The Vikings’ Grant Udinski is moving on – he’s been named offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. ESPN: https://fluence-media.co/4jKlk9L
A Minnesota couple won a free cruise and ended up with a $47,000 bill. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WTAQ9t
Snow is headed our way, but how much is very much up in the air. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/414QPUE
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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RULING: U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Tostrud this morning ruled in a case involving political speech by Minnesota businesses with foreign ownership – the Minnesota Fair Campaign Practices Act forbids businesses from exercising First Amendment free-speech rights in state and local elections if they have at least 1% foreign ownership. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce sued state and local officials challenging that prohibition. Via the ruling, QUOTE: “With respect to the Chamber’s First Amendment claims, the Chamber’s summary-judgment motion will be granted, and Defendants’ motion will be denied. The fuller, post-discovery record shows the challenged foreign-influence provisions fail First Amendment scrutiny as a matter of law. There are, in other words, no First Amendment–related fact questions that require a trial to resolve.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CSYT1v
ECONOMY: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari on Friday said fresh data published Friday shows the labor market is strong, and if inflation continues to cool, the U.S. central bank's policy rate will be ‘modestly’ lower by the end of the year than now. For now, he said, the Fed is in ‘wait and see’ mode amid uncertainty over the economic effects of Trump administration policies, he told CNBC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gvAhK0
MORE: Via Bloomberg, VERBATIM: “Echoing recent comments from other policymakers, Kashkari said there’s still significant uncertainty about how and when new Trump administration policies, including curbs on immigration, tariffs and tax cuts, could impact the economy and inflation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hNXfxe
MORE: Via CNBC, the interview. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hq9NLb
FRAUD: Via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension established a centralized state fraud investigations unit on Friday, following executive action from Governor Tim Walz. Fraud investigators from the Department of Commerce will move to the BCA to create the centralized Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit, which will give them greater enforcement authority.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hmqY0e
EDUCATION: From Ari Bergeron and Lindsey Peterson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit. Yet his promise to close the department is colliding with another reality: Most of its spending — and its very existence — is ordered by Congress. Former Minnesota Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker told Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News she wishes the message from the Trump Administration, and the president himself, would be a little more clear.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3EEYbFB
TARIFFS: From Alex Haddon via MPR, VERBATIM: “When American liquors were pulled off Canadian shelves this weekend, Minnesota’s Phillips Distilling Company braced for the worst. The purging of American drinks followed the announcement from President Donald Trump’s administration that a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods would strike Tuesday. In retaliation, American alcohol was pulled from the shelves in some Canadian provinces. As of Wednesday, the tariffs have been delayed for a month so the two countries can negotiate an economic deal. In the meantime, Phillips Distilling Company is preparing for the possibility that it will lose Canadian business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42GUj0Y
PLYMOUTH: From Victor Stefanescu via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Longtime Minnesota-based generic drugmaker Upsher-Smith Laboratories, which was sold to a Taiwanese firm in 2024, is closing one of its two drug plants in the state and refocusing work here on the contract drug-manufacturing business. The company, which was the subject of a billionaire family’s five-year legal feud, is laying off at least 58 employees at its plant on 23rd Avenue North in Plymouth, according to a federal WARN Act notice filed with the state Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jKoJ8x
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
UTILITIES: From Andrew Hazzard via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The city of Minneapolis is poised to enter new, decade-long agreements with the state’s largest utility companies that will establish goals to reduce gas emissions. A Minneapolis City Council committee on Thursday unanimously approved new franchise agreements and memorandums of understanding with CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy that set expectations for utility performance. The utilities agreed for the first time to set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the energy they provide to city customers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42RcMIp
BIOFUELS: Via news release from Rep. Angie Craig, VERBATIM: “This week, Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led nearly 30 colleagues in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize renewable fuels as the Agency works to set the new Administration’s energy agenda. In a bipartisan letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the lawmakers emphasized the important role that American biofuels can play in lowering energy costs and investing in an all-of-the-above energy policy and encouraged the EPA to issue timely and science-driven guidance to fulfill the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Reps. Craig and Smith are co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gtJvXb
CRASH: From Liz Fedor via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Richard Anderson, former CEO of Northwest and Delta airlines, often sat in the cockpit jump seat when his airlines’ pilots flew along the Potomac River and then made a sharp turn to land at the congested Reagan Washington National Airport. When an Army helicopter collided with a regional jet descending for landing on Jan. 29, Anderson was aware of the distinct risk factors present at Reagan National.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EqpyDn
(DISCLOSURE: Delta Air Lines is a client of Fluence)
OVERTURNED: From Mike Mosedale via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “In a legal saga that highlights the complex, sometimes muddled interplay between state and tribal jurisprudence, a longtime elected official of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has succeeded in overturning a three-decade-old criminal conviction that upended his political career. Following a favorable ruling from the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Cass County Attorney in December formally dismissed a 1992 third-degree assault case against the band’s former secretary-treasurer, Arthur ‘Archie’ LaRose.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aSeWJr
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)
