Did you see the fireball streaking across the sky early Saturday morning? A possible explanation. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49HPXtG
The snow is back (and with it, cold) – the 41st John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is underway up north. LISTEN/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4t0pAXp And, there’s already a finisher. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rg77EB
We spotted a few Minnesota courses on Golfweek’s list of the top 200 resort golf courses. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3M8m2BL
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4k1ZsHE
Sunday Take covered the impact of Alex Pretti’s killing and ICE activity in Greater Minnesota with Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar). LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Zxvvpi
Last week, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer shared thoughts on ICE, midterm elections and the state of Congress with Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sLFN2v
In a must listen, Legislative Auditor Judy Randall joined Sunday Take to discuss fraud in state programs. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3YTziND
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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2026 ELECTION
GOVERNOR: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republican Chris Madel made a stunning exit from the Minnesota governor’s race on Jan. 26, saying he cannot support the national GOP’s ‘stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.’ In a surprise video announcement, the Minneapolis attorney said he supported the originally stated goals of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operation in Minnesota, including the deportation of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records, but the effort has ‘expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k06JaR
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Chris Madel was distraught as he left last Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial debate at a suburban movie theater, where he had squabbled onstage with six other candidates ranging from the speaker of the house to the embattled founder of MyPillow about nearly every major political issue but immigration. It rattled Madel that no one mentioned the thousands of federal agents stationed in and around Minneapolis. No one mentioned the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, by veteran ICE agent Jonathan Ross, despite the fact that the lawyer representing Ross was on stage—Madel, who recently took the case pro bono.” MADEL: “They didn’t ask one question about immigration but they asked about abortion,” he said. “It’s like, what are your priorities here? . . . I can’t look my daughters in the eye and say I’m running as a Republican, when they’re pulling over Hispanics and Asians because of the color of the skin and what they look like,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “I did not sign up for that.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qHPUnN
MORE: Via Facebook, Madel’s announcement. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3NwZJWX
CD2: From the Eric Pratt (R) campaign via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Last week, Border Director Tom Homan said that if ICE were granted access to jails to identify and deport individuals with criminal records, he would pull resources back from the state. This addresses what Democrats have demanded, and I’m calling on Governor Walz and Minneapolis leaders to reach an agreement to bring calm back to our streets. Additionally, Governor Walz should sign an executive order that all state and local law enforcement agencies MUST cooperate and mutually aid all federal agents, regardless of department.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k8F1ZG
GUNS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gun rights advocates in Minnesota and the nation are pushing back on the contention from Trump Administration officials that federal agents killing Alex Pretti [was] justified because, among other factors, he had a gun and ammunition with him. … Rob Doar, senior vice president of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, [said] ‘If Mr. Pretti was disarmed — absent any other evidence of any risk to an officer — I don’t see how deadly force would be justified.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t0mXov
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)
DC + MN
TRUMP: From the President this morning via Truth Social:
POST: https://fluence-media.co/3YZv3A8
HOMAN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump said Monday morning that he’s sending his border czar, Tom Homan, to Minnesota, in the wake of Saturday’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis. The White House said Homan ‘will be managing ICE operations on the ground in Minnesota.’ It also said he will ‘coordinate with those leading investigations into the massive, widespread fraud that has resulted in billions of taxpayer dollars being stolen from law-abiding citizens in Minnesota.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qI77gM
WHITE HOUSE: via CNN, VERBATIM: “The ongoing protests and images coming out of Minnesota have prompted concerns from some Trump Administration officials over the optics of the immigration crackdown as Americans grow alarmed by the chaotic scenes. … President Donald Trump has expressed frustration behind closed doors that the immigration messaging is getting lost, sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. … The president has seen the negative polls but does not blame the work ICE is doing on his behalf. Instead, he has blamed the lack of clear messaging and ‘promotion’ of what he believes are the positives of his immigration crackdown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YZjBUX
