The BBC interviewed one of the guys who smuggled the Venezuelan opposition leader to receive her Nobel. It’s quite the story. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48FBb4E
Schools in Stewartville are closed today due to a shooting in a school parking lot. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Muu6g9
15 years ago today, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of a 17-inch snowfall. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4q3z1D9
From a Minneapolis gym, demonstrations of the (ahem) proper way to shovel. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oM8Vnf
Our next Fluence Forum, The State of Health Care is scheduled for December 16th. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofHealthCare
The latest Fluence Brief for MNSider subscribers – a deep dive on the GOP Field for Governor. Subscribing is supporting. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4pogmSB
This week’s Sunday Take covered civility, immigration, and Republican Ron Schutz’s campaign for attorney general. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iEm5B2
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
A new level of insight and information….
A new level of Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Sign-up for paid TheDailyAgenda and you’ll receive a morning take mug.
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
A monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest issue and political dynamics.
Access to our Fluence Forum audio and videio assets.
A free morning take mug if you sign-up this week.
MINNESOTA BUSINESS
ANDERSEN: Via news release from Bayport-based Andersen, VERBATIM: “Andersen Corporation (Andersen), manufacturer of America’s most trusted brand of window and doors, proudly announces it has distributed more than $52.2 million in profit sharing to eligible employees in 2025. In recognition of employee contributions to Andersen’s 2025 business performance, each eligible employee was awarded up to $3,875 as part of the company’s annual profit sharing program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rRu6GX
ACQUISITION: Via Duluth-based ALLETE, VERBATIM: “ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) (the Company) today announced that it has reviewed the written order from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) approving the company’s acquisition by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), two leading global investors in infrastructure and sustainable energy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48OB0nF
NURSING HOMES: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Unprecedented minimum wages for thousands of workers in Minnesota nursing homes had been set to go into effect Jan. 1. But adoption of this new law is indefinitely delayed. The reason is that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has not yet filed paperwork with the federal government that is necessary to enact the law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49751k6
(DISCLOSURE: Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence)
FRAUD
NEW PROGRAM: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is creating a new top-level fraud watchdog, a move aimed at curbing widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded programs. At the Capitol Friday, Gov. Tim Walz announced the appointment of Judge Tim O’Malley as the state’s new Director of Program Integrity. The role is designed to oversee fraud prevention efforts across state agencies - including Medicaid programs that have been plagued by extensive abuse. He will be based out of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iWEtFJ
MORE: Via MN House GOP Rapid Response on X, a statement from Demuth and GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska, NISKA: “Minnesotans understand the timing and see this for what it is: a political calculation meant to save face. To be clear, creating a new layer of bureaucracy inside the same failed administration that did nothing to stop fraud in the first place is not reform, it’s self-protection.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4iR37Y2
BACKGROUND: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Walz and many state agencies have come under fire in recent years as fraud investigations have piled up, with allegations totaling hundreds of millions of dollars . . . In recent weeks, President Donald Trump and his Cabinet have focused on fraud in Minnesota, claiming the state lost billions of dollars and pledging investigations. Walz, meanwhile, has said he welcomes any investigations and is committed to stopping fraud but also accused Trump and his administration of targeting Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q9ngv5
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 MINNESOTA
CHARGED: Via MPR, two have been charged after it’s alleged they fled the scene of an attempted immigration arrest with a Homeland Security agent trapped in their vehicle and drove to the New Hope police station. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pvXFfJ
ARRESTS: From Stateline, a snapshot of immigration arrest data collected by the Deportation Data Project. The data shows totals as of October 15th – ahead of this month’s ICE operation in Minnesota:
The data shows 1,673 immigration arrests under the current Trump administration. Under Biden, there were 732 immigration arrests in 2024. Over those time periods, 38% were convicted criminals under Trump, 43% under Biden. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3KSPECB
MORE: The Star Tribune has arrest data from ICE along with a look at the challenges facing those trying to track the numbers. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4q3m8c9
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)
AT THE CAPITOL
SD31: From Senator Cal Bahr (R) this morning, BAHR: “It’s been a privilege to serve the residents of Senate District 31 over the past three years, and I hope to once again earn their trust as I seek reelection in 2026. My focus remains on reining in Democrats’ wasteful spending, cracking down on unchecked fraud, and defending Minnesotans’ individual liberties from overreach in Saint Paul.”
