There’s a report of a shooting involving federal law enforcement this morning in Minneapolis. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Ytch3H MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49Ixm0l
Gallup asked Americans about 13 topics and how the country would fare in dealing with them in 2026. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45u3KBn
How has Minnesota fared under Governor Tim Walz? Minnesota Reformer shows us in eight charts. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45vej7g
St. Louis Park is one of the best markets for first-time homebuyers according to Realtor.com. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4bmzFra
GOBankingRates ranks Minneapolis among five cities that have “skyrocketed in value” in recent years. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qLAoXC
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3HcbiQo
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/
Blois
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FIRST
THE SCENE: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A WCCO photojournalist said he saw first responders preforming CPR on one person, and another person ‘with blood on their face’ seated inside a Minneapolis Fire Department vehicle . . . WCCO cameras captured federal agents using chemical irritants on protesters in the vicinity of 34th and Portland in South Minneapolis. This happened after a number of protesters began throwing snowballs at federal vehicles on the scene.” UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/49Ixm0l
WHAT HAPPENED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Emily Heller lives near 33rd and Portland and said she woke up to a commotion outside her home. She said she saw a car blocking traffic on Portland Avenue that appeared to be part of a protest against federal law enforcement operations. Heller said she heard ICE agents telling the driver, a woman, to ‘get out of here.’” HELLER: “She was trying to turn around, and the ICE agent was in front of her car, and he pulled out a gun and put it right in — like, his midriff was on her bumper — and he reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L4KHqB
WALZ: From Governor Walz via X, VERBATIM: “My public safety team is working to gather information on an ICE related shooting this morning. We will share information as we learn more. In the meantime, I ask folks to remain calm.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/49bsvET
FREY: From Mayor Jacob Frey via X, VERBATIM: “I am aware of a shooting involving an ICE agent at 34th Street & Portland. The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city. We’re demanding ICE to leave the city immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3LgelsX
TODAY IN BUSINESS
APOGEE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) on Wednesday reported fiscal third-quarter profit of $16.5 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 77 cents . . . The glass products company posted revenue of $348.6 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Lztd5G
POWER LINE: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Power is proposing a new high-voltage transmission line aimed at strengthening the regional electric grid and meeting growing energy demands. In a filing Monday with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the company outlined plans for about 67 miles of new transmission infrastructure stretching from Grand Rapids to Hermantown.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49Imu2x
PAID LEAVE: Northern News Now talked with businesses in Duluth’s Canal Park about the Paid Leave Act that took effect at the beginning of the year. VERBATIM: “Human Resource Coordinator, Greg Conley, at Northern Waters Smokehaus in Canal Park said, ‘obviously, affordability is a big issue with things like this, but once I described it to people, they understood that it wouldn’t cost them very much — it’s kind of a way to easily pay for these kind of liabilities that otherwise kind of leave you in the lurch.’ Many small employers, like those at Northern Waters Smokehaus, say preserving experienced staff is a priority — even if it means finding new ways to cover time off.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sM8tsr
MAGNETS: Via Minneapolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Niron Magnetics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance, rare-earth-free permanent magnets, today announced a collaboration with MATTER, India’s next-generation electric mobility technology company. Through this collaboration, MATTER will explore integrating Iron Nitride magnet technology and Variable Flux Motor (VFM) designs from Niron Magnetics into its high-performance electric motorbike products, strengthening its electric vehicle (EV) motor platforms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YYBFhV
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)
FRAUD IN MN
HAPPENING NOW: The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is currently holding a hearing titled “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3LoCY6L
WHO: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The hearing’s witnesses include Minnesota state Reps. Kristin Robbins, Walter Hudson and Marion Rarick. The three are members of a Minnesota House committee on fraud prevention and state agency oversight.
All three have been highly critical of Gov. Tim Walz‘s response to fraud and have been hammering the issue publicly over the last few years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qdU3j0
OPENING REMARKS: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “In opening remarks, GOP House Oversight Chair James Comer says fraud involving federal tax money in MN is ‘rampant’ and says ‘you the taxpayers have been ripped off.’ He says Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison are ‘either asleep at the wheel or complicit’ in the fraud . . . Ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, Robert Garcia, says the worst fraud is happening at the White House where he says President Trump has pardoned 25 people convicted of fraud. Garcia acknowledges ‘Fraud is a problem every where in every layer of government.’” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/3L7fanT
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)
IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
ICE: From Bring Me The News, a rundown of actions by ICE in the Twin Cities as the agency’s efforts escalate. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3LzkLmY
FRAUDSTERS: MPR talked with a criminology professor who’s studied fraud linked to pandemics. He said ideas, both good and bad, tend to spread quickly within groups. QUOTE: “So in the case of Minnesota, it’s not surprising that some of the Somalis who were kind of linked together all knew about this. In the UK and Europe, very often it’s Pakistani groups doing Value Added Tax fraud. For certain types of tax fraud, it may be white Americans or particular social groups. These networks — and we often think of networks rather than organized crime groups nowadays — they will operate amongst people they trust.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3YsXupH
MUNICIPAL ISSUES
WINTER PARKING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “St. Paul officials learned enough from last winter’s experiment with one-sided street parking to know they like it — even if the season wasn’t very snowy. Why it matters: St. Paul has launched its second winter of testing a snow-plowing strategy that could all but eliminate the need for costly and disruptive snow emergencies. How it works: The strategy hinges on drivers being willing to move their cars to the opposite side of the street every week, even when it doesn’t snow.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qbIYyY
