Gallup finds a shift among the 45% who identify as independents – the number who say they lean Democrat increased in 2025. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Nedz09
In an interview with NPR this morning, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the current ICE actions in the Twin Cities as “full-on discrimination” and “looking for a problem, to be clear, we are not seeing on our streets.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4brQ4un
KSTP-TV has video of new concrete barriers being installed outside the Henry Whipple Federal Building this morning. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Z7fm9N
Schools in Columbia Heights, Fridley, and Minneapolis are back open today. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LeZu1Y
From The Wall Street Journal, a look at the history of “Trump vs. Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jyvgDE
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45aYbb4
In a must listen, Legislative Auditor Judy Randall joined Sunday Take to discuss fraud in state programs. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3YTziND
The Fluence Forum - The State of Energy is Jan. 21.
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
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
FIRST… POLITICS
GOV RACE: Via Sun Patriot, VERBATIM: “Former Minnesota state senator and past Republican gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen has announced he has selected Phouthaivanh Wilkerson as his running mate for his current bid to secure the GOP slot on the 2026 ballot for Minnesota governor . . . According to a biography released by the Jensen campaign, after the execution of her father at the hands of communists, Wilkerson ‘as a child … fled Laos, crossing the Mekong River in search of freedom, and endured a refugee camp in Thailand before being resettled in Minnesota.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Npop3j
MORE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The Jensen-Wilkerson ticket joins Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Lisa Demuth, Rep. Kristin Robbins and businessman Kendall Qualls on the Republican side of the race. The Democratic side is still being determined after current Gov. Tim Walz announced he’d drop his reelection bid amid widespread fraud allegations connected with state government-run programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LvXZfR
2026 SESSION: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “As the Minnesota legislative session approaches, Sen. Warren Limmer, R–Maple Grove, says addressing fraud involving public funds will be a major focus.” QUOTE: “This is a headline no one in Minnesota wants to hear,” said Limmer. “This has been going on for years and the legislature is getting frustrated over the lack of attention by the administration, the executive branch of government.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qSnuXR
PAID LEAVE: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that the first payments have been sent out to Minnesotans on Paid Leave. These payments began arriving last Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z6RoLQ
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)
ICE IN MN
MPLS/PORTLAND: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Despite many linking the two incidents together, the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis was done by an ICE agent, whereas two people were shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Portland. ICE and CBP both fall under the Department of Homeland Security. But these two agencies are vastly different and cover separate aspects of federal law and immigration enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LB7nP8
STATES: Via Politico, VERBATIM: “State legislatures across the country are accelerating efforts to shape immigration enforcement policy after the deadly shooting of a Minnesota woman by a federal agent, raising tensions between local leaders and the Trump administration. From California to New York and Illinois to New Jersey, they’re pushing a range of bills aimed at limiting enforcement and protecting people targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while turning up the rhetoric with comparisons to the Gestapo.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jCcECD
SURVEILLANCE TECH: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “Many left-leaning states and cities are trying to protect their residents’ personal information amid the immigration crackdown. But a growing number of conservative lawmakers also want to curb the use of surveillance technologies, such as automated license plate readers, that can be used to identify and track people. Conservative-led states such as Arkansas, Idaho and Montana enacted laws last year designed to protect the personal data collected through license plate readers and other means. They joined at least five left-leaning states — Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Washington — that specifically blocked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from accessing their driver’s license records.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sArqy1
TRIBAL SUPPORT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Native American community leaders and members gathered on Friday in south Minneapolis to share prayer, support and solidarity amid the surge of ICE operations. Robert Lilligren, CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, said Native American community members have increasingly been questioned and detained by ICE. ‘We are not any safer because of this federal presence here in our city and in our community,’ Lilligren said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sBvNst
MORE: WCCO-TV reports the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe says four members were detained by ICE in Minneapolis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NeKmCi
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)
END OF SUN COUNTRY?
