MplsStPaul is out with its picks for the best restaurants in the Twin Cities. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3ZTQyU8
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iAYz7L
Yesterday on 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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CLEMENCY: From Ryan Hayes via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Last Thursday, President Joe Biden issued 39 pardons and nearly 1,500 clemencies and commutations in a record-setting day. Among the clemencies was the former owner of Last Place on Earth, Jim Carlson. Carlson was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison in 2014 after being found guilty of 51 felonies related to selling synthetic drugs at his business . . . City leaders expressed their disappointment, confusion, and surprise after President Biden issued clemency to a man they say created havoc in Duluth’s downtown.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3VFZlXc
ENERGY: Via Minnesota Department of Commerce, VERBATIM: “The Tribal Advocacy Council on Energy, or TACE, has been formally established by Tribal Nations in Minnesota and has approved Michael Childs Jr., Prairie Island Tribal Council member, as TACE co-chair. A second TACE co-chair is expected to be appointed at an upcoming meeting.” QUOTE: “The Tribal Advocacy Council on Energy will strengthen our Tribal communities’ efforts to build energy sovereignty. Our Tribal communities are coming together to find collective strength in our relations with the State of Minnesota, to work as allies who recognize the need for a just transition to clean energy, and to create a legacy of energy independence,” said TACE Co-Chair Childs. “The Tribes are already creating clean energy jobs, reducing our energy costs, and enhancing our quality of life. Our advocacy is not simply about the power of clean energy. It is about sovereignty, self-determination, resilience and long-term well-being.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gfajva
TUTORING: Form Max Nesterak via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “In March 2023, Abdijalil Sheik-Yusuf went before the Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee with a critical plea. Not enough parents could take advantage of a state tax credit for low-income families for tutoring services from companies like his, Success Tutoring . . . What lawmakers were unaware of at the time were the many disgruntled parents who say Success Tutoring and a related company called Achievers Tutoring outsource instruction to foreign teachers online whom their kids couldn’t understand. Nor did lawmakers anticipate the outrage those parents would feel when they would later find thousands of dollars missing from their tax refunds to pay debts to Success Tutoring and Achievers Tutoring for services they say their kids barely used and didn’t benefit from.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iB702S
SPECIAL ED: From Kyra Miles and Elizabeth Shockman via MPR, VERBATIM: “Recently released state budget data shows the counts and costs of special education are rising dramatically in Minnesota. The forecast projects special education services to rise by $1.7 billion by 2029. The growth has already begun. Historically, the state plans on an increase of 5 to 6 percent in the amount spent on special education. The 2024 increase is expected to come in at more than 9 percent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4feMaDx
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
THIS WEEK: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Public Schools on Monday evening will begin conducting interviews to find its next superintendent. Each of the three candidates, selected earlier this month, will spend a day visiting schools and meeting with the community prior to their public interview. The interviews will be done over the next few days, with each candidate getting a day to make their case.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49WqtY5
HEAT: Via Maps.com, VERBATIM: “Homes in the United States are heated by a variety of fuels. Most homes rely on natural gas for heat, but oil, propane, electricity, and wood are also common. Understanding why certain homes and areas use different fuel sources is a matter of geography.”
“The interplay of who, what, and where is on full display in this map that shows the dominant fuel source for home heating by census tract. This analysis is based on data from the American Community Survey completed in 2021.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3VDrzlm
BEER: Via Timberwolves, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Timberwolves and Surly Brewing Co. are bringing the nice with its brand new, arena exclusive ‘Nice Beer.’ The new partnership includes the Minnesota Lynx and tips off on Dec. 19 with the debut of a Target Center exclusive Nice Beer can.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ggQ93U
UNITEDHEALTH: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Minnetonka-based health insurance giant UnitedHealth Group has agreed to pay $69 million to settle a class action suit alleging the company violated its fiduciary duties to its employees’ retirement plans. National law firm Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, which represented over 300,000 current and former participants in UnitedHealth’s 401(k) savings plan, announced the news on Friday morning.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Jj0vk
HIGHER ED: From Ava Kian via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota this year has wiped out tuition bills for thousands of students applying to its public colleges. But big costs remain for some families. That’s because paying for college requires paying for more than just tuition. North Star Promise, the state’s new free-tuition program for families earning less than $80,000 a year, is advancing in making college less expensive for low- and middle-income families. But it doesn’t mean college is suddenly affordable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZFo2nH
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)
MAIL: Form Hannah Morgan via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “More than 3,000 pieces of mail are processed every second, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, some Northlanders are waiting days for it to arrive . . . Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) is trying to fix the issue.” QUOTE: “It’s completely predictable that there’s going to be more packages and more greeting cards and more mail that needs to be delivered,” said Sen. Smith. “We expect the post office to be ready for this and not just sitting on their hands.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49Ehj20
AMPS: From Dan Gunderson via MPR, VERBATIM: “Maurice Skogen is a throwback. While most musicians are buying the latest digital electronics, he’s happily building guitar amplifiers based on a 1950s sound. ‘The sound was better back then, the ‘50s was the golden era of manufacturing,’ said Skogen, 71, sitting in his home studio and workshop outside of Fergus Falls. There’s a mixing board, big speakers, microphones for recording music and a workbench crowded with rolls of brightly colored wire, electronic components and tools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZBV8oK
TONIGHT: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “The holidays are a time for connection, reflection, and giving back. On Monday, December 16th, an inspiring Pop-Up Holiday Party will take place at Bichota Coffee (3740 Chicago Ave.). This special event, hosted at The People’s Way in George Floyd Square, will bring together community members and vital organizations for an evening of music, warmth, and solidarity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iGnc2M
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED:” EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES - Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
SCAMS: From Ari Bergeron via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular toys and gifts at unbelievably low prices. Many of these bogus sites use photos and logos the scammers steal from legitimate businesses, but they won’t send you authentic products.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fli5lT
ST PAUL: From Frederick Melo via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The city of St. Paul and Ramsey County have abandoned plans to purchase St. Christopher’s Place, a Marshall Avenue rooming house, from Catholic Charities and install 30 to 35 housing units for the chronically homeless as part of their ‘Familiar Faces’ initiative. The 286 Marshall Ave. site, located across from St. Paul College, had drawn opposition from neighbors and questions from some members of the St. Paul City Council.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZAvDE5
CROSSLAKE: From Kim Hyatt via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “This wealthy lakes community with the hottest housing market in the state is fighting a new, not-so-upscale nickname — ‘Tin City.’ Giant metal pole buildings, also known as ‘barndominiums,’ are taking over Crosslake. Drive through this tourist town of 2,500 people north of Brainerd, and you’ll see boat marinas and rows of traditional self-storage rental units, like those drab garage bays featured on the reality-TV show ‘Storage Wars.’ But now the trend is bigger, pricier personal storage buildings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZHbk7U
TOMORROW: Via Secretary of State, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, December 17, Minnesota’s Electoral College will convene to cast their ballots for President and Vice President.”
