SHORT WEEK
The trendy thing in newsletters is to put names in the publication at the top…we’ll make you search for yours.
We’ll publish through tomorrow, then we’re off until Jan. 5. Tomorrow – What to Watch in 2026. On WCCO’s morning take while I’m gone – the Top stories of 2025.
Thanks for a great – record breaking year – and 2026 won’t disappoint for content.
Vikings, Gophers MBB, Timberwolves win. Frost and Wild don’t.
Target can’t catch a break with an outage of tech the last couple days.
Last night in 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
Sunday Take featured Rep. Kelly Morrison discussing her first year in Congress and her priorities for 2026. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49463vT
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ:https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
COST CONCERNS
MAYORS: This morning a letter from 98 Minnesota Mayors, VERBATIM: “A coalition of 98 mayors from cities across Minnesota has signed a joint letter to state leaders raising alarm over widespread fraud, unfunded state mandates, and escalating cost pressures that are increasingly shifting financial burdens onto local governments and taxpayers…The letter represents a rare, unified voice from mayors representing communities of all sizes — metro and Greater Minnesota — who say state-level fiscal decisions are driving higher property tax levies, constraining public safety staffing, and forcing delays to critical infrastructure investments.” QUOTE: “On top of these economic realities, many Minnesota cities are confronting significant property tax levy pressures. Preliminary statewide data, on average, for 2026 shows cities may raise levies by up to 8.7%, with counties up to 8.1%.³ These increases are not simply local decisions; they stem directly from state policies, mandates, and cost shifts that leave cities with no choice but to pass these burdens onto homeowners and businesses.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3MOZHcz
MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A week from Monday, property tax levies for Minnesota local governments must be finalized, and many homeowners have flooded public hearings to voice displeasure with what’s on tap…The property tax levies — and in many cases hefty increases to them — differ by jurisdiction. But the public pressure over them has been felt throughout the state…All month, property owners packed city council chambers and county board rooms. They often came with 2026 preliminary tax statements in their hands and an expression of shock on their faces. QUOTE: “I’ve been in the house for 33 years,” said Michael Noble, a homeowner in Stearns County. “The biggest tax increase in all the years I’ve been there.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/497BmpQ
FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: ”Minnesota leaders are set to introduce and share more about the new committee tasked with cutting fraud out of state programs…Gov. Tim Walz created the Office of Inspector General Coordinating Council (OIGCC) through executive action in September to help state agencies collaborate and share information in the fight to stop fraud…Per his order, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans will chair the council, which will also include representatives from each state agency’s inspector general’s office and members of the BCA’s financial crimes unit, Minnesota Management and Budget’s accountability team, and the Minnesota Department of Administration grants management group…The council will meet monthly to share investigative data and trends, develop data sharing and program integrity review processes, and help any agencies in need of specialized audits or inspectors…On Monday, Evans is expected to discuss the council’s work, members and partnership with the state’s new director of program integrity, Tim O’Malley.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4srbrT1
ELECTION ‘26
LT GOV: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Gov. Tim Walz continues his search for a lieutenant governor for his third term bid, at least one prospective candidate says she’s open to being his second in command. … Golden Valley Mayor Roslyn Harmon [said] several people have reached out to the governor’s team to pitch her as a candidate. Harmon said she was told that Walz likely won’t make a decision until February or March on a running mate.” HARMON: “While I have not yet met with the governor regarding this matter, I would welcome a conversation in the coming months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/490Hz6Q
GOV RACE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump voiced support for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of MyPillow, at a rally Friday. … Trump [said] his longtime ally Lindell ‘deserves to be governor of Minnesota’ after the myriad legal and financial woes the businessman dealt with in [losing] defamation suits.” TRUMP: “These people went after him, they went after his company. … That guy deserves to be governor of Minnesota, I’ll tell you right now. Great guy.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Y3SbNl
ICYMI: Last night’s MNSider Fluence Brief analyzed the impact of Pres. Donald Trump supporting Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pUYtLq
3RD TERM: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz eyes an unprecedented third term, one issue looms large over his campaign: fraud. Allegations of extensive fraud connected to government programs have become one of the most contentious topics in Minnesota politics — and one that could define the upcoming governor’s race. Hamline University political science professor David Schultz [said] Walz’s responses so far, including hiring an independent investigator, may be ‘too little, too late.’” QUOTE: “[He’ll] hope Republicans nominate a weak candidate in a year where the Republicans are expected not to do well. I think that’s the recipe he has. But talking about the fraud doesn’t help him.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jcLn9Q
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IMMIGRATION
PROTEST: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Thousands rallied in south Minneapolis on Saturday to protest increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota. … At least 400 people have been arrested during the operation, according to ICE, though advocates say the majority had no criminal records. Protestors carried signs reading ‘ICE out MSP’ to denounce the operation. … 46 organizations co-hosted the rally and march.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sapJH8
ICE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Paul has issued a cease-and-desist notice to the Department of Homeland Security to prevent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using city-owned parking lots to stage immigration raids. The city is demanding that DHS ‘immediately halts’ the use of city-owned parking lots without permission – ‘specifically those at recreation centers and parks’ – as ICE continues its crackdown on immigrants in the Twin Cities. … Mayor Melvin Carter said federal agents ‘unlawfully’ using parks and library properties ‘eliminates public access, erodes public trust, and undermines local control.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Lc4og0
OFFICERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “With reports of immigrants detained and pop-up protests across the Twin Cities, some suburban police departments are taking the initiative to explain the roles they play — and do not play — in federal immigration operations. … City-appointed officers will not be involved with ICE operations unless the arrest involves someone accused of crimes in their jurisdictions. They’re emphasizing that no community member, whether a citizen or not, should be afraid to call 911 or cooperate with local investigations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qqr0Zk
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 FEED….
