Don’t get towed – snow emergencies are in effect in communities around the state. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/3VPo2Am
Out at MSP, the snow triggered two ground stops Thursday morning. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gIAcTV
BMTN has snow totals from around the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4foX61n
Lake Minnetonka was one of the top points-of-interest searched on Zillow in 2024. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gMrFiE
Governor Walz received an early Christmas gift from Jimmy Kimmel. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iNYVbm
On Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO Radio, Sens. Heather Gustafson and Mark Koran on addressing fraud issues in the upcoming legislative session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
On last weekend’s Sunday Take, Rep. Angie Craig on the state of the Democratic party, her political future and possibility of a Farm Bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3BxVV20
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DNC: Via Rolling Stone, VERBATIM: “Four candidates have declared their intention to compete for chair of the Democratic National Committee, but as the race heats up, an aggressively polite, exceedingly Midwestern cold war has broken out between factions backing the two state party chairs in the race: Ben Wikler of Wisconsin and Ken Martin of Minnesota. To a casual observer, Wikler may look like the frontrunner in this race . . . But DNC chair is a position voted on by 448 party insiders, roughly one-quarter of whom are state chairs and vice chairs. Among that group, Wikler’s peers, the qualities that have made him a darling of the media — his prodigious fundraising ability, relationships with donors and celebrities, and messaging ability — have engendered resentments that could torpedo his bid to head the national party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PrMEMl
LGBTQ: Via NPR, VERBATIM: “The morning after Election Day, Kimmy Hull woke up to find that her inbox had been bombarded overnight. ‘There was over a hundred emails from people asking about our permit to carry classes,’ said Hull. Hull, a former private security guard who is also half-Asian and lesbian, has devoted herself to keeping communities of color and her LGBTQ neighbors safe in Minneapolis. Her company, Sequeerity, offers de-escalation services, community defense classes and firearms instruction. But Hull said the post-election surge in clients looking for gun training signals a new feeling of urgency.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49KJnRv
POWER GRID: From Minnesota Rural Electric Association via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “The latest report from the organization monitoring the grid’s reliability warns of potential electricity shortages. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association is highlighting the latest report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) that identifies this region, which includes Minnesota, as ‘likely to experience a shortfall in electricity supplies at the peak of an average summer or winter season’ . . . According to the report, MISO, which ensures that power flows reliably across 15 states and Manitoba, has a ‘sharp decline in anticipated resources beginning next summer (2025).’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZLg4tp
MORE: Via NERC, from the report:
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3BFcqJs
ARCTIC CAT: From Dana Thiede via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The future appears uncertain for an iconic Minnesota-based powersports manufacturer after its parent company announced that operations are being suspended indefinitely at two community plants. Textron Inc. confirmed that Arctic Cat manufacturing operations are being shut down at factories in both Thief River Falls and St. Cloud after planned production numbers for the first half of 2025 are met. Arctic Cat was born in Minnesota as a snowmobile manufacturer in 1962 more recently added ATVs and side-by-side UTVs to the lineup.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fuTHhy
MORE: From Patrick Kennedy via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The powersports industry, which includes personal watercraft, snowmobiles and all-terrain and utility vehicles, has struggled lately as consumers delay big purchases that often require financing. Medina-based Polaris Inc., the largest powersports manufacturer, said during its third quarter earnings in October that it was limiting production to protect inventory levels at its dealers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gjVjvU
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Flint Hills Resources makes fuels and other products people need and use every day, products that help keep Minnesota moving. The company does this while prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship and contributing meaningfully to the community. STEWARDSHIP WITH A PURPOSE: Four pillars of stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MPD: Via Minneapolis for the Many, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara made a number of misleading statements when he joined Fox9 for a segment this past Wednesday, December 18th. ‘The Police Department in Minneapolis, the members that work here, have become experts at doing more with less.’ This is not the first time he has used this line, which feeds upon fears that the Minneapolis Police Department has lost resources. But it’s not true. The Minneapolis Police Department has seen an increase in spending every year Chief O’Hara has been on the force. And this trend isn’t recent to Chief O’Hara’s tenure. MPD’s 2025 $229 million budget is 50% bigger than its $152 million budget just ten years ago. Despite what Chief O’Hara wants the public to believe, MPD has not had the chance to practice doing more with less.”
