The New York Times list of the 67 most stylish people of the year includes Hopkins High School alum (and current WNBA standout) Paige Bueckers. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/44mOLJ6
This morning Time Magazine announced its person of the year: the architects of AI. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pYyrq7
45% of small businesses responding to a U.S. Chamber poll say inflation is their biggest challenge – 58% say inflation will cause them to raise prices and 52% say they’ll have less revenue. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rN31VH
A new Politico poll finds nearly half of Americans finding basic necessities hard to afford – 27% say they’ve skipped a medical check for a prescription dose. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48NnSiC
More health-related polling and much more later today in health take.
From Pew, demographics of teens using online platforms:
SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4aFmgu0
Our next Fluence Forum, The State of Health Care is scheduled for December 16th. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofHealthCare
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iOeHDi
The latest Fluence Brief for MNSider subscribers – a deep dive on the GOP Field for Governor. Subscribing is supporting. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4pogmSB
This week’s Sunday Take covered civility, immigration, and Republican Ron Schutz’s campaign for attorney general. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iEm5B2
Blois
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HEADLINES
OVERNIGHT: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “No one was injured when a Minneapolis police officer opened fire at an armed suspect early Thursday morning while responding to a 911 call. Police were called around 12:30 a.m. by a man who reported that his mother was threatened at gunpoint by a neighbor at her home near Lake Street and 5th Avenue South.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q2EoSW
FRAUD: Via CBS News, VERBATIM: “Luxury cars, private villas and overseas wire transfers: CBS News obtained dozens of files and photos that reveal how Minnesota fraudsters blew through hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars as part of one of the biggest COVID-era fraud schemes. The files document a spending spree in which defendants, many of Somali descent, took taxpayer money meant to feed hungry children and used it to buy cars, property and jewelry. Videos show them popping champagne at an opulent Maldives resort. In a text message, one defendant boasts: ‘You are gonna be the richest 25 year old InshaAllah [God willing].’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pwSP1M
TARIFFS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Supreme Court could issue its decision on tariffs any day now, but small business owner Beth Fynbo Benike isn’t waiting around. The founder of the Oronoco, Minn.-based Busy Baby recently established relationships with international distributors to sell her silicone suction placemats and other baby accessories in South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic. Next up: the United Kingdom and Europe. In each exclusive distribution agreement, she’s working with other small businesses — two sisters in South Korea; a husband and wife team in the U.K. The initial orders are small, in the $20,000 range, but Fynbo Benike believes shipping internationally could be her best shot at stabilizing the business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pv2K7X
ST PAUL: Via SPDDC, VERBATIM: “The Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) announced today it has purchased the Empire Building, a 55,000-square-foot property located at 360 N. Robert St., and the adjacent Endicott Arcade located at 134 5th Street, immediately north of the Minnesota Museum of American Art and historic Pioneer Endicott. SPDDC is not disclosing the full financial details of the transaction beyond that the $745,000 purchase was fully funded by private investment and no public funds were required to secure the property.”
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
LINDELL: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a longtime backer of President Donald Trump who spread debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election, announced Thursday that he’ll run for governor in Minnesota next year. ‘Those who know me know I’m up to the task,’ Lindell said during a speech delivered on his eponymous platform Thursday morning . . . In his speech Thursday, Lindell attacked Walz multiple times for a fraud scandal that has engulfed his state this year . . . Lindell pointed to his experience ‘micro-managing’ and ‘macro-managing’ his company, MyPillow, as an argument in favor of his campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q9vi7f
MORE: Alliance for a Better Minnesota sent this out as Lindell was making his announcement, QUOTE: “Mike Lindell is an anti-choice extremist who has spent years doing Donald Trump’s bidding, including spreading baseless conspiracy theories about the 2020 election,” said Marissa Luna, Executive Director at Alliance for a Better Minnesota. “Mike Lindell would bring Trump’s dangerous agenda to Minnesota. He would work to strip away reproductive rights, undermine the safety and security of our elections, and give tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations at the expense of Minnesota families.”
64A: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Seven candidates are vying for the state House seat left vacant by former St. Paul Rep. Kaohly Her, who resigned from the Minnesota Legislature last month after winning the St. Paul mayoral race. Six of those candidates are seeking the DFL Party nomination and are headed to a special primary election on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Early voting started this week. Top issues in the race include addressing rising St. Paul property taxes and the growing cost of health care and housing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pxtWDb
ENDORSEMENT: Rep. Cedrick Frazier this morning announced an endorsement from the Philadelphia District Attorney. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4oKsPyZ
ROBOCALLS: Via news release from Rep. Morrison, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is leading a bipartisan coalition of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in introducing the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, which would strengthen efforts to stop unlawful robocalls originating from overseas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4968QpC
AI: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers backing new guardrails for generative AI say they’ll push ahead with the proposals next year, even if President Trump follows through with an executive order meant to discourage state regulations. Driving the news: Trump said Monday he’ll sign an order this week to promote ‘one rulebook’ for AI, rather than a patchwork of state laws . . . Sen. Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) told Axios that while she believes AI could be used for good, a lack of regulation is putting kids and others in danger.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rPx4vR
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)
MINNESOTA BUSINESS
NEW HQ: Via news release from Nelson-Rudie, VERBATIM: “Nelson-Rudie and Associates, Inc. is stepping into its next era with a bold slate of expansions and a major leadership hire. The 49-year-old engineering firm is moving through an ambitious growth cycle, marking the moment with a new headquarters in Minneapolis, a recently opened satellite office in Hudson, Wisconsin, and plans for a Kansas City office in early 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XQYGD3
