lunch take | REPORT: DHS Asst Commissioner Fired + General Mills to Lower Prices
9.17.25
35% of Americans say they’re satisfied with K-12 education – that’s a record low in the poll’s history and an 8-point drop from last year. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3VG88rX
The Fed is expected to announce an interest rate cut today. UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/3Vi0Yd8
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4go58tu
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger and GOP Rep. Danny Nadeau discussing how they want to move forward with a special session as purple district legislators. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4gxlhNy
Blois
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Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
GEN MILLS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “General Mills Inc. (GIS) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $1.2 billion . . . The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods posted revenue of $4.52 billion in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gweGCU
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Consumers are still behaving cautiously due to economic uncertainty, global conflicts and changing food-policy regulations, Chief Executive Jeff Harmening said. General Mills will lower prices across roughly two-thirds of its portfolio this year to better appeal to these budget-conscious shoppers, he added, noting that about half of that work was completed during the recent quarter. These efforts are driving results, as General Mills said it held or grew its volume-based market share in eight of its top 10 U.S. categories.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41YXlMW
DHS: Via news release from Rep. Kristin Robbins, a candidate for governor, VERBATIM: “In advance of this morning's Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee hearing, the Department of Human Services reached out to Chair Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) to inform her that Assistant Commissioner of Homelessness & Housing Supports, Eric Grumdahl, had been terminated yesterday.” ROBBINS: “This is yet another example of DHS and the Walz Administration dodging accountability for their failures. I would have expected Assistant Commissioner Grumdahl to attend the hearing and answer questions today, but DHS never intended for him to come. While I’m glad to see they are finally starting to hold individuals running these programs accountable for fraud, doing it the day before the public hearing just shows how DHS tries to hide what is going on from legislators and the public.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46pHg4m
FRAUD: Via news release from the Governor’s office, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today issued an executive order directing state agencies to intensify efforts to prevent, detect, and combat fraud across Minnesota government programs. The order leverages new data sharing laws passed in the 2025 legislative session and builds on significant steps already taken to safeguard public dollars and ensure resources are directed to Minnesotans who need them most.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VifK3D
MORE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The executive order follows a tumultuous stretch during which Minnesota's state-administered programs have been rocked by fraud, including the Feeding Our Future scandal, cases involving alleged false billing by autism centers and personal care attendant businesses, and the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, which has been documented extensively by KARE 11's Housing Hustle Investigation. KARE's Investigation laid bare widespread allegations of fraud and exposed questionable billing practices within the Medicaid-funded HSS program, designed to help elderly and disabled Minnesotans find and maintain housing, which has cost taxpayers millions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nzyWWq
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)
CANADA: Via news release from Ag-West Bio, VERBATIM: “A delegation from Minnesota’s MBOLD Coalition is visiting Saskatoon this week to strengthen cross-border collaboration in plant protein innovation and sustainability. The mission is organized in support of MBOLD’s Protein Innovation Initiative and includes representatives from leading food and agriculture companies and nonprofit organizations. MBOLD—a coalition of senior executives from Minnesota-based companies including Cargill, General Mills and Target and institutions like the University of Minnesota—has identified the Canadian Prairies as a leading region in advancing sustainable protein solutions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Icy633
MAPLE GROVE: Via DEED, a letter from Illume Candles announcing its closing its manufacturing plant in Maple Grove, a move that will result in a “mass layoff.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3I619W2
MORE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports 132 workers will be impacted. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K7nDX5
CANNABIS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has begun distributing some of the revenue raised by marijuana’s legalization to communities harmed by past cannabis prohibition laws. In recent weeks, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management announced it is sending out $1 million in grant funds to nonprofits across the state for projects designed to uplift marginalized communities, especially those who were over policed and racially profiled under prohibition.” QUOTE: “It’s really about righting the wrongs of the past,” said Jess Jackson, the office’s director of social equity. “It’s a reparative program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47N59Fb
NEXTGEN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Central Lakes College students, local high school students, and youth being homeschooled had the opportunity to take part in CLC’s annual Minnesota Education Fair on Tuesday morning. Over 60 different college and university representatives from across Minnesota and the U.S. gathered in CLC’s gymnasium in Brainerd so the next generation could learn more about their futures.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Isi9FQ
RETAIL: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Over the past few years, the comeback among ‘Class A’ malls has tripped up that pandemic drumbeat of ‘malls are dead.’ Look at Mall of America and Rosedale. ‘Those are malls that have very cannily worked out how to have ‘shopping plus,’’ says Mary Van Note, a partner with Ginger Consulting in Minneapolis. ‘So, it’s shopping plus entertainment, plus dining, plus events and activations and things like that. So, you’re not just going to shop.’ Think: back-to-school events, Nickelodeon Universe—or Rosedale announcing its like-nothing-before addition of BRKTHROUGH, an interactive gaming experience with ‘challenge rooms.’ ‘Class C’ malls still struggle, she says.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ptgkcA
AUDIT: Via report out this morning from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, VERBATIM: “The Department of Public Safety (DPS) generally complied with most of the requirements we tested. However, we identified some instances of noncompliance related to legislatively required audit reporting, driver’s license indicators, interest charges on overdue payments, and one subscriber contract.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4proSkd
