President Trump criticized and demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop for comments at a service focused un unity he attended at the National Cathedral. AP: https://fluence-media.co/40FKVcC
The bishop served 18 years as a rector at a church in Minneapolis. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3WvIc2Z
The Minnesota Spokesman Recorder dug through its archives to explore past coverage of Dr. Martin Luther King in Minnesota. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3E28Ytt
11 Minnesota chefs and restaurants are James Beard Award semifinalists. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Q6CyAR
What’s it like to land a plane on a frozen lake? SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gVBrj3
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4h9LPnC
Senate DFL Leader Erin Murphy and Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson were both on Sunday Take to discuss fraud, co-equal governing and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42lWBCv
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IMMIGRATION: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The Justice Department is directing its federal prosecutors to investigate any state or local officials who stand in the way of beefed-up enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration, according to a memo to the entire workforce obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. The memo, written by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, also instructs the Justice Department’s civil division to help identify state and local laws and policies that ‘threaten to impede’ the Trump administration’s immigration initiatives and potentially challenge them in court.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PM6OAH
PARDONS: From Al Schoch and Lindsey Peterson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt expressed her displeasure of newly sworn-in President Donald Trump's pardon of about 1,500 people in jail in connection with the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Some of those pardoned attacked police officers that day, something Sheriff Witt says cannot be tolerated no matter where it happens.” WITT: "The men and women in uniforms, they have a right to go home safely to their families as well," Witt said on WCCO's Adam and Jordana Show Tuesday. "And again, I just, I don't agree with it. I do think I know that there are people who should stay, remain in jail, and we just emboldened a certain type of behavior for future incidents." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3E6Bj1L
HEGSETH: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick to run the Pentagon, regularly abused alcohol to the point that he passed out at family gatherings, and once needed to be dragged out of a strip club while in uniform, according to an ex-relative’s account of his behavior that was given to U.S. lawmakers and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The sworn statement, submitted in response to a request from Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was signed by Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. It states that she was with Hegseth when he passed out from drunkenness in the bathroom of a bar in Minneapolis in about 2013. It also describes another night, when she said Hegseth drank so much at a restaurant in Minneapolis that the Uber driver had to pull over on Interstate 94 so he could throw up.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40KGDkh
MNLEG: From Dana Ferguson via MPR, VERBATIM: “The scene in the Minnesota House has been on repeat for a week now: A half-filled chamber stirs into action with Republicans on one side and undisturbed desks on the Democratic side. The scene outside the Minnesota House is a bit different: Democratic lawmakers fill school lunchrooms and tour sites that could one day fetch state construction dollars. It’s the second week of a standoff over chamber control that has Republicans going through traditional motions and Democrats engaged in an untraditional form of protest. Wednesday could be much the same given that there have been no breakthroughs that will bring the parties all under one roof.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PIL9JA
DFL: From Dan Wolfe via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown is now the only rural DFL lawmaker still holding office in Northern Minnesota. In fact, he’s one of the only DFL lawmakers representing a rural district anywhere in the state. In the wake of a lot of democratic defeat, Hauschild’s sharing his vision for how the party can make a comeback, saying it’s time to moderate and relate.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42vAedI
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
ST PAUL: Form Kyle Stokes via Axios, VERBATIM: “St. Paul city leaders could vote Wednesday to expand their powers to levy fines against negligent landlords, wage thieves and other bad actors. Why it matters: Supporters say a city charter change is necessary to enable St. Paul to go after powerful violators with the money to fight — or flout — enforcement of city codes. What they're saying: ‘This is about holding the people accountable that do not suffer the consequences when they violate our ordinances because we don't have the tools,’ City Council Member Saura Jost said last week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CgXhyu
JUNK FEES: From Madison Roth via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Starting Jan. 1, Minnesota officially adopted a ban on ‘junk fees,’ additional fees that include anything other than mandatory gratuity or a credit card processing fee. That means bidding farewell to the much-debated ‘health and wellness fees’ enacted by several local restaurants, for one. But hospitality industry advocates say the new law may be a bit of a double-edged sword. While consumers can expect not to see any surprise fees on their bills, several businesses say they’re already bracing for lost revenue. For some, that could mean price increases, counter to the law’s intent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hshoc2
ENERGY: Via news release from Sen. Tina Smith, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced funding to make energy upgrades for more than 150,000 people and homes in Greater Minnesota. Nine electric co-ops across the state are receiving federal funding to make energy upgrades that will reduce costs for consumers and increase energy efficiency. Minnesota’s electric cooperatives provide electricity to nearly one-third of the state.”
