One travel writer. 856 incorporated cities. The Star Tribune chronicles Seth Varner’s epic Minnesota tour. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qDP0Ig
How generous were Americans in 2025? AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/49dKEAs
There are plenty of fun opportunities for kids in this guide, MPLSSTPAUL: https://fluence-media.co/4q5rfJb
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Blois
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)
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AROUND MINNESOTA
ST CLOUD: Via WJON-Radio, VERBATIM: “A growing coalition is responding to rising threats against the St. Cloud area Somali community. The Initiative Foundation, as part of a growing coalition of local and state foundations, announced Wednesday several rapid-response grants to support the Somali community in St. Cloud and Central Minnesota following reports of escalating harassment and threats, including intimidation of nonprofit organizations and community leaders.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pt79rr
DETROIT LAKES: Via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Lakes Area Patriots has donated $3,500 to Health Resources of Detroit Lakes, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential health services and support to women and families in the lakes area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qEXP4A
RURAL: Via Taylor Family Farms Foundation, VERBATIM: “Glen Taylor has announced another gift to the charitable foundation he created to help build resilient rural communities. Farmland and securities valued at more than $100 million are being transferred from Taylor to the Taylor Family Farms Foundation, a philanthropic initiative that supports rural areas in southern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pCsqiA
HOUSING: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “Eight Northern Minnesota housing projects are among the 51 selected for Minnesota Housing financing. The agency announced its annual selection in mid-December, totaling $166.4 million in investments between state dollars and federal housing tax credits and programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pufJpU
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
THIS WEEKEND: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is almost 200 years old, and to celebrate, the Rev. Richard Kunst of the Diocese of Duluth has curated ‘Vatican Unveiled,’ the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome. The exhibition opens Jan. 10 at the Mall of America and includes 250-300 items from previous popes, saints and the Vatican.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jBMQa0
FOLK SCHOOL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The man camping next to us on our first visit to Grand Marais was there for one reason: to build a Greenland kayak by hand. His Massachusetts license plates and vintage Volkswagen Vanagon stood out in the municipal campground, but what struck us was his invitation: Come see the boat tomorrow. We did—and found ourselves in a light-filled workshop scented by wood shavings and varnish, watching artisans methodically hand-sew stretched fabric around wooden ribs. This was our introduction to the North House Folk School, a microvillage where traditional crafts are alive and urgent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jvuibl
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)
GOOD OPPORTUNITIES
THIS MONTH: Via University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, VERBATIM: “Get an early taste of spring with thousands of plants, including spring bulbs, orchids and tropicals, on display in the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building. This year’s show explores the theme of ‘water,’ drawing inspiration from Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and wetlands and the life they support.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4siMLMa
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS: Via Compeer, VERBATIM: “Compeer Financial has refreshed its corporate philanthropic program under Compeer Giving. The program refocuses its investments in the future of rural communities under three core efforts: grants, scholarships and community partnerships.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4ssXNP5
(DISCLOSURE: Compeer is a Fluence sponsor)
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