Wolves win. Team USA wins.
Should Williams Arena be replaced? Yesterday in Sports Take. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40WVarY
Until the Gophers have a consistently competitive team, no new arena.
Love is Blind debuts from Minneapolis. MSP: https://fluence-media.co/42TZrik
Where are the most and least affordable ZIP codes in Minnesota? STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3WUGVT1
On a wide variety of issues — government, education, crime and more — Americans strongly believe that things are going better locally than nationally. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/41fHKbK
Minnesota’s entire congressional delegation (minus Rep. Michelle Fischbach) held a joint meeting yesterday. PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/3EBi1BM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed to lead the U.S. health department, with Sen. Mitch McConnell as the only Republican “no” vote again. NYT: https://fluence-media.co/3QhH6o0
Sen. Tina Smith will be on the Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar at 8:50 on WCCO. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
Snow and cold across the state today. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/42Wk0ea
Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO will have the latest on the US Senate race and the Minneapolis Mayors Race.
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
The Senate Race analysis on WCCO Radio this morning with Vineeta Sawkar . LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/40STcsu
A conversation with Minneapolis candidate for Mayor DeWayne Davis on Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4179dfz
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
TAKE: The news that Sen. Tina Smith isn’t running isn’t shocking, but it does shake up 2026. To understand the behind-the-scenes dynamics, you must only look to the speed by which Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan entered the race. She knew Smith was going to make the announcement, likely based on the connected relationship Flanagan and Smith have, but they also share close advisors. Those advisors are not Walz-first fans, which is why confirming that Gov. Tim Walz was caught off-guard by the Smith announcement should signal something about the relationships between all of them. Flanagan is the early front runner for the DFL endorsement, however, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a primary. Secretary of State Steve Simon is strongly considering jumping in the race and is too often overlooked as a very electable statewide DFLer. The other major player in the Senate race is Rep. Angie Craig. Craig, a moderate would also have major fundraising advantage, and would for DFLers who want to “win”, she would be the first choice. Rep. Ilhan Omar has also suggested she’s considering a run as well, but it is unlikely she would garner support from DC Democrats, or be able to win statewide, and she’s underperformed statewide candidates in her own congressional district.
Team Walz went to the national press to signal he was interested, including Politico and the WSJ, which also says his team is thinking national media first, rather than local. Walz national profile provides him a certain ability to sway the race, after all he would have a significant fundraising advantage and clearly name identification to power to a primary. That said, the Flanagan move also is also proof that all is not “sympatico” between the Governor and the Lt. Governor, which will raise more questions in the coming days.
Walz is for the first time in six years is a bit cornered. If he runs for the US Senate, he looks as though he pushed Flanagan out and likely has to wait until the end of the session or became a lame duck in the contentious budget battle. The DFL has some internal family business that will shake out in the coming months.
For Republicans, it’s amazing how quickly a race that didn’t have a lot of challengers has a line-up. One thing to consider is that the jump from legislator to running for US Senate is a mammoth jump. Fundraising is the biggest factor, and staffing, presence and gravitas will be required. Names on the list are plentiful, Rep. Kristin Robbins, Sens Karin Housley and Julia Coleman are early players. The new candidate to jump in for Republicans is Adam Schwarze a veteran, with a strong profile, but again an unknown commodity. Don’t forget 2024 candidate Royce White who said he was running after the loss to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and his winning a primary and an endorsement shouldn’t dismiss him from being the candidate again. Regardless, even as the GOP Congressional delegation keeps its powder dry, they will have a strong influence on Trump’s endorsement and ultimately that’s the chef’s kiss that will have the most impact on the Republican field.
