You don’t need to go to the Black Hills or Alaska to find gold. Some are striking it, well, sort of rich, right here in Minnesota’s waters. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4iZh7zd
Twin Cities Business compared population and tax levies for the state’s ten largest cities. It shows something that many likely suspected – that having more people in your city doesn’t automatically mean the net tax capacity increases. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44y1YPf
Tomorrow, the next MNSider for Premium subscribers on the DFL Race for the US Senate. To see the MNSider analysis of the MN GOP Governor’s race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MwXySK
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48IbRwp
Sunday Take featured analysis of who Republicans want for governor and Anders Folk discussing his run for Hennepin County Attorney. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oTaKic
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BREAKING THIS MORNING
GUNS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz signed two executive orders on Tuesday to address gun violence after his push to take up the issue during a special session failed to gain traction in the narrowly divided Legislature. The orders establish a new ‘Statewide Safety Council, provide more data on what gun violence costs our state and improve education on safe storage,’ according to a release from the governor’s office . . . The executive orders are not as far-reaching as the broad bans Walz had discussed in the past.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XXQh0M
MORE: Via KSTP-TV, this morning’s news conference and order signing. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3KXD7h7
SCHOOLS CLOSED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “High schools in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district were closed Tuesday after online threats were made towards the schools. That includes Apple Valley, Eagan, Eastview and Rosemount high schools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p0SVxv
FRAUD: Via New York Post, VERBATIM: “The US Department of Health and Human Services is investigating whether billions in taxpayer dollars sent to Minnesota social service programs were used to unlawfully ‘fuel illegal and mass migration,’ according to letters obtained by The Post. Alex Adams, assistant secretary of HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), fired off letters Monday to Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and a nonprofit that received hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants to provide Head Start programs.” QUOTE: “We are concerned that they might be used to fuel illegal and mass migration,” Adams told The Post, saying that the attempt to track the federal monies was about “accountability for American taxpayers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KZBj7g
MN ACTION: Via DHS, VERBATIM: “Minnesota will soon extend a licensing pause to adult day care settings, where provider capacity exceeds current and projected needs for the service. The announcement from the Minnesota Department of Human Services is the latest in a series of measures the agency has taken to tighten oversight and prevent and stop fraud. The action aligns with Governor Walz’s Executive Order 25-10 detailing steps to continue to combat fraud. The two-year licensing pause for adult day centers will free resources to focus on oversight of existing licensed providers. The pause is likely to last from Feb. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2028.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y1JZgu
RESPONSE: Via statement from Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash, QUOTE: “Minnesotans don’t need more task forces or political theater. They need a governor who will enforce the law, support law enforcement, and hold criminals accountable. Tim Walz had the authority to act. He chose diversion over leadership — and Minnesotans are paying the price.”
SD51: Via Minnesota Senate DFL, VERBATIM: “Senator Melissa H. Wiklund (DFL-Bloomington), who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, announced today that she will retire from the Minnesota Senate at the end of her current term, after serving since 2013.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4akKklY
CARS: Via news release from the Attorney General’s office, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Ellison announced today that he has led a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general in reaching a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia for their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lack industry-standard, anti-theft technology. Hyundai and Kia’s knowing failure to provide this standard technology created the conditions for an epidemic of car thefts that were used in the commission of other crimes and in some cases led to deaths in Minnesota and across the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oWME6c
LOOKING AHEAD
POT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “It’s likely to be a rough year for startup dispensaries as they deal with strong competition and a severe lack of supply to sell to customers. What they’re saying: ‘We’re going to see a wave of dispensaries that is larger than the number of dispensaries that we actually need,’ said Jen Randolph Reise, whose North Star Cannabis Consulting helps startups. This same thing has played out in other states, and eventually, there were large numbers of closures and consolidations, she told Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aOT3Nd
POND HOCKEY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “A New England-based, multi-state organizer of outdoor pond hockey has acquired Minneapolis’ beloved U.S. Pond Hockey Championships (USPHC). That means next year’s USPHC, hosted Jan. 23-25 on Lake Nokomis, will be the first under ownership of Pond Hockey Classic (PHC). A PHC news release describes the acquisition as uniting ‘two of the most iconic pond hockey events under one portfolio, creating the largest and most influential platform in the sport’ . . . Together, all three of these tournaments are expected to attract more than 5,600 players, 40,000 spectators, and 10 million social media impressions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s0RiCR
ICYMI… morning take shared news of an upcoming announcement of a site for the new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame (not to be confused with the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, which is in Eveleth). SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4s1eaSD
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)
JOBS
NEW THIS MORNING: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The unemployment rate rose in November, a warning sign for the health of a labor market that has been strained by federal layoffs and rising costs.”
