Wolves win. Wild host Vancouver tonight.
The last Mississippi River barge of the season has left St. Paul as winter approaches. PIPRESS: https://fluence-media.co/4g713Ja
An auction for the ruby slippers that Minnesota native Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” ends Saturday. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4gijOtc
While almost every demographic swung right in 2024, Donald Trump’s biggest gains were with Black and Latino men under 30, gaining around 20% with each group. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4iiKP1m
55% of Americans say the government is doing too much, with 41% saying the government should do more -- a 14-percentage-point gap, slightly greater than the overall trend average. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3BbyGKL
Today’s 6:20 morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3VnUs4P
On Sunday Take, KARE 11’s John Croman on covering politics for over 30 years as he retires. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Zxsbvj
Have a great Tuesday!
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
SENATE DEMS: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is expected to become the number three ranking Democrat in the Senate, and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) — who wanted that position — will notch a leadership position just under her, Axios has learned. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will shuffle his leadership roster to give both lawmakers top leadership gigs, avoiding a clash between two ambitious and well-liked members of his caucus. … Klobuchar [is] currently the #4 Senate Democrat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Zy2ACh
BIDEN: Several Minnesota officials have reacted to the news that Pres. Joe Biden will pardon his son Hunter Biden of federal charges.
● Via a GOP Chair David Hann statement, HANN: “It is completely dishonest and absolutely despicable that Biden is pardoning his son. … Look no further than this to understand why Americans overwhelmingly rejected Biden, [Kamala] Harris, and [Tim] Walz on November 5th. … The Democrats' hypocrisy and lies are deafening.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gdIC5t
● Via a DFL Rep. Zack Stephenson statement, STEPHENSON: “I strongly disagree with this decision. As a father, I can understand why he did it. But that doesn’t make it right. This is a bad day for the rule of law.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4eTMcAE
● Via a GOP Rep. Tom Emmer statement, EMMER: “The Biden crime family played the only card they had left. Their time in office can’t come to an end soon enough.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4ihj3lB
● Via a DFL Rep. Dean Phillips statement, PHILLIPS: “Pardoning powers have been abused by [Donald] Trump and now Biden, and must be reformed. … Let’s just say the quiet part out loud, certain Americans are indeed above the law and influence is always for sale. It’s time for the exhausted majority to condemn and confront legalized corruption.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/3ZzGzmQ
MORE: Statements from Pres. Joe Biden and Hunter Biden addressing Hunter’s pardon are available online. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eXyhcD
RFK JR: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is speaking out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Ellison shared his thoughts on Kennedy’s policies on Monday, saying they would ultimately harm the health of Minnesotans.” ELLISON: “He is a dangerous choice to take the reins of our nation’s health care system. … If the Senate confirms him to this position, it would greatly harm the health of Minnesota residents and put lives at risk. … He’s trying to mix in things that people might like with a whole lot of really dangerous things, which means it’s hard to determine what’s a bad idea and what’s not a bad idea.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3OzBCUC
RECOUNTS: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “On December 2, Secretary of State Steve Simon convened the State Canvassing Board to amend the 2024 General Election Canvassing Report to include new vote totals for House District 54A as certified by the Scott County Canvassing Board. The recount resulted in an increase of 6 votes for each candidate, maintaining the difference between candidates at 14 votes. The canvassing board also received an update on a partial recount for House District 14B. … Ballots from three precincts were recounted and the losing candidate chose to waive the remainder of the recount. Additionally, the canvassing board was notified that a partial recount for House District 48B in Carver County has been scheduled for December 5.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Vjwbx1
