Wild host Florida. Wolves play tomorrow.
What more can you ask for from the Vikings? INSIDER: https://fluence-media.co/4go1eQO
Fmr. Viking Herschel Walker to be ambassador to the Bahamas.
Tomorrow, Fluence Advisory is hosting former Dept. of Management and Budget commissioners Jim Schowalter and Tom Hanson for a conversation about the state budget forecast and process. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/MNBudget2025
Luigi Mangione has been charged with murder and terrorism in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4glzKuV
Donald Trump is suing the Des Moines Register for “election interference” over a pre-election poll that showed Kamala Harris winning Iowa, a state Trump ultimately won by 13 points. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4fjNF3f
A poll found 41 percent of adults under 30 consider the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson acceptable, more than the 40 percent in that demographic who consider it unacceptable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49IDyny
Americans under the age of 40 are richer than ever — but they still feel "an increasing sense of economic fragility," per detailed new research released by the Treasury Department this morning. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4gbMp3z
It’s National Flake Appreciation Day. (Snow)
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
From Sunday Take, Rep. Angie Craig on the state of the Democratic party, her political future and possibility of a Farm Bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3BxVV20
YOUTHVIOLENCE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Two separate shootings in Minneapolis, less than 24 hours apart, left one 17-year-old dead and a 19-year-old injured…Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS over the past four years, on average, there have been 60 juveniles injured or killed by gunfire. OHARA: “The most disturbing part of the trend that we’ve seen is that the average age of kids involved has gotten younger. Especially this year,” said O’Hara…O’Hara said the juvenile justice system is failing kids and their families. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZYZ5VT
54A: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Democratic state Rep. Brad Tabke’s legal team offered evidence from voters Tuesday that appeared to show he would have won enough votes from a batch of missing ballots to secure a narrow reelection. David Zoll, an attorney representing Tabke, brought to the stand six voters whose ballots were thrown away before they were counted in the House 54A race. Each said they’d cast a vote for the DFLer. … The voters weren’t identified by name under a court’s order, but Judge Tracy Perzel and the attorneys in the case were supplied with information to verify they were likely the people whose ballots were improperly discarded. … Tabke beat Republican Aaron Paul by 14 votes [after] 20 ballots were unaccounted for. … Even if Paul could show he won the rest, it wouldn’t be enough to gain a lead.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gk1PTs
MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Lawyers for Tabke and Paul will make additional legal filings next week, but Judge Tracy Perzel is unlikely to issue her ruling before the New Year. … Paul’s lawyer Reid LeBeau is seeking a special election, arguing that [Perzel] has the authority to call one — although that’s a power typically reserved for the governor — because the integrity of the race was lost after the ballots went missing. Perzel could rule that Tabke received enough votes to keep his election certificate, or she could simply make a report of what happened during the trial and leave it up to the Legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iJui6E
RESPONSE: via a DFL Rep. Brad Tabke statement, TABKE: “While twenty Shakopee Precinct 10 voters’ ballots were not counted due to an error at the City of Shakopee, through the trial that ended today, we identified them, and six testified they voted for me. Their testimony confirms [that] my lead is impossible to surmount, and I’m confident the results of this election will not change. … This election contest was a waste of Minnesotan’s time and money. I’m ready to close this chapter, roll up my sleeves, and get to work for your families.”