SENATE RACE: Following the news that Sen. Tina Smith is not running for reelection in 2026, as seen in yesterday’s lunch take, many Minnesota officials are in the spotlight as potential replacements. Notably, Gov. Tim Walz is privately considering a run, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has publicly confirmed her intent to run. See more details on potential Senate candidates below:
Via Politico, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is considering a run for Senate next year, according to a person close to the governor, [but he] could also run for reelection as governor in 2026. … [Tina] Smith is now the second Democratic incumbent to announce they won’t run in 2026, following Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan. … The field to replace [Smith] on both sides of the aisle could be quite deep. Walz’s office declined to comment on the race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D1Ol05
Via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “[Tim] Walz and [Peggy] Flanagan, who won statewide campaigns together in 2018 and 2022, would likely enter the [Senate] race with high name recognition and support. … Rising tensions between the two allies following Walz's vice presidential campaign [had] already raised questions about whether they would run as a ticket again if Walz decided to seek a third term as governor. [Tina] Smith’s decision creates a path for one — or both — of them to instead run for U.S. Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aZjRIG
Via a Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan post, FLANAGAN: “My intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state. I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with [my] community and family and friends. I will have more to say soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EzI0cF
Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) are both considering U.S. Senate bids in 2026. … Omar, one of the most high-profile progressives in the country, is considering a run and is receiving messages of encouragement, according to a source close to her. Craig — who, unlike Omar, is a member of the Democratic Party's moderate wing — is also being urged to run, according to a source familiar with the matter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X3YRL9
Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A source close to Secretary of State Steve Simon said he ‘is definitely interested’ in throwing his hat in the ring [for Senate]. … Inside Elections rated the Minnesota Senate seat ‘Solid Democratic’ before Smith’s decision. But not anymore, [saying] ‘Even though Republicans will likely need a great candidate and good political environment to break a 20-year losing streak, the open seat will be more competitive and take some Democratic resources to hold.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aXOiz6
Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Republican congressmen [like] Pete Stauber…might want to take a shot at the Senate, though Republicans haven’t won a statewide race in 20 years and [all four] would have to give up safe seats. Republican Royce White, who lost his 2024 bid for Senate to Sen. Amy Klobuchar by almost 16 points, has said he will seek the Republican nomination again.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41e4rNq
Via Adam Schwarze, Republican CD3 candidate in 2022, SCHWARZE: “I’m running for U.S. Senate to build a stronger America. … I was already planning to run for U.S. Senate to replace Tina Smith’s radical voice in Washington, but today, with the good news that she is not running for re-election, I want to alert my fellow Minnesotans that they have a real opportunity to elect a common-sense, proven leader.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jVLjeC
Via WCCO-TV’s Caroline Cummings, VERBATIM: “State Sen. Julia Coleman, R-Waconia, confirms that she is also considering a bid for this seat once held by her father-in-law Norm Coleman.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3X0R15b
Via Axios’ Torey Van Oot, VERBATIM: “GOP state Sen. Karin Housley, who ran against Smith in 2018, tells me she isn't ruling out a run for the open seat, but that her focus is on the [legislative] session and getting a budget done for now.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4kchVB5
Via Fox News’ Liz Elkind, VERBATIM: “Kristin Robbins, the Republican assistant majority leader in the Minnesota state house, is looking at a [Senate] bid, I’m told by a source familiar. … [But] a national GOP operative tells me they’re skeptical of Kristin Robbins’ possible candidacy: ‘Kristin Robbins chaired Nikki Haley’s [presidential] campaign in Minnesota. Her candidacy is dead on arrival.’” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/3CLklFP
NOT RUNNING: Several potential Senate candidates in the media spotlight — Rep. Tom Emmer, former Sen. Al Franken, former Rep. Dean Phillips, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter — have put out statements that indicate they are not interested in a 2026 Senate run.
