Could we see more northern lights in the future? Sunspots point to ‘yes.’ SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Mbiz58
41% of voters support bans on data centers near where they live – that’s up from 37% in October. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/3XqKFf8
Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor and 2022 Senate candidate Mandela Barnes is running for governor. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4437cCs
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44DGkZV
Sunday Take on WCCO Radio this week was a recap of Thanksgiving week and previews what to watch this holiday season and into 2026. And a replay the recent interview he had with the new Saint Paul Mayor - elect Kaohly Her. The take focuses on how to revitalize our urban neighborhoods – especially St. Paul. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pa02oi
Blois
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Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
BY THE NUMBERS
HOTELS: If you want a hot tub inside the average Minnesota hotel room, it’ll cost you an extra 55.4%. Nationally, the price only goes up 35%. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48rO2rc
SUPPLY CHAIN: Via release from Infios, which has offices in the Twin Cities. VERBATIM: “The State of Supply Chain: Truth or Trend? report found that while leaders are making bold investments in technology, better alignment between capabilities and consumer expectations could unlock unprecedented loyalty and competitive advantage . . . While leaders currently focus on loyalty (88%), speed (66%), transparency (44%) and low cost (38%), consumers themselves prioritize quality (58%) as their #1 loyalty factor with 29% willing to switch brands if quality drops. The study suggests that companies that reframe their investments to better reflect what consumers truly value, will be best positioned to strengthen loyalty and expand market share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48pkHh6
NEW THIS MORNING
FRAUD: Via Senate Republican Caucus, Senators Jordan Rasmussen (R-Fergus Falls) and Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement of an investigation into allegations fraud proceeds from Minnesota went to fund overseas terrorism. QUOTE: “We welcome the U.S. Treasury investigation and federal scrutiny into where these fraud dollars are going, something Governor Walz has never been willing to do himself. Whether fraud was being used for personal enrichment, or being siphoned by terrorist organizations overseas, the reality is that no other state has seen these brazen fraud schemes stealing more than a billion dollars from public funds. Minnesotans deserve to know exactly where these fraudulent dollars were going and what they were being used for.”
ICYMI… catch up with morning take’s coverage of Bessent’s announcement and what it means. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XvqZXA
PAID LEAVE: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “With the program’s start now just four weeks away, Gov. Tim Walz visited Marty’s Deli in Minneapolis to provide an update on the program’s rollout. Walz says the state has been running beta tests for more than a month and tried to learn from the issues of the old, troubled Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS). ‘This program has been built by some of the best folks in the country to do this,’ the governor assured media members.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Y0REeO
INBOUND: Via Home Health Care News, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based Allina spinoff] Inbound Health, a hospital-at-home enablement platform that has raised over $50 million, closed down on Monday after failing to secure necessary funding. The company laid off its employees and is seeking “strategic alternatives” while working to support its customers with transition planning, Inbound confirmed to Home Health Care News. The news, originally reported by Axios, comes three years after the company’s launch.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pJ13ng
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)
DC + MN
“WE’RE TOTALLY STUCK”: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Angel Bursch’s business is licensed to grow cannabis at one site and sell it nearby. Although the sites are within a 20-minute drive from each other, the Grand Rapids woman said it feels like they’re awfully far apart these days. With so few companies licensed to transport cannabis in Minnesota, getting her product from point A to point B isn’t so simple . . . Two years after Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis, Bursch and others who have high hopes for cannabis dispensaries in Greater Minnesota say this transportation bottleneck is contributing to supply shortages, stymying independent businesses as they attempt to get a foothold in the industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rw3487
TREES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Artificial Christmas trees are becoming more expensive due to tariffs, driving more customers to purchase real trees. Even though demand for homegrown trees may increase, some tree growers across the state say their trees are getting more expensive too. And they’re already seeing signs of a busy season ahead.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3MjyA93
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)
POLITICAL MOVES
SATURDAY: Via news release from the Flanagan campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senate Candidate, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan launched her ‘Loud and Clear Voice Tour: Roadmap to the Caucus’ to meet with folks across Minnesota and educate them on the caucus process ahead of precinct caucuses on February 3rd. During her 40 plus stops across the state, Peggy will also emphasize that she is running to represent Minnesotans, not corporations.”