54A: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Republicans filed a lawsuit Monday to try to force a rerun of a state House race where the incumbent Democrat won by 14 votes — but in which investigators concluded that election workers probably destroyed 20 valid absentee ballots after failing to count them. … A Republican victory in a special election could shift [the House] to a two-vote, 68-66 GOP majority. … Minnesota House Republicans filed Monday’s lawsuit on behalf of GOP candidate Aaron Paul, asking a court to declare the results invalid and Rep. Brad Tabke’s seat vacant. … The current House minority leader, Rep. Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, said a new election is the best way to protect the integrity of the process…[but] current Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, [said] they will win the court challenge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZkGnX2
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “David Zoll, Tabke’s attorney, declined to say what next steps he will take on his client’s behalf, though Tabke now has seven days to respond to the notice, per Minnesota statute. … Paul has asked Scott County District Court to set a hearing within 15 days. … If Tabke appeals the District Court’s decision, the matter would go directly to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Court decisions would then be forwarded to the Minnesota House for a legislative hearing, according to state statute.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g728kc
SPECIAL ELECTION? As seen in yesterday’s lunch take, the legal notice filed in the District 54A case claims that uncertainty over the winner justifies a special replacement election. EXCERPT: “Scott County election officials unlawfully lost and failed to count significantly more ballots than would be needed to change the announced result of the election, meaning at the very least the actual victor is in absolute doubt and at worst the candidate who received fewer votes has been announced as the winner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gezvBp
RESPONSE: Speaking to KSTP, Hamline University political science professor David Schultz said he thinks the District 54A case could go either way because Republicans have a solid claim. SCHULTZ: “They do have a decent case for it. Let’s say for the sake of argument it’s completely innocent in terms of what happened here — someone made a mistake. A judge could still conclude and say the results are not reliable.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fWeU52
LGBTQ: via a Queer Caucus press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus met and elected new leadership for the 2025-26 legislative biennium. The caucus elected Representative Brion Curran (DFL—White Bear Lake) as Chair and Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten (DFL—Saint Paul) as Vice Chair.” STATEMENT: “We hope the entire legislative body shares [common] goals and that we can come together to accomplish the goals set before us. We know this task can be accomplished if every legislator is committed to a respectful and inclusive environment at the State Capitol.”
MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota DFL Senator Omar Fateh announced on Monday that he is joining the list of candidates for Mayor of Minneapolis in 2025. … [Fateh] is the second contender to launch a mayoral bid, with Reverend Dr. DeWayne Davis announcing his bid in October. City Council member Emily Koski also hinted at a mayoral run on Monday, announcing a press conference for Wednesday where she will talk about ‘the future of Minneapolis.’” FATEH: “We can show the country what happens when we invest in people, not corporate special interests. Block by block, we’re already building the city we want to see. It’s time we had a Mayor willing to work alongside us.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZkWqnI WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3OA6UuD
RESPONSE: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has said he plans to run for reelection next year, released the following statement in response to Sen. Omar Fateh’s mayoral bid. STATEMENT: “We welcome Senator Fateh to the mayoral race and look forward to presenting voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of Minneapolis. … Senator Fateh, a Democratic Socialists of America member who supports removing the police department from the city charter, would jeopardize [Frey’s] progress by rubber-stamping the most extreme voices on the City Council.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41hiYso
TOMORROW: Councilmember Emily Koski is scheduled to announce her campaign for Mayor.