EMMER: “I am focused on doing the job I was elected to do, and that is serving the great people of Minnesota’s Sixth District here in Congress. We have a lot of work to do to implement President [Donald] Trump’s agenda, and that’s where I’m concentrating my efforts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QfXUeO
FRANKEN: “I want to thank Tina Smith for her service and dedication to the people of Minnesota. … I look forward to supporting the candidate we nominate to work on behalf of Minnesotans in Washington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jQc9F3
PHILLIPS: “I wish Sen. Tina Smith well. I also believe in keeping one’s word, and do not intend to run for Senate or MN Governor. My calling is to build a national movement to challenge the monopoly of the duopoly, and restore common sense, competency, and cooperation. Stay tuned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hB7tkK
PAWLENTY: “This is a prime opportunity for Minnesota Republicans to select a strong statewide candidate. I look forward to supporting such a candidate and I don't plan to enter this race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hCFdy2
CARTER: “Excited to re-announce my campaign for reelection as Mayor of Saint Paul!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3CF7W6l
ENDORSING: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has already picked up an official endorsement in the 2026 Senate race. Via the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, STATEMENT: “The Democratic Lt. Governors are a tight knit group — and we are fully behind our friend Peggy Flanagan. We witnessed her last year as the chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, when our organization tripled in growth and won elections, all while serving as a mentor to so many of us. All of our Democratic Lt. Governors have her back and we will do what we can to get her elected.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jWqC1Y
MORE: Via KSTP, Sen. Tina Smith told reporters that she is not planning to endorse a candidate in the DFL primaries for her seat. SMITH: “I think we have such a deep bench of talent in Minnesota, [but] it’s not my job to pick my successor. … That’s the job of Minnesota voters.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42W55Az
FORECAST: Sabato’s Crystal Ball released its initial 2026 Senate predictions yesterday. Notably, Minnesota was originally rated “Likely Democrat” upon publication, but after Sen. Tina Smith announced she will not seek reelection, the forecast was updated to say Minnesota “Leans Democrat.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aWeQAN
ICYMI: Read yesterday’s lunch take at The Daily Agenda to see Sen. Tina Smith’s statement on not seeking reelection and additional coverage. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jQ5Tgi
NOTE: MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan reports that Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy’s initial reaction to Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement was two words long: “Well, shit.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3QhBTws
RECALL: via Pioneer Press’s Alex Derosier, VERBATIM: “GOP recall petitions against House DFLers [were] delayed again. They were supposed to turn them in [Thursday] but canceled their news conference due to ‘schedule complications.’ They canceled Monday too. Apparently there have been issues with their petition forms. … [The Secretary of State’s office] says they got recall petitions for six DFL-held House seats, all metro area — short of the 66 announced over a week ago. [They are] Reps. Melissa Hortman, Brion Curran, Kristin Bahner, Lucy Rehm, Julie Greene [and] Steve Elkins. … Next step is SOS review, then off to the Supreme Court. Apparently one filed against Republican Duane Quam is on its way to the Supreme Court for review. [The] DFL says they aren't pushing a statewide effort though.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4jZnqTl https://fluence-media.co/3EDZMM0
DNC: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota DFL Party chair Ken Martin, who has taken the reins of the Democratic National Committee, has said Democrats got ‘punched in the mouth’ in November’s election and must have a clear alternative when the ‘chaos’ of the Trump Administration turns off voters. … DFL Party treasurer Leah Midgarden is one of the Democratic officials whose vote helped elect Martin as DNC chairman. … Midgarden said the change in leadership has already shifted the direction of the Democratic Party and that posts on the DNC’s [social media] are attacking [Donald] Trump more aggressively and are including daily posts that list ‘What Democrats Did Today.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CNxuhE
DOGE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with 13 other Attorneys General, announced the filing of a lawsuit challenging the unlawful delegation of executive power to Elon Musk [and DOGE]. The lawsuit argues that President Donald Trump has violated the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution by creating a new federal Department without Congressional approval and by granting Musk sweeping powers over the entire federal government without seeking the advice and consent of the Senate. … Ellison seeks a court ruling declaring Musk’s actions unconstitutional and an injunction barring him from issuing orders to any person in the Executive Branch outside of DOGE, as well as invalidating his previous actions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jY9zMX
MUSK: Former DFL Rep. Dean Phillips was interviewed on CNN this week to discuss Elon Musk and DOGE. Phillips criticized Democrats for “pathetically” opposing Musk’s plans, saying that “sometimes it’s better to join them.” PHILLIPS: “The fact of the matter: [Musk] is quite popular. He has the largest platform in human history, which is, of course, Twitter/X. And I think we're missing the boat as Democrats. … Sometimes it's better to join them and actually play a role in how the strategy works, rather than so pathetically, frankly, try to combat something that clearly is a steamroller. … I think Democrats should join the club and then have more credibility to actually raise the alarm about constitutional issues. Right now, it’s the boy who cried wolf.” CLIP: https://fluence-media.co/40Uhl1T
