Support for Elon Musk running DOGE is waning. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/4gpMz6R
Buck Hill’s Lindsey Vonn hooked a gate and didn’t finish in her first Alpine skiing world championship in six years. ESPN: https://fluence-media.co/40PYZ1M
The dispute over who owns the Timberwolves could be resolved as early as tomorrow – sports take will have updates and insights. SUBSCRIBE: https://fluence-media.co/3WSsvmr
Eight inches of snow this weekend? BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/42LXV1I
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4aPKIqH
Sunday Take discusses Capitol security, what the Democrats need to do to win and further analysis of Ken Martin’s DNC chair election featuring TPT Almanac’s Mary Lahammer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jJBIHy
Blois
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MN HOUSE: The Minnesota House will go into session at 3:30 this afternoon and begin with election of a speaker, which is expected to be GOP leader Lisa Demuth. Committees will be led by GOP chairs, each with a one-vote Republican advantage. DFL Representative-elect Brad Tabke, who won a contested race in Shakopee, will be seated. If, after the special election to fill seat 40B, the body is tied 67-67, committees will move to co-chairs with equal membership. The only exception would be the new Fraud Prevention and Agency Oversight Committee.
MORE: GOP leader Lisa Demuth and DFL leader Melissa Hortman talked separately with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about the agreement.
DEMUTH: “I think the combination of the length of time, the public pressure about people being not at work, and then the court case kind of all came together.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gwocUQ
HORTMAN: “Republicans were not ready, as of the first day of session, to agree to seat Brad Tabke. There were a couple of folks in their caucus who thankfully recognized that free and fair elections should be honored. I think they thought they could flip those individuals.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3EEJORC
MORE: From Minnesota House via Facebook, House Republicans this morning held a news conference to discuss the agreement and the path forward. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jJy00H
MORE: morning take had comprehensive coverage of the agreement, reactions, plus a new Minnesota poll on top issues. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4hN6dL6
BACKGROUND: MinnPost put together a guide to what they’re calling “the Great 2025 Minnesota House Quorum Wars.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/40LNQPB
DEI: From Hayley Raatsi via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Duluth Chancellor Charles Nies released a statement Wednesday reaffirming the University of Minnesota System’s President Rebecca Cunningham’s message on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Cunningham sent the message to students, faculty, and staff on Monday discussing the University’s efforts to assess the implications to our operations following rapidly changing federal policies. The statements come after changes being made to DEI programs and policies at the federal level.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4htQvVw
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
DROUGHT: The new Drought Monitor released this morning and reflecting data as of Tuesday shows a worsening situation – 63% of the state is in drought, up from 49% a week earlier. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
SUPER BOWL: Via Sports Betting Alliance, VERBATIM: “With the Super Bowl this weekend, the Sports Betting Alliance Minnesota is warning Minnesota residents about unregulated and unauthorized sports betting apps that leave underage residents vulnerable. Unlike legal and regulated American sports betting platforms, these unauthorized sportsbooks dodge U.S. sports betting regulations and offer their unregulated product in states like Minnesota where sports betting still isn't legal. Two of the most widely downloaded unauthorized platforms are Bovada, an unregulated sports book that places its servers overseas to dodge U.S. law enforcement and taxes, and Fliff, a so-called ‘social’ sportsbook that uses loopholes to avoid U.S. sports betting laws. But because sports betting isn’t legal in Minnesota, Google search data shows these types of unregulated and unauthorized apps have become extremely popular for Minnesotans who want to bet on games, like the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII.”
(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a client and sponsor of Fluence)
MPD: From Deena Winter via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The city of Minneapolis is poised to settle another batch of workers’ compensation cases with police officers, including one who cost the city more than $400,000 in legal fees after he was sued for beating people up while off duty. A Minneapolis City Council committee approved four workers’ comp settlements with city employees on Monday, including one for former police officer Michael Griffin, who cost the city nearly $411,000 in legal fees for police brutality lawsuits in 2010-2011. He was terminated by Interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman in 2022 for carrying a rifle without authorization or training and lying about it, but misconduct is not legally relevant to whether the city has to pay workers’ comp benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7XRBV
STEEL: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Nippon Steel, Japan's biggest steelmaker, said on Thursday its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel fits with President Donald Trump's goal of a stronger United States as the leaders of the two allies prepared to meet. Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel, key to the Japanese company's global expansion plan, was blocked last month by then-U.S. President Joe Biden, citing national security. Together with U.S. Steel, it filed a number of lawsuits challenging Biden's decision.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aL3GyF
EGGS: CCX Media’s Delane Cleveland checked in with two Twin Cities breakfast-centric restaurants – both are feeling the pain of rising egg prices with one adding a surcharge in response. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jPjMLA
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)
WOLVES/LYNX: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “A 10-month battle for control of the Timberwolves and Lynx is likely to be settled within the next four days. Driving the news: While the decision by a three-member arbitration board could technically be appealed, the losing side would have to clear a high bar to convince a federal judge to even consider overruling the decision, according to Sportico.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hCRx10
HONEYWELL: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Honeywell International is carving itself up into three independent companies, marking the end of an era for one of America’s last big industrial conglomerates. Honeywell announced Thursday plans to separate its aerospace division from its automation business and move ahead with plans to spin off its advanced-materials arm, confirming an earlier report from The Wall Street Journal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/413W5rP
MORE: Honeywell got its start in Minnesota making furnace regulators. HISTORY: https://fluence-media.co/414Z0Ao
CCM: From Jeff Kiger via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “An Ohio financial firm with $22.6 billion under management is buying Northfield-based Carlson Capital Management, including its Rochester office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40LkCk6
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS - “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nation interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
TRAINING: From Miles Walker via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Brainerd Lakes Chamber Of Commerce’s Blue Ox Business Academy’s Success Series held a three-hour-long training session on sales training. Success series workshops are conducted once a month and are take aim at developing skills in the core function of managing a business.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gxNEcP
