lunch take | SURVEY: Investors Avoid Reviewing Accounts + General Mills' 90s Nostalgia
10.9.25
CDC, CIA, IRS, FDA, FEMA, and the EPA – they’ve all seen significant drops in job ratings. Homeland Security, on the other hand, is improving. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3IW8FmH
From Daily Show co-founder and Twin Cities native Lizz Winstead via Facebook: “The fervor for the reopening of Chi Chi’s in the Twin Cities is high key alarming.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/3L0tz4y
Fluence client Delta Air Lines announced a better-than-expected outlook for the rest of the year citing rising airfares and luxury travel demand. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/3W0IjCW
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3J4VVKv
What are the headwinds and tailwinds facing the regional economy? - Sunday Take featured UMN’s Myles Shaver discussing the current state of the headquarters economy in Minnesota. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3IPKVR8
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
Sign-up for paid TheDailyAgenda and you’ll receive a morning take mug.
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
A monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest issue and political dynamics.
Access to our Fluence Forum audio and videio assets.
A free morning take mug if you sign-up this week.
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.
DROUGHT: We need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 12% of the state in drought, up from 3% a week ago. More than half of the state is now considered abnormally dry. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
LIST: Madden’s on Gull Lake is on of the top five resorts in the Midwest according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3ICJW6V
HC ATTY: Via news release from the Folk campaign, VERBATIM: “Anders Folk, a life-long Minnesotan, U.S. Marine, former Acting United States Attorney, and former senior official in the U.S. Department of Justice under President Joe Biden, today announced his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Folk will focus on restoring public safety in Hennepin County, bringing back common sense to criminal justice, and protecting Hennepin County’s most vulnerable residents.”
FORFEITURES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota law enforcement agencies seized and kept over $6 million in cash, vehicles and other property in 2024, according to the state auditor’s most recent asset forfeiture report. That’s 14% more than in 2023. The Minneapolis Police Department netted almost three times as much — $469,566 compared to $157,375 — from state forfeitures in 2024 compared to 2023. In many cases, Minnesota law enforcement agencies took the valuables from people who had yet to be convicted of a crime but are suspected of a crime, which is legal under current law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46H9uJc
ISRAEL/HAMAS: Via JCRC, VERBATIM: “The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas enthusiastically celebrates the agreement to secure the release of the Israeli hostages cruelly held in Gaza, and the advancement of a deal to end the war that Hamas launched with its brutal assault on Israeli border communities 734 days ago . . . We are grateful to President Donald Trump and his administration for their leadership, which has been essential in reaching this critical achievement. We are also thankful to members of Congress and elected officials from both parties, who never forgot how this war began or why it could not end until all the hostages were released.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h3nrER
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)
SURVEY: Via news release from Plymouth-based Wealth Enhancement, VERBATIM: “When we feel stressed or overwhelmed about something, we often avoid thinking about it. This is no different when it comes to finances. Over the past year, nearly half (44%) of U.S. adults avoided checking a financial account, such as a credit card balance or checking and investment accounts, due to stress or fear, according to a new Wealth Enhancement survey of 2,000 U.S. adults. Those who reported feeling very or extremely stressed about their finances (66%) adopted this avoidance most often, followed closely by Gen Z (63%). Of respondents who feel stressed, anxious, or sad, 39% said they are likely to spend money to feel better. Another 1 in 3 (34%) have paused or are reassessing their financial plans due to financial stress.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o9wXs6 INFOGRAPHIC: https://fluence-media.co/4o5ZNK4
SURVEY: Minneapolis-based Piper Sandler’s latest teen survey found preferences for Nike, e.l.f. Cosmetics, TikTok, Chik-fil-A, and Adam Sandler. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/42xmYEU
MFD: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “After a career that saw everything from historic riots and devastating fires to dramatic rescues and baby deliveries, Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner will hang up his gear at the end of the year to take on a new role serving the city. Tyner, 58, said it felt like the right time to step away after 30 years with the Minneapolis Fire Department, the last five at the helm. Reflecting on his career in an interview at Fire Station 1 downtown, he said the long days and nights were worth it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nNuVOM
MPLS MAYOR: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Some of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey‘s wealthiest supporters have mounted their own half-million-dollar campaign to bolster Frey’s reelection effort — and to swing City Council races in his favor. Why it matters: The independent expenditure effort gives Frey a financial edge on his opponents, who are trying to defend their City Council majority and flip the mayor’s office. The big picture: At stake are two competing visions for Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KIdkJt
BONDING: Via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Members of the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee learned about infrastructure projects in Brainerd that are being proposed for bonding money. Committee Chair Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL-Minnetonka) and Sen. Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) met with Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux and city staff to learn about needed upgrades to the city’s water treatment facility and the desire for a pedestrian bridge over Highway 210 and a connection to the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nBKmcI
BROADBAND: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Rural businesses need access to fast, reliable broadband as much as metro-area firms do. Based on 2024 data gathered by the state, some Greater Minnesota counties are actually outpacing the Twin Cities region. The following rankings measure access to gig broadband, which is internet service with speeds of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), the current standard for ‘high-speed.’ Surprisingly, Anoka, a metro county, came in seventh from the bottom at 17%.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pY0U0h
