Blue Plate restaurants today offering 17 percent off breakfast thanks to the -17 projected temp this morning.
Ohio State wins the National Football Championship
Wild win. Wolves lose.
The U of M dance team took home its 23rd national title this week. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3Cg0L4d
Rep. Tom Emmer met Wayne Gretzky at the presidential inauguration yesterday. PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4astnnj
Schools across the state have canceled classes today due to dangerously cold weather. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4h0CFtv
Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at full-staff on Inauguration Day “in accordance with an order signed by President Donald Trump.” Flags are at half-staff again today in remembrance of Jimmy Carter.
Pres. Donald Trump pardoned around 1,500 people charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021 capitol attack. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4h5tfgm
Happy National Granola Bar Day.
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CqGoRN
Senate DFL Leader Erin Murphy and Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson were both on Sunday Take to discuss fraud, co-equal governing and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42lWBCv
TRUMP/HEGSETH: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In his second inaugural address, President Donald Trump [described] an America in decline and vowed to be the nation’s savior. … He will pause all offshore wind leases, abolish the electric vehicle mandate, withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord and end all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. But the most sweeping and immediate actions will focus on the U.S.-Mexico border. … [Trump] will designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, raising the question of whether U.S. troops would be deployed in Mexico. A White House official said that has not been determined, but could be at the discretion of the new defense secretary, which would be [Minnesota native] Pete Hegseth if he is confirmed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E0j3XH
KLOBUCHAR: via ABC News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, chair of the congressional inaugural committee, spoke to ABC News about what was said during the limousine ride she shared with then-President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump as they made their way to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony Monday.
"I'm not going to reveal every detail, except to say maybe we did discuss football just a little bit, and some of the games yesterday," she told ABC News World News Tonight anchor David Muir, referring to Sunday's NFL playoffs…."And we also talked about the now-president's upcoming trip to Los Angeles, and I talked to him privately about that with the Olympics coming, and how important that is, and of course, mentioned the firefighters in my speech," she added. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PGUyBo
MORE: via X from Bo Erickson of Reuters, VERBATIM: “Trump points at Sen. Amy Klobuchar: 5 years after her presidential campaign to unseat him, no one appeared to be having more fun at this luncheon than Klobuchar, who was head of the Inauguration committee. Seated next to Trump for more than an hour, the two almost never broke conversation. There was lots of laughing, hand shakes, pointing out people in the crowd.” PIC: https://fluence-media.co/40o3hNO
MORE: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered remarks at the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Klobuchar has been the Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) since last year [and] has been charged with planning and carrying out the inaugural events.” KLOBUCHAR: “Our theme this year is ‘Our Enduring Democracy.’ … Through war and peace, through adversity and prosperity, we hold this inauguration every four years, and today it falls on Martin Luther King Day, a further reminder that we must strive to uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution — the freedoms, the liberties and, as is inscribed on the entrance of the United States Supreme Court, equal justice under law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gT6wUx WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h0crHj
ATTENDEES: MinnPost’s Ana Radelat notes that both of Minnesota’s senators and six of its eight representatives attended the inauguration — DFL Reps. Betty McCollum and Ilhan Omar were the only exceptions, choosing instead to attend MLK Jr. Day events. In addition to her speaking role at the event, Sen. Amy Klobuchar was seated in between Pres. Donald Trump and Vice Pres. JD Vance during the congressional lunch following the inauguration. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E0j3XH
MORE: Other Minnesotans spotted at the Inaugural, Sens. Mark Johnson, Karin Housley, John Jasinksi, , Julia Coleman and husband Americans for Prosperity state director Jacob Coleman. Business leaders included: Starkey’s Brandon Sawalich, Farm Bureau’s Dan Glessing, Cambria’s Marty Davis. MN GOP ED Jen DeJournett, lobbyist Amy Koch, higher ed leader Jen Niska, fundraiser Jeanette Purcell, fmr. Sen. Paul Gazelka,
REACTIONS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump said his [Day One] executive orders cover a wide range of policies from immigration to energy. … ‘People across the country voted for that. Follow the law, follow the process, and that is the right thing to do,’ Jennifer DeJournett, the executive director of the Minnesota GOP, said. But one Minnesota immigration attorney says the community is fearful. … Esteban Rivera [said] ‘People with different degrees of immigration status are worried — even U.S. citizens, even permanent residents.’ … Trump [also said] the U.S. government will now recognize just two genders — male and female. … ‘It really made me feel like my whole community is being systemically…wiped out of society,’ Minneapolis City Council Member and transgender activist Andrea Jenkins said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3WsdDLt
MORE: via Ingrid Lyons, executive director of Save the Boundary Waters, LYONS: “The Boundary Waters – America’s most visited and now most threatened Wilderness – is in the crosshairs of the new Administration. … 70% of Minnesotans support a ban on [copper] mining in the Boundary Waters…[and] Save the Boundary Waters will continue leading the fight, demanding permanent safeguards that can’t be undone by shifting political tides.”