WEDNESDAY: From General Mills via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2025 second quarter on December 18, 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41hIPR0
WEDNESDAY: From Bloomington-based Toro via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, announced today that it will release its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and full-year results on Wednesday, December 18, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CST.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UYS0S4
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
CRAIG: From Christopher Vondracek and Sydney Kashiwagi via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The push by Minnesota congresswoman Angie Craig to lead her party on the House Agriculture Committee remains a toss-up, though fellow Democrats say she’s a strong contender. ‘I think it’s a lot closer than people think,’ said Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaii. ‘Part of me wonders if this might slip down to geographic divides.’ On Tuesday evening at the Capitol, a number of members on House Agriculture exiting the chamber spoke to the Minnesota Star Tribune about the 52-year-old Craig’s campaign to oust 79-year-old Georgia Rep. David Scott, who has missed votes due to health issues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fcX2BJ
2025 SESSION: Via Red River Farm Network, comments from MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen on the next leaders of the House Agriculture Committee. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fg6cO8
PRIORITIES: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Wolf and deer depredation are legislative priorities for the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association in 2025. President Jake Thompson says they’ve been telling state lawmakers about damage from deer and elk for two years. ‘We’re going to still work really hard towards that, try to get that problem corrected (and) get some help for our producers throughout the state.’ He says deer and elk trample and eat forages while contaminating feed.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fk9qjo
SPACE: From Emily Haugen via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Robbinsdale Area Schools were recognized as a NASA HUNCH School of Excellence this week. HUNCH stands for High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware. That’s more than a title — these kids are actually working on NASA efforts.” QUOTE: “A lot of times, it seems like NASA isn’t exactly accessible to folks. But this makes it very cool, very, very neat to work with,” explained one NASA engineer, who visited Armstrong High School on Wednesday. “These students are working on the same projects that people at NASA are worrying about.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4izAZIj
TEACHERS: From Aria Binns-Zager via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Imagine a classroom where every student sees a teacher who reflects their identity and inspires them to dream bigger. Black Men Teach is making that vision a reality by empowering Black men to pursue careers in education, transforming not only classrooms but entire communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fhB94z
READING: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A New Hope elementary school is helping more students conquer reading through a relatively new teaching curriculum. About three years ago, Sonnesyn Elementary School adopted a program called Bridge2Read. It’s a free program that offers coaching and support for teachers in the classroom, according to Principal Mary Jane Adams. That curriculum and coaching has helped to improve student outcomes.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41yXkjl
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ANTERIS: From Cam Bonelli via Minne Inno, VERBATIM: “Anteris Technologies Global Corp. (ATGC), an Australian medical device maker that's quickly growing a Twin Cities presence, priced its U.S. initial public offering last week, a deal that raised $88.8 million for the company. The company began trading Friday on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol ‘AVR’ after selling 14.8 million shares at $6.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iHD1GH
BBDO: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Check out this series of spots from BBDO MW and friends, showcasing how Annie’s Promise for Better comes to life.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZCElBO
CENTERPOINT: Via CenterPoint, VERBATIM: “CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced several senior leadership changes which will take effect on January 1, 2025. Those changes include the appointments of Richard C. Leger as Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's multi-state Gas business and Bertha Villatoro as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Leger has served in the current lead Gas role on an interim basis since July 2024. He will report to President & Chief Executive Officer Jason Wells. Villatoro will report to Executive Vice President and General Counsel Monica Karuturi.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gCirp5
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FOOTBALL: From General Mills via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Lucky socks. Rally caps. Eating the same meal. Every football fan has their own game day superstitions to ensure the cheering they do from the couch will help their team win on the field. As football families, the Kelces and the Watts know more than most about game day traditions, which is why Donna, Jason and Kylie Kelce, along with T.J. and J.J. Watt, are teaming up to share their go-to rituals that bring that extra sideline support. Dive into General Mills’ new ‘Game Day’ campaign to see how Jason’s perfectly arranged Lucky Charms marshmallows and J.J.’s Old El Paso taco tower ensure victory for their favorite teams.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ghoeRp
STADIUM: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Running and inline skating are back for select dates at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Winter Warm-Up sessions are still available on Dec. 19 and on dates from Jan. 3 through 23.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Bztf8F
BDAYS: fmr. AG Lori Swanson, Minneapolis watchdog Jan Unstad, GOP staffer Minjee Kang, Democratic operative Mark Sump, attorney Ted Grindal, attorney James Mogen, lobbyist Brian McDaniel
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