NOTE: The latest polls from Morning Consult and The Economist show Elon Musk has a negative approval rating among Americans, and his approval has been declining in recent weeks — particularly among independents. POLLS: https://fluence-media.co/4hmS6w4 https://fluence-media.co/3EwDMCE
TARIFFS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Impending tariffs have farmers bracing for what could be a bumpy road as they prepare for the spring planting season. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen [said] farmers, especially crop farmers, are going through some tough times with rising costs, and that a trade war [would] only add to that.” PETERSEN: “That's $2 billion a year in agricultural products that flow back and forth across the [Canadian] border. … Those Mexican and Canadian tariffs are paused until March 1st, but that's like two weeks away. … Farmers could plan on anywhere from $4 to $8 per acre on an increase in inputs.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42TFSGO
USDA: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly confirmed Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the chamber kept up its intense pace to confirm President Donald Trump’s choices to head his administration. Senators voted 72-28 on her bid to lead the USDA. … [Rollins] received wide backing from major farm organizations. Although she does not have a background in agriculture, Rollins headed the Domestic Policy Council under Trump’s first term and was part of the Office of American Innovation [and] the America First Policy Institute.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gIgKpY
MORE: via a Rep. Brad Finstad statement, FINSTAD: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on becoming Secretary of the USDA. Over the last several years, our farmers have been facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the survival of their businesses. With her deep roots in a generational farming family and leadership expertise, Secretary Rollins will put American farmers first. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the needs of the agricultural industry and champion policies that support farm country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EvYUJd
BRINGING SAFETY TO ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’: As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
FRAUD: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Legislators have bipartisan concern that the Commerce Fraud Bureau’s mission to root out white collar crime will be diluted with its move to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Plenty of anger was expressed Thursday by the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee about Gov. Tim Walz unilaterally making the change in January via executive order. … Aaron Cocking, president and CEO of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, said the unit was specifically created in the Department of Commerce because it regulates the insurance industry. Insurance companies are concerned this unit’s focus on insurance fraud will cease at the BCA, he added.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gJ7u4R
(DISCLOSURE: Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a client of Fluence)
EMERGENCIES: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A new bill named the Never Again Act would strip the state’s governor of the ability to declare peacetime emergencies that can expedite mandates for business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. … Under the [bill] sponsored by Rep. Drew Roach (R-Farmington), a governor’s authority to declare an emergency would be revoked, and instead be in the hands of a 2/3 ‘supermajority’ vote by each chamber. … The proposal would also eliminate an existing misdemeanor crime for a person who violates an emergency rule or order. … In a [hearing], DFL lawmakers often took issue with the intent and scope of the proposal.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3X1NiUS
SPORTSBETS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Senate State and Local Government committee failed to advance a [sports betting] bill authored by Sen. Matt Klein, DFL-Mendota Heights, despite support of Native American tribes in Minnesota, horse tracks, charitable gambling organizations and the biggest mobile sports betting companies in the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Z8w6V
MORE: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “The sports wagering legislation authored by Senator Matt Klein…failed on a 6-6 tie vote.” KLEIN: “The committee missed an opportunity to advance legislation that Minnesotans have been demanding for years. Our constituents, tribes, and charities are more than ready for legal and responsible sports wagering — it’s time for lawmakers to catch up and get this done." BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4jVQ3kq
(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a client and sponsor of Fluence)
PAID LEAVE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) [said] he isn’t convinced the Minnesota Paid Leave program is ready to roll. He sponsors HF11, which would delay implementation of the state program [by one year]. … The House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Police Committee heard testimony Thursday morning. … Many business owners and school district groups supporting the delay suggest issues remain incorporating the state program with existing collective bargaining agreements, seasonal workers, and their budgeting process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gBvXsF
MORE: via an ISAIAH press release, VERBATIM: “This morning’s [paid leave] hearing was standing room only. … Rev. Corinne Freedman Ellis, testifying remotely from Duluth, said, QUOTE: ‘We need paid leave to roll out on its promised timeline. … I supervise eight staff members. Paid leave would have saved the church, staff and me so much time, stress and money. … Unfortunately, I don’t think the bill before us now is about delaying paid family and medical leave — rather, I worry it's about creating opposition to get rid of it altogether.’”