ACQUISITION: Via Andersen, VERBATIM: “Andersen Corporation (Andersen), manufacturer of America’s most trusted brand of window and doors, has announced it will acquire Bright Wood Corporation (Bright Wood), the largest independent manufacturer of window and patio door components and engineered dimensional lumber in the U.S. The Bright Wood business will continue to operate under local leadership.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iOGZxs
CARBON: Via news release from Weyerhaeuser, VERBATIM: “Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) and [Minnesota-based] Aymium today announced they have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to partner to produce and sell 1.5 million tons of sustainable biocarbon annually for use in metals production.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Szh0U
GREATER MINNESOTA
SWIFT COUNTY: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The gender equity nonprofit Gender Justice sued Swift County and the Minnesota Department of Corrections Wednesday on behalf of a transgender teenage girl who was placed in a state-licensed group home that did not affirm her gender. The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County District Court, alleges that Swift County officials and the Minnesota Department of Corrections violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution by forcing the girl to stay in boys’ facilities, where she was subject to bullying and harassment on the basis of her gender identity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oRVF05
DULUTH: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Anyone who experienced the torrential June 2012 flood can attest to the destructive power of fast-flowing water in this steeply sloped community. Duluth’s terrain, plus its rocky geology, can swiftly set water in motion, and development at some of the city’s higher reaches has only exacerbated runoff concerns. But city officials have been taking incremental steps to slow the flow of water into local streams and rivers, with one of their more ambitious initiatives about to leap from paper to dirt.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KFThfa
DETROIT LAKES: Via DL-Online, VERBATIM: “The Detroit Lakes City Council on Tuesday approved a $30.6 million budget for 2026 and set the property tax levy to be collected next year. The action comes a year after the city approved an increase of just under 8% for taxes payable in 2025. This year’s levy totals $9.26 million — a 6.46% increase — which will fund general city operations, equipment purchases, debt payments and support for the public library and airport.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4517r16
SPACE DEBRIS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Just after 6 p.m. on Saturday night, Al Sorensen was in Hayward, Wis., watching a holiday parade. She had her phone out, filming the floats passing by, when she saw something zooming across the night sky overhead. ‘It was just this green ball with this trail, and it looked so bright’ . . . More than 100 people from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada reported the sighting to the International Meteor Organization. The group tracks what are called ‘fireballs’ — what people often call shooting stars. But this was no meteor. It turns out Sorensen saw Starlink satellite #3322 – from Elon Musk’s internet service company – burning up as it reentered the earth’s atmosphere.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4oOOENJ
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)
HOUSING
EVICTIONS: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A growing number of people are at risk of losing their homes. Minnesota Judicial Branch data shows eviction filings are up from last year statewide. There were 23,391 eviction filings as of Nov. 21, 2025, according to the court system. In 2024, there were 23,282 eviction filings. There were 25,847 eviction filings recorded in 2023, according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q1EudF
BELTRAMI COUNTY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund co-hosted a roundtable last week on Dec. 2 to discuss the housing crisis in Beltrami County and find possible ways to help with the lack of affordable housing. The event was meant to showcase the results of the Beltrami County housing study conducted by Maxfield Research in 2024. At the roundtable, local governments, housing developers, and financial institutions all discussed ways to preserve and build more affordable housing units across the county.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aHCWAX
TINY APARTMENTS: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “StorageCafe, an online marketplace for self-storage units, reported that 2.4% of apartment units constructed last year were under 441 square feet. That’s almost double the figure from nearly a decade ago: 1.6% in 2015. In Minneapolis, more than a fifth of new apartment construction at one point this summer was for micro-units, also per StorageCafe. Its report defines a micro-unit as under 433 square feet, less than half the state’s average apartment size.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ab3vOY
BRAINERD LAKES: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The My Neighbor to Love Coalition in the Brainerd Lakes Area is hosting an open house this weekend to show off their newest housing units before people move in. The organization’s goal is to end homelessness and extreme poverty in the region by providing residents with furnished, low-income housing.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48uWU0w
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)
IF YOU’RE HUNGRY…
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is home to hundreds of thousands of people with Scandinavian ancestry, many of whom might recognize the region’s traditional confections: krumkake, rosettes and lefse. Even if your heritage isn’t rooted in those treats, you might see them pop up around the holidays. One Brooklyn Park woman’s bakery is ensuring those traditional foods are accessible in the northwest suburbs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4puWpJH
NE MPLS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Typically when we think of ‘fusion’ food, we think—two distinct cuisines meeting on one single plate; two solid parts forged together like metal. Fused. But imagine this instead: two trees growing beside each other, their trunks apart but their roots intertwined. That’s how longtime Twin Cities bartender Danny Guerrero posits Mestiizo, the new cocktail-focused restaurant he’s opening with business partner Luis Puentes in the former Sheridan Room space in Northeast Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pykr6U
WHAT’S NEXT?
TONIGHT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A pair of Duluth music scene mainstays will perform new songs Thursday night to a sold-out crowd at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. Alan Sparhawk of slowcore band Low and the progressive bluegrass group Trampled by Turtles put out a self-titled record together this summer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iRgI1D
THIS WEEKEND: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Ballet is bringing a classic holiday ballet to the Symphony Hall once again. The classic ‘Nutcracker’ story will hit the stage with a Northland twist.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YogvcI
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SPLURGE: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Certain special occasions warrant a true restaurant splurge — birthdays, anniversaries, and promotions all taste a little sweeter with an excellent meal on the table. But every splurge involves some level of risk, especially if you’ve been saving for months to finally try that seven-course tasting menu, or to go all-in on a once-in-a-lifetime steak.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4a70a3r
BDAYS: Gov Walz deputy press guy Hans Torgerson, lobbyist David Prestwood, advocate Laura Brod Hameed, conservative commentor Mitch Berg, lobbyist Christian Franzen, Tunheim’s Pat Milan
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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