MLK MONDAY
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” -Martin Luther King
MLK Day never seemed so timely.
The world continues to watch Minneapolis and Minnesota again but they’re only seeing the most dramatic and vivid scenes. The stalemate between leaders of the local and state versus the federal government don’t seem to be thawing.
Activists want attention for the cause, and they are getting it – so are the agitators. Everyone is the media, but those with the agendas dominate the algorithms. Meanwhile our economy suffers, our state’s reputation takes another blow.
Businesses can’t operate, for restaurants and hospitality the most challenging month now feels like COVID without solutions. Minneapolis’ hottest restaurants were wide open for a Saturday reservation and the biggest in downtown was done by 3PM, and staff safety creates a major issue for
I’ve witnessed someone as a so-called “influencer” do the opposite more and more this week, creating a new term “anti-influencer”. Agitation media stunts aren’t helping.
CBS finds that 61% of Americans think ICE is “too tough” during arrests. There’s a 50-50 split on liking Donald Trump’s deportation “goals,” but only 37% like his “approach.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4qRTsDi
CNN finds that Democrats have a 5-point edge over Republicans in voter preference ahead of the midterms, with a 16-point lead among “extremely motivated” voters. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4a1TfI4
Some White House advisers are pushing for “recalibrating” their immigration enforcement in response to polls. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4qyMGTm
The President wants to raise tariffs on European nations that oppose U.S. control of Greenland. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3NAOTiq
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer shared thoughts on ICE, midterm elections and the state of Congress with Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sLFN2v
A final note…“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” -MLK
Thanks to our readers for the 1.3 million views and reads in Q4.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
In a must listen, Legislative Auditor Judy Randall joined Sunday Take to discuss fraud in state programs. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3YTziND
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/
REGISTER TODAY - Wednesday: The State of Energy – Fluence Forum
The State of Energy in Minnesota featuring Pete Wycoff (Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources, Minnesota Department of Commerce),, Zac Ruzycki (Director of Resource Planning, Great River Energy) Moderated by Blois Olson of Fluence Advisory
The Future of Energy featuring Kari Groth Swan (Executive Director, MN Climate Innovation Finance Authority), PJ Martin (Vice President of Integrated Planning, Xcel Energy) Moderated by Drew Christensen
Policy Considerations for State Leaders featuring Xcel Energy, Derrick Moe (President and CEO, MN Rural Electric Association), and Lucas Franco (Research Manager of Great Lakes Regional Organizing Committee, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota) Moderated by John Berns
Legislative Panel featuring Senator Nick Frentz and Representative Chris Swedzinski
REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofEnergy
ESCALATION
No, not the ICE situation, but the DFL Senate race has its first TV ads from “Clear Voice Minnesota” Super PAC supporting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. One ad supports Flanagan, the other attacks Rep. Angie Craig.
ON EDGE
From the scene in the cities this weekend…non law enforcement taking up arms.
Yesterday, DFL Sen. Omar Fateh had a viral spat on social media with Fox News columnist David Marcus Saturday following activist Jake Lang’s “March Against Minnesota Fraud.” Lang had planned to travel to the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, but he changed course amid protests — afterward, Fateh posted: “Cedar Strong. White Supremacists aren’t welcome here. We protect our own.” Marcus responded that Fateh doesn’t “decide who is and isn’t welcome” because “we don’t allow ‘no-go zones,’” but Fateh reiterated that “this is a No-Go zone for white supremacists.” Fateh’s posts have over 2 million views. TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4a1idYb
Meanwhile, conservative media agitator Nick Sortor with 1.4 million followers allegedly had his camera stolen in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. The FBI is reportedly investigating last night.
