BIG 10
“Wolves in Utah tonight. Wild at Montreal.
Wild beat Toronto. We’re all Hoosiers fans now.
It could have been the Gophers, but instead its Indiana – a school with a stellar reputation especially for business. The football success will add to interest in the school and likely an ability to be more selective in admitting students. Another big school that will be better positioned that the U of MN in the short term.
Dance teams for U of M and MSU-Mankato won multiple 1st place titles at nationals. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4pLz99K
As tensions rise over Greenland, Donald Trump told Norway’s prime minister he’ll “no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace” because he did not get a Nobel Prize. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/4sPkInO
Happy National Cheese Lover’s Day.
Stay Warm. Stay Safe.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
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
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), PJ Martin (Vice President of Integrated Planning, Xcel Energy), 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), John Marshall (Regional Vice President, Customer, Community & Foundation, Xcel Energy), Gregg Mast (Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota) - Moderated by Drew Christensen of Apex Energy
Policy Considerations for State Leaders featuring Jim Pearson (Director, Regional Government Affairs, Xcel Energy), Darrick Moe (President and CEO, MN Rural Electric Association), and Lucas Franco (Research Manager of Great Lakes Regional Organizing Commitee, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota) - Moderated by John Berns of Carnival Berns, P.A.
Legislative Panel featuring Senator Nick Frentz and Representative Chris Swedzinski Moderated by Laura Bordelon of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofEnergy
PROTEST UNEASE
In the over five years of Minnesota’s tensions and protests, there’s always a moment or two that seem to cross a line or wasn’t thought through for the audience that its intended to impact. The lack of purpose or sensibility of the Jake Lang agitation on Saturday was the shot, that was non-sensical. It may have been topped by chaser of Nekima Levy-Armstrong led rush on a church service on Sunday.
It causes an unease, which Rep. Leigh Finke says is necessary for social change. However, as another DFLer said yesterday – they “literally invaded a sanctuary. Dumb.”
Living through these times and observing closely - not just the action but the reaction provides a view that the loudest and noisiest voices don’t hear, nor do they necessarily care. However, the result is that it turns off people who are supportive and distracts from the empathy or action those non-activist supporters may feel.
Meanwhile for Republicans, the actions of ICE could be the equivalent of the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade. Yes, Republicans may have a “rights” issue again on the ballot in November. Like 2022, no economic news would be able to overtake the feeling of voters that their rights are being violated. Once again, it’s not what people think it is how they feel – and unease and chaos isn’t a winning feeling.
TODAY: Via Axios, “Free America” protests are planned across Minnesota — and the nation — today at 2:00 p.m. Participants will mark the anniversary of Pres. Donald Trump’s second inauguration by walking out of work or school. There are a dozen events planned in the Twin Cities metro, with several more in Rochester, Red Wing, Albert Lea, Crookston and Virginia. READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4r6eEpu
TOURISM: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For the people who live in Minnesota or have roots here, seeing the state become the center of international attention for tragic reasons now feels like a recurring nightmare. … Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism agency, is bracing for a downturn. The agency, like it did after last year’s assassinations and school shooting, has temporarily paused marketing efforts to ensure it’s ‘efficiently spending funds,’ a spokesman said.” QUOTE: “We have no data that can speak to the direct impact to travel at this time, but based on experience and knowledge from colleagues from other cities, we are preparing for a dip in travel numbers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZjHnuS
TARGET: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A large group of protesters gathered inside a Target in West St. Paul on Monday morning, where they sang anti-ICE songs in an effort to get Target officials to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations ongoing in Minnesota. … The group’s goal, according to a participant, [was] to have Target bar ICE from using its parking lots and to publicly address the arrest of two employees who were working at the Target in Richfield.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qvbvQd
MORE: via Faith in MN advisory, VERBATIM: “[Last week], over 100 clergy visited the Target Corporate Headquarters to request a meeting with sitting CEO Brian Cornell. ….Previously scheduled for [yesterday], clergy members and Target corporate staff have mutually agreed to reschedule the meeting to Thursday, January 22, 2026.”
The protest at a St. Paul chuch by anti-ICE protesters seems to have crossed a new line….via AP News, VERBATIM: “Several faith leaders called urgently for protecting the rights of worshippers while also expressing compassion for migrants after anti-immigration enforcement protesters disrupted a service at a Southern Baptist church in Minnesota. … The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention called what happened ‘an unacceptable trauma,’ saying the service was ‘forced to end prematurely.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sOo1LX
DEMUTH: Speaker Lisa Demuth condemned the anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul this week, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. DEMUTH: “The behavior we saw over the weekend, with protesters disrupting church services over suspicions of political differences, is absolutely unacceptable. Every leader should condemn this blatant attempt to stifle freedom of speech and religion. Peaceful protest is part of the foundation of our country — shutting down a house of worship because you disagree with one of its leaders is not.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qVsA5s
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
MNLEG + ELECTIONS
SD21: Minnewaska Community Health Services CEO Chris Knoll will announce a campaign for Senate District 21 today. WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4qCFvty
7B: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “GOP Representative Cal Warwas announced [he’ll] campaign for re-election to the state House. Warwas currently serves District 7B. … Warwas reaffirmed his commitment to the Iron Range, saying he will continue the fight to expand mining in the area. In 2024, Warwas won the seat over DFLer Lorrie Janatopoulos.