MORE: Via USDA, descriptions of projects being funded. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4joltj7
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)
WORKFORCE: Via Minnesota State, VERBATIM: “Several sectors of Minnesota’s economy are facing an impending workforce shortage, and the colleges and universities of Minnesota State have a critical role to play in meeting this shortage – in terms of the credit, non-credit, and customized programs it offers, the partnerships it forms, and the contribution it makes to the state’s economic vitality.” QUOTE: “Minnesota State is the most effective economic development program in the state,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. “Higher education should be viewed as an investment in our economy that provides a compelling ROI by building a workforce and talent supply that attracts and retains businesses, increases the earning potential of graduates, and reduces unemployment. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are the most powerful asset the state has for meeting this need." READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jstWlq
ROCHESTER: From Addie McCabe and Ryder Blair via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nearly $7 million in Contamination Clean-up grants for 11 Minnesota communities, including the city of Rochester. $366,288 was awarded to the city for a 1.8-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other products. In Rochester, the funds will cover up to 75% of the cleanup costs for the parking lot across from Mayo Civic Center to build more affordable apartments in downtown Rochester.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3WuwQw3
MANKATO: From Hannah Yang via MPR, VERBATIM: “Mankato recently received a $7.2 million dollar state grant for a two-phased combined shelter and permanent supportive housing project. The project is a partnership among Connections Shelter, Partners for Housing and Minneapolis-based affordable housing developer Trellis Co. The first phase includes 40 apartment units which are for people moving on from the shelter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ehkykf
POLICING: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Starting this week, Minnesotans gain a powerful tool for transparency in policing. While the Minnesota POST Board’s website already allows users to look up a police officer’s current employer, a new resource created by a coalition of journalists and attorneys will now let the public access an officer’s past employment history.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pu9Qb
DULUTH: From T Kaldahl via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Anyone can get an inside look at how the Duluth Police Department (DPD) operates. The DPD will host its annual Citizen Police Academy in March.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gYSP6u
BRINGING SAFETY TO “THE NEXT LEVEL” - As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
PICKLEBALL: From Madison Bloomquist via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “If you’ve been conscious, you’ve likely noticed the world’s rising obsession with pickleball over the last 5–10 years. Hometown health club giant Life Time has become a leader in the scene with more than 750 courts nationally and near-daily lessons and programming at many of its clubs. Heck, it even has an entire pickleball-specific facility in Chanhassen. But in early 2024, its leaders realized they could do more for pickleball than just host matches: They could revolutionize the ball itself.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WtlRmA
TGN: From Macy Harder via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “It’s that time of year again: Minnesotans are bracing frigid temps to come together and celebrate the beauty of winter at outdoor festivals. One such celebration is The Great Northern (TGN), an annual 10-day festival across the Twin Cities that brings people together during the most isolating time of year—and whether you’re a film buff, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, art lover, or otherwise, you’re sure to find something you enjoy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42iMQoF
MUSEUM: From Alex V. Cipolle via MPR, VERBATIM: “A coalition of Minnesota Latino organizations called the Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance held a press conference at the capitol Jan. 14. The group was advocating for initiatives for the upcoming legislative session, one of which is the proposed Minnesota Latino Museum, which would be a center for Latino arts, culture and heritage. ‘We are looking to build the first museum that is focused on the Latino community in the upper Midwest,’ executive director Aaron Johnson-Ortiz said. The museum, which has existed as an organization for several years, has launched a $20 million capital campaign to build and operate a physical space.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jpvNqW
TODAY: From Ari Bergeron via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships returns to Lake Nokomis [today] for the 20th anniversary of the event. The good news is, unlike last year, the weather for the event is perfect. That means the tournament won't get cut short again.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3C5SakI
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Need somewhere to watch the big game? Try Game Time Sports Bar & Arcade, the newest addition to Midtown Global Market (MGM) opening on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40u5hUC
BEST BUY: Via Retail Dive, VERBATIM: “Best Buy is readying for the launch of its digital platform, Best Buy Marketplace, the electronics retailer announced Thursday. The retailer will launch the new platform this summer, per a company blog post. With the new platform, third-party sellers can integrate their product assortment onto Best Buy’s website and mobile app, the company said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Wt28Ue
US BANK: From U.S. Bancorp via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank has launched a new Smartly Visa Signature Card advertising campaign featuring NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40I5EfF
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
BIRD FLU: From Mohamed Ibrahim via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Concerns about bird flu are growing among health officials weeks after the first person in the United States died from the virus, and as cases of bird flu grow among animals and humans. Minnesota health officials are traveling across the state to provide preventative measures and vaccinate farm workers and their families against influenza in an effort to curb the spread. Minnesota has no cases of bird flu infection in humans, but does have active infections among poultry and dairy cows.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CuKN6e
HEART: Via Allina, VERBATIM: “Today, Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (AHMHI) expanded its treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients by performing the first procedure in Minnesota and the upper Midwest using a new system that recently received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) . . . Dr. Jay Sengupta, MD, senior cardiologist, AHMHI, and researcher, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), successfully performed the first procedure early this morning at Abbott Northwestern Hospital using the Affera Mapping and Ablation System with Sphere-9 Catheter from Minnesota-based Medtronic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42mOMMH
TRANSIT: From Sydney Witte via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A rural bus system hopes to make it easier for Iron Range college students and staff to get around. Arrowhead Transit is partnering with Minnesota North College to improve access for communities, students, and staff. With the partnership, Arrowhead Transit will offer door-to-door service to and from the campuses, along with expanded routes to make it easier to get between the cities.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hqJy7d
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NEXT MONTH: From Brooklyn Park-based CVRx via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “CVRx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVRX), a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing Barostim, an innovative extravascular implantable neuromodulation device for patients with cardiovascular diseases, today announced that it plans to release fourth quarter 2024 financial and operating results after market close on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gbBXbB
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) announced today that it plans to issue its fourth quarter and year-end 2024 financial and operating results on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, after the market closes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jucDAf
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
STILLWATER: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “We all have our flavor biases—and I am absolutely in the tank for the spices, braises, tastes and textures of Mexico. We also have our people biases—and I am absolutely in the tank for the amazing love story of Cristian and Karen de Leon. So it’s no surprise that I am enchanted by the possibilities of Xelas by El Sazon, now open along Highway 36 in Stillwater.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4gbKhbf
BDAYS: AP’s Steve Karnowski, Winthrop lobbyist Haley Cobb, fmr. Mpls City Councilor Elizabeth Glidden, KARE’s Boyd Huppert
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