MORE: See yesterday’s lunch take for more Minnesota perspectives on the presidential inauguration. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40srdzJ
APPLES: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The inaugural luncheon, which took place around 90 minutes after the official swearing-in of President Donald Trump Monday, featured apples from Minnesota. The apples were used for the luncheon's dessert — an apple icebox terrine with sour cream ice cream and salted caramel, according to CBS News. Chesapeake crab cake, Angus ribeye steak and wine were also listed on the menu.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h3WZKg
2026: via MPR’s Brian Bakst Capitol View newsletter on Gov. Tim Walz 2026 plans. VERBATIM: “I asked Walz when he’ll decide on his 2026 plans. He hasn’t said if his second term will be his last as Minnesota governor; a third consecutive term is unheard of in modern times in Minnesota. “I think we’ll take a look at this legislative session. I think it’s always best in this case once you’re in to get through the legislative session. So just candidly, I think this is probably a decision that needs to be made sometime in June, sometime this summer to give folks the opportunity.” I asked if he’s leaning in either direction. "The honor to do it is one and just the joy in doing it it brings to me is great. I’m pleased with what we’ve been able to do.” He trailed off without saying he’s inclined or disinclined to do it. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4hric0N
MARTIN: via the NYT, VERBATIM: “Ken Martin, one of the front-runners to lead the Democratic National Committee, said on Tuesday that he had support from 200 members of the party, a level of backing that is close to what he needs to clinch victory.
If that support holds for Mr. Martin, the chairman of the Minnesota Democrats, he would be just 25 votes short of the number necessary to win the party elections on Feb. 1.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h2EqGi
MNLEG: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments in the DFL lawsuit against the GOP that argues House Republicans were wrong to claim they have a majority in the House. That's one of the reasons why 66 House DFL representatives had a secret swear-in and are boycotting the session. … After another court ruling on Friday, it now looks like a special House election in Roseville won't happen until sometime in March, [meaning] the DFL may continue their boycott through that new special election date. … GOP House Leader Lisa Demuth [said] the GOP may pursue recall elections against DFL members who don't show.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PGt3rE
HIGHERED: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Rep. Marion Rarick (R – Maple Lake) told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she has asked for “top-to-bottom” revenue and spending data for the entire University of Minnesota system…This would include, Rarick said, salaries and benefits for all presidents, vice presidents, chancellors, and department heads throughout the system. RARICK: “Across the entire $5 billion annual budget. It’s never been asked for before; the legislature has never looked at that before,” said Rarick. “They didn’t know what to do. So, yes, historic.”…Rarick will be looking to see if those salary and benefits packages are comparable to similar university systems in other states.” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PGhFMz
APPEAR?: After Rep. Marion Rarick said on X that the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education, Dennis Olson said he was under direction of the Governor to not meet with House Republicans. Morning take received copies of emails where DEED Commissioners Matt Verilek and DLI Commissoner Nicole Blissenbach responded with nearly identical messages that say, “The position of the Administration is that we will attend public hearings once the House is constitutionally organized and has clearly organized, bipartisan committees.” An interesting note is that the first decline came on January 9th, the Thursday before the House was even in Session.