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Days after the FBI raided two Minnesota autism centers as part of a wider investigation into the industry, state officials say they can’t disclose whether the centers are still operating. … [However], the autism center on Nicollet Avenue where Smart Therapy had been providing autism services a few months ago was dark Monday afternoon. … Smart Therapy’s business office, which was also searched by the FBI Thursday, had its door locked Monday. … In St. Cloud, the Star Autism Center office [was] locked Tuesday and no one answered the phone number posted on the door. … Sen. Mark Koran, R-North Branch, said the rapid rise in payments for autism services is troubling.” KORAN: “Frankly, I don’t think the governor and his administration want to be seen prosecuting this community, who is highly engaged in the theft of these services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49GUAT0
ELECTORS: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “On December 17, 2024, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon presided over Minnesota’s 42nd Electoral College Assembly where the state’s ten electors cast their official Electoral College votes for Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president of the United States of America. In Minnesota, electors are required by law to vote for the presidential candidate who won the state and to whom they were pledged.” SIMON: “The rulers of our democracy are the people. Their voices must control, and [these] members of the Electoral College will lead us today in being their voice in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BCxBMh
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Elizer Darris has spent the past eight years since being released from prison advocating for Minnesotans to vote in their local elections. He has canvassed for political campaigns and served as a community organizer. But it was always ‘bittersweet’ for him because he knew he couldn’t vote. … Thanks to a new Minnesota law restoring voting rights for people on parole and probation that he lobbied for, he was able to vote in his first presidential election. And on Tuesday, he cast a vote as a Minnesota elector in the Electoral College.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gHYSvU
SIGNUP: Fluence Advisory is hosting fmr. MMB Commissioners Jim Schowalter and Tom Hanson for a conversation about the budget forecast and process. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/MNBudget2025
AG COMMITTEE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Rep. Angie Craig won her quest to become the highest-ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee [over] another challenger, Rep. Jim Costa of California. … [Democrats] voted 121-92 in favor of Craig over Costa, who had the support of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Democrats. With Sen. Amy Klobuchar expected to be the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee in the next Congress, when the GOP takes control of the chamber, Minnesota should have an outsized influence on farm policy. … Craig [was] aided by her relationship with members of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, a panel she belongs to. … Rep. Betty McCollum, D-4th District, who is also a member of the steering committee, campaigned on Craig’s behalf.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gBP9qI
MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “[Several] younger Democrats won the ranking spots on committees, pushing out more senior members. It’s all part of a generational struggle in the party that has grown more urgent following Democrat’s electoral defeat last month that handed Republicans complete control of Washington come January. CRAIG: ‘I think we’re all starting to realize that we can’t do things exactly the way we’ve always done them here in the Democratic Party,’ Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BvdHTv
RESPONSES: Agricultural officials largely reacted positively to the selection of Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig as the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.
● Via Perry Aasness, president of the Midwest Council on Agriculture, QUOTE: “Congresswoman Craig has long been a champion for Midwestern agriculture and has supported farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in a practical and bipartisan manner. Whether it’s her leadership on year-round E15 or her work to strengthen infrastructure in our rural communities, she has shown her strong chops in agriculture.”
● Via Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, QUOTE: “Rep. Craig has a long history of working in a bipartisan manner to advance the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers. Her leadership is needed now more than ever, as farmers face economic headwinds including inflation, high supply costs and decreasing commodity prices.”
● Via Jim Kanten, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, QUOTE: “Representative Craig is a great champion of Minnesota’s farm families and rural communities, advocating for policies that benefit growers and the agriculture industry. We appreciate her work on behalf of farmers and look forward to working with her.”