HIGHLIGHT REEL: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “The global sports market is booming, and with the explosion of women’s sports new opportunities are emerging for brands looking to connect with a highly-engaged and rapidly-growing audience. To help navigate this evolving landscape, Ellie Anderson, CEO of Griffin Archer, and Tracy Call, CEO of Media Bridge, founded Highlight Reel Sports Marketing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hIPOXU
SOLAR: From Ava Kian via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Lodge of Whispering Pines stands among the trees near an entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, at the end of a hilly and winding road, 20 miles north of Ely. It has what most other resorts in northern Minnesota offer: a great view of the outdoors, cute cabins, campsites and the glimpse of a quieter life. But it’s the sun shining brightly on these cold winter days that sets the lodge apart. In fact, it wouldn’t be open without it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gwzoRz
PRINCE: From Jon Bream via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “It’s official: The controversial nine-hour authorized Prince documentary directed by Oscar-winning Ezra Edelman for Netflix will not be released.” QUOTE: “The Prince Estate and Netflix have come to a mutual agreement that will allow the estate to develop and produce a new documentary featuring exclusive content from Prince’s archive,” Netflix said in a statement sent Thursday to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “As a result, the Netflix documentary will not be released.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aRuH3F
‘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)
SUN COUNTRY: Via Freight Waves, VERBATIM: “Sun Country Airlines said it expects to double cargo revenue within 12 months after integrating eight additional 737-800 converted freighter aircraft provided by Amazon into its dedicated fleet by August, CEO Jude Bricker said. 2024 was a banner year for the carrier’s cargo business, and management envisions an even better future as a new contract to operate package freighters for Amazon kicks in.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJYopm
MAPLE GROVE: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Maple Grove will soon have one less establishment to go for food, drinks and entertainment. Paulie’s announced on Facebook this week that it plans to close on Feb. 23.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42L6fin
NORTH LOOP: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is about to get a new entertainment destination, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. The Rabbit Hole, the largest sports and live entertainment venue in the North Loop, is set to open on Feb. 7.” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Epu7xV
LOTTERY: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “This week, the Minnesota Lottery and creative AOR Betty, a Quad agency, are debuting their latest creative work for the new refresh of its daily lotto game ‘North 5,’ which has players saying, ‘Wait, whaaaaat?!’ On top of the refresh, the game now includes a new instant win feature called EZ Match.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jRoaKq
TOMORROW: From Wayzata West Metro Chamber via Eventbrite, VERBATIM: “Since 1984, thousands of hearty Minnesotans head to Lake Minnetonka for this unique frozen golf event to celebrate our ‘chilly’ winter season. Our great team of volunteers carve out four 9-hole courses right out on the ice.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CvT6it
TOMORROW: Via Loppet, VERBATIM: “Come to the Luminary Loppet to experience a walk around Lake of the Isles. The trail is lit up by over 1,200 luminaries and unique ice features including the ice pyramid and more – all in the heart of Uptown!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hOsl7S
THIS WEEKEND: Via Hudson Hot Air Affair, VERBATIM: “Hudson Hot Air Affair announces the theme ‘Staying Alive in 2025’ for our annual hot air balloon rally and winter festival is on the weekend, February 7-9, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42KWbG4
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
NURSES: From Vincent Jacobbi via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “A recent Mayo Clinic study highlights how a new debriefing tool is helping to improve the mental well-being of nurses. The tool, which goes by the acronym BONE Break, is a structured approach designed to help address the emotional and psychological distress known as Second Victim Syndrome which can be experienced by people within healthcare teams.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40MaRSM
WATER: From MDH via X, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Department of Health Well Management staff presented and answered well contractor questions at the Minnesota Water Well Association 103rd Annual Convention and Trade Show.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/42RMcP0
SCANNER: From Matthew Freeman via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Before this past fall, if you lived close to the Bemidji area and your doctor recommended a PET-CT scan, it was a bit of a challenge to get that done. ‘Historically, we’ve had a mobile PET/CT that required our patients to walk outside during all seasons.’ says Chris St. Peter, Sanford Health Vice President of Operations, ‘We quickly realized that from a patient experience standpoint, that was not, an ideal situation.’ It’s also not exactly ideal to drive all the way to North Dakota or down to the Twin Cities to get a PET-CT scan. So, Sanford Health in Bemidji made implementing this technology a priority.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hsl1il
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EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, reports from Minnesota companies:
CLEARFIELD: “Clearfield Inc. (CLFD) on Thursday reported a loss of $1.9 million in its fiscal first quarter. The Brooklyn Park, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 13 cents per share. The maker of fiber optic management products posted revenue of $35.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40KOj4N
PROTO LABS: “Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB) on Friday reported a loss of $404,000 in its fourth quarter. The Maple Plain, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 2 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and stock option expense, were 38 cents per share. The custom parts manufacturer posted revenue of $121.8 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QaqxtS
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MUSIC VIDEO: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Director MICAH DAHL is proud to announce the release of his latest music video for Magnetic Rock, the debut single from the new wave-rock-Americana band DEEP FAKES. The track and accompanying video are now available on all major streaming platforms.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jRomJl
COLOR: From Dustin Scholl via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A new exhibit at a Robbinsdale art gallery has two Minnesota artists highlighting the importance of color. The Robbin Gallery is hosting ‘Non Diluted Color’ through Feb. 23.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hJWLrK
BDAYS: public affairs pro Dennis Egan, communications pro Jennifer Beers, politico DJ Danielson, fmr. Rep. Mary Sawatzky SAT: printer Bill Gleason, North Metro Chamber leader Lori Higgins, comms guy Rick Fuentes, designer Derek Brigham, DFL Senate strategist James Haggar. SUN: Senator Jeremy Miller, Opera orchestra leader Rebecca Arons, communications pro Sam Fettig, fmr. Rep. Gene Pelowski, fmr. Rep. Tama Theis
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