Morning Consult looks at how the U.S. is perceived around the world amid the Venezuela conflict, focusing on how it could impact brands. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4qJXduw
New federal jobs numbers out this morning show a slight upturn to end a down year. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4q78x42
ICYMI… this week’s Sports Take looks at the cost to buy a college football player and looks back at a Twin Cities sports anchor’s run for governor. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4juzADM
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek discussed the state’s new paid leave program on Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49in59J
The latest MNSider Fluence Brief – What does President Trump saying “Mike Lindell deserves to be Governor.” mean to the GOP race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48R7fnM
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
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
CANADIANS: Via Twin Cities Business, a look at how few attended games featuring Canada at the World Juniors in Minnesota. VERBATIM: “What led to this drop in attendance among Canadian fans? ‘There were a lot of things in play,’ explains Kathy Ross Pavek, a consultant at Minnesota Sports and Events. The weak U.S./Canada exchange rate being one of them. Then there’s the geopolitical situation between the two countries. More specifically, the ongoing tariff sanctions each nation has enacted. Also, Pavek says some Canadian fans waited until after the preliminary rounds were over to attend ‘medal games.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qJdxMb
US ECONOMY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Speaking at luncheon in Golden Valley, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserted that President Donald Trump’s administration has laid the groundwork in 2025 for a strong economy in 2026. In his prepared remarks, Bessent’s comments often skewed political, saying the Biden administration had dampened entrepreneurship, and Trump is reversing that dynamic. Bessent touted the administration’s efforts to improve the economy and stressed that tax cuts and deregulation will spur economic growth. Bessent avoided addressing the recent unrest in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. But he took multiple jabs at Minnesota’s fraud issues and economic performance under the leadership of Gov. Tim Walz.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aR9hFH
RETAIL: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced today its 2026 wellness assortment, introducing a 30% expansion with thousands of new items and more exclusives than ever before as the retailer strengthens its position as the destination for everyday wellbeing, and offers stylish and relevant products that support guests’ goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4brTsFD
MORE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal points to two Minnesota brands on among those being added: So Good So You and Seeq Supply Inc. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ywksw9
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
FREY: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at a news conference with other local leaders this morning, FREY: “I have heard countless people talk about Minneapolis, many of them who have never been here, as some sort of post-apocalyptic hellscape, as a place that is dangerous. Well let me give you a statistic. 50% of the shootings that have happened thus far in Minneapolis this year have been ICE.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3N5efF8
SHOOTING INVESTIGATION: From a States Newsroom report on Vice President J.D. Vance’s Thursday news conference – Vance was asked about the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the FBI’s handling of the investigation. VERBATIM: “When reporters in the White House briefing room pressed Vance on why the FBI is refusing to cooperate with local law enforcement officials, Vance said it was a federal issue.” VANCE: “The idea that Tim Walz and a bunch of radicals in Minneapolis are going to go after and make this guy’s life miserable because he was doing the job that he was asked to do is preposterous,” Vance said. “The unprecedented thing is the idea that a local official can actually prosecute a federal official with absolute immunity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ps4fDb
MORE: From Senator Amy Klobuchar this morning via X, VERBATIM: “Sen. Smith and I called on the DOJ to work with the Minnesota BCA and local authorities in investigating the shooting of Renee Nicole Good. The state professional investigators coordinated on the tragic Hortman and Annunciation Church shootings with no issues — they shouldn’t be cut out now.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3L7MKKx
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Former U.S attorney for Minnesota Tom Heffelfinger spoke with WCCO’s Chad Hartman and expressed disappointment in the decision.” HEFFELFINGER: “I’m extraordinarily disappointed. I think this decision ultimately guarantees that there cannot be a fair and complete investigation of this shooting.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qm29pW
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 FALLOUT
MORE FEDS: The New York Times says documents it obtained suggest another 100 agents are being deployed here. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z1XoFJ
SCHOOLS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities area schools are struggling with the heightened presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in the Twin Cities and the killing of a woman by an ICE agent. School leaders say families are scared and absenteeism is climbing. Some districts cancelled classes Friday ‘due to ICE activity in our community.’ School leaders in districts around the Twin Cities said immigration enforcement actions are deeply affecting their students, staff and families.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49cQq6O
RED LAKE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Red Lake Tribal officials are warning members living in the Twin Cities area to look out for one another and avoid direct confrontations with ICE and other federal law enforcement. In a press release issued yesterday on Facebook, the Red Lake Tribal Council says 8,000 Red Lake members live in the immediate neighborhoods where ICE is patrolling.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49fhl1W
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa Thursday addressed a large-scale drug enforcement operation carried out in the city a day earlier, pushing back against apparent online rumors that the effort was tied to immigration enforcement.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jxpimk