MORE: From Fox9 via YouTube, the interview. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3P8I9pE
CANNABIS: From Trey Mewes via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Chris McPhillips figured more than four years ago that producing cannabis would be a lot more profitable than selling it . . . McPhillips is getting outsized attention for his audacious plan to turn a 50,000-square-foot building built in the 1960s into a massive cannabis-growing operation. He bought the building, one of four in the former Green Giant complex in Le Sueur’s industrial neighborhood, about two years back. Once he secures a license, he plans to invest up to $10 million in the facility and hire up to 250 workers — 50 full-time, up to 200 part-time — to start operations by the end of next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ds6qnY
AMPHITHEATERS: From Adam Platt via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “One of the holes in a very vibrant Twin Cities live music scene is the lack of a sizable outdoor amphitheater. It’s a need that was recognized half a century ago as large summer pop and rock tours consistently skipped the Twin Cities. Numerous proposals to build an amphitheater, usually with the Minnesota Orchestra’s involvement, were floated, but none came to fruition . . . But after decades of waiting, local music fans’ outdoor dreams are about to come true, and in a very Twin Cities way. We’re getting not one, but two outdoor amphitheaters (oddly, not in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as the pattern normally dictates), one of which is opening in summer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fvJGRs
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 in January. Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
HOUSING: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “Forecasts for 2025 home prices in the Twin Cities are all over the map. Why it matters: This metro has historically had one of the more stable housing markets in the country, and despite some incorrect predictions of a major cooling, it's remained that way. What they're saying: Zillow is predicting Twin Cities home values will rise just 0.2% in 2025, saying it will be one of the coolest markets in the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VJB1Ub
GEOTHERMAL: Via CenterPoint, VERBATIM: “Today, CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, issued a Request for Information (RFI) to the local governmental entities it serves in Minnesota to garner interest in collaborating with the company on a new networked geothermal pilot project. Interested cities and townships that are currently served by CenterPoint are invited to submit responses to the RFI by Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZZJANj
WINNEBAGO: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) on Friday reported a loss of $5.2 million in its fiscal first quarter. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 18 cents per share. Losses, adjusted for amortization costs, came to 3 cents per share. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations . . . The recreational vehicle maker posted revenue of $625.6 million in the period, which also missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gpxgLY
GEN MILLS: Via Food Business News, VERBATIM: “General Mills Inc. had a positive second-quarter story for its North America Retail business, where 7 of the top 10 US categories tallied sequential sales gains. But Jeffrey Harmening, chairman and chief executive officer of the Minneapolis-based company, spotlighted one category that didn’t: refrigerated dough, led by the Pillsbury brand. In comments to analysts, Harmening said refrigerated dough took a ‘step back’ from the first to second quarter of fiscal 2025, with a ‘disappointing start to the key baking season.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VQIAIO
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)
MPLS: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Miles Wilson, a public safety advocate and lifelong Minneapolis resident last week announced he is running for City Council in Ward 5. Last month, Jeremiah Ellison, who has represented the Near North ward for nearly a decade, said he will not run for reelection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DoVt6G
FOREST: From Nick Wognum via The Ely Echo, VERBATIM: “The Forest Service is issuing a decision memo that will authorize the purchase of as many as 6,261 acres owned by The Conservation Fund within the proclamation boundary of the Superior National Forest. In the Ely area, nearly 200 acres will be taken off the tax roles in the Town of Morse.” QUOTE: “The purchase of these lands will help in administration of the Superior National Forest and allow for the public to enjoy more opportunities on their lands,” said Tom Hall, forest supervisor for the Superior National Forest. “This is one of three land acquisition projects the forest has been working with partners on including the proposed School Trust Lands purchase and proposed State Tax Forfeit Lands in St. Louis County.” READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4iNj2pP
EDINA: From Alex Kautzman via Sun Current, VERBATIM: “The Southdale Library in Edina will close Monday, Jan. 6, to make way for the demolition and rebuilding of the library. The fourth most visited library in Hennepin county is expected to be closed for the next three years, reopening its doors at 7009 York Ave. S. in mid to late summer 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iEeGRU
WINDOWS: From Dee DePass and Patrick Kennedy via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Andersen and Marvin have a lot in common. They both are nationally known window and door manufacturers. They’re family-owned and based in Minnesota. And they have both kept the tradition of announcing profit-sharing amounts right before the holidays . . . Both companies weathered the impacts of the pandemic and the slowdown of newly built homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VPnQ49
THIS WEEKEND: From Andrew Dampf and Steve Simpson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Star skier, and Minnesota native, Lindsey Vonn makes her competitive comeback Saturday at age 40. The World Cup event is in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She's set to race in the super G events Saturday and Sunday.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3BEZTWs
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
TRANSPLANTS: From Heather Carlson Kehren via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic surgeons recently performed 10 organ transplants within 24 hours, setting a record for both the hospital and the state of Arizona. On Nov. 19, Mayo Clinic teams worked around the clock to complete seven kidney transplants and three liver transplants. Transplant center colleagues rose to the challenge with one goal in mind: Saving as many lives as possible, says Bashar Aqel, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Arizona.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZILMYo
OPIOIDS: From Justine Jones and Tim Evans via Eater Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “[Sarah Webster Norton] is a longtime Twin Cities server, bartender, and manager, and the executive director of the nonprofit Serving Those Serving. Much of her work has centered on mental health care access for restaurant and bar workers, but these days, she’s tackling another issue impacting the industry: As fentanyl continues to drive the American opioid crisis, workers face a heightened chance of having to respond to overdose incidents on the job. ‘We’re first responders whether we want to be or not,’ Webster Norton says. She’s made it her mission to get naloxone, or Narcan, the brand-name nasal spray version of the medicine, stocked behind the bar at as many restaurants and bars as she can, as well as fentanyl test strips.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49LOC3c
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ACQUISITION: From Cam Bonelli via Minne Inno, VERBATIM: “Accelerated Innovations, a St. Paul-based company that makes software for utility customers to monitor usage and pay their utility bills, was acquired by Dallas software company VertexOne, the company announced Tuesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P8scj6
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NE MPLS: From Stephanie March via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “When Travail took over the small slip of a space that once was Dangerous Man Brewing’s growler bar in Northeast Minneapolis, the team knew they wanted to do something special. Not just another restaurant with a cocktail menu, Stargazer, opening this month, will be a true cocktail bar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZJE3Jn
BDAYS: MN Hospitals Lou Ann Olson, GL’s Kyle Shiely, fundraiser Kristen McMullen, scribe Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Bremer’s Erin Dady, Commissioner David Senjem, lobbyist Amy Walstien, AFL-CIO’s Chris Shields SAT: civic guy Mark Ritchie, PR pro Sarah McKenzie, Star Tribune’s new mom Briana Bierschbach, DPS’ Howie Padilla. SUN: golfer Pat Rosenstiel, Lifetime’s Ken Cooper
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