MORE: Pres. Donald Trump initially defended ICE this weekend and accused Minnesota officials of “inciting insurrection” on Truth Social, but he later adopted a softer tone in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. VERBATIM: “President Trump declined to say whether the federal officer who fatally shot a man in Minnesota this weekend had acted appropriately and said the administration was reviewing the incident.” TRUMP: “We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination. … At some point we will leave [Minnesota].” WSJ: https://fluence-media.co/3LYGlkW POST: https://fluence-media.co/4aeMGCc
DOC: via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Corrections [has] launched a new website to combat what it calls ‘ongoing misinformation’ from the Department of Homeland Security. … QUOTE: ‘In the hours following the [Alex Pretti] shooting, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino held a press conference asserting that the operation was targeting an individual [with] a significant criminal history. … DOC and court records show no felony commitments associated with this [case]. Public Minnesota court records reflect only misdemeanor-level traffic offenses from more than a decade ago.’ … The DOC mentions other statistics it claims federal officials have been inaccurate about.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49G7Etv WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4rd8TX2
BONDI: Morning Take shared Attorney General Pam Bondi’s request for access to Minnesota records and Secretary of State Steve Simon’s response (READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O54XZZ) The Minnesota DFL was more blunt on social media. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4r61t7Y
RELEASED: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Prominent civil rights activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen were released from jail Friday after being arrested and charged for organizing a protest at a St. Paul church. U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino ordered Friday that Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, and Allen, a St. Paul school board member, should be released from the Sherburne County jail, where they were being held in federal custody.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O4afVz
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)
WIDER IMPACTS
SOCIAL SERVICES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Beneath the visible violence frequently captured on phone videos and by journalists, statewide help lines for social services and legal aid show signs of this looming, quieter crisis. Staff at 211 Greater Twin Cities United Way, a line that connects Minnesotans with resources, report growing numbers of callers asking for assistance paying rent in recent weeks. At HOME Line, a tenant hotline, staff said callers have specifically tied their need for assistance to the presence of ICE. Meanwhile, calls for local government intervention have grown louder, including for an eviction moratorium to provide relief from what many public officials and residents are calling an occupation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O3knxQ
DONUT SHOP: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The owners of Eat Street’s Glam Doll Donuts said the killing of Alex Pretti by a federal agent outside its doors on Saturday morning will ‘haunt us all for life.’ The popular donut shop opened its doors to provide coffee and donuts from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, but says it will close on Monday and Tuesday so employees have a chance to regroup after witnessing Saturday’s fatal shooting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49VSsrc
VIRGINIA: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A man in Virginia faces federal charges after allegedly injuring an immigration officer and ramming a government vehicle during a surveillance operation. According to a federal affidavit, 19-year-old Jose Espinoza is accused of assaulting a federal officer last Friday in the parking lot of Cazadores Mexican Restaurant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rdTPbG
UBER DRIVER: From MPR via Instagram, an interview with Ahmed Bin Hassan whose interaction with Border Patrol at the airport has gone viral. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bfZDwF
HUMPHREY: The UofM’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs on Friday posted a quote from its namesake talking about government abuse of power. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3M2BzmC
COMMERCE
ACQUISITION: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Quantum-computing company IonQ struck a deal to buy [Bloomington-based] chip maker SkyWater Technology for $35 a share, or roughly $1.8 billion, executives told The Wall Street Journal. IonQ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Niccolo de Masi said the deal builds on enthusiasm from the Trump administration for semiconductor manufacturing and quantum-computing technology in the U.S. ‘The tailwinds here are considerable,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bS5sR2
MORE: Via IonQ, VERBATIM: “SkyWater remains committed to its current Aerospace and Defense and commercial markets and will continue as a pure-play global semiconductor foundry and merchant supplier, providing new and existing customers with the same high-quality standards they have come to expect. SkyWater will also deliver essential technology building blocks to other companies that are focused on advancing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, electrification, IoT, health diagnostics, and more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rz3c67
IPO: Via Maple Grove-based Forgent, VERBATIM: “Forgent Power Solutions, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment used in data centers, the power grid and energy-intensive industrial facilities, today announced that it has launched the roadshow for the initial public offering of its Class A common stock.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jZ0rYZ
AI: Via Eden Prairie-based C.H. Robinson, VERBATIM: “C.H. Robinson, the global leader in Lean AI supply chains, is using artificial intelligence to ease a widespread pain point in less-than-truckload shipping: missed pickups. New AI agents are tracking down missed pickups and using advanced reasoning to determine how to keep freight moving. They’re also collecting and analyzing previously unavailable data that LTL carriers are now using to improve their technology, scheduling and operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t1cpp7
