TODAY: President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration is underway – he’s scheduled to take the oath at 11 Minnesota time. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hpkpJN
MORE: The lone Democrat scheduled to speak is Sen. Amy Klobuchar who serves as chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. KLOBUCHAR: “My role today is to make sure that the will of the people – and Donald Trump won the election, there’s now doubt about that – and that the will of the people culminates in this inauguration ceremony. That’s how our democracy works.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4h18O45
MORE: From Sen. Tina Smith via X, VERBATIM: “Wow. Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg have better seats than the incoming Secretary of State.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/42hc7Q7
MORE: From Rep. Brad Finstad via X, VERBATIM: “@RepFischbach, @RepPeteStauber, and I are excited to be a part of President Trump’s inauguration, representing Minnesota! Today marks a new day for our country. It’s time to put America first!” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/40JARyb
MORE: From Rep. Michelle Fischbach via X, QUOTE: “For too long, Democrats have been pushing a woke agenda that frankly benefits criminals more than the American citizens. That stops today.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3E4B8E8
ORDERS: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue 10 executive orders related to immigration Monday, including declaring a national emergency at the border, an incoming White House official said. The executive orders will follow Trump's promises on the campaign trail to issue mass deportations immediately after taking office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jsgE8z
MORE: Via Minnesota House, from DFL leader Melissa Hortman, HORTMAN: “Minnesota House DFLers are committed to doing all we can to protect the rights, freedoms, and well-being of all Minnesotans from Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda. Trump’s proposed tariffs will damage Minnesota’s economy and raise prices for Minnesota families, his attacks on abortion access and transgender Minnesotans will rip away reproductive freedom, and his authoritarian approach and targeting of political opponents will undermine our democracy.”
CLOSING: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Talk about a January surprise: After nearly a decade of serving fried chicken and one of the state’s best burgers, Revival is no more. On Instagram, owner Nick Rancone announced: ‘With a heavy heart, we must say goodbye to Revival.’ In the comment replies, he explained that the South Minneapolis, St. Paul, and St. Louis Park locations all had their last days of operation on Sunday, Jan. 19.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CsxhA5
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
TODAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Jan. 20 is a busy day. It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and also Inauguration Day. Wall-to-wall coverage of pomp and circumstance will be on the agenda for some, but not a group of Black women in St. Paul. They’ve got other plans. ‘I want to honor Dr. King’s legacy,’ said Sheletta Brundidge, a well-known community activist, WCCO Radio host and Twin Cities media personality. ‘He said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’’ Brundidge organized a group of Black women who will not be in front of their televisions on Jan. 20, but instead in St. Paul as part of a Black Women’s Day of Service, delivering pillows and comforters intended to provide warmth and security to local survivors of domestic abuse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CoxzYI
SOLAR: From Elliot Mann via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In an effort to replace the energy production of the soon-to-be-decommissioned Allen S. King plant in Oak Park Heights, Xcel Energy has set in motion plans for a large-scale solar farm spread across thousands of acres in western Wisconsin. While the project would provide cleaner energy for the grid and a welcome windfall for some landowners and local governments, the prospect has rankled some nearby homeowners who have challenged it in community meetings and an online petition. The Ten Mile Creek Solar Project calls for up to 650 megawatts of solar panel production on 5,000 acres spread across some 40,000 acres in St. Croix County. The King plant generates about 600 megawatts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40n1kBk
TRAFFICKING: From Our Rescue via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, joined several Twin Cities-based nonprofits and leaders on Jan. 16 to support and celebrate the passage of Honorary Resolution (2025R-109), recognizing January 2025 as Human Trafficking and Exploitation Awareness Month. The resolution also reaffirms the City's pledge to combat exploitation and human trafficking of all people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jr3B7o
WHISKEY: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Phil Steger can certainly get behind the idea of a new, legal definition for American single malt whiskey. He’s just worried about being boxed in. Steger, the founder and CEO of Minneapolis distiller Brother Justus Whiskey Co., is among three Minnesota whiskey producers who’ve voiced concerns about a new federal rule that’s set to go into effect Sunday, Jan. 19. For the first time, the federal government will recognize American single malt whiskey as a distinct, legal category.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E1VkXb
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)
MNLEG: From Corey Bork via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “It’s been a historic and unprecedented week in Minnesota legislative history. First, DFL lawmakers blocked a quorum — which Republicans contested — due to a dispute over the election of a Shakopee representative. Then, Governor Tim Walz released a budget proposal that calls for the lowering of the state’s sales tax rate, which would be a state first, but also calls for cuts that some DFL lawmakers disagree with. Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, gave perspective on both fronts in ‘Newsmakers.’” QUOTE: “Times are hard right now, prices are high and people are really looking for some type of relief on that,” said Frazier, referring to the possible sales tax reduction. “We also have to make sure, be careful that we don’t put that burden on our most vulnerable people.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hq5i37
BUDGET: From Peter Callaghan via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “When is a tax cut not a tax cut? When it is both a tax cut and a tax increase at the same time. Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday proposed a budget outline for the next two years that includes moves to cap the growth in some of the state’s fastest growing areas and to offer what he termed the first sales tax cut in history. By reducing the state portion of the sales tax from 6.875% to 6.8%, the state would receive $95 million less a year in a state budget that spends about $33 billion a year. Walz called it historic and a response to concerns about inflation. The DFL governor also said it would be a buffer against any Trump Administration tariffs on some imported goods that could lead to increased consumer prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4arMspH