GOVERNOR: Attorney Chris Madel talked about his campaign this morning on WCCO-Radio, a day after announcing his run as a Republican for governor. MADEL: “The reason I’m running is to kind of fix this mess. And I am just so tired of politicians’ talk and I just want to get things done.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ryIBPY
2A: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House 2A race could feature a rematch in 2026. DFLer Reed Olson, the executive director of Bemidji’s Nameless Coalition for the Homeless and a former Beltrami County Commissioner, announced on social media on Nov. 24 that he plans to run for that seat in next year’s election.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iteOE4
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Robbinsdale Area School Board has a new member. Richard Brynteson, who goes by the first name DJ, was appointed on Nov. 20 to fill the vacant board seat previously held by Kim Holmes. Brynteson has spent 20 years as a debate coach in the district. Holmes resigned in October, calling the board a ‘traumatic environment.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49SZRJu
HOUSING
SHELTERS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “This winter may be especially brutal for Twin Cities homeless shelters. The big picture: Drastic cuts to federal housing funding are set to kick in Jan. 1 — and may cascade through an already fragile anti-homelessness system, advocates say. Driving the news: This weekend’s below-normal temps were an early test for some emergency shelters and day centers, which were already straining under rising food costs and the recent interruption to SNAP benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48tJFvU
THURSDAY: Via message from Rep. Andrew Myers (R-45A), VERBATIM: “Members of the Suburban Solutions Caucus are hosting a boots on the ground town-hall listening, and learning directly from the builders experiences in Minnesota, so that we can create solutions to more housing options and affordability in the suburbs.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4rwS8XJ
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)
BUSINESS MOVES
GROCERIES: Via Modern Retail, VERBATIM: “Aldi has reimagined its branding and packaging to put its logo or endorsement on every private-label product in its stores. Previously, there were about 90 different brand names for Aldi’s private-label products, which make up more than 90% of the grocer’s selection . . . The company worked with branding and design firms [Minneapolis-based] Favorite Child on the Aldi branded-products and Pearlfisher, Contrast, Equator and Sun Strategy on the other brands, alongside internal creative and product teams.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48w9JXc
BEDS: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Sleep Number, VERBATIM: “Sleep Number Corporation (Nasdaq: SNBR) today announces Amy O’Keefe as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 8, 2025. Interim CFO Bob Ryder will remain with the company to ensure a smooth transition through December 12, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48tbRit
BIOHAZARDS: Via news release from Crisis Clean Team, VERBATIM: “Crisis Clean Team, a Minnesota-based and women-owned biohazard and environmental remediation company, has been recognized in the 2025 Best in Biz Awards as the Most Innovative Small Company of the Year. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from leading national outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and USA Today, making the program one of the most respected independent business awards in North America.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MAKoUv
SCOTCH TAPE: Via news release from 3M, VERBATIM: “Scotch Brand is committed to helping people discover the magic of hands-on creativity. This holiday season, the brand is shining a spotlight on a familiar phenomenon: Resting Gift Face (RGF). In a lighthearted new campaign, Scotch Brand partners with actress and comedian Ego Nwodim to transform awkward gifting moments into opportunities for connection and celebration—proving that ‘The best holidays start with Scotch Brand.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xvj64q
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)
ST PAUL
BBQ: From Alary’s via Facebook, VERBATIM: “To Alary’s friends and family: After an incredible run, Petey’s BBQ has announced they are ending their residency in Alary’s kitchen on December 26, 2025. This is goodbye with full hearts and the deepest gratitude two businesses could possibly feel. You braved blizzards for burnt ends and brisket. You packed this bar shoulder-to-shoulder just because you could smell the smoker was on.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KmmBXW
WINTER CARNIVAL: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Winter Carnival volunteers set aside a couple of hours on Monday to assemble window displays of historic carnival memorabilia at the corner of Grand Ave. and Victoria St. Built into that time is more than a few moments to ooh and aah at treasures dating back to the first Winter Carnival. It took place in 1886.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rymDMU
WHAT’S NEXT?
WINTER: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Not many do winter better than Minnesota, so celebrate the snowy season like a true Midwesterner with ice mazes, yoga in the snow, snow sculpture competitions, sledding, beer, and more at the state’s many winter festivals.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/48yYjSF
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CURLING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Months after disappointment at the 2022 Olympic trials, two Minnesota curlers shared a drink at Duluth’s landmark Pickwick restaurant.
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse were on separate mixed doubles teams when their Olympic dreams stalled. It was a moment of reflection — and possibility . . . Born into families of curlers, it seemed inevitable that Thiesse and Dropkin would enter the sport long before stepping onto the pebbled sheets of ice. Curling rinks were their nurseries — rocks clanking and brooms squeaking a lullaby as they were nestled into car seats and left to crawl alongside the ice sheets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ozwWhd
BDAYS: Fox 9’s Dawn Mitchell, investment pro Janel Goff
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