FORECAST
Snow, cold and the future of the state budget will drive this week. A few new candidates announcing today – and tomorrow, names below. Rested and recharged - December starts today.
Oxford Word of the Year is “rage bait”, first that’s two words, but we won’t get upset, and may The Daily Agenda be innocent of such things for the next year – even for our most fired up readers 😉.
Weekend snow totals: 12” in Blue Earth, 8.5” in Rochester, 5” in Minneapolis. Keep your shovels close — more snow this week. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4rtUDKh
Bentleyville is back after being shut down by…snow and wind.
Wolves win, Vikings didn’t. Gophers kept the Ax. Wild still playing well. Frost won in Seattle. Seattle fans showed up with record US attendance. The story to watch for the week is St. Thomas WVB.
Rep. Tim Walz was all over the national media this weekend – NYT and Meet the Press….there’s a “split screen” forming in Walz re-election. One has Walz as a loud anti-Trump voice, the other has Minnesotans frustrated by fraud. The latest Fluence Brief for MNSider subscribers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4osbuKO
Over 14,000 shoppers entered the Mall of America in the first hour of Black Friday — 8% higher than a year ago. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4ivJjcK
In a national survey, 45% of small businesses reported lower profits this fall, while 31% “stayed about the same” and 26% increased profits. SURVEY: https://fluence-media.co/3KxmYig
Today is National Pie Day – celebrate how you wish.
Sharing is caring – forward your family today’s Take.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take on WCCO Radio this week was a recap of Thanksgiving week and previews what to watch this holiday season and into 2026. And a replay the recent interview he had with the new Saint Paul Mayor - elect Kaohly Her. The take focuses on how to revitalize our urban neighborhoods – especially St. Paul. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pa02oi
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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/
FIRST…
MADEL: Minneapolis-based attorney Chris Madel will announce his campaign for governor as a Republican today.
PERRYMAN: GOP Rep. Bernie Perryman will announce she is running for the State Senate District 14 today. That sets up a top 5 Senate race to watch next year against Sen. Aric Putnam.
TMRW: Another name in a TOP 10 House seat to watch….
PLEAD: Fmr. Mpls Chamber CEO Jonathan Weinhagen is scheduled to appear in federal court this afternoon expected to plead guilty on embezzlement charges.
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BUDGETS
THURSDAY: The State Budget forecast is Thursday – Gov. Tim Walz and Speaker Lisa Demuth will have the main answers but expect all the voices to weigh in. If a shortfall is projected – the 2026 race for Governor will have a different tone.
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Before four newly elected members are seated in January, the progressive wing still in control of [Minneapolis City Council] for the next month has proposed a series of measures that would, among other things, gut the budget for the mayor’s office by 44%. … Many of the proposals are unlikely to make it into the city’s final budget, but the wish list offers a view of council’s priorities — and of some progressive members’ desire to deliver a parting shot. … [Mayor Jacob] Frey has proposed a $2 billion budget, and the council will begin debating amendments to that proposal [this] week. … The council is scheduled to take a final vote on the budget on Dec. 11.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48bb5aX
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s ‘no frills, no fun’ budget proposal may be in line for some significant last-minute changes. With a week to go before finalizing the city’s 2026 spending plan, the City Council is debating up to 29 budget amendments aimed at unwinding planned workforce reductions at specific libraries and rec centers, as well as staving off proposed cuts to parking enforcement officers, St. Paul Fire Department’s overnight crew, legal services for immigrants and a ‘commercial corridors’ business improvement program. The council is looking to increase spending in those areas and others, despite the fact the city may end the year as much as $8.4 million in the red. … The final council vote [is] next Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48boPCD
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Property tax levies for 2026 are being reviewed by the Rochester City Council and Olmsted County commissioners in the upcoming days, giving property owners a final chance to publicly weigh in. … Rochester is anticipating a $693.3 million budget with nearly $118.3 million collected in property taxes, a nearly 6% increase in collections overall. The remaining revenue needed for city operations comes from a variety of revenue sources, including user fees and state and federal grants. The Rochester City Council will discuss the budget and tax levy [tonight] with a public hearing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rlyGgu
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)
MNLEG
NEW CHAIRS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Two House committees will have new DFL co-chairs for the 2026 legislative session. Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) was designated [last week] as the DFL co-chair of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee; Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) is the new DFL co-chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. The changes come after the resignation of former Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL-St. Paul), who has been elected as the new St. Paul mayor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M7WnZE
HER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her will soon take the reins at City Hall, though she isn’t new to elected office. … After one term in office, Her rose to the third-highest-ranking position in the Minnesota House DFL Caucus — majority whip. … Part of the campaign message that got Her elected mayor was her call for more focus on the basics of governing and improving ‘core city services.’ Her’s reputation for organization and thoroughness as a lawmaker may help her achieve that goal, former colleagues said. Those who have worked with Her at the state Capitol describe St. Paul’s next mayor as a pragmatic lawmaker with a deep understanding of process and keen attention to detail.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MamvDd