MORE: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Dan Horoshak, an employee of Nelson Williams Linings Inc. and member of USW Local 6860, has announced that he will seek the House District 7B seat currently held by first-term incumbent Cal Warwas, a fellow steelworker.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sPFGTu
HOFFMAN: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “For the first time in seven months, Minnesota lawmaker John Hoffman is breaking his silence on the June 14, 2025 shooting at his Champlin home… “Survival was my only, the priority I had was survival, that was the only priority going on in my head,” Hoffman said. “To me it was also, ‘Am I dreaming this? Is this really happening?’ Once it happened, when he wasn’t who he said he was, then it was survival.” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jUalLE
Via MPR’s Brian Bakst….Hoffman, who turned 61 on Saturday, said the tragedy has given him new focus.” QUOTE: “How can we be honest to Minnesota, and stay focused to Minnesota? And that’s what recovery has done for me, is giving me clarity about what my role is.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49LDiVc
Via KARE 11’s Jana Shortal, VERBATIM: “First I started with the whys, and then I had to get rid of the whys,” he told Jana Shortal. “Then I was like, all right, if I was given one more day, one more chance, what would it look like, what would I do different?”… Sen. Hoffman vows to not forget his colleague, Rep. Hortman. He does that in part by staying in office and running for office again. He does so in the here and now of Minnesota, where once again a shooting has drawn the nation’s eyes to our state. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pM4Wr2
Via WCCO’s Caroline Cummings, VERBATIM: “”It’s the crossroads of life, and it’s either withdraw or get engaged — and everything that was just happening to people outside that I could have an influence on, I needed to stay engaged,” Hoffman said Monday. “Talking with my family, my friends, other colleagues, I had people say to me, you know, ‘Your voice is missing. We need your voice again.’” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r2W9Cm
(DISCLOSURE: Fluence Advisory provides media support to the Hoffman family)
OVERSIGHT: via AP News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge refused Monday to temporarily block the Trump Administration from enforcing a new policy requiring a week’s notice before members of Congress can visit immigration detention facilities. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington, D.C., concluded that the Department of Homeland Security didn’t violate an earlier court order. … Cobb stressed that she wasn’t ruling on whether the new policy passes legal muster. Rather, she said, plaintiffs’ attorneys representing several Democratic members of Congress used the wrong ‘procedural vehicle’ to challenge it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YJvhLz
INVESTIGATION: via CNN, VERBATIM: “The FBI briefly opened a civil rights investigation into the ICE agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis before shifting to a probe focused on whether the agent was assaulted, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The investigation now focuses on the conduct of Good and those around her. … The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division typically launches investigations into law enforcement-related shootings [to] ensure officers did not violate a victim’s rights — even if no charges were filed. … Some inside the Justice Department saw the switch as politically motivated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49tsJY2
APPEAL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Justice filed notice Monday that it’s appealing a judge’s order setting limits on federal agents’ actions against protesters. … District Judge Katherine Menendez [had] ordered federal agents involved in the immigration crackdown in Minnesota to not detain or arrest protesters or observers unless there’s reasonable suspicion or [obstruction]. … The temporary order also bars agents from using nonlethal munitions on peaceful protesters. … The DOJ said it’s appealing the order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. It provided no other details.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49tIsGz
LAWSUIT: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed its response to the State of Minnesota’s legal filings seeking to end the ICE surge in the state, asking a judge to reject the motion. … Federal attorneys argue that Minnesota is ‘effectively seeking a state veto over the enforcement of federal law,’ which the DOJ refers to as an ‘absurdity.’ … The state now has until Thursday to respond to these arguments.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jQUJZ5
CATCH UP: WCCO-TV has an explainer on the status of numerous ongoing lawsuits relating to the ICE surge in Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YJLLTU
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)
COMMERCE
RESTAURANTS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As immigration enforcement activity increases across the Twin Cities and the suburbs, food businesses are adjusting, making visible changes such as locking doors to screen customers before entry, cutting hours, switching to takeout-only service, temporarily closing and consolidating space. Many restaurants are operating short-staffed, with owners taking on multiple roles simply to keep things going. … ‘We are pretty much back to COVID,’ said Miguel Lopez, owner of Homi Restaurant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/463DyOe