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “As the St. Paul City Council prepares to vote on amending the city charter to allow for non-criminal fines and administrative citations, [critics] worried that future penalties will come down hardest on those with the least ability to pay. They’re eager to see guardrails preventing cash-strapped city departments from balancing their books through fines over mundane concerns like tall weeds and chipped paint. … Supported by all seven council members, the proposed charter amendment looks likely to be approved by the city council on Wednesday, but that may not be the final word.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3C3yYnG
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and his wife, Sarah Clarke, are expecting a baby due July 21. … The news comes the same year Frey is up for re-election, facing at least four challengers this fall. ‘There’s so much chaos going on in the world, sometimes it’s nice just to celebrate these beautiful things,’ Frey said. … Rev. DeWayne Davis of Plymouth Congregational Church, City Council Member Emily Koski, state Sen. Omar Fateh and former City Council candidate Brenda Short have announced campaigns to challenge Frey.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jrj4UI
BATHROOMS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In late December, Nicollet Mall was replete with people, along with clusters of portable toilets scattered throughout. … Outside of Holidazzle, however, facilities for people to relieve themselves are few and far between. The Minneapolis Downtown Council hopes to change that by increasing the amount of available bathrooms by 20% in the next two years. They don’t know exactly how they will do so, but plan to convene a series of meetings this year to strategize.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PKT21c
GARAGES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Christopher Keppel moved to Victoria about 15 years ago…but he fears the charm of the southwest metro community will fade when his neighbor builds a residential structure with a 6,000-square-foot garage. … Call them car barns, garage condos or ‘barndominiums,’ the demand for luxury storage spaces, sometimes connected to or including gathering spaces, is rising across Minnesota and the nation. People are building them in the Twin Cities metro area and in the Brainerd Lakes area as parking for car collections and seasonal [vehicles]. … Residents and city officials increasingly find themselves in emotionally fraught debates about where large garages can be built and what sorts of amenities they can offer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ci2RR6
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS: “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
NURSING HOMES: via an SEIU press release, VERBATIM: “Nursing home workers and advocates spoke out today on the first day that all nursing home workers across Minnesota will receive time-and-a-half holiday pay on [the] MLK, Jr. holiday because of rules passed by the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board last year. … The Board [was] created by the Minnesota legislature during the 2023 session [and] is the first of its kind in the country that covers nursing home workers and has the authority to set standards like pay & benefits.”
(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)
MLK DAY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Hundreds across the Twin Cities [celebrated] Martin Luther King Jr. Day while reflecting on his legacy. Monday was only the second time in history the presidential inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. Day have fallen on the same day. … Those celebrating King pointed to unity as the answer when civil rights and liberties are on the line. … Tiffani Daniels, former managing director of Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity, [said] ‘A lot of the same issues that Dr. King was fighting and working to bring awareness to still persist, [and] I’m trying to work towards an existence for Black people that we haven’t quite seen yet.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hhybPn
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)
MISSING: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The State of Minnesota is finalizing the details to launch a new reward to help solve certain missing person cases next month. The legislature established the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag (they will be remembered forever) reward account during the 2022-2023 session to help solve missing Indigenous peoples cases. More details are expected to be shared next month, according to the State’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40rQbPP
PELTIER: via Axios, VERBATIM: “President Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents in a case long disputed by Native American advocates. Native American and American Indian Movement (AIM) activists for decades sought a pardon or commuted sentence for Peltier, who has drawn celebrities [to] his cause. Peltier will now transition to home confinement. … A jury found Peltier guilty, but witnesses later said the FBI forced them to testify against him. Activists have long claimed that the charges against Peltier were part of a larger fight against AIM, a 1960s radical movement out of Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g3AELD
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)