BASKETBALL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Center High School coaches say their teams have been without a playable court for months — and without an end in sight. Excessive moisture damaged the court, making it unplayable, officials said. A statement from the school said the high school court isn’t available for use because of moisture in the gym’s concrete that damaged the wood flooring.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rgvHVP
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students 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, Paulie; 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 Pine Bend refinery)
MEDIA
PHOTOS: Via MinnPost, a collection of pictures from photojournalist Ellen Schmidt from her coverage of Operation Metro Surge. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4qIvz1z
MPR: Minnesota Monthly checked in with MPR’s The Current to see how the station is faring after the cut of federal fending. VERBATIM: “What could have been deflating instead became a rallying cry: to deliver an even better product for their listeners and communities. [Jill Riley], a central Minnesota native and former host at her college radio station, KVSC-FM at St. Cloud State University, started hosting ‘The Morning Show’ shortly after The Current debuted in January 2005. ‘Minnesota has long been a leader in strong public media,’ she says. ‘People who value it are realizing, ‘Oh, I actually have to support it in order for it to be strong.’’ At the Minnesota State Fair and other community events since the funding cuts, Riley has noticed an urgent shift. ‘Until folks see the threat of something being less than what they expect, they don’t always act. Now they’re asking, ‘What more can I do?’’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YViuWt
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 & NATION
3M: Via KMSP-TV, VERBATIM: “3M previously announced a plan to stop all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. A spokesperson said the company ‘completed this exit as scheduled by the end of the year.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46fWZU7
CHILDCARE: Via childcare provider Children of America, VERBATIM: “On behalf of Children of America (COA), we write to express serious concern regarding recent federal actions impacting childcare subsidy payments. While proposed funding freezes have been publicly associated with specific states – including Minnesota, California, Illinois, and New York. The activation of ‘Defend the Spend’ by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for all CCDF grantees introduces payment delays that may affect every state. These delays will persist while states are required to defend their spend, creating widespread uncertainty and disruption across the childcare system.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YWCRTd
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “New architect renderings show what phase two of the Maple Grove Community Center expansion and renovation project may look like. The expansion includes a new community center entrance, and a new activity and aquatics center, which will replace the current Life Time space. An outdoor aquatics area and new banquet hall are also part of the plans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bfa7ML
TCO: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) has appointed sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Christopher Meyer as its CEO. Meyer’s appointment, announced earlier this month, marks the first time a practicing physician has been named to the role at TCO.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bkzPiT
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEK: Via National School Choice Week, VERBATIM: “National School Choice Week begins today in Minnesota and across the country, focusing on helping parents find the right K–12 schools for their children. Across the North Star State, more than 350 schools and organizations are taking part by hosting events, including a rally at the state’s capitol.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pXA8nm
TOMORROW: Via St. Louis Park-based Bridgewater, VERBATIM: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWB), the parent company of Bridgewater Bank, today announced that it will release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NmbKy9
WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a Trusted Payments and Data company, will report fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following market-close.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49nwXAn
WEDNESDAY: 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
WEDNESDAY: 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
THURSDAY Via Minneapolis-based Ameriprise, VERBATIM: “Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) plans to release its fourth quarter 2025 results at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, January 29, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YHag3Z
2028: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Maple Grove is officially on the clock. On Saturday, the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Hockey announced that Maple Grove’s Central Park will host Hockey Day Minnesota in January of 2028.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NEOTyc
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Patina’s success lies not just in the experience but in its product strategy. The buying team travels the world to find unique items while collaborating with local designers to create exclusive product—including best-selling Minnesota-inspired products like blankets, puzzles, glassware, and more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZCej1O
BDAYS: fmr. Gov. Mark Dayton, fmr. Rep. Todd Lippert, marketer Madeline O’Phelan
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