THE DEAL: As first mentioned in morning take, Allegiant Travel plans to buy Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion. Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The combination of the two small, budget airlines comes as low-cost carriers have struggled with high costs and competition in recent years, putting pressure on some to seek out growth and scale through mergers. Allegiant and Sun Country generally focus on providing cheap flights to people traveling for fun or to visit friends and family. Together, they expect to serve almost 175 cities in the U.S. and other nearby countries.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qaY6fQ
BUT WAIT… Deals like this are subject to regulatory approval. While the DOJ approved the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, it blocked Spirit and Jet Blue from joining forces. Via Simply Flying, VERBATIM: “Both Las Vegas–based Allegiant and Minneapolis–based Sun Country focus on cost-conscious leisure travelers, with Sun Country also operating a significant charter business. According to Allegiant’s CEO, the two carriers’ business models are more complementary than duplicative, and they have limited route overlap. These factors make the merger more likely to receive approval from the US DOJ.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aQPpTd
IF IT HAPPENS: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Upon closing, Allegiant and Sun Country shareholders will own about 67% and 33% respectively of the combined company. Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson will lead the combined company as chief executive officer, while Robert Neal will serve as president and chief financial officer. Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker will join the board of directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NfGvVw
NUMBERS
CVRX: Via TipRanks, VERBATIM: “On January 12, 2026, [Brooklyn Park-based] CVRx reported preliminary unaudited results indicating fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $15.9 million to $16.1 million, up 4% to 5% year over year, and full-year 2025 revenue of $56.5 million to $56.7 million, up 10% to 11%, alongside modest expansion of its implanting center network and U.S. sales territories and year-end cash of $75.7 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qOWCaT
DATA CENTERS: Via KELO, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy CEO Bob Frenzel said the public should embrace data centers.” QUOTE: “It’s a big fixed asset, the more units of production you put through a fixed asset, the rate for everybody comes down,” Frenzel said. “A large data center load on your system, all things being equal, will drive prices down, not up.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49CvuFf
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
CRIME STATS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The number of homicides in St. Paul and Minneapolis fell in 2025, part of an ongoing nationwide ebbing from a pandemic crime surge. Why it matters: St. Paul’s public safety strategy that led to a drastic decline in murders already has Minneapolis leaders working to copy that approach.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aQNIoP
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 IMPACTS
ROCHESTER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Wilber de la Rosa sells fresh tortillas, rotisserie chicken and tamales at his shop Tortillas La Mayzteca. In recent weeks, as the Trump administration has significantly increased its immigration enforcement actions, business has been down at his Rochester shop, as many of his customers are members of the city’s Latino community. ‘Almost eight weeks in a row [we’ve seen] decreased selling because of this fear. People don’t want to go outside and buy stuff,’ he said. De la Rosa says he’s not alone in his community. Hispanic food trucks are shuttered. Hispanic groceries are opening late if they open at all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Ck5Fr
APP: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports TurnSignl, an app created to connect drivers with attorneys when they’re stopped by law enforcement, has seen a surge in membership amid ICE’s actions. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bAHv0m
TARGET: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Following the ICE arrest of two employees, who are U.S. citizens, inside the entrance to Target in Richfield this past week, protesters gathered outside the store on Saturday to demand that the Minneapolis-based retailer protect employees and customers from federal agents who are known to patrol Target parking lots.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sCXKAb
AIRPORT: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Union members and employee groups at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport are sharing their experience as more federal ICE officers converge on the Twin Cities.” QUOTE: “Uber drivers are continuously harassed,” says Sheigh Freeberg with the Hospitality Union ‘Unite Here’ Local 17. “And snatched away, leaving abandoned cars behind. Their family is completely unaware of where they are.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49zvztu
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Robbinsdale Police Department said it responded to the Hy-Vee parking lot late Thursday morning, Jan. 8, on a report of federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining a person. According to Robbinsdale police, officers responded at 11:10 a.m. to the Hy-Vee, located at 3505 Bottineau Boulevard. They soon confirmed federal ICE activity. ‘Officers were verifying that the individuals involved were actual Federal Agents when the individual being detained punched an agent in the face. Robbinsdale officers did not engage in the incident and kept numerous people back for their safety,’ said Robbinsdale police in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YCHAsZ
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)
AROUND THE STATE
RETAIL: Retail Dive reports Macy’s is closing another 14 stores, including the one at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qPhpLJ
INCINERATOR: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis environmental activists are demanding local officials speed up plans to close the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, threatening a hunger strike if several objectives aren’t met by Jan. 18. And while local officials have set a loose timeline for shutting down the waste incinerator adjacent to Target Field, there’s no viable plan yet for the hundreds of thousands of tons of trash that it burns each year, meaning there’s little agreement about a specific date for its closure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qRHHwN
ACQUISITION: Via St. Paul-based Koch, VERBATIM: “Koch Companies, a highly regarded full-slate transportation services company, announced that it has acquired Store Opening Solutions (SOS), a pioneer in retail inventory consolidation based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from Marmon Holdings, Inc. The news coincides with Koch’s 50-year anniversary in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sA68An
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “One Duluth hockey team’s annual jamboree was more celebratory than usual as the organization’s first event since its building was vandalized in November of last year. The Piedmont Youth Hockey Association brought in 20 youth teams from around the northland to hit the ice.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bvO989
NW METRO: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “For those looking to travel by bus across the northwest metro, a new Metro Transit route can help you do just that. Route 725 went into effect on Dec. 6, connecting the cities of Osseo, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Blaine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Nns5mc
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS MONTH: Via National School Choice Week, VERBATIM: “600 students from across Minnesota will gather at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul on Monday, Jan. 26 with a simple message: they love their schools. The event, which showcases the different K–12 school choice options in Minnesota, coincides with National School Choice Week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45t4C9F
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RETAIL: Via Factor, VERBATIM: “Factor, America’s leading ready-to-heat meal delivery service, today announced a strategic launch into retail. Starting today, Target guests across ten Midwest states can skip the prep and grab Factor’s dietitian-approved, chef-prepared meals right from the refrigerated deli aisle.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pFrN7R
DOORS: Via Vortex, VERBATIM: “Vortex Doors, a nationwide leader in commercial and industrial door solutions, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Minneapolis service center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NEvWeG
BDAYS: journalist Baird Helgeson, Wayzata Mayor Andy Mullin, House comms pro Lindy Sowmick
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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