RETAIL: From Madison Roth and Tina Nguyen via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Anthropologie has closed its doors at Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. The women’s apparel retailer’s final day was Jan. 24—one week before its lease was set to expire. The exit marks the end of a chapter for the outdoor center, which has struggled to find its retail footing since its opening days in 2008.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hkPhvw
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, reports from Minnesota-based companies:
XCEL: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $464 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of 81 cents. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $3.12 billion in the period, which also did not meet Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42PSvmx
DELUXE: “Deluxe Corp. (DLX) on Wednesday reported net income of $12.6 million in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 28 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 84 cents per share. The payments and data company posted revenue of $520.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q4ZKiG
DIGI: “Digi International Inc. (DGII) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $10.1 million. The Hopkins, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 27 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 50 cents per share. The results met Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of communication adapters posted revenue of $103.9 million in the period, missing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hoMhhD
TOMORROW: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “What do manufacturing firms from across the Ninth Federal Reserve District have to say about the economy and their near-term outlook? Join the regional outreach team from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on Friday, Feb. 7 from 9-9:30 a.m. Central to hear the results of a recent survey of manufacturing firms. More than 475 respondents from Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan took part in the survey.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3EpR5oF
TOMORROW: From Alex V. Cipolle via MPR, VERBATIM: “A handful of people mill around the May Day Cafe’s kitchen, a longtime community hub in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis. The cafe side is dark, temporarily closed. Sunny Draves-Kellerman is new to the staff as a worker-owner. ‘But I’ve been a lifelong patron since I was five or six when it first opened. I just grew up a couple blocks away,’ Draves-Kellerman says. ‘Just really excited to give back to the community that made me who I am.’ Draves-Kellerman is one of five worker-owners of the new May Day Cafe Workers Cooperative, which will open Friday, Feb. 7.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jKeCAG
TOMORROW: From Dustin Nelson via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Rabbit Hole, a new sports bar in Minneapolis with an emphasis on dining, is ready to open.
The North Loop bar and restaurant, which resides in the former home of Axebridge Wine Co. at 411 N Washington Ave., will open on Feb. 7, just in time for the Super Bowl.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WO6epU
JUNE: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Join the Minnesota Trade Office (DEED) in the Minnesota Booth and exhibit your company at the BIO International Convention in Boston, the largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology (BioTech) representing the full ecosystem with 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jMGDHO
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
E15: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is working to ensure Congress picks up where it left off on passing year-round E15. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra tells Brownfield language allowing nationwide sales of fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol year-round was initially part of a lame duck spending bill in December.” FEENSTRA: “It was ready to go and we just had to vote on it, it was like 30 minutes away from being voted on and then the whole bill fell apart. It was so disappointing, we had that thing teed up. We were working for months, and I kept it under closed doors because I didn’t want it to blow up.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jJB3pI
CAPITOL: From Minnesota Farmers Union via X, VERBATIM: “Today, 70+ MFU members met w/ @GovTimWalz, @AGEllison, @MNagriculture Commissioner
@ThommyPetersen, and legislators to advocate for our top legislative priorities this session, including Affordable healthcare; Right to Repair; Investments in climate resilience.” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4jE4md8
AWARDS: Via NCBA, VERBATIM: “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced today that Downey Ranch in Wamego, Kansas, is the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) National winner. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to Barb Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EtzNHe
MORE: Via MNSCA, VERBATIM: “Little Timber Farms in Blackduck, Minnesota, was recognized today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) as a regional winner of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). Seven regional awards were presented to recipients during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WQo4IV
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TENNANT: From Eden Prairie-based Tennant via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2024 financial results after the market closes on Monday, February 17, 2025, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7aU6w
TACTILE: From Minneapolis-based Tactile via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced that fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial results will be released after the market closes on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aLCFLB
CALABRIO: From Minneapolis-based Calabrio via PRWeb, VERBATIM: “Calabrio, the workforce performance company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Gillert as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this role, Gillert will oversee the company's global finance and accounting functions, as well as its enterprise digital services (EDS) operations, to further accelerate growth and operational efficiency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jPlNaE
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RICE COOKERS: From Steve Marsh via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Walker Art Center’s annual experimental theater series Out There is in full bloom. So often, the staging of these shows demonstrates uncanny timing—like, how does performance curator Phillip Bither know what we’re going to care about when he books these performances, usually 12 months or more out? And this weekend, the Walker is bringing in Jaha Koo, a 41-year-old South Korean playwright, music composer, and multimedia videographer. Koo will be performing Cuckoo, his piece where he co-stars with three Korean-brand Cuckoo rice cookers that he’s hacked in order to speak dialogue. So, pretty out there, right?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ErJkyo
PEACE: From Rohan Preston via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota theater icon Michael Brindisi, a Broadway actor-turned-director-turned-theater owner, died Wednesday at his home in Chanhassen after a brief illness. Brindisi served as artistic director and co-owner of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the nation’s largest theater of its kind and a company he helped save by joining a group that purchased it in 2010.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aRDToI
BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Chris Tubbs, attorney Mark Rogosheske, comms pro Katherine Tinucci, golfer Tim Herron
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