(DISCLOSURE: Comcast is a Fluence sponsor)
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Former Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green, who resigned Oct. 3 after he was accused of interfering with an internal investigation and improperly leaking body camera footage to local news media organizations, told CCX News he denies any wrongdoing. ‘This is something that I truly believe that I was definitely not treated right,’ Green told CCX News. ‘I’ll take responsibility for my actions. I’ve always said nobody is above the law, not even the police chief. And so if I did something wrong, I’m going to be the first to say ‘I did something wrong.’ But the allegations that I intimidated people, that I undermined the investigation, [I] never did anything like that.’ Green was also accused of improperly releasing police body camera footage to Twin Cities television station KTSP during an investigation.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3KKgP1W
STORM DAMAGE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, private non-profits, and residents affected by the severe storms and high winds that occurred on June 21 across northern Minnesota. Businesses and private non-profits are able to apply to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, and homeowners can also apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h5MsiP
ELECTRICITY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Power leaders celebrated a new energy project on Wednesday. Minnesota Power and Great River Energy, along with state officials, broke ground on the Northland reliability project. It’s a roughly 180-mile-long transmission line, starting in Grand Rapids and ending in St. Cloud. MN power leaders say the project will boost grid reliability and resilience in northern and central Minnesota.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48okcWa
70-YEAR LEGACY OF CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION. Innovation has been synonymous with the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery since it was established 70 years ago. Today, Pine Bend operates with cutting-edge leak detection technologies, the largest solar installation of its kind, a community-driven water-recycling system, and numerous other advancements. These innovations have allowed Pine Bend to produce more of the fuels and other products we all need, while continually finding ways to use fewer resources and minimize emissions. LEARN MORE: Environmental, Health, and Safety at Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
NEXTGEN: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Thousands of people gathered in early October at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the AISES 2025 National Conference. The American Indian Science and Engineering Society holds its national conference in different cities across the United States each year, bringing together Native professionals, educators and those interested in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, careers. The conference was held over a course of three days at the convention center with hands-on learning sessions, lectures and networking opportunities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4obxJVx
NEW SCHOOL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A group of elementary school students in the Osseo School District has a historic assignment — they must help pick a new school mascot, choose school colors and assist with designing a logo. The students, who currently attend Fernbrook Elementary, will make history when they attend the brand new Aspen Ridge Elementary next year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46LaHzf
GUSHERS: Via news release from General Mills, VERBATIM: “This Halloween, Gushers is resurrecting a chilling piece of ’90s nostalgia: its infamous Fruitheads commercial. In response to ongoing online conversation about the ad fueling fans’ nightmares for years, Gushers has transformed the spot into a short horror film created in partnership with Imagine Entertainment, starring award-winning actor Bradley Whitford and viral creator Chester Collins, and directed by Mike Diva, known for his visually striking, internet-breaking style.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47gI64W WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3WsZey7
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)
ICE CREAM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A longstanding favorite among White Bear Lake locals and visitors alike will be open a little later this year. The beloved ice cream stand Cup and Cone typically closes for the season in late fall, but this year, it has declared an ‘Endless Summer’ and will stay open until December 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ofERAz
RETAIL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Outdoor enthusiasts will soon have another outlet to snag gear and element-resistant apparel. National brand L.L. Bean has begun work on its second Minnesota store, at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q1nMfl
BRIDGES: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Every day, thousands of cars drive across two bridges on Bass Lake Road built above Elm Creek in Maple Grove. ‘These bridges are in really good shape still. They’re fairly new,’ said Mark McLarty, Hennepin County’s lead bridge inspector. But even a new bridge is susceptible to wear and tear. ‘Well, gravity is the No. 1 enemy of a bridge,’ said McLarty. ‘From the time they build it, they’re trying to fall down.’ So far this year, McLarty and his team have inspected 114 of Hennepin County’s 149 bridges. They look at each bridge at least once every two years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4n0gmpQ
TORO: Via news release from Bloomington-based Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that Heather M. Hille has been named vice president of corporate affairs and investor relations, effective immediately.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Wz5KDq
NEXT WEEKEND: Via Indivisible Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “In less than two weeks, on Saturday, October 18th at 1 PM, Twin Citians will join together at The Commons (425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415), for a nonviolent rally and march at the second No Kings Twin Cities day of action.”
NEXT MONTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a little over a month away. Split Rock Lighthouse is preparing for the 50th anniversary commemoration.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q3o7Oy
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
NORDIC VILLAGE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans know how to embrace the cold, but we also appreciate all things cozy during the winter months. The annual Nordic Village at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is a perfect balance of the two: a cabin dining experience meets winter wonderland, right in the heart of downtown. This year’s experience runs Nov. 1-Dec. 31, starting with an opening celebration party to kick off the season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48X8GBf
BDAYS: fmr. Rep. Donald Raleigh, TGT’s Allison Eger, attorney Henry Helgen
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427