STRIKE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Educators with the Anoka-Hennepin School District have voted to strike if a contract can’t be agreed upon as negotiations continue. On Saturday, Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota — the union representing more than 3,000 educators in the district — authorized a strike, with 98.5% of members voting in favor. … The union’s executive board will meet Monday to certify vote totals and consider filing an intent to strike notice with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KXGYek
DATA CENTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Secrecy has spread in Minnesota as the tech industry sprints to build data centers for cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence products. Eight Minnesota cities, two counties and at least one state agency and school district have signed [data center] non-disclosure agreements. Many local officials also work with companies in other ways to conceal information — at least initially — about the projects. … The scarcity of information is driving some Minnesotans to form community groups, pack council chambers, file lawsuits and protest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4soupto
HOUSING: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “A federal judge today ordered the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to preliminarily halt changes to its Continuum of Care grant program — the largest resource for federal homelessness assistance funding — after a coalition of states argued in court that the changes were illegal. … District Court Judge Mary McElroy barred HUD from implementing its proposed changes to the Continuum of Care program and directed HUD to process applications under the terms that existed prior. … The lawsuit [was] joined by Attorney General Keith Ellison.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MYMP3v
CLOSURES: Via MPR News, a deep dive into why Mayo Clinic is closing many of its rural clinics. VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic Health Systems, a global medical behemoth that raked in close to $20 billion in revenue last year and reported a $1.3 billion operating profit, has cited the difficulty and expense of staffing and maintaining the medical facilities. … Allan Baumgarten, an independent health care market trends analyst in St. Louis Park, said the closures are likely the result of a changing strategy at Mayo. For years, the globally renowned health system was buying up clinics. … But Baumgarten said Mayo now seems to be moving away from that model, and he expects more closures in coming years.” QUOTE: “[Mayo] may have some regrets about having built out such a large network of facilities. … It’s expensive to operate clinics and small hospitals in rural areas, and it’s often difficult to staff them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qhaDhl
POLLUTION: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Minnesota state officials have announced plans to conduct further analysis of the impacts of sulfate pollution on wild rice in Minnesota lakes and rivers. … The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said it will evaluate recent peer-reviewed scientific studies to validate the impacts of sulfates on wild rice while also working with third-party experts to better understand the variation of naturally occurring sulfate levels in different areas across the state. The MPCA says the two analyses will take about six to nine months to finish.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pZulhZ
PARKS/TRAILS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A key state commission is recommending that the Minnesota legislature spend more than $11 million next year on projects that would improve a dozen parks and trails around the state. The recommendation from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) earmarks funding for park and trail projects around the state, outside of the seven-county metro area. … The funding still requires approval from the state legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pc1YvV
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: https://fluence-media.co/46lTpIs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
LOCALS
SPPS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A St. Paul public school focused on Hmong culture and language will remain at its current East Side campuses following a school board meeting [that] drew dozens of parents and students concerned about how best to deal with overcrowding. … The board’s 6-1 vote Thursday means Txuj Ci HMong lower campus will continue serving pre-K students while fifth- through eighth-graders will attend the upper campus for the 2026-27 school year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YrjukZ
ST CLOUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud is boosting funding for programs to help combat a rise in drug overdose deaths. St. Cloud Police Chief Jeff Oxton says 21 people have died of drug overdoses in the city so far in 2025. That ties a previous high number of overdose deaths in 2023. The city numbers follow a statewide trend of rising fatal overdoses, mainly from fentanyl and also methamphetamine, Oxton said. … The St. Cloud City Council recently approved spending funds from a statewide settlement with opioid manufacturers on programs to reduce overdose deaths.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sdWwLO
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A special Rochester City Council session to address three vetoes by Mayor Kim Norton was called to avoid delaying action until the new year. … The special meeting is set for 6 p.m. [tonight]. … City Council President Randy Schubring [said] one council member has already indicated an inability to attend the first meeting in 2026, so the special meeting provides the best chance for the entire council to be involved with discussion of the vetoes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44BeJc2
AHEAD
TODAY: Sen. Amy Klobuchar will hold a press event with firefighters and local officials at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the passage of her bill that “expands access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders,” per a release. St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed will attend.
TODAY: At 10AM, Governor Tim Walz will attend a ribbon-cutting for the New Ulm Armory.
DEC 24-JAN 4: Fluence Media is on holiday break.
JAN 2: Via City of St. Paul, the “public ceremonial inauguration” of Kaohly Her as the next St. Paul Mayor will be held Friday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m.
JAN 8: Axios Live will host conversations with Speaker Lisa Demuth and UnitedHealth Group VP Margaret-Mary Wilson regarding the future of public health. The event is in Eden Prairie at 9:30 a.m.
BDAYS: teacher Mark Wesfpfahl, PA guy Pat Rosenstiel and belated to fmr. SOS Mark Ritchie, media guy Kyle Shiely, labor comms guy Chris Shields, journalist Julio Ojeda-Zapata, DFL fundraiser Kristen McMullen, big thinker Erin Dady, Star Tribune’s Briana Bierschbach, DPS spox Howie Padilla, lobbyist Amy Walstein, MN Hospital’s Lou Ann Olson
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
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