COUNCIL: via Star Tribune’s Deena Winter, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted 8-4 today to deny 4% raises to 161 appointed city employees (typically directors) whose salaries range from $90k to $390k. Committee chair [Aisha] Chughtai made the motion to deny the increase, saving about $1.1 million. … The committee did approve 4% raises for 452 non-represented employees and 40 politically appointed employees, at a cost of about $1.7 million. … Public safety commissioner Todd Barnette [makes $390k], according to committee chair Aisha Chughtai.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/3OBKlG0
MORE: Minneapolis City Council Member Aurin Chowdhury formally announced yesterday that she is running for reelection in Ward 12. Chowdhury’s campaign will host a “kickoff party” on Dec. 18. CHOWDHURY: “It has been an honor to represent and serve you, and our work is not finished. … From improving how local government works together to standing up for workers in our city, there is still so much more I want to accomplish with our community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BdkReR
HOUSING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center has begun construction on affordable apartments for unhoused people. Located in Minneapolis’ Ventura Village neighborhood, the center will be renovated to create 24 single units, each with a private bathroom and kitchenette according to Ruth Buffalo, CEO and president of the center. … The program will be supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Four units will be designated for individuals with disabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CVqfnv
VITAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FUELS THE FUTURE OF THIS WISCONSIN TRIBE: In 2017, one of the “glaring needs” for the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in northwest Wisconsin was an expanded wastewater treatment facility. “It was at capacity. We were not able to expand any of our businesses or facilities,” says Jason, the LCO Band’s Emergency Management Coordinator. With the support of Enbridge and several other partners, the LCO Band quadrupled its wastewater treatment capacity — allowing for creation of a new preschool, fire hall, 40-unit apartment complex, police headquarters and, still to come, health clinic and new residential community. “I’m very grateful for the partnership we’ve developed with Enbridge,” says Jason. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49v4mHc (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
HOMELESS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “With overnight temperatures dropping to dangerous levels this week, concerns are growing for the increasing number of people sleeping outside in Minnesota. … Data shows a 9% increase since 2012 in those spending at least one night outside and a 10% rise in those staying out for 15 nights or more. … Some individuals choose to remain outdoors for various reasons, including addiction, mental health struggles, or a reluctance to part with partners or pets. … [But] with winter underway, outreach efforts to encourage people to seek indoor shelter and work towards stable housing are intensifying.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZgOaoW
HIV: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Aliveness Project opened up a Thrive clinic and pharmacy on Sunday, which is World AIDS Day. … Aliveness Project Executive Director Matt Toburen [said] construction started eight months ago, but the project has been in the works for two years. … ‘We’ve created the Thrive Clinic Pharmacy in order to end HIV in Minnesota,’ he said. ‘In our neighboring states of Wisconsin, and Illinois, and Iowa, they’re seeing decreased HIV infections.’ … MDH reported 324 people were diagnosed with HIV last year, and 207 people have been diagnosed in Minnesota this year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eW2NUl
CYBERATTACKS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A new law requiring public agencies in Minnesota to report cybersecurity incidents to state IT officials is now in effect. According to Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), the law also applies to government contractors and vendors serving public agencies, county, city and township governments, school districts, charter schools, intermediate districts, cooperative units and public post-secondary institutions. … The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and MNIT will use data from the reports to ‘identify trends and commonalities to anticipate and prevent future attacks.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ODW5ri
COURTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “For the first time under new rules, FOX 9 was granted access to record a trial on camera in Minnesota. Minnesota is one of a handful of states that have [previously] largely barred cameras from criminal court proceedings. The rule was changed this year to give media greater access to Minnesota courtrooms, but judges can still say no.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41f0FUE
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
GAS: via a DNR press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, on behalf of the state’s Gas Resources Technical Advisory Committee (GTAC), invites input on draft recommendations and statutory language that would create a temporary framework to regulate development of gas resources like hydrogen or helium in Minnesota. … If enacted by the legislature, the temporary regulatory framework will be in place while state agencies write permanent rules. … The 2024 directive requires the DNR to submit GTAC’s recommendations and statutory language to the legislature by January 15, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eTJL0Y
BIRD FLU: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Last November — almost a year ago to the day — the re-emergence of the bird flu threatened to bring down the [turkey industry]. … With the outbreak growing, farmers were looking for anything to mitigate the spread. The Bird Control Group has come up with an idea straight out of a spy film: lasers. [Group spokesman] Craig Duhr said…‘they perceive that [as] a threat, something coming at them as a predator. So they want to take flight and get out of that area.’ The group has been working with Minnesota farmers to install…these high-tech, laser-beam scarecrows. … The state, meanwhile, is offering grants — up to $10,000 per farming operation — to help with the cost.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3D5rMqW
