Busy morning for parents – several school districts across central and southern Minnesota delayed or canceled classes because of slippery roads. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4poL6lq
Yesterday it was state rankings, this morning it’s metro areas – U-Haul says Minneapolis has the 14th highest growth, based on one-way moving truck rentals. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3N8An1d
What did 1998 Americans expect 2025 to be like? GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/49GQnjN
MPR asked voters around the state about Governor Walz dropping out of the race. Reactions varied. READ: https://fluence-media.co/49jlfpe
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3N7cAio
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek discussed the state’s new paid leave program on Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49in59J
The latest MNSider Fluence Brief – What does President Trump saying “Mike Lindell deserves to be Governor.” mean to the GOP race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48R7fnM
Health Care will remain a top issue into 2026, the State of Health Care Fluence Forum panels from last week are now available in podcast form. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForumPodcast
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
DATA CENTERS: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Sometime in the spring, dirt should start moving on the north side of Cannon Falls. Now that the land use approvals and development agreement have been approved by the Cannon Falls City Council, said City Administrator Jon Radermacher, it’ll take about three years until a data center is online. The developer, Tract, will build berms, roads, water and electrical infrastructure, including a substation to service the data center. So far, the process has taken about two years in Cannon Falls. The city of Pine Island is hoping to follow suit soon. That might take a bit longer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N8LK9t
THE DOLLAR: Via Barchart, VERBATIM: “The dollar on Monday initially moved higher as the escalation of geopolitical risks in Venezuela boosted safe-haven demand for the dollar after the US captured Venezuelan President Maduro, and US President Trump said the US plans to temporarily ‘run’ Venezuela. Hawkish comments on Monday from Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari were supportive of the dollar after he said, US interest rates may be “close to neutral” for the economy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/450kqQS
ROBOTS: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, and Bimotal, a leader in ultra-compact, high-torque motor systems, are collaborating to develop next-generation electric motor designs for mobility and robotics applications. As companies across industries actively seek to reduce supply chain risk and limit reliance on foreign sources, manufacturers are rethinking how their technology is designed and sourced. The Bimotal motor systems are designed and assembled in the United States, supported by a global supply chain as the company works to reduce supply chain risk and enable fully domestically sourced powertrain solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49a7z14
CLOSING: Via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “The Wabash National manufacturing facility in Little Falls is expected to close this spring, leaving more than 50 employees without a job, according to a WARN notice released Jan. 5 by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jsvtZ3
CLOSING: Via MetroWest Daily News, VERBATIM: “Label manufacturer Smyth Companies is closing its Massachusetts printing facility and laying off nearly 70 workers this year, according to state officials. The Minnesota-based company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act Notification (WARN) last month, stating it would shutter its plant in Wilmington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KZIcG0
OPENING: Via The Street, Marshalls is opening 14 new stores, including one in Roseville.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49ubGnx
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)
MINNESOTA POLITICS
AG RACE: Via news release from the Ron Schutz campaign, SCHUTZ: “It is time for Keith Ellison to follow Tim Walz’s example and bow out of the race for Attorney General. For eight years, Ellison did nothing as fraudsters stole billions from Minnesota taxpayers, and now, the federal government is cleaning up his mess. As Attorney General, Ellison had an obligation to defend and protect Minnesotans; he failed.”
DEMUTH: House Speaker and candidate for governor Lisa Demuth talked with WCCO-Radio about Governor Walz dropping out of the race and about the prospect of facing Senator Amy Klobuchar. DEMUTH: “Basically, whatever Democrat runs, whoever they are, is going to be just a continuation of and a third term of Governor Walz and his administration because he’s held no one accountable and no one in his party has held him accountable.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pKCaaB
ROBBINS: GOP Rep. and candidate for governor Kristin Robbins talked with Fox and Friends about Governor Walz’s decision to drop out of the race. ROBBINS: “I think the pressure just got too much. The pressure from my committee. The pressure from federal partners who are helping us. The pressure from the public.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45FjiSO
BENNETT: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “State Rep. Peggy Bennett launched her 2026 gubernatorial campaign Monday evening at Albert Lea High School. The former teacher was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2015. She serves the majority of Freeborn County, along with parts of Faribault, Steele and Waseca counties . . . Bennett also announced Monday that regardless the outcome of the 2026 election, this will be her final term in the state legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sttIio
WALZ: Governor Walz is scheduled to speak at an event shortly and, unlike yesterday, take questions from reporters. KSTP-TV is tracking. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49IQIT6
17 MONTHS: The New York Times chronicles the Governor’s journey from VP candidate to ending his re-election bid. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qLUcdr
SCHOOLS: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Robbinsdale Area Schools will keep FAIR School Pilgrim Lane open, but will discontinue the middle school magnet program at FAIR School Crystal at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year and ‘repurpose it with academic programming.’ The Robbinsdale school board voted to do so Monday night as the district continues grappling with a $21 million budget deficit. Some parents and educators clashed with board members during Monday’s board meeting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Yr3teQ
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)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTS
TEACHERS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Just days away from a potential strike, the Anoka-Hennepin School District and its teachers’ union still haven’t come to a contract agreement. District negotiators met with Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) — which represents teachers in Minnesota’s largest school district — twice in recent weeks. According to the district, an eight-hour mediation session on Jan. 2 ended without a contract agreement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45GdPex
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Duluth Police Department has joined the national 30x30 initiative — pledging to have 30 percent of its sworn officers be women by 2030, and they say it’s an effort to better represent the community they serve every day.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qIogq9