STORES: Bring Me The News recounts recent ICE actions at retailers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jxlL7y
TIMBERWOLVES: Via Associated Press, a moment of silence for Renee Good at Target Center. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45Iu9eM
MULANEY: Comic John Mulaney postponed his shows scheduled at The Armory this weekend. STATEMENT: https://fluence-media.co/3LEwC3d
FAKES: From the Star Tribune, examples of fake and misleading images and how to decide what’s real and what’s AI. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/453Ina0
FRAUD IN MINNESOTA
2026 SESSION: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Legislature’s to-do list for tackling fraud could include AI tools, more inspectors and structural changes to social services programs, two top leaders told Axios . . . ‘I think there should be more site visits,’ Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Thursday at an Axios Live event on public health when asked whether Minnesota needs more inspectors to conduct spot checks of providers who bill the state for social services . . . House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring), who has also called for more unannounced site visits, voiced support for using AI and other analytical tools to keep health care costs down and make sure that state and federal taxpayer dollars aren’t going to fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/452dx1x
PCA PAY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Personal care assistants help vulnerable Minnesotans live independently — but now some say they’re showing up for shifts and not receiving pay. Agencies say a new pre-payment review tied to fraud investigations in Minnesota has led to reimbursements being withheld, and staff and clients are being put at risk.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Lrr1Nu
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)
A LITTLE OPTIMISM
ST PAUL: Via Fox9, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) announced on Thursday that it has purchased the mortgage on the U.S. Bank Center building downtown. A property that many see as crucial to revitalizing downtown St. Paul, but has become distressed in recent years, the building located at 101 East 5th St. was formerly owned by First Interstate Bank of Omaha.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jA6CT5
FOREST LAKE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on plans by Timm’s Marina to add 72 more boat slips to meet what the owner says is increased demand. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qfkR2r
ST CLOUD: Via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “After about one year since its creation, one of St. Cloud’s newest startups is preparing for continued growth in 2026. Buzzcare, a new startup from central Minnesota residents Levi Bosshart and Stephen Rider, seeks to use drones to address rural health care challenges and plans to launch some of its first tests in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ytpqdd
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)
BIG DECISIONS
LITTLE FALLS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “More than 50 jobs will be eliminated following an announcement that Wabash National, a semi-trailer manufacturer, will be closing its facility in Little Falls. Wabash National first opened the doors to its Little Falls facility in 2017, promising an $11 million investment to renovate the former Larson Boat Works plant and to employ over 150 people by 2022. However, less than 10 years later, the facility is shutting down.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YwKfEC
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Golden Valley pizza place is closing its doors and pivoting to a new business venture. The owners of Love Pizza announced this week that they’re suspending restaurant service at their location along Winnetka Avenue. The move will allow them to focus on the frozen pizza side of their business.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syPiC5
ACQUISITION: Via Minnetonka-based APPLIED Adhesives, VERBATIM: “APPLIED Adhesives, a leading provider of custom adhesive solutions, is proud to announce the acquisition of Interlock Adhesives, a premier United Kingdom-based adhesive technology company. This acquisition represents a significant milestone for APPLIED and establishes the company’s presence in the UK.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bpPihy
MOVE: Via Chicago-based Exelon, VERBATIM: “Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC) today announced that Tim Peterson, currently senior vice president, chief information officer and chief technology officer at Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, will join Exelon as executive vice president and chief customer and technology officer in February.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pA4CMf
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
BAXTER: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “A 20-year extension of the local option sales tax and motor vehicle excise tax in Baxter could generate an additional $77 million. The issue was before the Baxter City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 6, with Jeremy Vacinek, finance director, outlining the details and potential projects before the council. The local sales tax is 0.50% and the local motor vehicle excise tax is up to $20 per motor vehicle.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jzircm
WHAT’S NEXT?
VARIOUS: Via MplsStPaul, a list of winter events and activities around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3LaDXYe
JAN 30: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is delighted to invite you to join Governor Tim Walz, Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen at a luncheon event to honor this year’s recipients of the Governor’s International Trade Awards.”
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CLOWNS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Walker Art Center’s Out There Festival is the time of year when it brings the most outré, avant-garde performers to town: the weirdos, the dissidents, the outsiders.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L4Nj7S
BDAYS: Rep. Max Rymer, Flanagan advisor Dominic McQuerry, MNDOT Spox Mike Dougherty, fmr. Duluth Mayor Don Ness SAT: actress Marissa Coughlan, St. Paul booster Donna Swanson, professor Jeannie Entenza SUN: fmr. St. Paul councilmember Chris Tolbert, advocate Matthew Flory, retired golfer Jim McCorkell
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