No mail delivery today in honor of former president Jimmy Carter.
All five living presidents are expected to attend Carter’s funeral service at the National Cathedral. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3BQHXIL
The PWHL Frost win over Boston. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gDRxO9
The new Drought Monitor out this morning and reflecting data as of Tuesday shows no change over last week – nearly half of the state remains in drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gLjfs9
Sunday Take had new GOP Alex Plechash to discuss how he feels about primaries, fundraising and the GOP opportunity. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3WaJ8cL
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
DNC: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for vice president, on Thursday endorsed Ken Martin to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Mr. Martin, the chairman of the Minnesota Democrats, is a longtime Walz ally who led the state party during Mr. Walz’s rise from Congress to the State Capitol to the national ticket. Mr. Walz is now the highest-profile Democratic official to endorse Mr. Martin to lead the party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h8p96q
JET FUEL: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub – a local effort to usher in a new era of more eco-friendly air travel – has earned the backing of another industry giant. At the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Delta Air Lines announced that French airplane maker Airbus plans to join and invest in Minnesota’s Sustainable Aviation (SAF) Hub. The European company joins a growing list of big corporate backers, including Bank of America, Ecolab, and Cargill. Airbus’s precise level of participation and investment isn’t yet clear, but the company’s name certainly adds weight to the endeavor: Airbus is the largest airplane maker in the world.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/406Caqt
(DISCLOSURE: Delta Air Lines is a client of Fluence Advisory)
CHS: From Brooks Johnson via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “CHS was already feeling the squeeze of depressed grain prices amid bountiful worldwide harvests, and now its oil refining business is hurting from ample global production. The Inver Grove Heights-based cooperative saw profits cut in half, to $244.8 million, for its first fiscal quarter that ended Nov. 30. The company, which owns the Cenex brand and two refineries, said boosted U.S. refinery capacity and global production is to blame for the plummeting profitability in its energy segment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/429xoLo
TARGET: Via Progressive Grocer, VERBATIM: “Target Corp. is reaffirming its commitment to wellness with the pending introduction of more than 2,000 new items across various categories, including more than 600 Target exclusives. The assortment will continue to be affordable – more half of the new items are under $10. The expansion is part of the retailer’s strategy to enable consumers to create a personalized health-and-wellness regimen.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j9s5BB
RUBY SLIPPERS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “A hearing where a Minnesota man was expected to plead guilty to hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was postponed indefinitely Wednesday after his attorney told the court that the man is hospitalized.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/403Lsn4
PRODUCING FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers s of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
CAPITOL: From Peter Callaghan via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Two years ago, Minnesota DFL elected officials were about to begin a legislative session with a governing trifecta — control of the House and the Senate and the governor’s office. They would spend that session passing a sweeping progressive agenda. When the 2025 session begins next Tuesday, it will look a lot different. There are no clear majorities in either chamber. House DFLers are threatening to boycott until a previously agreed upon power sharing agreement is reinstated. And Gov. Tim Walz is struggling to find his footing after a grueling and unsuccessful campaign for vice president and has disrupted his own administration by shunning his lieutenant governor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40r9Ro8
MORE: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session begins on Jan. 14, but there’s a strong possibility that DFL lawmakers in the House won’t be there. The no-show scenario was proposed by House DFL leader Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park earlier this week. The move would deprive Republicans of a quorum needed to pass bills. But at least one local lawmaker was cautiously optimistic that leaders from both parties will be able to resolve their differences.” QUOTE: “I mean, my expectation is I’ll be coming into session next week,” said Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley. “You know, we do have this out there as a possibility in the events the GOP continues to refuse to negotiate, but my hope and expectation is that we’ll be there next week.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PudumJ
MINNEAPOLIS: From Deena Winter via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city leaders have a long to-do list for the state Legislature, from ending what some of them called slave labor at state prisons to getting help paying off U.S. Bank Stadium’s construction debt . . . Mayor Jacob Frey’s administration and the Minneapolis City Council put together their agenda and policy positions for the 2025 legislative session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40cNH7s
BELTRAMI CO: From Matthew Freeman via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Beltrami County has identified nearly a dozen legislative priorities in its 2025 legislative platform, with several of those likely requiring additional spearheading at the State Capitol. The Beltrami County Board invited state Representative-elects to join in the first work session of the new year. The Board shared its 2025 legislative platform along with a list of priorities the county hopes the incoming lawmakers will fight for when they get to St. Paul.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fRb3Wh
SD60: From Torey Van Oot via Axios, VERBATIM: “Early voting starts Thursday in a snap special primary election to fill a vacant Senate seat in Northeast Minneapolis. State of play: Eight Democrats are battling to succeed former Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who died in December following close to two years of treatment for ovarian cancer. While two Republicans are also competing to be the party's nominee on the Jan. 28 ballot, the winner of the DFL primary is almost certain to win the seat given the political lean of the district. The big picture: The Senate will be tied 33-33 until the seat is filled at the end of January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DJTom6
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)
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “As the national homicide rate experiences its fastest decline on record, Minneapolis emerges as an outlier, grappling with an increase in violent crime. According to provisional data analyzed by Jeff Asher, the U.S. homicide rate fell by approximately 16% in 2024, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. However, in Minneapolis, homicides rose to 76 in 2024, up from 72 in 2023, and significantly higher than the 48 reported in 2019.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fQ4dQW
ST PAUL: From Katrina Pross via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “St. Paul saw a decrease in some crimes in 2024, but gun violence was an obstacle that police leaders expect to continue into this year. Police Chief Axel Henry said his department is also monitoring how President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which include mass deportations, will play out after his January 20 inauguration. St. Paul police will continue building trust with immigrant communities so they feel comfortable reporting crimes, Henry said. Looking back at the past year and outlining goals for the new year, Henry identified gun violence as a key issue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Wg5OZ9