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Corn is a sponsor of Fluence Media)
ICYMI: Read yesterday’s lunch take on our new website for more coverage and reactions following Rep. Angie Craig’s ranking member vote. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Bxkfky
ABORTION: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Reproductive rights experts in Minnesota say the state will stay a haven for abortion rights amid a second Donald Trump administration, and could become even more of a destination for people seeking care. Healthcare providers and advocates say further restrictions to abortion are likely on the horizon. … Local organizations are preparing their communities for what’s to come, and vow to continue offering reproductive health services. … [But] some worry that even though reproductive care isn’t expected to change in Minnesota, Trump’s political rhetoric, including anti-immigrant remarks, could cause some Minnesotans to avoid seeking care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gjOjiJ
TAXES: FOX 9 has a report on the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s announcement of adjusted 2025 individual income tax brackets that will affect what residents could pay beginning next year. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZZI126
DEEPFAKES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Take It Down Act [is] proposed federal legislation that would make nonconsensual publication of explicit images on the internet a federal crime. The bill combatting so-called ‘revenge porn’ is the byproduct of a rare bit of bipartisanship in Congress, spearheaded by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. The Senate unanimously passed the measure earlier this year, and now both lawmakers are pushing the House to approve it by the end of the year. … Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said his agency has fielded more than 11,000 tips this year alone involving nonconsensual explicit images, some of which were being used to extort victims. The backing of the federal government in these cases would be an effective tool to combat the problem, he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DeIHaH
CAPITOL: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A Satanic holiday display at the Minnesota State Capitol has some sounding the alarm, but Gov. Tim Walz says he can't take it down as it is protected by the First Amendment. The Minnesota Satanists put up its holiday display at the Capitol building in St. Paul. … The group says members don't directly worship Satan or believe in Satan; instead, they called the display a win for ‘religious plurality.’ … Republicans have blamed Walz for letting the display go up, [including] Rep. Tom Emmer [and] Rep. Pete Stauber. … The governor's office says while Walz does not agree with the display and did not approve it, the First Amendment [still] allows for the display.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41XWRrl
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS: “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
PRISONS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee received an update on Minnesota’s prison system during an informational meeting Tuesday afternoon. No official action was taken. Members heard from officials who oversee the prison system, officers and staff who work within it, and from those who have been incarcerated or their families. Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview), the committee chair, said the hearing would allow a ‘deeper dive’ into corrections issues and wanted to devote more time to those issues than can typically be found during the regular legislative session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZW8pcW
MORE: via a Rep. Pete Stauber post, STAUBER: “I just sent a letter to the Director of [the Federal Bureau of Prisons], criticizing her decision to close the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth. I will work with the incoming Trump Administration to reverse this closure, and in the meantime, I am urging current FBOP leadership to reconsider their decision.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3DmtIvt
RURAL EMS: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “As access to emergency medical services (EMS) continues to be a top issue for leaders in Minnesota, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced federal funding to bolster rural EMS services in the Southwest Metro region and the Arrowhead counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis in Northeastern Minnesota. … The Arrowhead EMS Association will receive $5,000,000 to pilot real-time tele-EMS technologies to connect area responders to emergency personnel in areas with high traffic fatalities. Ridgeview Ambulance Service, based in Waconia, [will] receive $170,000 to purchase a highly sophisticated patient care simulator.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gk6Lrg
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)
FOOD BANKS: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Minnesota food shelf visits in 2024 are expected to reach 9 million, 1.5 million more than the state’s record high in 2023, according to early December reports from Food Group Minnesota, a nonprofit and research organization. … Minnesotans made 7.5 million visits to food shelves in 2023, a 36.4% increase from 5.5 million visits in 2022 and a 102% increase from 3.7 million visits in 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gnEoZA
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The first location for Today’s Harvest, a program under Open Cupboard, opened in Oakdale in 2021. … The market’s growth since its opening paved a pathway to opening a second location in Maplewood, where employees say a large portion of shoppers live. Jessica Francis, the executive director, said adding the second location allows for those shoppers to access the market easily. It will also attract new shoppers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41zf4uZ