Led by activist-lawyer Nekima Levy-Armstrong, via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Department of Justice says it is investigating an anti-ICE protest that disrupted services at a St. Paul church on Sunday morning. … Activists from the Racial Justice Network staged a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul against Pastor David Easterwood, who they say is also the acting ICE field office director in Minnesota. FOX 9 can confirm a man named David Easterwood is the acting field office director in Minnesota. … However, FOX 9 wasn’t able to confirm the acting director is the same David Easterwood listed as a pastor on the CIties Church website.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4b7ij1t
While the Wall Street Journal described the situation in the Twin Cities as a “tinderbox” because ICE agents have “arrest quotas” that can be fulfilled even if arrested people are released without charges, but the populations of Minneapolis and St. Paul have “a relatively small proportion of immigrants here illegally,” with both factors increasing the likelihood of citizen detentions and escalating pushback. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pHep2P
On 60 Minutes, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says his officers are overwhelmed by complaints related to immigration enforcement — including tear gas and related injuries — and he is concerned things will get worse. O’HARA: “All these tensions have been building, and I’m afraid we’re gonna have another moment where it all explodes.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YMlsfK
Before activist Jake Lang’s protest in Minneapolis began, Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash issued a statement denouncing the event. PLECHASH: “We have become aware of an organized protest that includes rhetoric threatening violence in the name of being pro-ICE and anti-immigration. Let me be absolutely clear: this protest is not affiliated with the Minnesota Republican Party. … We condemn violent rhetoric and threats from anyone, on any side.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49rXI6P
TROOPS: via ABC News, VERBATIM: “Some 1,500 active duty Army paratroopers have been put on alert for a potential deployment to Minnesota. … The soldiers are from the 11th Airborne Division, [which] is also the military’s leading formation for Arctic warfare. … The president had not made a final decision on whether to deploy two battalions. … Meanwhile, members of the Minnesota National Guard remain on state orders under the authority of Gov. Tim Walz. It would be unusual for federalized active-duty troops and state-activated Guard forces to be deployed simultaneously and while serving under different legal frameworks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49t2jWr
As clashes between protesters and federal agents continue, the Minnesota National Guard announced that if they are deployed, they will be wearing yellow reflective vests “to help distinguish them from other agencies in similar uniforms.” The announcement added that “Minnesota National Guardsmen live, work, and serve in our state” and are “ensuring Minnesotans can safely exercise their First Amendment rights.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49CsEl3
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told CNN he is opposed to troop deployments in the city. FREY: “This act was clearly designed to intimidate the people of Minneapolis, and here’s the thing: we’re not going to be intimidated. If the goal here is safety, we’ve got many mechanisms to achieve safety — and the best way to get safety is not to have an influx of even more agents. … I never thought in a million years that we would be invaded by our own federal government.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4boWZ7Z
MORE: via MS NOW, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told MS NOW in an interview that [Donald] Trump’s threat to send military forces into Minnesota is ‘frightening.’ ‘We are under attack by our own federal government, which is unprecedented,’ she said. … Moriarty also told MS NOW that Minneapolis police have the ‘legal authority’ to arrest ICE agents engaging in criminal behavior.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49vIFsM
A new level of insight and information….
Fluence Media introduces more - Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Regular deep-dive political analysis and breaking news
Monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest economy
Early access to our Fluence Forum audio and video assets.
