FINALLY FRIDAY
Wolves and Wild win. Lindsey Vonn crashed this morning skiing - extent of injuries unknown.
Yesterday in Sports Take from Howard Sinker, the place of sports in times of tumult.
Let’s face it we outkick our coverage for national media attention and the annual Authoritative Pizza List may have a new honor the challenge is his name, Mark Anderson may be too common. Using a pizza cutter to get Luigi Mangione out of jail will be lost in the news but it should never be forgotten in a year of news this month AP: https://fluence-media.co/46lmKCq
President Trump announced this morning that he has selected Kevin Warsh is his Fed Chair nominee.
A nationwide protest against ICE is planned today.
Pew Research finds that a slim majority of Americans now think Donald Trump doesn’t have the physical or mental fitness to be president, and 57% say they don’t trust him to “pick good advisers.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4c1KfUN
Fox News finds that voters favor Democrats over Republicans on affordability (+14%), helping the middle class (+14%) and midterm preference (+6%). Republicans are still preferred on border security (+15%) and immigration (+5%). POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4blRZRo
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker. www.FluenceElectionTracker.com
At 9AM on WCCO Radio tune-in for Sunday Take.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take covered the impact of Alex Pretti’s killing and ICE activity in Greater Minnesota with Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar). LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Zxvvpi
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
FIRST
FUNDRAISING: The Minnesota Senate DFL will announce a 2025 year-end fundraising total of $2,076,356 with $2,894,445 in cash on hand.
Seems a little early, but why not…. via MinnPost, a list of candidates who might be considered for replacing Sen. Amy Klobuchar if she wins the governor race and resigns her Senate seat. VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, whose profile has risen sharply, [could] be a candidate. So could Secretary of State Steve Simon, who had been interested in running for governor. … Rep. Angie Craig, D-2nd District, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan [may] show an interest in dropping out of their race if they are promised an appointment….There’s also speculation about who would run as Klobuchar’s lieutenant governor, with buzz about U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, D-3rd District, and Democratic state Sen. Grant Hauschild of Hermantown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4acyKYq
There is a “Draft Erin Maye Quade” effort for Governor launched on social media too. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3ZM9Idv
MORE: Via AP News, Sen. Amy Klobuchar isn’t the only senator trying to leave Washington, D.C. for a state leadership position. Three others — Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet, Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn and Alabama Republican Tommy Tuberville — are all doing the same thing this year. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q8atsi
FUTURE: Gov. Tim Walz told MS NOW this week he plans to be done with politics when his current term is up. QUOTE: “I have no political consideration. I will never run for an elected office again. Never again. … [But] there’s other ways to serve, and I’ll find them.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q8Bg7N
2028: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is turning into something of a side stop for politicians sizing up 2028 campaigns. Last week, Vice President JD Vance was here. … California Rep. Ro Khanna has visited the pop-up memorial to [Alex Pretti]. … Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock came by this week, too. The visitors are not widely publicizing their stops for the most part, but are being sure to show up on camera while they’re here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q8DnbE
The MNSider Brief: With Michele Tafoya’s entrance into the US Senate race, the latest analysis for premium subscribers came out Friday. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3NEy8Di
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DC + MN
SHUTDOWN: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Democrats and the White House have struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security as they negotiate new restrictions. … The two sides have agreed to separate Homeland Security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for [ICE]. … Democrats have requested a short extension — two weeks or less — and say they are prepared to block the wide-ranging spending bill if their demands aren’t met.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c10jpT
DEMANDS: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer [said] Democrats have three demands as part of a renegotiation of the DHS package: to end roving patrols by [ICE] officers and tighten the rules governing the use of warrants; boost accountability by establishing a universal code of conduct for officers; and require agents to wear body cameras while prohibiting them from wearing masks. … Democrats had threatened to hold up the entire six-bill minibus if the DHS bill wasn’t removed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ma4Mfv
