From Axios, a roundup of Twin Cities a restaurant move, an expansion, openings, and closings – including one whose general manager said “the economy ate us whole.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/457XZcr
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/459ke1x
Sunday Take featured analysis of who Republicans want for governor and Anders Folk discussing his run for Hennepin County Attorney. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oTaKic
Blois
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NEW THIS MORNING
POHLADS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The four-month mystery about who joined the Pohlad family in Twins ownership, prompting the Pohlads to announce they were no longer attempting to sell the team, was finally answered Wednesday, and it included one change in family leadership. Tom Pohlad will succeed his brother, Joe, overseeing the Twins organization, and, pending Major League Baseball approval, he will succeed his uncle, Jim, as the franchise’s control person to serve as the primary liaison to the league. The principal minority investors are Glick Family Investments and George G. Hicks, along with ‘several prominent Minnesota business leaders,’ the team announced in a statement. Craig Leipold, who is the majority owner of the Minnesota Wild, is joining independently as a limited partner, the team said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48OYNUw
SURVEY: In its annual survey, Minneapolis-based Allianz Life found 48% of Americans say they’re more stressed than they were at the beginning of the year – last year it was 43%.
REASONS: “costs of day-to-day expenses (54%), income is too low (46%), not saving enough for an emergency fund (39%), too much debt (35%), high health care costs (34%), and lack of job security (33%).”
RETIREMENT: “27% say they have decreased confidence in their ability to meet their retirement goals compared to last year. In particular, Gen X (38%) and Gen Z (32%) are more likely than millennials (24%) or boomers (20%) to say they have decreased confidence compared to last year.”
READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j2fQr3
GENERAL MILLS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “General Mills Inc. (GIS) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $413 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 78 cents . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods posted revenue of $4.86 billion in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KQUQa8
TORO: Via Guru Focus, VERBATIM: “[Bloomington-based] The Toro Company (TTC) reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.07 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.05 billion. Chairman and CEO Richard Olson noted the company’s outstanding performance for both the fourth quarter and the entire fiscal year, attributing success to their robust Professional segment and strategic enhancements aimed at boosting productivity. This segment, which constitutes approximately 80% of Toro’s business, achieved a full-year earnings margin of 19.4%, underscoring the segment’s strength and reliability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Li7Du
AIRPORT: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s reevaluation of its programs for small and disadvantaged businesses under new federal rules forbidding the use of race and gender as deciding factors. Not complying with the new rules could mean a loss of federal funding. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p4gqpI
GRANTS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today more than $3.3 million for adult employment and training programs across the state. The awarded programs serve adults who face multiple barriers to employment by providing services that increase skill literacy and access to high-growth and high-wage jobs.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/48UJlGv
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
DC + MN
CRAIG: Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger – who will be that state’s first female governor – has endorsed Rep. Angie Craig in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race.
TAFOYA: Via MinnPost, a look at former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya’s political moves since she first suggested a run for Senate in February. VERBATIM: “While Tafoya is not an official candidate, she has stepped up her political activities. She’s ramped up attacks on Gov. Tim Walz, who has become a favorite GOP punching bag because of the findings of fraud in Minnesota’s social welfare programs, and has given the governor’s Republican opponents a platform on her podcast. Tafoya, an Edina resident who also once had a talk show on WCCO Radio, also met with National Republican Senatorial Committee officials last week, an NRSC source told MinnPost. She could not be reached for comment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/496WXyO
ICE: The New York Times reports on the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation targeting the Twin Cities – detailing arrests and protests widely reported in local media, and sharing details and perspective from the feds. VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security said its agents had detained more than 670 people in Minnesota this month. The department has released the names of a relatively small number who had been convicted of violent crimes. ‘Minnesota is safer with these thugs off their streets,’ Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48HYRXx
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)
CRIME
SCHOOL THREAT: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A 14-year-old boy has been taken into custody for allegedly making threats to Forestview Middle School in Baxter.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4j678rR
MN COURTS: Via MPR, a detailed look at court actions leading up to the killings of three Burnsville first responders by Shannon Gooden. VERBATIM: “An MPR News investigation shows how Minnesota’s family court system favored Gooden despite his violent history. He was able to manipulate that system because of his substantial income. That financial advantage allowed him to hire a lawyer, while [Noemi Torres] had to represent herself. It also helped him convince two judges that he was the more stable parent, with a house in the suburbs and reliable transportation. Gooden then used the courts to control, harass and financially drain Torres, before subjecting their children to the unimaginable trauma of the deadly police standoff.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s3hwEN
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
DEBT: From Debt Relieve Karma, VERBATIM: “Minnesota residents have experienced the 41st largest percentage increase in personal debt in the last decade, rising 24.19% from $50,470 per capita in 2013 to $62,680 in 2023. This change represents an absolute increase of $12,210 per resident over the ten-year period.”
