HEAD START
We’ve rested long enough, let’s start 2026 in Minnesota Politics.
The break since December 24th yielded multiple “green” recovery days on the Whoop, and some good 2026 list making.
- One book a month
- One non-newspaper article a day unrelated to work
- Inbox zero into April
- Green sleep score 5x a week
Running Venezuela wasn’t on my 2026 list, but it’s the unknowns of the year that will keep us sharp. Axios has s solid quick read on the role of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and how the operation went down. READ: https://fluence-media.co/49uAMCS
That said, there’s a year to get started on – so we do a Sunday Send. Afterall, Star Tribune’s columnist Evan Ramstad reminds us that constraints require creativity. Our goal is to be the most insightful media outlet in Minnesota and the Midwest.
We can’t guarantee Sunday Send all year; the sense is 2026 will have plenty of content. The Sam Darnold regrets are real, but at least disappointment is done for the season, but a winning record.
Expect plenty of World Juniors attendance questions – wait until its done, as Sweet Lou Nanne said – it gave MSP a much-needed positive look to the rest of the world.
As we enter January, Gov. Tim Walz hasn’t had a media availability since December 26th – and the questions haven’t been answered. His team is offering statements, but the pressure to talk, and answer tougher questions is building.
My thoughts in in the WSJ this weekend, via Roseville’s own John McCormick VERBATIM: ““Fraud as an issue will haunt him until November,” said Blois Olson, a political analyst who publishes a Minnesota politics newsletter. “He has not addressed the issue loudly enough, and most people think that he has not taken it seriously enough. It’s a sign that there’s just fraud fatigue, which ultimately means Walz fatigue.” – fmr. Gov Tim Pawlety included as well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Fs5qo
So YouTuber Nick Shirley made a viral video – his, and the POTUS reshare of a conspiracy theory about the assassination of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman her husband Mark and the attempted killing of the Hoffman’s crush credibility and increases danger – making him the latest 15 minute of fame from social reporting but ultimately truth isn’t his calling card.
Not quite as unbelievable but on the scale of silliness is DFLers blaming Republicans including fmr. Gov. Tim Pawlenty for the fraud. Give it a rest, take some REAL accountability and ACTION.
See Signal vs. Noise below…
There’s buzz in DC too, about how the fraud scandal will impact the DFL Senate race. On WCCO TV this AM, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan launches a statewide caucus tour, and takes another jab at Rep. Angie Craig on immigration. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49qNMt6
The Star Tribune delivery from Iowa has had a couple issues already from Iowa – weather being one, and a production “issue”, the prevented delivery Saturday.
St. Paul has a new Mayor, Kaohly Her was sworn in – my college Vineeta Sawkar talked to the her on Friday. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qujvAg
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will be sworn in tomorrow.
It’s that time of year that we are adding sponsors, if you’re interested email - bloisolson@gmail.com
Paid Family Medical Leave, already has 12,000 applicants. Projections are 130,000 in the first year. We talked to DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek on Sunday Take this morning. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3NuT7Ig
Tomorrow is National Keto Day and National Whipped Cream Day… plan accordingly.
morning take is back tomorrow at 6:20AM on WCCO Radio, and by 7:15 AM in your inbox.
And we’re off for what will be an intense and intersting 2026…
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
This week’s for paid subscribers MNSider Brief will be The State of Media in Minnesota, it will be out Wednesday night.
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
The latest MNSider Fluence Brief – What does President Trump saying “Mike Lindell deserves to be Governor.” mean to the GOP race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48R7fnM
Health Care will remain a top issue into 2026, the State of Health Care Fluence Forum panels from last week are now available in podcast form. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForumPodcast
Sunday Take featured Rep. Kelly Morrison discussing her first year in Congress and her priorities for 2026. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49463vT
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/
SIGNAL OR NOISE
Ultimately, as this past week has shown is that in 2026 it is going to be best to separate the “Signal” from the “Noise”. That’s the theme of the my 2026 presentation – the need and ability for corporations, trade groups and the public to separate the signal from the noise.
If successful, the signals will overamplify the noise – that is however a bit ambitious.
Noise will impact 2026, but focusing on the signals is something both Fluence teams from Advisory to media must focus on. Signals are polls, , economic indicators, fact-driven stories and scenarios from the mood of Minnesota.
This weekend’s noise - the Trump repost of the false story of the Hortman’s assassination, and the amplification of suggesting that Nick Shirley was 110 percent accurate.
Signals are actual figures related to fraud, real documentation – which we need more of, and the fact that we had multiple reasons to take out Maduro, agree or disagree – it isn’t all noise or your latest TDS driven conspiracy.
To book a speaking gig from Fluence for your group in 2026, email admin@fluence-media.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.
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 © 2025 Fluence Media, All rights reserved.