SOLAR: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Two nonprofit groups have teamed up to help a solar cooperative get off the ground in west-central Minnesota. … The Lakes & Prairies Solar Co-op [is taking] sign-ups through the end of March, with plans to begin rooftop projects in the spring and summer. Solar isn’t very popular in Fergus Falls, home of the West Central Initiative, said Cedar Walters, the initiative’s climate officer. … [But] Walters said the co-op option makes it easier for people to consider solar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iDdnTj
FORFEITURE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A Ramsey County District Court judge gave final approval Monday to a $109 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over tax-forfeited property that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It’s the final step in a legal battle that stretched on for five years, and clears the way for some former homeowners whose property was seized due to delinquent taxes to claim money. … Attorneys filed the lawsuit in 2019 on behalf of Geraldine Tyler, a Minneapolis woman who’s now 96. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Hennepin County violated Tyler's constitutional rights when it sold her condo for $25,000 more than she owed in property taxes, and kept the difference.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VKeBlI
WALZ: via Politico, who was at the VP’s residence last weekend for the black-tie dinner? VERBATIM: “… last night at the vice president’s residence for a black tie dinner: VP Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Gwen Walz, Tony West and Maya Harris, Jeff and Mary Zients, Eric Holder and Sharon Malone, Donna Brazile, Minyon Moore, Tom Nides and Virginia Moseley, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Shonda Rhimes, Reginald Hudlin, Charlamagne Tha God, Ana Navarro, Tonya Lewis Lee, Jonathan Capehart and Nick Schmit, Ray McGuire and Crystal McCrary, Carol Sutton Lewis, Don Cheadle and Bridgid Coulter, Star Jones, Jeff Shell, Roland Martin, Chad Griffin, Brian and Norah Weinstein, Art and Sela Collins, Jennifer Palmieri, Lorraine Voles, Kirk and Crystal Wagar, Charles and Karen Phillips, Sheila Nix and John and Kimberly Emerson.”
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.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
PRAIRIE ISLAND: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Prairie Island Indian Community can start preparing to move its gaming operations — should that be necessary. Last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior placed hundreds of acres of land owned by the Prairie Island Indian Community into trust for the tribe. The ruling would allow for the Prairie Island Indian Community to build an ‘interim gaming facility’ in the event of an emergency. … Prairie Island’s application was spurred by the tribe’s concerns that ‘catastrophic’ flooding or an incident from the nearby nuclear power plant would render their casino inoperable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VEvHRZ
MOWER CTY: via Austin Daily Herald, VERBATIM: “The Mower County Board of Commissioners, during its meeting Tuesday morning, unanimously approved the county’s new cannabis ordinance which will regulate zoning, use and prohibitions in the county. Broadly speaking, the ordinance governs three primary areas: number of registrations, setbacks to protected uses and zoning restrictions and business activity. During a presentation to the board Tuesday, Assistant Public Works Director Val Sheedy said in keeping to the state’s regulated one retail business for every 12,500 people, the county can have a minimum of four retail businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49JFBb1
FARIBAULT CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A first-of-its-kind home being built south of Mankato will help veterans get their lives back on track. Organizers with the Bravo Zulu House near Winnebago say it will be the first all-military sober home for veterans with PTSD. The house will be home to 13 men and open next spring. … Organizers are fundraising to raise $1.2 million for the project.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4glAhwV
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:
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey found one more piece of legislation to veto before year’s end: The City Council’s denial of raises for some of the city’s highest-paid employees. The council voted 7-6 Thursday to deny 4% cost-of-living raises to about 160 appointed city employees who make six-figure salaries, beginning at about $109,000 and topping out at $348,000, according to the Frey administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41zglSP
DRONES: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Mysterious drone sightings have been popping up, particularly around the East Coast. … [But] on Dec. 11, Chelsie Jolley said she captured several bright orbs on video outside her home in Roseville. ‘I'd say I saw at least six,’ said Jolley. If it weren't for the recent increase in drone sightings, Jolley said she may not have been looking quite as hard at the skies.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fDK68x
MORE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and State Auditor Julie Blaha and have a call with the Council of Governors. Later, he will meet with Secretary of State Steve Simon and host a reception for the Minnesota Frost.
TMRW: Fluence Advisory is hosting former Dept. of Management and Budget commissioners Jim Schowalter and Tom Hanson for a conversation about the state budget forecast and process. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/MNBudget2025
BDAYS: Deputy Mayor of St. Paul Jaime Tincher, TPT’s Mary Lahammer
SHARE: Signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy. Please share with your friends, colleagues and family. HERE: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets
TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories? Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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