CITY POLITICS
INAUGURATION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey officially launched his third term in office with an inauguration ceremony on Monday. Frey took the oath of office at the Pantages Theater alongside the 13-member city council — including four new members — the nine-member Park and Recreation Board and two members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation. In his inauguration speech, Frey promised progress in housing and public safety, plus revitalization of downtown and uptown. … A handful of protesters interrupted his speech.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49mWKav
COUNCIL: via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “For the first time in the city’s history, Democratic Socialists have gained an official leadership role on the Minneapolis City Council as Robin Wonsley has been elected as the council’s minority leader. … Aisha Chughtai [was] voted in as majority leader. … Elliott Payne was once again elected council president for the new term and Jamal Osman was elected vice president, replacing Chughtai in the role.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bkieYi
CITY ATTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s city attorney, Lyndsey Olson, resigned last week, one of the only city department heads to leave as Mayor Kaohly Her takes the reins from former Mayor Melvin Carter. So far, Olson is the most prominent Carter appointee to announce her departure. … Irene Kao, general counsel of Minnesota Housing, will be appointed city attorney on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sJqzLF
INFRASTRUCTURE
HIBBING: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Hibbing Economic Development Authority (HEDA) is moving forward with the next major phase of the 400 Block Redevelopment project in early 2026 with the demolition of the buildings on the 400 block of Howard Street . . . This project focuses on the remediation and demolition of deteriorated properties—including three dilapidated buildings and a vacant lot—along Howard Street, the city’s main corridor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bmczB1
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Maple Grove City Council recently took action to allow a 33-unit housing development in the southwest part of the city. The Juniper Hill development by Pulte Homes would build homes south of Elm Road and east of Elm Creek.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49k30zT
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
ACQUISITION: Via Freight Waves, VERBATIM: “Third-party logistics provider Trinity Logistics has acquired Granite Logistics, a freight agent partner of nearly 14 years with offices in Sartell and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Monday’s acquisition brings approximately 135 team members with over 600 years combined experience into the Seaford, Delaware-based 3PL company.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNkYg
ACQUISITION: Via Bolger, VERBATIM: “Bolger, a 90-plus-year, family-owned Minnesota print/communications company, announced today the late Q4 acquisition of American Financial Printing Inc. (AFPI), a respected Customer Communication Management firm with nearly five decades of experience serving highly regulated industries, particularly financial services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z0FZNC
NEW HIRE: Via St. Louis Park-based Recast, VERBATIM: “Recast, a leader in modern application and endpoint management, today announced Jake Mosey has joined the company as Chief Product Officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qHIDnr
NEW HIRE: Via Maple Grove-based Nortech, VERBATIM: “Nortech Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: NSYS), a leading provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical and electromechanical products serving the medical imaging, medical device, industrial, and aerospace & defense markets, announced today that Andrew Walko has been named Senior Vice President of Global Operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44X6eIk
PROMOTION: Via Piper Sandler, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, has named J.P. Peltier global co-head of investment banking and capital markets, effective immediately. Peltier will serve alongside current global co-heads James Baker and Mike Dillahunt.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N5payy
PROMOTIONS: Via FORTÉ, VERBATIM: “FORTÉ, formerly AVI Systems, today announced a series of executive leadership promotions that strengthen the company’s operational, financial, innovation, marketing, and people-focused capabilities as it continues its growth across the U.S. and internationally.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YVwS0K
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)
BUSINESS TAKES
TWIN CITIES: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Celebrated Twin Cities restaurant group the Travail Collective have announced three new openings in the metro.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/497YVjx
NORTH LOOP: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “As the Hewing Hotel approaches its tenth anniversary, the property is getting a refreshing in 2026. The hotel plans to renovate the guest rooms, the Tullibee restaurant connected to the lobby, the bar and lounge, and the event spaces in order to heighten its craftsmanship-forward identity and persist as a gathering space in North Loop.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4997ydD
PEACE: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Those who knew Eric Shogren well considered him a visionary in the business world. The Minneapolis native opened restaurant chains across the United States and Russia during his three-decade career.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YVnxGe
WHAT’S NEXT?
FRIDAY: Via Federal Reserve, VERBATIM: “The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis will host its annual Regional Economic Conditions Conference on Friday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Central Time.” AGENDA: https://fluence-media.co/4bs3Woq
THIS MONTH: Via U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) will release its fourth quarter 2025 earnings results before the market opens on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4stEtkO
THIS MONTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “For those dreaming of summer days in the Boundary Waters, there is good news. Permit reservations will be up for grabs at the end of January.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49nMb75
NEXT MONTH: Via Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its 2025 fourth quarter results. A news release containing fourth quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on February 10, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49qAtJe
THIS SUMMER: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The lineup for the 2026 Lakefront Music Fest in Prior Lake is now complete with the addition of George Thorogood & The Destroyers to the bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N3mjWV
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
HMONG FOOD: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Within the frigid winters of Minnesota is a hotbed of Southeast Asian cuisine. The state’s culinary landscape is shaped by a thriving Southeast Asian community who arrived during the ’70s and ’80s as refugees, and make up the majority of Asian Americans in Minnesota.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3YLgAHX
BDAYS: JE Dunn’s Jeff Callinan, KFAN’s Zach Halverson, lobbyist / lawyer Lelli Fatehi, food influencer Stephanie Meyer, organizational pro Katie Nadeau, public affairs pro Tasha Zerna, marketing strategist Kelly Olson and a belated to comms pro Mike Schoemer
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
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