Former President Jimmy Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol this afternoon. UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/4j5SwYT
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Ps80sE
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
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STATE WORKERS: Via MN House GOP, VERBATIM: “On December 9th, each GOP committee chair sent letters to agency commissioners under their committee jurisdiction requesting information on remote work policies, DEI-related FTEs, unfilled positions, and other information in light of the looming $5.1 billion deficit. Those requests gave a deadline of January 6, allowing nearly 1 full month for agencies to compile the information that they should already have available.” QUOTE: “It is deeply concerning that every state agency has refused to provide transparency on critical issues affecting Minnesotans, especially as we face a $5.1 billion deficit," said [Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth]. "Taxpayers deserve accountability for how their money is being spent, and the refusal to answer reasonable questions about remote work policies, DEI staffing, and unfilled positions is unacceptable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DLCvYd
CANADA: From Adam Uren via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Ontario Premier Doug Ford has responded to President-elect Donald Trump's apparent desire to see Canada become a part of the United States by suggesting Canada should incorporate some U.S. territories – including Minnesota. Trump is threatening to impose an additional 25% trade tariff on Canada when he takes office on Jan. 20 and on more than occasion has suggested the U.S. should absorb Canada (along with Greenland and Panama), referring to it as ‘the 51st state.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3C04Ppe
MPD: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey talked with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about the federal consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice the City Council approved Monday. He said the city’s police department is on board. FREY: “They want to get in on the ground level, the Minneapolis Police Department, and be part of something really special. We’re the city, obviously, where George Floyd was murdered. We’re also the city that’s gonna set the example for so many others to follow. We’re gonna get this right. I’m very optimistic where we’re going right now.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4h2kxPt
ICYMI… morning take has more on the consent decree – how it was reached and what comes next. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/408Sreo
DRY JANUARY: Via CNN, VERBATIM: “After successfully cornering the spirits section, celebrities now are aiming for the non-alcoholic aisle, with Tom Holland among the first A-listers making perhaps the biggest deal yet. Target announced Tuesday that Bero, Holland’s non-alcoholic beer brand, is coming to roughly 1,400 of its nearly 2,000 US stores this week, snagging a key display on an aisle endcap and giving further prominence to the growing sober-curious trend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40rhzPa
UOFM: From Imani Cruzen via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Two University of Minnesota professors each received the National Medal of Science at a White House ceremony last week for their work in geochemistry and ecology. R. Lawrence Edwards and G. David Tilman were recognized with the award among 14 laureates on Friday. Nominees are evaluated by a committee of scientists and engineers appointed by the president, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a8W6xw
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
TWINS: Via Twins, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins today announced the two-leg, four-state, nine-city schedule for the 63rd edition of Twins Winter Caravan, set for January 21-22. The 2025 Caravan – one of professional sports’ longest-running and most extensive fan engagement tours – will feature Twins players, alumni and broadcasters traveling to communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fPXWEO
JOBS: From Adam Uren via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The parent company of boutique TV shopping channel ShopHQ is laying off 122 workers from its facility in Eden Prairie. IV Media, LLC confirmed the impending permanent layoffs in a notice to state authorities, with the layoffs expected to start on Feb. 24 at its control room at 6740 Shady Oak Road.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j7bfDG
DULUTH: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, reached a tentative agreement Monday night with the city of Duluth that includes ‘no major concessions,’ according to the union. The union announced the news to its nearly 500 members at 9 p.m. after 12 hours of ‘long, hard negotiations.’ The tentative agreement came after historic tensions between the union and Mayor Roger Reinert’s administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DK7jbL
EDUCATION: From Becky Z. Dernbach via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Until very recently, it was all but impossible for heritage language teachers to obtain a license in teaching their language and culture. Instead, those teachers often received temporary permissions to teach their subject matter. That gave them little job security or relevant professional development, and they often weren’t eligible for annual raises. Now, following a 2023 law, a program through the state of Minnesota helps teachers in languages like Karen, Hmong, and Somali obtain licenses. Forty-seven teachers joined the first cohort; of those, so far about a third have either received their license or been approved to receive it soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PLjtUF
AIRPORTS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Cam Bonelli reports on a plan under consideration that would give Metropolitan Airports Commission staff 5-10% boosts in pay if the organization reaches at least half of its “stretch goals” – an incentive meant to boost performance and retain workers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Pr93t1
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)
CANNABIS: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Above local highways, the State Patrol posted the most Minnesotan of safe-driving reminders during this holiday season. ‘Only the hotdish should be baked — don’t drive high,’ read a electronic highway sign . . . Along with the new campaign, the State Patrol is aiming to put a new drug detection tool to work in 2025. Minnesota law enforcement agencies have spent about a year piloting a voluntary test program with an oral drug testing system. It functions similar to a Breathalyzer. When troopers or another law enforcement official pull someone over on suspicion of DWI, they can take an oral saliva swab to test for drug use.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4j7cAdG