IMMIGRANT BIZ: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Many immigrants are ‘so scared to go out just because they’re Brown, just because they’re Black,’ Colonial Market owner Daniel Hernandez told reporters Tuesday. Zoom in: Hernandez said business at his Lake Street grocery is down 85% from its normal level. Of his 25 employees, 21 aren’t working out of fear of ICE, he said. Hernandez and two or three volunteers are now delivering 50-100 orders daily to customers afraid to go outside. Zoom out: Other community leaders shared similar stories.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MOW4TL
HAIRCARE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “[Brooke Wiltscheck], 29, has been a hair stylist since 2019, and she said this [Mankato] plaza is usually buzzing and bustling, especially this time of year, with clients who’d booked weeks or months ahead time so they’d look their best for holiday gatherings. ‘Christmas appointments were slim pickings because people were booking out so far in advance,’ said Wiltscheck. ‘I had too many clients.’ But this year, with inflation still up, wages flattening and Minnesota’s job market sluggish, business has slowed down and Wiltscheck said she’s not alone.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rZjLJ8
PRO SPORTS: From MPR, a look at why proponents (including the new owners) want a new arena for the Timberwolves and Lynx, and what we can learn from current venue Target Center’s 1990 beginnings. VERBATIM: “Proponents back then said the new space would help revitalize downtown. And Target Center brought 1.75 million new customers to the neighborhood in its first year. But more than three decades later, city leaders are looking for ways to revitalize downtown once again. Economist J.C. Bradbury of Kennesaw State University said new sports venues will increase economic activity and ticket sales for five to 10 years. But most of that money goes to the team, not the surrounding neighborhood.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4j3iRra
RETAIL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A few years ago, if you asked the average Minnesotan to describe Southdale Center, it’s likely a few nonretail experiences would spring to top of their mind—Apple Store appointments, AMC movie premieres, or quick meals at the fast-casual food court. But this year, the list looks different. Brief errand runs have given way to strolls through the shiny-tiled luxury shopping wing, styling appointments at the newly opened Max Mara, and tech-infused mini-golf rounds at the 25,000-square-foot Puttshack. To put it simply, America’s oldest mall is officially cool again.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48WsPpx
RELATED: A recent documentary featured Southdale among ten “buildings that shaped American architecture.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45c4laE
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
AROUND MINNESOTA
VEHICLE INSPECTIONS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “If you have a salvaged car or camper, you might be familiar with Minnesota’s big backlog to get it inspected. On Tuesday, Minnesota leaders say they’re catching up with that massive demand. A big part of that effort is this new vehicle inspection site in Duluth, which Department of Public Safety leaders celebrated on Tuesday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4j2zmn7
MORE: Via MN DPS, a news release announcing there are now eight inspection sites. VERBATIM: “DVS began the expansion in 2021 in response to the overwhelming need for vehicle inspections, which experienced a surge during the pandemic. Prior to the expansion, there were two full-time inspection sites and eight inspectors which could not keep up with statewide demand, creating a backlog and frustration for customers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oYVosw
NO PHONES: MinnPost checked up on St. Paul’s Central High School where a new cell phone policy. VERBATIM: “Cherise Ayers, the school’s principal, said the new “off, off and away” policy that started this school year requires students to keep personal devices powered down, off of their bodies and in their bags from 8:15 a.m. until the school day ends at 3 p.m. ‘I’m excited for the change,’ Ayers said. The policy has been effective so far, she added, and well-received by the community at large. It even prompted her to change her own habits with technology use. ‘I leave my phone in my office all the time now,’ she said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N4ye6A
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. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
BUSINESS HEADLINES
MEDIA: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “FOX 9 Morning News anchor and reporter Se Kwon has announced her upcoming departure from the Twin Cities TV station. Kwon confirmed on Tuesday morning that she is leaving the station for a new role as a reporter and host at FOX 32 in Chicago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y0bozu
ACQUISTION: Via St. Paul-based Vomela, VERBATIM: “The Vomela Companies, a leading North American provider of visual communications, graphics, and experiential events, today announced the acquisition of Moss Inc., a globally recognized producer of premium event and retail graphics, complex structures, and custom installations for innovative brand experiences. This strategic move combines two powerhouses serving the live events and experiential industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44wgG9v
ACQUISITION: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab Inc. has closed on its previously announced acquisition of Ovivo’s electronics business, a leading and fast-growing global provider of breakthrough ultrapure water technologies for semiconductor manufacturing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aViIE1
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Apogee, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) a leading provider of architectural building products and services, as well as high-performance coated materials used in a variety of applications, today announced the company will report its fiscal 2026 third quarter results on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L1RocC
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NEXT WEEK: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Since the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) announcement last January that the World Junior Hockey Championship would return to the Twin Cities for the second time in the tournament’s history, hockey fans everywhere have been sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation. Now, the time has finally come to pack the rinks as the State of Hockey lives up to its name for the event’s 50th anniversary. Frequently referred to as the World Juniors, the tournament is an annual event in which some of the top men’s under-20 hockey teams from around the globe meet on the ice for a thrilling spectacle of hockey.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/496NGH0
BDAYS: lobbyist Nancy Haas, cyclist Tess Hohman, PR pro Kathleen McClung, attorney Jacqueline Kuiper
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