‘I GOT INTO THIS INDUSTRY TO HELP PEOPLE’ - Taylor, a first-generation descendant of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is a member of Enbridge’s Tribal engagement team in Wisconsin. She loves getting out into Tribal communities to educate people on Enbridge’s purpose and to help them understand opportunities in the trades. Taylor enjoys her role at Enbridge, where she feels valued and appreciated as a member of the team. She believes Enbridge will continue to make an impact with Indigenous communities through the company’s Indigenous Peoples Policy. Taylor’s dedication to helping others and her commitment to her heritage drive her every day, and her work at Enbridge is a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3P3wqK9 (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
NEXT WEEK: From National School Choice Week via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Minnesota students will take center stage during a returning celebration of School Choice Week at the Minnesota Children's Museum, with more attendees than ever. This student showcase will offer the opportunity to showcase talents and the educational opportunities that help students thrive. The celebration will bring together families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate the power of school choice in shaping students' futures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E4nMI0
TRAVEL: From Adam Platt via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Sometime this month many of us will ask ourselves why we live here in January. Which got us wondering, do cold winters drive more Minnesotans to travel? We decided to take the question to Sun Country Airlines, which exclusively caters to locally based leisure travelers. Winter demand is basically inexhaustible for the airline.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40DRSuu
TODAY: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “If you and your family would like to try out ice fishing, there’s a free opportunity coming up on Monday in Robbinsdale. Families can learn ice fishing in a safe, protected environment on Crystal Lake.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aGIDxn
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
MNLEG: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “2025 is a budget year for the Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota Farmers Union government relations director Stu Lourey says there are implications for agriculture. ‘Fundamentally, they’re charged with passing a new state budget for everything from road construction to meat inspections to potato grading.’ He tells Brownfield the session is beginning with House Democrats and Republicans struggling over complicated power dynamics.” LOUREY: “And what we know is that at the end of the day passing these budget bills is going to require bipartisan votes, and so we know how the session is going to end. And we also know some key dates and kind of how we’re moving forward.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42ih8YL
BASKETBALL: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Brooklyn Center nonprofit is helping kids get active on Martin Luther King Day with its third annual ‘Ballers and Badges’ event. It is a co-ed youth basketball clinic, and a 3-on-3 tournament. The nonprofit Hawa’s Wings and the NextGen Legacy Foundation put it on, in partnership with Brooklyn Center police and firefighters, as well as the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40DJgUZ
RECYCLING: From Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten via Project Optimist, VERBATIM: “A Seattle-based company wants to become the Netflix of the recycling industry. It collects recyclables via subscription-style service. Minnesota residents threw 2.2 million tons of waste into landfills in 2022, according to data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Ridwell aims to lower that amount. In 2024, Twin Cities Ridwell customers collected over 500,000 pounds of plastic film, said Jens Narveson, Ridwell’s Minneapolis operations manager. That’s about the same as recycling the weight of 40 elephants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fWKbUQ
SCHOOL: From Alexis Rogers via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “North Minneapolis is now home to a cosmetology school that’s breaking barriers in Minnesota. Taylor’d Cosmetology School, founded by Nubiah Taylor, is being hailed as a first-of-its-kind institution, addressing a significant gap in the beauty industry by focusing on ethnic hair, skin and nails.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DWUbjA
TUBING: From Giovanna Dell’Orto via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Ice crystals clung to the eyelashes, parka hood, beanie hat and headscarf of Ruqayah Nasser as she took a break after her first-ever snow tubing runs in a Minnesota park on a subzero (-18 Celsius) January morning. She had joined two dozen other members of a group founded by a Somali-American mother in Minneapolis to promote all-seasons activities among Muslim women, who might otherwise feel singled out in the great outdoors, especially when wearing hijabs.” QUOTE: "They understand my lifestyle. I don't have to explain myself," said Nasser, who recently moved to the Twin Cities from Chicago and whose family hails from Yemen. "My religion is everything. It's my survival kit." READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PEhYaw
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HORMEL: From Hormel via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Brian Johnson, vice president and corporate secretary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jmwwJC
ACQUISITION: From NAMSA via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “NAMSA, a world-leading MedTech testing, clinical and regulatory consulting firm, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S. medical device testing operations of WuXi AppTec, a global company that provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services to enable the pharmaceutical and life science industries to advance discoveries and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients. Under the agreement, NAMSA will acquire WuXi AppTec facilities in Minnesota and Georgia.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PIPgW8
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
DIANE’S: From Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Is Diane Moua still herself without sugar, butter, or flour? The bizarre question fluttered through my thought chamber as I pulled open the door to Diane’s Place, the esteemed pastry chef’s first solo restaurant. The new Northeast spot started serving dinner in November after debuting brunch last April, a brunch that leaned delightfully into her croissant genius. But dinner from social media’s ‘Pastry Diane’? For decades, I’ve pictured her as an artist walled in by sugar, butter, and flour as croissants as perfectly blistered, perfectly airy, perfectly perfect as any ever made stacked around her in fragrant mountains.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3POBh0N
BDAYS: Fmr. Rep. Dean Phillips, JCRC leader and Gopher fanatic Steve Hunegs, Sen. Karin Housley, PR pro Bridgette Bornstein, KSTP’s Dougie Wolfson, Rep. Ethan Cha, Walz COS Chris Schmitter, Experience Burnsville’s Amie Burrill
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