DRAHEIM: Retiring GOP Sen. Rich Draheim spoke about housing, mental health and term limits in a Minnesota Reformer interview. QUOTE: “I’ve always been a strong believer in term limits. To me, serving is giving back to the community, and I think the more different voices we have, the better we are. A lot of us [politicians] get sucked into that trap of thinking we’re all important — not remembering that the district is the people’s district, not our district.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XLkdNz
FRAUD
TRANSPARENCY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services [can] disclose when it’s withholding payments from a company over credible allegations of fraud — [but] often, it won’t. The Minnesota Star Tribune has requested records of housing stabilization providers after the FBI searched several offices last summer. DHS subsequently suspended the entire Medicaid-funded program, but declined to provide the records of the suspended providers. This records request is one of more than 10 filed, [but] in most instances, the department declined to release the information or hasn’t provided any data yet. … DHS said ‘disclosure must not jeopardize the investigation and is not required,’ [but] the department is also ‘working to respond to a recent surge in requests.’ … Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, said she also struggled to get records from DHS about fraud, [saying] ‘So far, we’re batting zero here.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ovY8NR
CASES: The New York Times on Minnesota’s fraud cases EXCERPT: “The episode has raised broader questions for some residents about the sustainability of Minnesota’s Scandinavian-modeled system of robust safety net programs bankrolled by high taxes. … ‘No one will support these programs if they continue to be riddled with fraud,’ Joseph H. Thompson, the federal prosecutor who has overseen the fraud cases, said in an interview. … Ryan Pacyga, a lawyer [who] has represented defendants in the fraud cases, said that some involved became convinced that state agencies were tolerating, if not tacitly allowing, the fraud. ‘No one was doing anything about the red flags,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4otBJAJ
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fraudsters have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from Minnesota government programs, [but] there is scant evidence to support the claim that stolen taxpayer funds have been funneled to terrorist groups [in Somalia]. … ‘We couldn’t substantiate it,’ Legislative Auditor Judy Randall [said]. ‘That doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean it did happen.’ … Former U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Andy Luger [said] the 70 defendants his office prosecuted in the Feeding Our Future case ‘were looking to get rich, not fund overseas terrorism.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aovryP
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)
NATIONAL
TRUMP: via Politico, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) pushed back Sunday on President Donald Trump’s claim that Somali refugees are ‘completely taking over’ Minnesota after Trump drew widespread criticism for his attacks on Walz. … Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform [that] ‘The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both,’ while also taking swings at progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), criticizing her Muslim faith.” WALZ: “He’s normalized this type of hateful behavior and this type of language. … I think it’s just because he’s not a good human being, but secondly to distract from his incompetency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Kj53vO
MORE: via Axios, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump said Sunday he’ll release the results of his October MRI scan. The 79-year-old president has faced scrutiny over his health this year, and leading Democratic figures have called for him to release the MRI test results. Leading the charge is Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. … Walz claimed on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ Sunday that the president is ‘fading physically’ and questioned his ‘mental capacity.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43WcYpp
MORE: Gov. Tim Walz’s NBC interview and Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s CNN interview. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/49Omsqw CNN: https://fluence-media.co/3XVH8pg
IMPACT: via NBC News, VERBATIM: “Indiana [GOP] Sen. Michael Bohacek said Friday that he wouldn’t support an effort in his state to redraw congressional district lines that favor Republicans after President Donald Trump used a slur for people with intellectual disabilities to describe Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.” QUOTE: “This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references. … Perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44AchlJ
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)
ISSUES
HEMP/THC: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Sales of hemp-based drinks and edibles are booming in Minnesota…but a new federal law threatens the entire industry. … Sen. Amy Klobuchar says [hemp/THC] provides 2,700 Minnesota jobs and has generated $16 million in taxes for the state through nine months in 2025. … A coalition of Minnesota Democrats [wants] to get the new ban reversed. And it now appears Congressman Tom Emmer, the third-ranking Republican in the U.S. House, is on board with reversing the ban.” EMMER: “Expect [that] long before this would actually take effect, there will be a fix that allows people to continue doing what they do in the hemp industry.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ixRJjK
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)
SECURITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Security consultants say the [Annunciation] shooting was a ‘wake-up call’ that stirred places of worship in Minnesota to lock doors, add guards, restrict hours and plan for the worst. Faith leaders across the nation are following suit and even seeking guidance from Minnesota peers on how to secure schools and churches in states like Iowa, Missouri and New Jersey. As many churches and temples prepare for a surge in holiday visitors, Minnesota could set a new standard for balancing safety and a welcoming atmosphere.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ixPRre
SHELTERS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Shelters operating at full capacity [is] typical during the winter season, when people experiencing homelessness can no longer stay warm outdoors. [But] Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, is anticipating this winter is going to be worse. … She says already this week, there has been up to 20 men needing to use the lobby overnight with their 116 overflow beds already in use. It’s a problem she’s been anticipating for months. ‘We added more beds, and they are full,’ she said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ivQ5zc
METRO
SPFD: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks, who Mayor Melvin Carter appointed to a second six-year term last summer, is instead retiring at the end of this year. … Inks worked for the city for 40 years, of which 31 were as a St. Paul firefighter. He said his decision to leave is not about politics, with a new mayor being elected, but about being able to continue doing the physical work of a firefighter after shoulder-replacement surgery this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pynyv8
ROSEMOUNT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “After spending over a month on leave, Rosemount Police Chief Mikael Dahlstrom has submitted his resignation, which will be voted on [tomorrow] in the Rosemount City Council. … According to the agenda, Dahlstrom’s resignation, if approved, would provide him six months’ severance pay, a payout of remaining vacation and sick time and payment for continuing health insurance. In return, Dahlstrom will ‘release’ legal claims against the city. … Dahlstrom had been placed on leave following internal complaints against him, prompting a city-led investigation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4p8s43s
COTTAGE GROVE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Cottage Grove’s mayor says providing ambulance services to neighboring towns is costing his citizens money. The city of Cottage Grove provides emergency medical services for its own residents along with Grey Cloud Island Township, St. Paul Park and Newport. The services, Mayor Myron Bailey said, are currently costing the city money because of inadequate reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. … [Bailey] asked his fellow city leaders to contribute to the tune of $51,734 for St. Paul Park, $49,064 for Newport and $7,000 for Grey Cloud Island Township. He also said if the other cities would not contribute, Cottage Grove would consider handing the territory over to someone else.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XXb0l0
GREATER MN
WORTHINGTON: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A power developer has a novel plan to build a $4 billion data center in rural southwestern Minnesota, as well as an armada of wind, solar and battery plants the company hopes will attract a wealthy buyer. … Geronimo Power envisions a project that could eventually use as much electricity as roughly 1 million homes — dwarfing other data centers proposed in Minnesota. … [But] the data center might never happen. Geronimo hasn’t cleared the most important hurdle: persuading a U.S. tech giant such as Google, Amazon or Apple to buy the [installation].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4is3193
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The $17 million renovation of the Municipal Athletic Complex’s hockey rinks is behind schedule. MAC Operations Manager Todd Bissett [said] the project fell behind by ‘a month-and-a-half’ this summer when crews encountered poor soil conditions while digging underground. … By digging up more dirt and adding sand and concrete to the MAC’s footings, Bissett said the project won’t go much over its $17 million budget, though it didn’t come online prior to the hockey season as planned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Mal5IP
DULUTH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A community-run downhill ski program at an iconic Duluth city park, where generations of children have learned to ski, plans to begin construction on a new chalet next year, following this winter’s ski season. The nonprofit Chester Bowl Improvement Club, in conjunction with the city, is building the more-than-$3 million facility at the bottom of the 175-foot ski hill at Chester Park in the center of the city. … The new, sustainably designed building will nearly double the chalet’s square footage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Ouwri
LOOKING AHEAD
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will interview candidates for chief administrative law judge at the Court of Administrative Hearings at 11:00 a.m.
TUESDAY: via MDH advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public hearing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, covering several changes in services provided at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center. … Allina Health Faribault’s birth center will close on Dec. 1 with all labor and delivery services consolidated to Owatonna Hospital.”
WEDNESDAY: via MN House, VERBATIM: “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) will hold a town hall meeting on gun violence prevention from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3. He will be joined by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Crystal) and a panel of local community advocates and members from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.”
THURSDAY: MMB Commissioner Erin Campbell, state economist Anthony Becker and state budget director Ahna Minge will present Minnesota’s November 2025 budget and economic forecast on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 12:00 noon.
BDAYS: Blue Green Alliance’s Eric Steen, mortgage pro Laura Miron
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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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