NFL fans like Chevrolet, Heineken, State Farm and Oreos. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/4giToHi
The new Drought Monitor released this morning once again shows now change – 49% of the state remains in drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3WELD7u
On Sunday Take House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins about the current state of the chamber. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jLC4xF
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
MN HOUSE: From Susie Jones via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Will Minnesotans find out Monday when a special election will be called for an open seat in Roseville? That seat is open because the winner was ineligible to hold the office because he did not meet residency requirements for the district. Initially won by a significant margin by the DFL candidate, it will likely stay blue. But in the meantime, it's created chaos in the House where Democrats and Republicans can't get together on an agreement to share power. Currently, it's 67-66 in favor of the GOP while they wait for the special election.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PWygvB
SPORTS BETS: Via Minnesota Senate DFL, VERBATIM: “Senator Matt Klein (DFL – Mendota Heights) announces the introduction of Senate File 757, a bill to legalize and regulate sports wagering in Minnesota. After reaching an unprecedented all-party agreement at the close of the 2024 legislative session, Senator Klein is ready bring this bill across the finish line in 2025.” QUOTE: “My bipartisan bill unites key stakeholders, including all eleven tribal nations, two commercial horse racing tracks, professional sports teams, bipartisan legislators, and most important public support.” Said Senator Klein. “We are ready to legalize and regulate sports wagering in a responsible manner in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PUmySn
(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a client and sponsor of Fluence)
SHOOTING: Via Hennepin County Attorney, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced it has found no evidence of unlawful behavior by law enforcement and will not be filing any charges against a member of the Minnesota State Patrol for shooting at Eddie Freeman III on Sept. 21, 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jEQAqy
INSURANCE: From Bill Lukitsch via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, poised to become the country’s most expensive natural disaster on record, with costs estimated in the tens of billions for insured losses alone, insurance experts are worried about the toll of a changing climate on an unstable industry built on pricing risk — and the potential consumer fallout . . . Aaron Cocking, president and chief executive officer of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, said 2024 marked the first time in the past six years when carriers actually made money in the state . . . California has witnessed a mass exodus of insurance companies. Cocking said that happened because the companies were unable to get the rate they needed — a problem Minnesota has also seen to some extent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WEe4CD
(DISCLOSURE: Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a Fluence client)
TARGET: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Target's rollback on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is raising questions about the retail giant's philanthropic commitment to fighting racial disparities and promoting progressive values in liberal Minneapolis, where it is based, and beyond. Target and the Target Foundation have made six-figure donations in recent years to groups working on Black economic empowerment and LGBTQ+ acceptance. ‘Racial equity’ is still listed as a cornerstone of the foundation's local grantmaking. But some fundraisers now wonder whether those types of gifts remain a primary concern for the brand, as Target joins other major American companies in curtailing internal DEI efforts attacked most prominently by President Donald Trump's administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PUZXVs
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
READING: From Christopher Ingraham via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The share of Minnesota eighth graders failing to meet basic reading achievement standards edged up to the highest level on record in 2024, according to national benchmark test results released this week. The data, from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that 29% of Minnesota eighth grade students failed to demonstrate a minimum level of reading ability. While the change from 2022 to 2024 is not considered statistically significant, a decade ago just 18% of eighth graders were performing as poorly.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gmM654
FOOD SHELF: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Crystal’s NEAR Food Shelf hosted U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D – 5th Congressional District) on Wednesday, showing off its recent remodel and asking for help with future funding . . . The visit came just after President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to freeze federal grants and loans.” QUOTE: “We just really are looking forward to hearing what her department is able to do for the food shelf,” said Thea Bruley, NEAR Food Shelf director. “These programs need to continue so that we can sustain the current level of service for our clients. If we don’t have that assistance, we’re going to have to get that from the community. And all food shelves are going to be hurting.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42T3njB
STUDY: From Second Harvest Heartland via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Second Harvest Heartland released the results of its recent Statewide Hunger Study, showing that 1 in 5 Minnesota households are experiencing food insecurity and cannot afford the food they need.” QUOTE: "People cannot afford the food they need while managing the rising costs of housing, healthcare, energy and childcare," said Allison O'Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. "Minnesota's hunger relief network is in its highest gear but cannot meet the need indefinitely; we must address the root causes of food insecurity so that fewer people need emergency food support." READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hm80H5
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)
SURVEY: From Torey Van Oot via Axios, VERBATIM: “Most Axios Twin Cities readers agree with our assessment that the traffic at MSP Airport's arrivals section has become a total drag. But they also swear they're not part of the problem. The big picture: Over 60% of the 602 readers who responded to our unscientific survey on airport pickup etiquette say they either circle in the outer lane or wait in the cellphone lot until their passenger is ready to go.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ghtaEV
LYON CTY: From Deb Gau via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “Lyon County is one of several southwest Minnesota counties that has been called an immigration ‘sanctuary county’ by outside groups. But county officials say they don’t know how they got that label. ‘No action has been taken on the county board level to declare the county a sanctuary,’ Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen said. Wallen said the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office already shares information with agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws or detain people for ICE, he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CyrWr5