LAWSUIT: From Matt Sepic via MPR, VERBATIM: “The mother of a man killed by St. Paul police in 2017 returned to federal court on Wednesday for a second trial in her lawsuit against the city. In 2023, a jury awarded Kim Handy Jones $1.5 million in punitive damages plus $10 million in compensatory damages after finding St. Paul Police Officer Nathaniel Younce civilly liable for fatally shooting her son Cordale Handy, 29. But in February, U.S. District Judge David Doty sharply reduced the compensatory portion to $2.5 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hbxbvD
LIST: Carleton College is the only Minnesota institution on The Business Journal’s list of the 100 most selective colleges and universities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fQ8y6z
DISTILLERY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Forge and Foundry Distillery in downtown Stillwater will close its doors permanently this month. The small craft distillery opened four-and-a-half years ago across from Hotel Crosby on Main Street.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DZCz6v
‘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)
ENCAMPMENT: From Frederick Melo via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “For two years or more, a sizable tent community has laid claim to the field south of the East Seventh Street entrance to the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul. Half or more of the residents of the sprawling encampment are Hmong men, but the individuals warming themselves by makeshift campfires on Tuesday morning came from all walks of life, each drawn together by homelessness. Soon, they’ll share something else — eviction. City officials tagged dozens of tents in the area below East Seventh Street and Payne Avenue on Tuesday morning with notices to vacate, giving residents of what’s believed to be the city’s largest or second-largest homeless encampment until Jan. 16 to find somewhere else to stay.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pr9bsA
BROOKLYN PARK: From Richard Ooga via Mshale, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Park City Council swore-in its youngest city council member on Monday, January 6. Amanda Cheng Xiong, 22, was born and raised in the city by her Hmong refugee parents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WbCbrY
FOOD HALL: From Christine Schuster via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Deep-fried sushi rolls with soft shell crab, Korean-style egg sandwiches served on milk toast, poke bowls and other Asian-inspired cuisine will soon be available all day at the Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis. EGGFLIP/SUSHIFLIP, the food hall’s newest eatery, is expected to open mid-January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4acRyWR
OWAMNI: From Owamni via Facebook, VERBATIM: “We’re thrilled to announce that NATIFS Wóyute Thipi—our new hub for Indigenous food, culture, and community—is becoming a reality! Today, we officially step into the historic Seward Creamery Co-op Building in Minneapolis, marking a new chapter for Indigenous food systems.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4gMC12y
GOLF: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Edinburgh USA golf course in Brooklyn Park is preparing to open a new restaurant at its clubhouse this spring. It will be called Tavern at Edinburgh, replacing The Brooklyn.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PAhMsJ
NORTHERN: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Technologies International Corp. (NTIC) on Wednesday reported earnings of $561,000 in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Circle Pines, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 6 cents. Earnings, adjusted for amortization costs, came to 7 cents per share. The rust and corrosion prevention company posted revenue of $21.3 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4haPPDB
NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis will host its annual Regional Economic Conditions Conference on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Central Time.” AGEND: https://fluence-media.co/4gZiaNk
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FARM BILL: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee is not concerned the farm bill will become an afterthought in the new Congress. Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar tells Brownfield the aid package passed during the Lame Duck will help farmers through difficult financial times.” KLOBUCHAR: “I think the farm bill is going to be at the forefront because of the challenges we have. You still have avian flu out there and animal diseases, and I think that’s going to create a lot of pressure to get a farm bill done.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Pt1MZz
DAIRY: From Minnesota Department of Agriculture via X, VERBATIM: “Dairy producers are encouraged to consider heightened biosecurity measures such as those described in the Secure Milk Supply Plan.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3BWswyF
MORE: Via SMS, biosecurity resources. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3PoVLgG
AQUACULTURE: Via Seafood Source, VERBATIM: “The U.S. state of Minnesota recently released a draft of a new state aquaculture plan, drawing a wide array of public opinions that all agree the industry has potential in the state. Just how much potential, though, has been up for debate. The draft plan, commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and prepared by Portland, Maine, U.S.A.-based Steamboat Consulting, is the first of its kind since 1989 in the state, and outlines a strategy for effective investment in the future of Minnesota aquaculture.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gKejUJ
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ANDERSEN: From Bayport-based Andersen via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Andersen Corporation (Andersen), manufacturer of America's most trusted brand of windows and doors, has appointed Kelly Aronson as senior vice president of Renewal by Andersen affiliate retail operations and digital experience. Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window and door replacement division of Andersen Corporation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/409FVvp
MOVE: From GREATER MSP via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “The GREATER MSP Partnership announced today that Jake Blumberg will become managing director of the Itasca Project effective February 12, 2025. As managing director, Jake will play a central role in driving cross-sector collaboration across the region’s economy and fostering a more robust and diverse ecosystem of civic leadership in Greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Since 2015, Jake has served as executive director of GiveMN, which grows giving for the nonprofit sector through GiveMN.org, RaiseMN and, most notably, Minnesota’s giving holiday, Give to the Max Day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jbKCgC
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
DULUTH: From Marisa Omat via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Starting next school year, Duluth Public Schools will be expanding their Spanish immersion program to two elementary schools to better serve the community. The program started at Lowell Elementary in 2016 and has seen so much success. This expansion will help with overcapacity issues and serve new families while maintaining the program’s high standards.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Ps5N0i
BDAYS: Rep.-elect Max Rymer, MNDOT’s Mike Dougherty, lobbyist Ian Marsh, fmr. Flanagan aide Dominic McQuerry
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