PERMITTING: via a Rep. Josh Heintzeman press release, VERBATIM: “House File 8, authored by House Environment Committee Chairman Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa), received its first committee hearing in the House Environment Committee on Thursday afternoon as House Republicans [work] to streamline and improve the state's permitting process. … A recent report found that review times for air permits are 1.5 to 6 times longer than those in other states, costing the state up to $910 million in annual economic output. … House File 8 was referred to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X16h1N
MINING: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are introducing a bill to extend the state ban on mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which would also prohibit copper-nickel mining. … Ingrid Lyons is executive director of the nonprofit Save the Boundary Waters and says the area deserves the state's protection. … Supporters of copper-nickel mining in northeastern Minnesota say it would provide hundreds of new, good-paying jobs. However, Lyons says the environmental impact can't be overestimated.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hRhFpz
RCV: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate Elections Committee heard SF 1071, Senator Jim Carlson’s (DFL-Eagan) bill to authorize counties, all charter and statutory cities, and school districts to adopt ranked choice voting for odd- or even-year elections. … Under the legislation, ranked choice voting could be adopted by local jurisdictions for local offices at general or special elections only by passing a ballot question. … The bill passed by a vote of 6-5 and was referred to the State and Local Government Committee.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/42RhKot
INSIGHT: One issue that will not pass this year is an expansion of Ranked Choice Voting. Consider it dead in a tied House. One issue to watch is any effort to change the Primary from the August date to June or perhaps even March.
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)
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “After a lengthy and sometimes heated discussion, the Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to indefinitely postpone a proposal to have Hennepin County temporarily oversee two of the city’s violence intervention programs. The author of the proposal — council member Robin Wonsley — said that even though she took the proposal off the table, she will continue to hold the Neighborhood Safety Department accountable for how it administers the group violence and youth group violence intervention programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hX2Tgn
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In downtown St. Paul, an Indiana-based developer is proposing installing 300 units of market-rate housing in two new buildings. … The St. Paul City Council appears poised next week to approve tentative developer status for Flaherty and Collins, which was the sole company to respond to a joint request for proposals issued last year. … City Council President Rebecca Noecker, who represents downtown, said the long-awaited development could be the linchpin that helps revive real estate energy in a market struggling to draw or retain office tenants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hReNZP
CHILDCARE: via a DHS press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking another round of input on changes to draft licensing standards for family child care and child care centers. On Thursday, the state released a second draft of revised licensing standards that incorporates extensive community input gathered over summer 2024. … DHS invites providers, parents, licensors and other community partners to participate in upcoming information sessions, beginning Feb. 24. … Feedback received on this second draft will guide the development of a third draft, which will be released before the 2026 legislative session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4k0VEpM
SPECIAL ED: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “At the University of St. Thomas, 185 students pursuing careers in special education recently found out their scholarships have been canceled by the federal government. The university’s president, Rob Vischer, [said] the school received an email from the U.S. Department of Education that explained how a grant program that awarded the university $6.8 million was being cancelled [because] it was recently flagged by the Trump Administration as a DEI initiative. … The university is planning to appeal this decision to cancel the grant program. U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) is also planning to challenge this decision.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/410YbHP
PROPANE: via a Rep. Brad Finstad press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) reintroduced the Growing Rural Ag Infrastructure Needs to Deliver Rising Yields (GRAIN DRY) Act, legislation that would expand the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include propane storage. … Propane storage [is] a critical tool for drying grain and heating barns, allowing agricultural producers access to the same financing for propane storage that is available for other on-farm storage facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gIijnA
PEACE: RIP Mike Kennedy a long time DFL operative, and stalwart of the Senate DFL. Kenner and I met 29 years ago on a campaign, and his Irish humor and stoicism was unmatched. As was his loyalty, he will be deeply missed.