ICE BREAKERS: From T Kaldahl via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The US Coast Guard begins operations for ice-breaking on Lake Superior. Operation Taconite is the US Coast Guard’s largest domestic ice-breaking operation. This operation includes work in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is breaking open shipping lanes in the Twin Ports.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40pdjiM
MORE: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw made an unexpected stop in the shipping channel in Superior on Thursday last week. They stopped to remove an ice shelter that had migrated into the channel.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DF5kFu
MHA NATION-ENBRIDGE AGREEMENT: “IT’S AN AWESOME DAY” - Enbridge has sold its Plaza/Wabek Pipeline in North Dakota to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, paving the way for the MHA Nation to become the first Tribal shipper on the Enbridge liquids pipeline network. The pipeline will “create an avenue” from the MHA Nation’s Thunder Butte facility, notes Mark N. Fox, Chairman of the MHA Nation, “to move our very valuable assets and resources to the marketplace.” Adds Bernie Fox, Thunder Butte’s CEO: “I’m thankful to Enbridge, because now they’re part of our history. They’re our partner.” As part of Enbridge’s Indigenous inclusion strategy, “we want to provide even more opportunities,” says Mike Koby, VP of our U.S. Liquids Pipelines group, “to partner with the MHA Nation and other Tribal communities along our operations.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47ozrun (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
HOCKEY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The ceremonial puck pass marking the transition of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship from Ottawa to Minnesota recently took place, signifying the official handoff to the host of the 2026 tournament. The historic moment, celebrated on the final day of this year’s World Juniors, reflects the deep-rooted passion for hockey in Minnesota, the State of Hockey.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Psdbc4
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Rise and Shine, VERBATIM: “Rise and Shine and Partners, an independent, full-service creative agency, is excited to announce its acquisition of Adventure Creative Group. This strategic deal between two award-winning agencies comes on the heels of an incredible year for Rise and Shine, which achieved 110-percent year-over-year growth in 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gKXN6E
APOGEE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) on Tuesday reported fiscal third-quarter profit of $21 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 96 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.19 per share. The glass products company posted revenue of $341.3 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424VZRr
JAN/FEB: From Anya Capistrant-Kinney via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Art Shanty Projects are set to return this winter—this time with multiple weather contingency plans. After the warm winter last year forced the festival to close early and be held on the beach, organizers are promising backup plans to account for weather. This year, the 20 shanties that stay up throughout the fest will be a mix of enclosed and open-air structures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h5jfDq
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
DC: Via Politico, VERBATIM: “After passing a farm bill extension in a stopgap funding deal in December, lawmakers will have to get back to the bargaining table this year to hammer out a farm bill reauthorization as other policy fights are brewing. Republican leaders Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) and House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) said last summer that they were hopeful that GOP election victories would boost their chances of pushing through major Republican priorities in the next farm bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h3we8n
MORE: From Chris Clayton via DTN, VERBATIM: “Reporting from Harrisburg, Pa., Kim de Bourbon, editor for the Hagstrom Report, detailed a listening session at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Saturday with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Pa., and Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., the new committee ranking member . . . In answering questions and responding to comments from some of the more than 100 people attending, the panel emphasized the Ag Committee's ability to work in a harmonious manner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/424b3iy
BIRD FLU: Via University of Minnesota, VERBATIM: “With $1.267 million in funding approved by Governor Tim Walz on Jan. 3, researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine will lead a collaborative effort to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its emerging threat to Minnesota wildlife. For two years, highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as ‘bird flu’ or HPAI, has made headlines for its devastating impact on free-ranging birds, free-ranging mammals and the poultry industry. More information is emerging about its spread to cows and humans, yet little is known about its impact on wild animals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gF2G1l
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C.H. ROBINSON: From Eden Prairie-based C.H. Robinson via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRW), announced today that it will issue its fourth quarter 2024 results after the market closes on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The company will hold a conference call from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the quarterly results and answer live questions from the investment community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/409bC7M
XCEL: From Minneapolis-based Xcel via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will host a conference call to review fourth quarter and year end 2024 financial results. The earnings report will be released prior to the market open on the same date.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h0hRBM
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MUSEUM: From Madison Bloomquist via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “‘We always say, ‘If you find us, you’ll love us,’’ says Kylie Linh Hoang, assistant curator at the Minnesota Museum of American Art, as she strolls through the downtown St. Paul gallery space. It’s notable because being found has been the museum’s biggest problem since moving to downtown St. Paul in 2019. Add in a pandemic, a gigantic construction project, and a decade of fundraising—all of which conspired to momentarily hide one of the state’s largest collections of American art. But all that’s changing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40luFNH
OUTDOORS: From Torey Van Oot via Axios, VERBATIM: “Winter (festival season) is coming to the Twin Cities. Why it matters: Outdoor activities and traditions can help us all make the most of our cold-weather months. State of play: The hottest — or perhaps we should say coolest — events of the season ramp up this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h7Ntpj
BDAYS: Capitol historian John Kaul, PR Pro Jenny Steingas
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