DEI: From Allison Kaplan via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “In the wake of President Trump’s assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and a wave of corporate policy rollbacks including Target Corp., one Minneapolis-based DEI consultant is imploring her clients to stay the course . . . Management consultancy McKinsey has been tracking business performance in relationship to workforce diversity since 2015 and reports a steady upward trend in financial performance among companies with diverse executive teams. McKinsey’s latest report, from 2023, finds companies with representation of women exceeding 30% are ‘significantly more likely to financially outperform those with 30% or fewer.’ The results were similarly positive for companies with ethnic diversity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CGCVyF
38TH & CHICAGO: From Ari Bergeron via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Local business owners at George Floyd Square have not held back in their disapproval of the city's latest pedestrian mall plan for the troubled intersection where Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police in May, 2020. Last Thursday, a Minneapolis City Council committee postponed plans to build a pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square after 15 of the 20 business owners along the intersection voiced their disapproval. The main issue is that they don't want it closed to traffic. But, as WCCO's Ari Bergeron found out, not everyone in the neighborhood is against the latest proposal.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42FlWHT
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED:” EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES - Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
REPORTS: Via Associated Press, quarterly earnings from Minnesota-based companies:
AMERIPRISE: “Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. (AMP) on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter profit of $1.07 billion. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $10.58. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to $9.36 per share. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The financial services company posted revenue of $4.5 billion in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $4.46 billion, also surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EaCxJ9
CH ROBINSON: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW) on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $149.3 million. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.22. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to $1.21 per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The trucking company posted revenue of $4.18 billion in the period, which missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40E4xwh
TWO HARBORS: “Two Harbors Investments Corp. (TWO) on Wednesday reported net income of $276.7 million in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $2.37. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, were 20 cents per share. The real estate investment trust that invests in mortgage-backed securities posted revenue of $103.8 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gnoJZj
HAWKINS: “Hawkins Inc. (HWKN) on Wednesday reported profit of $15 million in its fiscal third quarter. On a per-share basis, the Roseville, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 72 cents. The chemical maker posted revenue of $226.2 million in the period.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4aF2zR2
BRIDGEWATER: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (BWB) on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter profit of $8.2 million. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based bank said it had earnings of 26 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 27 cents per share. The company posted revenue of $65.9 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $29.5 million, surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gjCQ1F
SURMODICS: “SurModics Inc. (SRDX) on Thursday reported a loss of $3.7 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 26 cents . . . The drug delivery technology company posted revenue of $29.9 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jBf5Fi
DULUTH SCHOOLS: From Izabella Zadra via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Back in 2023, Duluth Public Schools bought the old Duluth News Tribune building on Fifth Avenue West and First Street. Renovations recently began and plans are starting to become reality. The district is investing around $10 million to $12 million into creating a new welcome center for Duluth schools. It is set to be a one-stop shop for students, staff, and parents.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PWG9Ba
TONIGHT: From Myah Goff via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The inaugural Black Europe Film Festival, which debuts in Minneapolis on Thursday at MSP Film Society’s Main Cinema, interrogates these questions of belonging, identity and cultural preservation. Featuring 31 films — nine features and 22 shorts from 24 countries — the festival reflects the lived experiences among Black communities navigating predominantly white European societies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40QsLoy
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FARM BUREAU: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Farm Bureau vice president Carolyn Olson says during the American Farm Bureau delegate session Tuesday, her organization will have the opportunity to debate nine policy recommendations. ‘We submitted 22, nine were accepted into the delegate session.’ Speaking to Brownfield Saturday during the AFBF Convention in San Antonio, she said the recommendations range from EMS credits to biofuels.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Q21JUN
MORE: Via Morning Ag Clips, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Dan Glessing was re-elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Board of Directors during the AFBF Annual Convention held in San Antonio. Glessing was re-elected by delegates from the Midwest region to serve a two-year term.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WH8S0O
CWD: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in wild deer in two new Minnesota deer permit areas. Two adult male deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in two deer permit areas without previous confirmed cases of the disease. One adult deer was harvested in deer permit area 266 near Hawley in Clay County, and the other adult deer was harvested in deer permit area 701 near Greenfield in Hennepin County.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jA3lTk
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MPLS CLUB: Longtime golf course manager Joseph Wagner has been hired by The Minneapolis Club as its new CEO. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jNRl0S
HORMEL: From Hormel via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Mark Ourada, group vice president, Foodservice, following 37 years of dedicated service and leadership.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42y8GEI
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CEREAL: From Lakeville-based Post Consumer Brands via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Honey Bunches of Oats is giving fans a new way to enjoy rich chocolate with the introduction of its new cereal – Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate, which is the first new permanent addition to their fan-favorite cereal portfolio in five years!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hABRvg
BDAYS: Asst. Commissioner Cathy ten Broeke, author Rachel Allyn, Edina Chamber’s Shelly Loberg, Securian’s Channing Schmidt
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