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)
BROOKLYN CTR: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Amid concerns over the Trump Administration’s plans for mass deportations, nearly three dozen people who live in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center attended a panel discussion Wednesday night to ask questions about how to respond if ICE shows up at a home or workplace, and also asked about the role of police when it comes to immigration enforcement. … Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Wynfred Russell, who immigrated to Minnesota from Liberia, hosted the conversation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41fC4i0
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action on Wednesday in Rochester that resulted in the arrest of two individuals was not a lone operation, according to leaders with Community Organizing Power and Action Latinos (COPAL). In addition, one arrest was made at a Rochester apartment building on Wednesday night, Feb. 12, and another arrest was made at a Rochester hotel Thursday morning, Feb. 13, COPAL leaders said during a rally on Thursday. COPAL organized the rally in support of immigrant rights after two brothers who work at Nupa restaurant in Rochester were arrested in the parking lot on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WYus0E
MANKATO: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The dogs are back at Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society. … Dede Barton, who recently took over as director of BENCHS, spoke about changes at the humane society since a soft closure last year. Barton and other new leaders at the Mankato animal shelter say they’re hoping for a fresh start after staff resignations and a contentious debate over pet euthanasia last year. BENCHS has seen a complete board turnover, with new members and a new board president, treasurer and secretary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gHyuBV
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: Wild About Reading SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
DRUG TAX: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A year ago, no one in the Minnesota Legislature thought it was a good idea to require drug dealers to buy tax stamps on their illegal goods. A year ago, nearly everyone in the Minnesota Legislature thought it was a good idea to repeal such a requirement that was a vestige of the 1980s War on Drugs. But a year ago, the repeal didn’t happen, caught up like a lot of legislation in the chaos of the closing hours of the 2024 session. While popular, it was not included in the 1,400-plus-page Mega Omnibus bill that contained hundreds of other bills. So sponsors are trying again.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41e1kVN
MERGER: via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Fairview Health Services leaders on Wednesday said they ‘do not see demonstrable improvements for our patients and employees’ under a new partnership proposal put forward by the University of Minnesota and Duluth-based Essentia. In a letter sent to employees Wednesday, Fairview president and CEO James Hereford and chair John Heinmiller made it clear that they rejected the proposal that would merge the clinical operations of their organization, Essentia, and U of M.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Wg8qY
ALL THE 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
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: No committee hearings. SENATE: Rules & Administration will hear the formation of its subcommittees and appoint members to them. The Subcommittee on Committees will meet immediately after. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4jVH2I6
TODAY: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office at the Dept. of Public Safety will host a day of remembrance and march at 11:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3X0e0NG
TODAY: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey will sign two historic utility franchise agreements and two accompanying memoranda of understanding between the City of Minneapolis and utility providers Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, marking a major milestone in the City’s climate equity goals. … Frey will be joined by Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai, Council Member Katie Cashman, other City leaders, and community organizers.” The event is at 11:30 a.m.
FEB 26: Axios energy and climate reporters will host a conversation with Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith and Ohio Rep. Bob Latta for their “Powering the Electric Future” event on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3WY8vz0
BDAYS: fmr. Rep. Barb Haley, fmr. Sen. Vicki Jenson, comms pro Gail Nosek, BBY’s Ryan Furlong, hockey and politics guy John Evans, union leader Valerie Holthus. SAT: real estate guy Joe Abraham, busines leader Bob Gardner, retiree Doug Spong, comms pro Greg Zimprich. SUN: Farm Bureau’s Karin Schaefer
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