NORTHSTAR: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Sherburne County agreed Tuesday to a two-year pilot project to provide commuter bus service between the northern suburbs of Big Lake and Elk River and downtown Minneapolis after Northstar trains stop running in January. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Council will partner on the project. MnDOT will pay half the operating cost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3I2KouV
SCHOOLS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Big changes are ahead for Carlton Middle and High School. With the unanimous vote by the school board Monday night, the district is moving forward with plans to consolidate with Wrenshall, a decision that’s expected to have an impact on the community . . . School leaders say the biggest factors behind the decision were declining enrollment and ongoing financial issues.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/467sa4u
UNDISTURBED LAND: One of the largest undisturbed natural areas in the Twin Cities metro area is the Pine Bend Bluffs in Dakota County. Situated along the Mississippi River, these hundreds of acres owned by Flint Hills Resources are a key migration corridor for millions of songbirds and 40 percent of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. Collaboration among Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Greening and Flint Hills Resources volunteers help to restore this natural area to pre-settlement conditions. The Pine Bend Bluffs has earned Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification since 2001. The site recently earned gold certification, making the Pine Bend Bluffs currently the only gold certified site in Minnesota and the first ever in the metro area. WATCH: Flint Hills Resources: Certified Gold by the Wildlife Habitat Council (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
WALZ: MPR talked with former Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) about why he thinks Gov. Tim Walz has “the best chance of any governor that has tried to run for three terms.” VERBATIM: “Pelowski, who served for 38 years in the Legislature, was an ally of former Gov. Rudy Perpich when the DFLer was turned back for a third straight term in 1990. Pelowski said Walz has ‘the most extensive of any governor that we’ve had over eight years.’ ‘He’s had to battle with basically two different economies, one economy that was flush and had a $17 billion surplus, and another economy that was exactly the opposite, he had a deficit,’ Pelowski said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nFxgeh
MN GOP: Via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “In the 2026 Minnesota state elections, the focus for Republicans will be on Greater Minnesota, speakers at a Lyon County Republicans event said this week. ‘Why Greater Minnesota? Because this is where the conservative votes are,’ said Mike Amery, director of Greater Minnesota outreach for American Experiment, a conservative think tank and policy organization. Amery was one of the speakers at the Lyon County Republicans’ fall dinner Monday night in Ghent. In addition to a keynote speech from conservative advocate and Republican governor candidate Kendall Qualls, area residents also heard from state legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Vj4W5l
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)
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “City officials in Golden Valley are making plans for a revamped civic center campus and are asking architects to develop a new vision for the city’s primary government buildings.” QUOTE: “The idea is to come up with a plan for where all of the new facilities should go,” said Chloe McGuire, Golden Valley’s deputy community development director. “So, a new city hall, public safety building, library — and actually a new water tower too, which is going to be really fun because we can decide where that goes.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pJZMNN
AIRPORT: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A new study is showing some love for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. J.D. Power's North America Airport Satisfaction Study ranks the Twin Cities airport in the top spot for mega-sized airports, which have at least 33 million passengers traveling through them per year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mhsKBD
PICKLEBALL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Whether you’re an avid pickleball enthusiast or hoping to dip your toes into the popular pastime, you should keep your eye on a major development coming to Apple Valley: Picklehall. The Apple Valley City Council cast their final votes last week to approve construction of the brand-new facility, which will feature 18 indoor pickleball courts, 80 self-serve beer taps, 300 outdoor patio seats, fire pits, outdoor games, and a food hall.” READ/RENDERING: https://fluence-media.co/41W7MAO
CARIBOU: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Caribou Coffee on St. Paul's Grand Avenue announced Tuesday that it'll temporarily close this fall for make way for a ‘new 'Bou.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46qLYi4
WUOLLET: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Wuollet Bakery's final location has officially shut down. Driving the news: The last outpost of the long-running local bakery chain, which has been whittled down from six locations in 2019 to just one lone spot in Uptown by June, is no longer in operation, according to a statement from Wuollet.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/485xmr9
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its 2025 third quarter results. A news release containing third quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on October 28, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46joHA5
NEXT YEAR: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The lineup for Winstock Country Music Festival 2026 has been revealed. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley have been confirmed as the headliners for the 32nd iteration of the two-day festival, which will take place in Winsted – about an hour west of Minneapolis – on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4nBbPLl
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
TACOS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Every year, the Lake Street Taco Tour guides eaters on a taco odyssey of sorts—a journey through more than 30 Lake Street restaurants offering specials on tacos of all kinds. In a different world, if I was the Joey Chestnut of taco eating, I would have visited all of them, but alas, a girl can only house so many tacos in one day. I carefully studied the Taco Tour map (kindly provided by the Lake Street Council and the Latino Economic Development Center, which co-hosted the event this year) and zeroed in on tacos that stood out to me in style or state of origin—like tacos de canasta or mole tacos.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46jNOkU
VALLEYFAIR: Via news release from Valleyfair, VERBATIM: “This fall, Valleyfair offers thrills and chills for all ages with two seasonal events: ValleyScare - The region’s largest Halloween attraction, featuring five haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and bone-chilling live entertainment. When darkness falls, fear takes over as monsters are unleashed throughout the park. ValleyScare is designed for thrill-seeking guests looking for a spine-tingling night of frights. Tricks and Treats - A family-friendly daytime celebration full of not-so-scary Halloween fun. Guests of all ages can enjoy themed activities, live entertainment, festive games, and fall-inspired food and drinks. Kids can dress up for the costume contest and experience the playful side of Halloween.”
BDAYS: Star Tribune’s Sue Campbell, Target’s Kayla Castañeda, food shelf leader Jennifer Loon
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