MORE: Some of the more significant proposals to reform ICE, including funding cuts and collaboration with state investigators after a shooting, have seemingly been dropped from the Democrats’ list of demands. Via MinnPost, Sen. Tina Smith was one of the Democrats who wanted ICE “defunded.” SMITH: “Nothing has changed on the ground in Minnesota. … I’ve been having good conversations with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in the Senate and believe there is a path to getting some meaningful guardrails and getting ICE out of Minnesota, but it needs to happen in a matter of days, not weeks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49P8Db1
US ATTY: Via New York Times, more prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are threatening to resign. VERBATIM: “Attorney General Pam Bondi and her chief deputy, Todd Blanche, have resisted calls to authorize civil rights investigations into the immigration agents who killed Renee Good [and] Alex Pretti [because] they are awaiting the result of two internal inquiries. … This strategy has left the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, one of the most respected in the nation, in crisis. … Some of the [remaining] prosecutors suggested they were considering resigning in protest [just] days after six others had quit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t8elMB
OMAR: The Dept. of Justice announced assault charges for the man who attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar this week. VERBATIM: “Anthony James Kazmierczak, age 56, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, charged in a criminal complaint with forcibly assaulting and interfering with [a] United States Representative. … Kazmierczak was ordered held in federal custody, pending a detention hearing and preliminary hearing, both scheduled for February 3.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rqaQQ4
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)
ECON
EXPORTS: via DEED advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, a drop of 14% (down $964 million) over the third quarter of 2024. … Weaker sales of mineral fuel and oil to Canada, Minnesota’s largest trading partner and the state’s top export market for numerous products, drove much of the decline. The state exported about $16 million in mineral fuel and oil [to] Canada last quarter, down over $500 million from the third quarter of 2024. Sharp declines in some major product categories, such as machinery (down 11%) and vehicles (down 20%), also contributed to the overall downward trend in exports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a51Jgu
WAGES: An analysis by the Urban Institute found that in Minnesota, median household income grew by almost 40% from 1970 to 2023 in inflation-adjusted dollars. Nationwide, growth over the same period was 32%. Since 1970, Minnesota has seen a 29% increase in bachelor’s degree holders and an 8% decrease in manufacturing workers. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/46odGgb
REAL ESTATE: An annual report from Minnesota Realtors and related organizations finds that the price of a typical Twin Cities home increased 2.6% last year to a record $390,000. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3Z3ExdD
SMALL BIZ: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz and [DEED] announced the launch of ‘Shop Local, Stand Together,’ a new campaign encouraging Minnesotans to support small, locally owned businesses — particularly those which have seen reduced foot traffic and heightened fear and uncertainty due to the ongoing federal presence in Minnesota.” WALZ: “Choosing to shop local, grab takeout, or visit a neighborhood store is one way we can stand with our neighbors and continue to show the nation what it means to respond with care and decency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4arGENJ
FOOD BANKS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Federal agents are impeding efforts to feed hungry Minnesotans who are sheltering in place in response to immigration enforcement, according to a coalition of about 100 local organizations. That includes following volunteers carrying out food delivery, standing outside food shelf entrances, staging in or near parking lots of facilities, and detaining at least one volunteer delivering food. … The organizations are joining a widespread call for the immediate end of Operation Metro Surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rreSI2
WIND DOWN
GUIDANCE: via Reuters, VERBATIM: “ICE officers in Minnesota were directed [this week] to avoid engaging with ‘agitators’ as they carry out President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, according to internal guidance. … The new guidance, offering the most detailed look so far at how operations would change after two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens protesting in Minneapolis, also orders [ICE] officers to only target immigrants who have criminal charges or convictions. That would mark a departure from the broad sweeps that have provoked backlash.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a1BOX4
DETAINERS: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Trump Administration officials say they want jails and prisons to hold inmates who have immigration detainers…[but] state officials say they already alert ICE when inmates with detainers are being released from state prisons. … [However], some county jails, including Hennepin County’s, do not honor ICE detainers. … Top legislative Republicans have vowed to revive legislation that would essentially override local ‘sanctuary’ policies and mandate that county attorneys notify ICE when undocumented immigrants are arrested on suspicion of violent crimes. But that bill is expected to face resistance at the narrowly divided Legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4al1bEt