FRIDLEY: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Authorities in Fridley say they will pursue charges against two children connected to threats that caused the school district to cancel classes for two days [last week]. … Police arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection to the threats on Wednesday, and on Friday, the Fridley Department of Public Safety said it had identified a 10-year-old girl as a person of interest, as well. The department said it would work with the Anoka County Attorney's Office to charge both children.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4anW9Wc
BRAINERD: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “The Brainerd School District is one of 12 school districts in Minnesota to receive a Computer Science Education Advancement Grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The grants are designed to support schools as they expand student access to computer science learning opportunities. They came from the 2023 Minnesota Legislature. … Brainerd received a $15,000 grant. Kari Ross, executive director of schools, said the funds will be used primarily for staff training in computer science, with an emphasis on kindergarten through eighth grade.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WrGxeu
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:
SALES TAX: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday proposed a budget outline for the next two years that includes…what he termed the first sales tax cut in history. By reducing the state portion of the sales tax from 6.875% to 6.8%, the state would receive $95 million less a year in a state budget that spends about $33 billion a year. Walz called it historic and a response to concerns about inflation. The DFL governor also said it would be a buffer against any Trump Administration tariffs on some imported goods that could lead to increased consumer prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4arMspH
SOLAR: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In an effort to replace the energy production of the soon-to-be-decommissioned Allen S. King plant in Oak Park Heights, Xcel Energy has set in motion plans for a large-scale solar farm spread across thousands of acres in western Wisconsin. … The Ten Mile Creek Solar Project calls for up to 650 megawatts of solar panel production on 5,000 acres spread across some 40,000 acres in St. Croix County. The King plant generates about 600 megawatts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40n1kBk
TARIFFS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “From windmills to cow pastures, Minnesota farmers may seem far from global markets. But with access to the sea in Duluth, Mississippi River ports and rails headed west to the Pacific, crops coming off Minnesota farms reach every corner of the Earth. They also remain extra vulnerable to trade [wars]. … Farmers might be holding their collective breath as [Donald] Trump, who once said trade wars are ‘easy to win,’ moves back into the Oval Office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g5dSmA
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. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: State Govt. hears a bill requiring the legislative auditor to submit internal control recommendations to the legislature. Education Finance hears research on forecast education revenue. Energy hears a bill changing renewable energy standards. Higher Education hears a presentation from the University of Minnesota. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear introductions and an update on bird flu. Taxes will hear bills on property tax refunds and tax exemptions for firearm storage units and other items. Housing & Homelessness will hold a remembrance for the late Sen. Kari Dziedzic and introductory overviews. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/40Fzvp1
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will speak at a housing rally at the Capitol and have meetings with Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon. Later, he will interview candidates for a vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals.
TODAY: via news advisory from House Republicans, Bill authors Rep. Jim Nash, Rep. Patti Anderson, Rep. Ben Davis, and Fraud Prevention Committee Chair Rep. Kristin Robbins will hold a press conference to highlight Republican bills addressing fraud at 12:30.
TODAY: via Minneapolis Chamber, VERBATIM: “Join us for a moderated discussion with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as they address their 2025 priorities, what challenges lie ahead for our cities, and how businesses can support and promote the Twin Cities region. This annual [Breakfast with the Mayors] event will be hosted by the University of St. Thomas.” The event is at 7:15 a.m.
FRIDAY: via a 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.” The event is at 11:30 a.m. in Bloomington. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4jdSQ8m
FRIDAY: via a VFMN advisory, VERBATIM: “Violence Free Minnesota, the statewide coalition of programs working to end relationship abuse, will host its annual Intimate Partner Homicide Memorial to honor Minnesota’s 23 confirmed victims of domestic violence homicide and 2 suspicious death victims in 2024.” The event is at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul.
JAN 28: A special election will be held to fill a legislative vacancy for Senate District 60. Note that the special election previously scheduled on this day for House District 40B has been canceled.
JAN 29: Via Jacob Frey for Our City, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will formally kick off his 2025 reelection campaign on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m.
BDAYS: DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobsen, fmr. St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, lobbyist Bentley Graves
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