HORTMAN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A photo of a smiling Melissa Hortman sits atop the late lawmaker’s desk in the Minnesota House of Representatives, alongside a bouquet of red roses and a gavel . . . While the holiday ornament and Hortman’s name on the voting board will eventually come down, the memorial in the chamber will remain in place through 2026. It’s meant as a reminder of the lawmaker who routinely encouraged colleagues to disagree without being disagreeable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pvYtRN
SENIOR NEEDS
HOUSING: Via senior housing data provider NIC MAP, Minneapolis ranks 5th on its list of metros for senior housing investment in the first three quarters of this year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44lq6Vo
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)
TWIN CITIES
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Students staged a walk-out on Thursday at FAIR School Crystal in protest of the possibility their school could be repurposed. They left their classes in the early afternoon, but stayed inside the building. The revelation that the school would change as they know it came only days earlier, as the school board continues to contemplate ways to reduce its debt and expenditures. Board members voted on Monday to add FAIR School Crystal to an existing list of schools that could close or be used in a different way.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48xyraW
RETAIL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Primp Boutique, a women’s clothing chain that once had a footprint of nine stores, is closing its remaining shops on Dec. 23, founder Wesley Uthus announced on social media. Flashback: The company started 15 years ago on St. Paul’s Selby Avenue, but has been downsizing since 2018.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44Z7xX9
WINDOWS: Via MplsStPaul, the story behind the window displays at North Loop retailer MartinPatrick 3. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rOChUJ
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)
GREATER MINNESOTA
TWIN LAKES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The shouting, threats and sarcastic barbs have been flying for months at city meetings in this town of 130 near the Iowa border. There are complaints about tap water running black, fights over city hiring and multiple allegations of misdeeds. Now a group of residents wants to get rid of all of it. The whole city. In a small-town smackdown, 34 residents have signed a petition to take Twin Lakes off the map by dissolving the city government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pABDss
ICE BOCCE: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Have you heard of Ice Bocce? it’s a sport that creators hope becomes popular here in the Northland. We’re told it takes the best parts of bocce ball, curling and shuffleboard. While it’s typically played on ice, you can try it out on a sandy indoor setup at the DECC’s Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show this weekend.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48JxDQt
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) is bringing holiday magic to North Minneapolis this season with its annual ‘Visit with Santa’ event — featuring a Black Santa Claus who will greet roughly 300 children at the Urban League Twin Cities on Saturday, December 13.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KOCQgn
NEXT YEAR: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has unveiled the lineup for its Music Under Glass series, which presents free concerts in its Conservatory from Jan. 4 through Feb. 4.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3KXS175
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GULL LAKE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Cozied between Brainerd and Nisswa, about 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities, Gull Lake is an oxymoron of serenity and winter playground. The crisp air sparkles with fresh snowfall. A blanket of white billows across the lake, surrounded by a fortress of frosted spruce and pine trees beckoning to hundreds of miles of peaceful trails. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to embrace the beauty of a Minnesota winter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iQblQc
BDAYS: Secretary of State Steve Simon, Poul Haas’ Laura Harris, DOC’s Safia Khan, fmr. Sen. Kent Eken, communication pro Maria Surma Manka SAT: Freehouse’s Jo Jo Rood, attorney Tad Jude, developer Robb Bader, attorney Tom Foley, policy pro Jeremy Drucker. SUN: White House rapid response leader Jacob Schneider, MPR’s Nina Mioni, community leader Art Rolnick, retiree Nancy Hylden
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2025 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427