MORE: Via MinnPost, Attorney General Keith Ellison spoke to Tom Homan this week about immigration detainers. VERBATIM: “Homan on Thursday said his talks with Ellison about detainers were fruitful. HOMAN: ‘[Ellison] clarified for me that county jails may notify ICE of the release dates of criminal public safety risks so ICE can take custody of them.’ … Ellison said his meeting Wednesday with Hogan was ‘cordial,’ that he was glad for the talk, but that no deal had been reached. ELLISON: ‘I did not negotiate with Mr. Homan, come to any agreement, or offer any compromise on the goal of keeping Minnesotans safe.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rrSFJP
CAUCUSES: The Minnesota DFL published an “ICE Response Plan” explaining how the party is “preparing for ICE activity at caucuses” next week. Via an email to supporters, EXCERPT: “Our priority is [ensuring] Minnesotans can participate in caucuses safely and confidently. The DFL is continuing work with legal experts and national partners to equip local leaders with clear guidance and support — including training more than 8,000 Constitutional Observers statewide. We’ve also developed a comprehensive ICE response plan with printable materials, legal hotlines, and step-by-step guidance for caucus leaders.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3M4Kq7f
WALZ: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Recent developments have brought hope and a sense of optimism that a chaos-producing surge of immigration enforcement in the state could be brought under control — but one thing still is missing, Gov. Tim Walz told a convention of journalists: an apology. … Walz [said] ‘we’ve got a lot of work to do’ to restore people’s trust in the conduct of the federal government.” QUOTE: “Sometimes you just need to say you’re sorry. Sorry would really help. … That’s how you get accountability. That’s how you get trust.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M1tXkc
FREY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for Operation Metro Surge to end while speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Thursday in Washington, D.C. Speaking to leaders from across the nation, Frey said that having thousands of federal agents in the streets of Minneapolis has made the city less safe, and called it ‘an invasion of our democracy.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Ocvgxn
STATE STUFF
ICE HEARING: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A moment of silence for fatal shooting victims Renee Good and Alex Pretti was one of the few moments of agreement between Democrats and Republicans at a state Senate hearing Thursday. … Lawmakers heard from constitutional legal experts about what they call repeated violations of constitutional rights [by ICE]. Republicans say Democratic state and county leaders could help reduce the tension. … There were dozens of lawmakers from 15 states at the hearing. Afterward, several said they were inspired by what they’ve witnessed in Minnesota.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZLECCN
FRAUD HEARING: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The fight against fraud continues in Minnesota…[but] there is a growing concern among some Minnesota senators who are worried about the legitimate care providers and clients who are caught in the middle. … The Senate Human Services Committee [held] two meetings to learn how the fraud crackdown is negatively affecting Minnesotans. On Wednesday afternoon, the committee heard from leaders with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and on Thursday, the committee heard from more than a dozen care providers and clients.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qL7KpJ
CYBERSECURITY: The State of Minnesota’s 2025 report on cybersecurity incidents has been published. EXCERPT: “Cyberattacks against federal, state, and local governments continue to rise in both frequency and sophistication. These threats have disrupted critical services across the country and in Minnesota, and responding to these ever-evolving threats requires new strategies and tactics.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4t2qYZv
JUDGE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of John Fitzgerald as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District. Fitzgerald will replace the Honorable Jennifer K. Fischer and will be chambered in Willmar in Kandiyohi County.”
NEXT
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will host a luncheon for the Governor’s International Trade Awards.
TODAY-TMRW: Two “National Days of Action” are planned for Friday and Saturday. On Friday, participants are encouraged to avoid working, shopping or going to school. On Saturday, marches and rallies are planned. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4q1zIMN
TODAY: Faith and union leaders will march to the Whipple Federal Building at 8:00 a.m. to protest ICE and the arrests of “constitutional observers,” per a release.
TODAY: The Senate Rules & Administration committee will meet today to discuss security policies at 3:00 p.m.
TODAY: 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.”
TUESDAY: Precinct caucuses to decide on party-endorsed candidates will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
WEDNESDAY: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a public town hall in St. Cloud at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 28: A “flagship” No Kings protest will be held in Minneapolis on March 28.
BDAYS: radio pro Tash Redel SAT: fmr. police chief JaNaé Harteau, WCCO Radio’s Adam Carter. SUN: pr pro Dan Kessler, middle advocate Shannon Watson, lobbyist Rob Vanasek
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.