A morning take mug
FED SPEAK
AGENT: Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem told CBS News that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot Renee Good, is under some form of administrative review, but did not give details when asked. NOEM: “There always is [a review]. Every law enforcement officer knows that when they take the oath to step up and to protect the public and put their lives on the line, they absolutely know that everything that they do will be analyzed and investigated.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49rLISP
MORE: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News that the Dept. of Justice will not be investigating ICE agent Jonathan Ross. BLANCHE: “The Department of Justice, our civil rights unit, we just don’t go out and investigate every time an officer is forced to defend himself. … We investigate when it’s appropriate to investigate, and that’s not the case here.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3NpR1tn
LEGAL LEVERAGE
Friday night’s story was that the Justice Department was investigating Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey…. via Washington Post, VERBATIM: “The subpoenas suggest that the Justice Department is examining whether [Tim] Walz’s or [Jacob] Frey’s public statements disparaging the surge of officers and federal actions have amounted to criminal interference in law enforcement work. The law under which they are investigating the two officials, a federal statute on conspiracy to impede a federal investigation, is similar to the charges filed against protesters whom federal officials allege have attempted to block immigration officers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qrcrVs
RESPONSE: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Former federal prosecutor Harry Litman condemned the Justice Department’s (DOJ) probe into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) as ‘total garbage’ [and] ‘a complete and utter non-starter.’ … Litman predicted that charges ‘will never happen.’” LITMAN: “The statute [in question] requires force, intimidation or threats. There’s no way they could prove that, but…the First Amendment prevents any kind of action unless it is imminent and lawless.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Huj7D
LEGALFEES: In addition to condemning the Dept. of Justice investigation into him, Gov. Tim Walz is also using it for fundraising. Via WCCO-TV’s Esme Murphy, donations will go to a Democratic Governors Association fund. WALZ: “These fights are expensive by design — meant to intimidate and drain resources so people who speak up are forced to stop. If you’re with us, rush a donation to our DGA Legal Defense Fund and help ensure we can keep fighting for accountability, transparency, and justice.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4r5O9Ax
JUDGE: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “A federal judge ordered ICE agents to stop retaliating against peaceful protesters and observers in Minnesota. … District Judge Katherine Menendez barred ICE agents from arresting or pepper spraying people for simply observing or criticizing the federal government’s actions. The judge also ruled that safely following ICE vehicles does not on its own justify a traffic stop, protecting an increasingly common tactic used by Minnesotans to track raids.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b7N06Q
MORE: District Judge Katherine Menendez is also handling a separate, ongoing case brought by DFL officials seeking an end to the ICE enforcement surge in Minnesota. Arguments will continue this week, with evidence from the federal government due at 5:00 p.m. today and a response from the state due Thursday.
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)
MOOD OF MN
GREATER MN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Scott Brodeen has had one pressing thought: ‘We don’t want to be like Minneapolis.’ The St. Cloud City Council member said this week he thinks residents interfering with [ICE] operations, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s fiery comments telling federal agents to stay out of his city, is just setting up the Twin Cities for more chaos. … Similar sentiments can be heard in small-town bars, cafes and other gathering spots across the state, where the discussion is often different than the metro. What’s playing out could exacerbate an already wide political divide between the metro area and the rest of Minnesota heading into the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sNLeOn
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Federal immigration operations across Minnesota are causing concerns for many living in rural areas, including in southern Minnesota. Waseca Mayor Randy Zimmerman says it’s unfortunate some residents may be fearful to leave their homes, even if they are here legally. … But so far, Zimmerman believes activity has been minimal.” QUOTE: “They’re not gonna come to a small town and just randomly grab somebody, you know. At least, I don’t think they would.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pPkpXF
SUBURBS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tensions over the surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations are rising in the Twin Cities suburbs, where residents are packing City Council meetings to air their frustrations and ask local leaders for help. Public comment sessions at city meetings are stretching for hours as business owners, residents and elected officials share their fears. … [But] while some residents are sharing sightings and organizing protests, others are posting comments like ‘God bless ICE’ and asking their neighbors to let ICE get ‘their job done.’ … Suburban voters are poised to be a pivotal bloc in Minnesota in November’s midterm elections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qmDsJK
SESSION
BONDING: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced his 2026 infrastructure plan. The $907 million investment will support public safety, clean water, transportation, and housing infrastructure. … The proposed budget is dedicated to preserving existing state infrastructure (35%), supporting water and transportation projects (19%), investing in public safety projects (16%), and in affordable housing and local economic development (11%). The remaining funds support outdoor recreation and environmental projects and farmer loan assistance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49omtAR
RESPONSE: via DFL Sen. Sandy Pappas, chair of the capital investment committee, PAPPAS: “The modest $907 million bill will meet some of [Minnesota’s] needs, but it will barely put a dent in the growing backlog of projects statewide. To put it in perspective, the 2005 bonding bill was $945 million — $1.6 billion in today’s dollars. The Governor’s 2026 proposal fails to even meet the standards of 21 years ago. This summer, the state received $6.5 billion in requests. … I’m hopeful the Governor and the House will agree to a larger bill.”