GROCERIES: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A coalition of seven grocery stores in the Twin Cities area will be closed Friday as part of a strike and economic blackout protesting the Trump Administration’s escalating immigration crackdown. … Mississippi Market Co-op announced Monday that its three locations in St. Paul are participating in the effort, known as ‘ICE Out MN: Day of Truth and Freedom,’ along with the two Wedge Community Co-ops in Minneapolis, Eastside Food Co-op in Minneapolis, and River Market Co-op in Stillwater. Employees who are scheduled to work Friday will still receive pay.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pLq8xu
AWARENESS
TRUMP: In a series of late night Truth Social posts, Pres. Donald Trump accused Rep. Ilhan Omar and other, unspecified “Minnesota politicians” of being involved in schemes to steal money from the state government. Trump did not provide evidence or details backing up his claims. He added that Omar, a naturalized U.S. citizen, “should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia.” POSTS: https://fluence-media.co/49t2CR4 https://fluence-media.co/45ipAb3
MNSURE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fewer Minnesotans who buy their own health insurance have been signing up for coverage this winter, and experts expect even more might drop out in the early months of this year. Cost is likely the main factor, with premiums increasing alongside diminished or disappearing federal subsidies. … About 135,000 people had signed up for individual market health plans via MNsure by the end of December, state officials said, a decrease of about 4%. … The downward trend thus far at MNsure fits with a national decline of about 3%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45S88dD
PROFILING: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt called out the actions of some ICE officers during an interview on FOX 9 All Day, saying she’s seen and heard accounts of agents using excessive force and racial profiling. … Witt says some of the tactics being used by some ICE agents are making other agents and law enforcement look bad.” WITT: “There are some agents that have used excessive force. We do know that racial profiling has been going on, and it needs to stop. … When an officer, an agent, anybody in law enforcement oversteps that threshold, we all pay the price for it.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4t6nG7R
MLK DAY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 40th annual MLK Day celebration took on a different tone on Monday, with speakers drawing repeated parallels between the ongoing federal immigration enforcement and the struggles of the American civil rights movement. … Gov. Tim Walz and several other Democratic lawmakers — including U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy — attended Monday’s event but did not speak publicly. At one point, Walz stood and clapped loudly when independent journalist Georgia Fort said, ‘We cannot be neutral about the dismantling of our democracy and still expect to be protected by it.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pQB5Oi
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
TOWING: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul is ‘temporarily pausing’ towing for most reports of abandoned vehicles amid a surge in federal immigration enforcement, Mayor Kaohly Her said Monday. The city will have some towing exceptions during this time, including safety hazards and snow emergencies. … The city of Minneapolis [also] announced that vehicles abandoned due to an ICE detention and towed to the city’s impound lot will be released at no cost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qFTK0k
BAXTER: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “A professional survey of registered voters in Baxter found nearly two-thirds of residents opposed to the Highway 371 overpass design. Sixty-seven percent were concerned the overpass would harm local business. Other concerns included the complexity and confusion of the design and that it would make the community less attractive. … The Baxter City Council plans to vote on the issue of municipal consent for the project on Jan. 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sVR5S3
AHEAD…
TODAY: via UNIDOS-MN, VERBATIM: “Students, parents, educators, and community leaders will gather Tuesday morning to speak to [ICE’s] real and growing impact on Minnesota’s children and schools. … Organizers will also address ongoing conversations with national partners around student walkouts on January 23.” The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TODAY: The Suburban Solutions Caucus will host two listening sessions on education today — the first in Minnetonka at 4:30 p.m. and the second in Shakopee at 7:00 p.m. Reps. Danny Nadeau, Ben Bakeberg and Andrew Myers will attend.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will chair a meeting of the Minnesota Board of Pardons.
TODAY: At 7PM, Wright County Republicans will hold a gubernatorial debate.
TODAY-TMRW: 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.
TOMORROW: 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: The Suburban Solutions Caucus will host two listening sessions on education Thursday — the first in Champlin at 5:30 p.m. and the second in Rogers at 7:30 p.m. Reps. Danny Nadeau, Ben Bakeberg and Andrew Myers will attend.
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
THURSDAY: Clergy members with Faith in MN will hold an in-person meeting with Target CEO Brian Cornell to discuss the company’s response to ICE raids in Minnesota.
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 29: The Senate subcommittee on federal impacts will hold a hearing at 10:00 a.m. with an unannounced agenda.
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: Sen. Karin Housley, Rep. Ethan Cha, fmr. Walz COS Chris Schmittter, fmr. Rep. Dean Phillips, KSTP’s sports guy Doogie Wolfson, JCRC’s Steve Hunegs, retired media guy Frank Steck
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.