“The jobless rate last month rose to 4.6 percent up from 4.4 percent in September, the last month for which officials had a full picture of the labor force before the weekslong government shutdown. It is the highest unemployment rate since September 2021, when the economy was emerging from the pandemic, and an increase from 4.0 percent in January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/450KHhQ
IN MINNESOTA: MPR notes the most recent MN DEED data showed the state added jobs in September, however… VERBATIM: “. . . at the same time, the unemployment rate has also been steadily ticking up to 3.7 percent, making it a tough go for a lot of people. Now unemployed Minnesotans are finding it’s taking longer to find work compared to last year, and job fair attendance has been spiking.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qam3n9
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)
THE IMPACT OF TECH
DATA CENTERS: Via Marketplace, VERBATIM: “Tech giants are estimated to have spent almost $400 billion in capital expenditures this year, mostly to build data centers for artificial intelligence. Just one of these massive facilities can have a price tag in the billions of dollars. And many states want in on that spending spree. Thirty-seven states have some sort of incentive program to attract data centers with the hope of bringing a boost to their local economies. They’re giving away hundreds of millions in tax exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oXlsnW
BUT NOT HERE: From the National Conference of State Legislatures report, EXCERPT: “Taking the opposite approach, Minnesota rolled back its data center incentives, removing their electricity exemption from the state sales tax, although computer purchases made for data centers remain exempt.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p0f3bz
RELATED: morning take has coverage of a lawsuit aimed at stopping a data center in Pine Island. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4s1eaSD
AI: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “State lawmakers of both parties said they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them. Trump signed an executive order Thursday evening that aims to override state artificial intelligence laws. He said his administration must work with Congress to develop a national AI policy, but that in the meantime, it will crack down on state laws. The order comes after several other Trump administration efforts to rein in state AI laws and loosen restrictions for developers and technology companies. But despite those moves, state lawmakers are continuing to prefile legislation related to artificial intelligence in preparation for their 2026 legislative sessions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rZRhiz
MORE: From a letter penned by lawmakers in South Carolina and South Dakota that was signed by a bipartisan group of legislators, including 19 from Minnesota. QUOTE: “States serve as laboratories of democracy, directly accountable to their residents, and must retain the flexibility to confront new digital challenges as they arise. State experimentation and varied approaches to AI governance help build a stronger national foundation for sound policymaking. And as AI evolves rapidly, state and local governments may be better positioned than Congress or federal agencies to respond in real time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48XodPU
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)
NEW BUSINESS
HORMEL: Via Hormel, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, and Forward Consumer Partners, a private investment firm focused on branded consumer products, today announced the completion of the previously announced transaction to form a new strategic partnership for the Justin’s® brand. Under the terms of the agreement, Justin’s will operate as a standalone company, owned 51% by Forward and 49% by Hormel Foods. The business includes category-leading products such as nut butters and USDA-certified organic chocolate confections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44wiFKX
MOVE: Via release from Harley Davidson, VERBATIM: “Marcus Fischer assumed the role of Chief Brand Officer, reporting to Matt Ryan. Fischer joins Harley-Davidson from [Minneapolis-based] Carmichael Lynch, the agency behind many of the brand’s most iconic campaigns, and will lead brand strategy, creative direction, and long-term brand positioning as Harley-Davidson enters its next chapter.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rYO8j3
PROMOTION: Via MediaPost, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis ad agency Latitude has promoted Allison Checco to CEO. She succeeds Krista Carroll, who founded the agency in 2009 and who has taken the role of chair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YAiafi
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)
DC + MN
MINNESOTA RUSCO: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) is calling for the Trump Administration to investigate the sudden closure of Minnesota Rusco, the long-time home construction company that went bankrupt after being taken over by private equity and Wall Street investors. After the company filed for bankruptcy, Minnesota contractors and homeowners were left with half-completed projects, and limited options for recovery. Smith is pressing the Administration to determine whether wrongdoing occurred and help Minnesota customers navigate what relief is available. To date, the Trump Administration agencies charged with protecting consumers have not taken any public action on this situation.”
TAX CREDITS: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and [others] introduced the Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act to allow disaster-impacted working families to use the previous year’s income to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after a presidential major disaster declaration. This will prevent families from losing access to these benefits due to temporary income loss.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MFuqbQ
US SENATE: Via Minnesota Reformer, a recent viral clip of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) on Capitol Hill reading an “internal memo from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office” actually showed him reading a Reformer op-ed. The opinion piece was written by Kayseh Magan, who had previously worked at the Attorney General’s Office but was not employed there when the article was written. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p2qhfD
AROUND THE STATE
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A pair of actions moving Rochester’s planned sports and recreation complex forward will be revisited [after] Mayor Kim Norton vetoed decisions related to construction contracts. … NORTON: ‘There is absolutely no need to rush this project,’ she wrote in a message sent Monday with the veto decision. ‘There is currently so much construction and so many other priority projects that deserve staff time and focus.’ … The Rochester City Council voted 5-2 on Dec. 8 to approve the related contracts and spending. … The vetoes, which are the mayor’s 11th and 12th, can be overridden by five members of the City Council during a special meeting [on] Dec. 22.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XZ3O8d
ST LOUIS CTY: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County [is] expecting garbage fees, including those from private companies, to go down in the summer. St. Louis County operates its own landfill in Virginia, [but] Resource Renew will start using that landfill on the Iron Range this summer. … That means trash from residents in Carlton, Lake, and Cook counties will also be brought there. It also means operating costs will start to be divided among all those counties, resulting in St. Louis County customers paying less.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XSR5E5
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Things to do in Minnesota this week: a pop-up jingle bar at MOA, historic Mayowood tours, Christmas with Lorie Line, and more” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3Yt4wuv
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NEW RESTAURANTS: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Welcome to the Opening Report, a curated roundup of recent restaurant openings big and small across the Twin Cities.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/44qfkgA
BDAYS: Minneapolis watcher Jan Unstad, fmr. Atttorney General Lori Swanson, phone guy Mark Sump, attorney James Mogen, lobbyist and golfer Ted Grindahl, lobbyist Brian McDaniel, Win Minnesota’s Denise Cardinal
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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