MORE: via Joel Smith, president of LIUNA MN, SMITH: “We urge the Legislature to pass a $1 billion bipartisan infrastructure jobs bill this Spring. Minnesota has 100,000 lead water service lines that need to be replaced. We call on the Legislature to invest $250 million to maintain the progress we are making to remove dangerous lead pipes in communities throughout the state.”
MED TRANSPORT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A right-wing YouTuber asserted with minimal evidence that some Medicaid-funded transit providers in Minneapolis and its suburbs are billing the state for rides they’re not providing. … But advocates for transit services questioned conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley’s conclusions. … A state spokesperson confirmed that all five providers Shirley visited in the Twin Cities didn’t receive any Medicaid payments over the last seven years. And three of them aren’t even enrolled in the transit program that Shirley claims is fraud-ridden.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YM8rTq
ENERGY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Burning trash and wood to generate electricity will now be considered as a carbon-free source under Minnesota’s landmark clean energy law. … The legislation defined ‘carbon-free’ as ‘a technology that generates electricity without emitting carbon dioxide.’ Lawmakers left it up to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to determine what meets that definition. … The state PUC ruled that facilities that burn municipal waste or biomass to generate electricity can still be considered carbon-free, even if they emit large amounts of carbon dioxide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b7hcPl
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs, and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include: classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy, and the team dog, Paulie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player-signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49AHNSE (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
LOCALS
STATE FAIR: via State Fair Board, VERBATIM: “At its 167th annual meeting, the Minnesota State Agricultural Society board, governing body of the Minnesota State Fair, voted to keep admission ticket prices and parking fees unchanged for the 2026 State Fair. … At the same time, the board approved more than $67 million to improve the State Fairgrounds, enhance the guest experience and elevate the educational and entertainment programming.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Nt3gW7
APPLE VALLEY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Apple Valley is shelling out millions to level up its youth sports facilities. Once completed, the Hayes Youth Athletic Complex will boast four youth baseball and softball fields, covered dugouts, irrigated turf and lighting for evening games. … The estimated $7.1 million project [was] made possible through a recent parks referendum.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jSlLj0
MOVE: St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has appointed Jennifer O’Rourke as the city’s new chief lobbyist and director of intergovernmental relations. … O’Rourke is married to Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
AHEAD…
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will attend the 36th annual General Mills/UNCF MLK Holiday Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Later, Walz will be at the state’s 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration in St. Paul at 10:00 a.m.
TUESDAY: Wright County Republicans will hold a gubernatorial debate in St. Michael.
THIS WEEK: The federal trial seeking a restraining order against ICE agents in Minnesota has two upcoming deadlines: federal officials have until 5:00 p.m. today to prepare more evidence, and Minnesota officials have until Wednesday to do the same.
TUES-WED: The MN Ag Expo will be held in Mankato this year on Tuesday and Wednesday. The first day will feature a bipartisan “legislative preview” featuring lawmakers and Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen, per a release.
WEDNESDAY: The House fraud prevention committee will hold a hearing with Minnesota Management and Budget officials to discuss oversight of the state’s treasury and the agency’s fiscal duties. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
THURSDAY: via Voice of Alexandria, VERBATIM: “Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) will be joining local Minnesota farmers, stakeholders, and commissioners at the Agriculture Summit on Jan. 22. … He will be joined by Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler, several legislators, local stakeholders, and livestock and crop farmers from Minnesota.” DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3LLAUWw
FRIDAY: Faith in MN and related organizations have called for a “Day of Truth and Freedom” blackout, asking Minnesotans to avoid working, shopping or going to school in remembrance of Renee Good. There will also be a march in downtown Minneapolis at 2:00 p.m.
JAN 30: via DEED advisory, 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.”
BDAYS: MSBA Executive Dir. Kirk Schneidawind, MPS’s PR pro MA Rosko, business guy Mike Wigley, Sanneh supporter Lou Bavarro, Substack’s Catherine Valentine
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
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 © 2026 Fluence Media, All rights reserved.