Slow News Saturday
One can hope.
A little sleep in, and hot coffee. Saturdays should help recharge, which we need to continue this pace for the year.
Super Bowl tomorrow, and National Pizza Day on Monday the legislative session coming up - including the always popular MN Chamber Session Priorities dinner.
Priorities? Good question. Nearly every interest group or business entity is navigating new volatility - and how much focus and fortitude will legislators have to get some things done.
The budget forecast, a supplemental budget, bonding and a lot of noise. The signals say the state has some urgent issues to address, the noise will distract. There will be more retirements as well.
Sunday Take will explore the dire financial situation of HCMC – tune in at 9AM on WCCO Radio.
Rest up.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
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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/
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)
CAMPAIGN 2026
Sounds like after significant consideration fmr. US Attorney Erika McDonald is not going to run as a Republican for Attorney General.
Follow all the latest candidate match-ups and finance info at the Fluence Election Tracker. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
Catch up on our premium weekly insight
The MNSider Brief: State of the Governor’s race – READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r3ACtF
The MNSider Brief: With Michele Tafoya’s entrance into the US Senate race, the latest analysis for premium subscribers came out Friday. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NEy8Di
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)
State of Energy
presented by Xcel Energy, CEEM, Great River Energy and MN Rural Electric
State of Energy: Energy policy has rapidly become a top issue for voters and businesses alike, and Minnesota stands at the forefront of this transition. In this episode of the Fluence Forum, host Blois Olson is joined by a panel of key energy leaders—Zac Ruzycki (Great River Energy), Pete Wyckoff (MN Dept. of Commerce), and P.J. Martin (Xcel Energy)—to unpack the complex reality of powering the North Star State. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ZRRJCC
Policy Considerations: Fmr. State Rep. and attorney John Burns (Carnival Burns) gathers a diverse group of industry heavyweights to discuss the practical policy considerations facing Minnesota leaders. The Panel includes: Jim Pearson (Xcel Energy), Darrick Moe (Minnesota Rural Electric Association), and Lucas Franco (LIUNA) explore the critical intersection of policy and infrastructure. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3M97uC3
Future of Energy: Fmr. State Rep. Drew Christensen leads a high-level discussion on the financial and operational realities of Minnesota’s energy transition. The panel features John Marshall (Community Relations Xcel Energy) Kari Groth Swan (Executive Director, Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority) and Gregg Mast (Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota), who dive into the “green bank” model and how public-private partnerships are unlocking capital for clean energy projects. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rWH85B
Legislative Perspective and Reaction: Host and moderator Laura Bordelon (Minnesota Chamber of Commerce) moderates a candid and often sharp dialogue between two of the state’s most influential energy legislators: Senator Nick Frentz (DFL), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee, and Representative Chris Swedzinski (R), Co-Chair of the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qom2M3
Leading the Conversation
Since 2010, Fluence has led the conversation about the economy, the politics and the policy issue that drive Minnesota. We’re continuing to grow in 2026 after Fluence Media had 200 percent growth in 2025. Meanwhile, Fluence Advisory is navigating the biggest policy and media challenges for Minnesota’s most critical companies and industries.
To learn more about how to work with Fluence in content and consulting email Blois Olson. bolson@fluence-media.com
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.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.