38TH & CHICAGO: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Following several years of debate, the Minneapolis City Council approved a plan for George Floyd Square, with construction slated to begin in 2026. The finalized layout, a flexible-open street design, will allow vehicle traffic, including buses, on East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, but leave the spot where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 closed for memorials and community art.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q8n6nP
MAYORS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “November’s surprising elections that lifted Kaohly Her to leadership in St. Paul and saw Jacob Frey’s return to Minneapolis culminated this week in inauguration ceremonies offering hints at how the leaders may approach their roles over the next four years. But while Her’s ceremony felt almost like an introduction to a relative newcomer, Frey, voted in for a third term, hammered well-worn themes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49w0JSr
ST LOUIS CTY: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County commissioners have chosen Commissioner Mike Jugovich to serve as County Board Chair for 2026, and Commissioner Keith Musolf as Vice Chair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/450ul9b
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)
NEW BUSINESS
MAMAS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “If you think you know the power of one determined mother, try nine. Mamas Market and Deli, nestled in a sunlit space on St. Paul’s Snelling Avenue, recently opened with a menu of sandwiches, coffee, and fresh fruit smoothies, plus a market section stocked with produce, pantry staples, and spices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qBMpi4
RETAIL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “As the holiday shopping high begins to dwindle, it’s worth taking a moment to assess the state of our ever-growing retail landscape. The last few months of 2025 brought a multitude of retail openings to some of our top shopping malls and neighborhoods, plus news of a few more to look forward to in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49gAOhe
NEW CEO: Via Minnetonka-based Table Trac, VERBATIM: “Table Trac, Inc. (OTCQX: TBTC) today announced an alignment of its executive leadership team to further support the continued advancement of its technology platform, expand market presence, and drive the company into its next phase of innovation and growth, effective January 1, 2026. As part of this leadership alignment, Chad Hoehne will transition from his role as Chief Executive Officer and continue as President and Chief Technology Officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Nx3b3w
NEW CEO: Via Bank News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis-based First Resource Bank named Aaron Siegle CEO and Charlie Anderson president and chief operating officer, both effective Jan. 1. As part of the transition, Siegle’s father, outgoing CEO Tim Siegle, became chair of the bank’s holding company, Ameri Financial Group. He will also serve as vice chair of the First Resource Bank board of directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bmytEc
NEW CFO: Via Minneapolis-based Apogee, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) announced today the resignation of Matthew J. Osberg as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Osberg is leaving Apogee to pursue another professional opportunity, but will remain with the Company until January 16, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition. The Company has appointed Mark Augdahl as interim Chief Financial Officer, effective today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qc2IT9
NEW OFFICE: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Blaze Credit Union paid $3.2 million for a first-floor business condominium to launch a new Rochester branch. Falcon Heights, Minn.-based Blaze, which has 28 branches in Minnesota, purchased the condo at 975 34th Ave. NW on Dec. 30. Olmsted County estimated the total market value of the 12,182-square-foot space at $1.87 million for 2025-2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YsZ5vS
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)
FOUNDED IN MN
NEW PLANE: Via Duluth-based Cirrus, VERBATIM: “Cirrus today announced its 2026 SR Series G7+ aircraft for the SR20, SR22 and SR22T. The 2026 SR Series introduces refinements that enhance aircraft ownership and the flying experience through new avionics features, expanded Cirrus Global Connect capabilities, refreshed design collections and colors, and a 4-blade composite propeller upgrade option for the SR22. All 2026 aircraft models include G7+ generational updates – Safe Return Emergency Autoland, Automatic Database Updates powered by Cirrus IQ PRO Advanced, Runway Occupancy Awareness and Smart Pitot Heat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44WKuwf
SNOOPY: The LA Times looks at a surge in popularity of St. Paul native Charles M. Schulz’s character as the 75th anniversary of Peanuts is celebrated. VERBATIM: “To be clear, Snoopy has always been popular. Despite his owner being the ‘Peanuts’ strip’s main character and the namesake for most of the franchise’s adaptations, Snoopy was inarguably its breakout star. He was the winner of a 2001 New York Times poll about readers’ favorite ‘Peanuts’ characters, with 35% of the vote. But the veritable Snoopymania possessing today’s consumers really exploded with the social media boom of the early 2010s, said Melissa Menta, senior vice president of global brand and communications for Peanuts Worldwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49J8XI0
NEW PRODUCTS: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced today its 2026 wellness assortment, introducing a 30% expansion with thousands of new items and more exclusives than ever before as the retailer strengthens its position as the destination for everyday wellbeing, and offers stylish and relevant products that support guests’ goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49JFkpW
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS MONTH: Via Winona-based Fastenal, VERBATIM: “Fastenal Company (Nasdaq:FAST) announced the date and time for its conference call to review 2025 annual and fourth quarter results, as well as current operations. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. central time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44UOspe
THIS MONTH: Via Eden Prairie-based C.H. Robinson, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRW), announced today that it will issue its fourth quarter 2025 results after the market closes on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ptrtZI
THIS MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Alerus, VERBATIM: “Alerus Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: ALRS) announced that it will issue its fourth quarter financial results on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4poPNMd
NEXT MONTH: Via Golden Valley-based Inspire, VERBATIM: “Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP) (Inspire) will release financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 after the close of trading on Wednesday, February 11.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NkBWJv
THIS SUMMER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Eaux Claires Music Festival, whose return was halted by the pandemic, is finally coming back in July 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49asNvB
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BEER FOOD: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “A great beer is wonderful, but pairing it with exceptional food makes for a fantastic taproom experience. Luckily for beer and food fans in the Twin Cities, there is plenty of top-tier beer and a variety of food at breweries and brewpubs across the metro area.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/45vNaRC
BDAYS: communications pro Jennifer Steingas, capitol photographer John Kaul
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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