BARLEY: via an MDA press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) works with Minnesota’s 13 research and promotion councils, [including] the Minnesota Barley Research and Promotion Council. … However, as the number of barley producers has declined, the future of the Council is now in question. The MDA received a petition requesting to terminate the Council…signed by more than 10% of Minnesota barley producers. These barley producers believe the Council is no longer a needed resource as utilization of barley as a commodity in Minnesota is decreasing. In response, the MDA is required to hold a vote within 60 days to help decide the future of the Council.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ie5kw7
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ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT: From Grand Rapids, a conversation about opportunities and challenges to economic growth in Greater Minnesota with Tuleah Palmer, CEO of the Blandin Foundation, Roy Smith of the IRRRB and Steve Loney from Kiesler Wellness Center. From workforce to energy costs, a thoughtful conversation on how leaders are working together to push the region’s economy forward. Mainstreet Minnesota is presented by Compeer Financial. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/MainstreetMN2
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud City Council members heard from nine applicants for the vacant Ward 3 seat during a special meeting on Monday afternoon, Dec. 2. The applicants included political newcomers, a former mayoral candidate and a handful of former at-large city council candidates in the 2024 election. They all are vying for the seat that opened after council member Jake Anderson was elected mayor on Nov. 5. … According to the city charter, the council must decide on a candidate by Dec. 18, or the mayor will make the appointment. Four votes are required for a candidate to be appointed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ikq8SO
WILLMAR: via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “After seven months of community engagement and receiving feedback from community members, the With Willmar comprehensive plan team has announced the vision statement, key goals and guiding principles for the plan. A complete draft document of the updated comprehensive plan is expected to be completed later this year. The With Willmar comprehensive plan aims to position the city as a desired place to work, innovate, thrive and call home, according to Willmar Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbett.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZgMzPN
STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The Stearns County commissioners will review a contract with Avivo — a nonprofit that helps people dealing with housing insecurity — for the period Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, for the provision of employment services during its upcoming meeting. In addition to their regular meeting, the commissioners will hold a public hearing to get feedback on the county’s 2025 meeting. The commissioners have until the end of the month to approve the new budget. The Board of Commission will meet at 4 p.m. [today].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ieRB8e
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are 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, Rookie; 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/3O2nzH0 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
TIE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “All indications are that Minnesota is headed for a 67-67 state House of Representatives in 2025. But that road to a tied chamber has plenty of possible detours. If the tie remains intact when the House gavels in on Jan. 14, it would be only the second time in state history that's happened. While there are some clues in the prior instance as to how things might go, today’s Democratic and Republican leaders are charting their own course. There might be some surprises yet to come. Here’s how some of those outcomes could shape what gets done next year in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ii5DG0
ATTY GENS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining his Democratic colleagues across the nation in preparing to battle in court to try to stop Trump administration policies they deem unlawful. For Ellison, and fellow Democratic attorneys general, the past is prologue. They banded together to sue the first Trump administration more than 130 times, with a win rate of 83%, according to a database compiled by Marquette University political scientist Paul Nolette. This time, they are even more important to a Democratic Party that has been weakened by its electoral losses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eVCE8e
MINING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A controversial $2 billion-plus mining project on Minnesota’s Iron Range that has weathered an economic recession, missed deadlines and payments, bankruptcy, changes in ownership, three gubernatorial administrations and a high-stakes legal battle with a competitor now appears to be moving toward completion, 15 years after construction first began. Last month at the Mesabi Metallics mine site outside the small town of Nashwauk, 400 workers milled about, over mud stained a rich red from the iron in the earth. Towering cranes placed steel on enormous buildings where — if all goes to plan — millions of tons of iron ore will soon be dug out of the ground, crushed, processed and then baked in super-hot kilns into high grade taconite pellets, to help supply a new generation of American steel mills.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49jaXFl
MORE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in additional newsletters. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets HERE: fluence-newsletters.com
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend a meeting of the Commanders Task Force and have a call with Upper Sioux Tribal Chairman Kevin Jensvold.
TOMORROW: Minneapolis City Council Member Emily Koski announced she will host a “campaign address” Wednesday — she is expected to announce her campaign for mayor. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TOMORROW: via an MMB advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Erin Campbell, State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker, and State Budget Director Ahna Minge will present the State of Minnesota’s November 2024 Budget and Economic Forecast on Wednesday, Dec. 4.” The event is at 11:45 a.m.
BDAYS: Rep. Matt Norris, communication pro Paul Omodt
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