St. Paul mayor recently joined leaders of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic and Development and the Minneapolis Foundation to promote the governor’s ‘Shop Local, Stand Together’ campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oo2vOk
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek talks about the campaign. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rwJdF4
ADVICE: Via CCX Media, a “know your rights” meeting for local businesses hosted by African Career Education and Resource, Inc. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bAQxe4
RESTAURANTS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “As Operation Metro Surge continues, restaurants are our front lines. The Twin Cities food scene was built by immigrants, from owners to line cooks to investors to chefs to dishwashers, those who are undocumented or have legal status or are U.S. citizens. Though a few people I interviewed for this story offered to go on record, I ultimately spoke with everyone under the condition of anonymity, as many feared that being named would make their restaurant a target and potentially endanger staff.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qW6fVI
NEW HOPE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Arizona Taco Co., a popular Mexican restaurant in New Hope, was closed before Tuesday’s lunch rush after two of its employees were reportedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qSflTz
SUPER BOWL: From an AP story previewing Super Bowl ads, VERBATIM: “Villanova University marketing professor Charles Taylor said because of the heavy headlines in the news lately — from the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota to conflicts abroad — he expects advertisers to stick to a light and silly tone.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qRZTqs
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)
NEW BUSINESS
WHITE EARTH: Via DNR, VERBATIM: “At a ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol, leadership from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and White Earth Nation (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag) joined Gov. Tim Walz to sign a memorandum of understanding. The document formalizes the Minnesota DNR and White Earth Nation’s long-standing government-to-government relationship for managing land, water, fish, wildlife and other natural resources within the White Earth State Forest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rqBisB
ACQUISITION: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, Medtronic announced intent to acquire CathWorks, an Israel-based medical technology company, for $585 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NW14Xy
HIGHERED: Via UNW, VERBATIM: “As part of a planned gift to University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW), the largest single philanthropic commitment in the institution’s 124-year history, UNW will name its business school in recognition of alumni Dan and Robin Stoltz.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qRWZSA
ELECTRICITY: Via Great River Energy, VERBATIM: “Great River Energy, ITC Midwest and Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) proposed a series of new electric transmission lines today that will help deliver continued reliable electricity for energy consumers throughout the region and connect new sources of electricity to the grid to serve increasing and evolving demands for electricity. Today, the project partners submitted an application for a Certificate of Need for PowerOn Midwest to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46nK8iP
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
TECHNE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Techne Corp. (TECH) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter earnings of $38 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 24 cents . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of medical testing and diagnostic products posted revenue of $295.9 million in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O6jDYS
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “Today at noon, local and state elected officials in Minneapolis will provide collaborative community updates for the public. State Rep. Erin Koegel will join the briefing to discuss the recent case of Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old boy who was taken on January 20. On January 31, a Federal Judge ordered the release of Ramos and his father.”
SUNDAY: Via MplsStPaul, Super Bowl parties and promotions. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3ZOXz7L
FEB 17: Via Minnesota Chamber, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Session Priorities on February 17, the state’s premier gathering of business and policy leaders focused on the economic choices facing Minnesota this year. The event will bring together hundreds of employers, legislators and decision-makers to outline the Chamber’s policy agenda and underscore the urgency of action to strengthen the state’s competitiveness, workforce and long-term growth.”
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Chamber is a Fluence sponsor)
FEB 24: Via Chanhassen-based Life Time, VERBATIM: “Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LTH) today announced the participation information for its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 earnings conference call. The date was previously included in its preliminary results press release dated January 22, 2026. Life Time will release its financial results before market open on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t8jDro
FEB 25: Via New Brighton-based APi, VERBATIM: “APi Group Corporation (NYSE: APG) announced today that it intends to release its financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2025, before the market opens on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ruQUeI
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THEATER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Hennepin Arts announced its 2026-2027 Broadway season, featuring 12 shows at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Seven of the shows will make their Minnesota premier and four hits return to the stage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45NAztm
ST PAUL: Via Ordway, VERBATIM: “The Ordway Center for Performing Arts is excited to announce that Dirty Dancing: The Musical—a new stage production of the beloved film Dirty Dancing—is coming to the Ordway, Aug. 12 - Sept 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49WSY9z
BDAYS: pickleball pro Chad Flynn, liberal activist Carin Mrotz, fmr. St. Paul councilor Pat Harris, St. Paul lobbyist Jen O’Rourke
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