Happy 75th birthday to Betty Crocker’s “Big Red” cookbook. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3YrlQjs
A Gallup poll finds 45% of U.S. employees say they use AI at work at least a few times a year. Here’s how:
You can find the full results HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3MAalUs
How cold did it get yesterday? TEMPS: https://fluence-media.co/3XSC6tR
Our next Fluence Forum, The State of Health Care is scheduled for tomorrow. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofHealthCare
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XSkU7J
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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DREAM BIG
LOTTERY: From an analysis of 2023 lottery data compiled by gambling site Pulsz.com, VERBATIM: “Minnesota residents spend $127 per 1,000 people annually on lottery tickets, ranking 38th highest in the nation. The state has an income from ticket sales of $735,261 and a population of 5,793,151. Minnesota offers a prize return rate of 69.27%, which is the 17th highest percentage in the nation, returning $509,329 in prizes from the total ticket sales.”
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS
GENERAL MILLS: Via Zacks, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (GIS) is likely to register a decrease in the top and bottom lines when it reports second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on Dec. 17. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $4.78 billion, implying an 8.9% drop from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YuYv0k
TONKA: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Tonka’s toy trucks have been built for tough play for decades, but they almost didn’t survive this year’s trade war. The machine that has been stamping parts for Tonka’s yellow dump trucks and its other models for more than a half-century is now in southeastern China. Toys made in China had been spared from previous U.S. tariffs, but Tonkas were suddenly subject to duties of 145% after President Trump stacked several tariffs on Chinese imports earlier this year. The duties would have increased the U.S. retail price of a dump truck to about $75 from $30, too much for many American buyers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j088O3
ACQUISITION: Via Duluth-based ALLETE, VERBATIM: “ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) today announced the completion of its acquisition by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners, following the final written order and unanimous approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. As a result of the acquisition, ALLETE, CPP Investments and GIP will deliver approximately $200 million in benefits to Minnesota Power customers and communities, representing a historic commitment to the company’s customers. These benefits include a one-year base rate freeze, $50 million in rate credits, and additional support for energy affordability and innovation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iXSfb3
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)
NATURE
WATER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed dialing back federal protections for many wetlands and streams across the country. … [But] the federal rule change wouldn’t have much effect in Minnesota, where state laws already protect most wetlands and streams. … State officials said they’re still reviewing the EPA’s proposal. But whatever happens at the federal level, wetlands will largely remain protected in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qaTnuh
LAND: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The state has purchased [over 5,000] acres of land in northern St. Louis County along with more than 10,000 acres elsewhere in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it recently completed the acquisition. … The DNR spent just over $5 million to buy the land in St. Louis County, with most of the funding coming from Reinvest in Minnesota, a state program that protects soil and water quality and supports fish and wildlife habitat, and ‘a small amount’ coming from the general fund, according to DNR spokesperson Ingrid Johnson.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rYdrBF
WALLEYE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Scientists warn federal funding cuts could undermine walleye recovery in Minnesota. … DNR [research] could give state officials better tools to safeguard the species, whose populations have dwindled in recent decades. … [But] the Trump Administration froze the federal funding for the walleye study. … The moves are part of the Trump Administration’s broader effort to pull back federal funds directed toward climate change response.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YshF73
ELK: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources limited the number of permits for hunting elk this year, following an aerial survey last winter that revealed lower than expected population numbers among the state’s three wild herds. Kelsie LaSharr, the DNR’s elk coordinator, said researchers aren’t sure why elk populations in the state appear to have stalled. … In an attempt to learn more, the DNR will soon launch a new research project [that] will continue for the next three to five years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/453s90j
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)
CITY + COUNTY ISSUES
HOUSING: Via The Wall Street Journal, a look at the impact of recent efforts to address housing needs in Minneapolis and St. Paul. VERBATIM: “Permits to build apartments in St. Paul plummeted by 79% in early 2022 from the year before, according to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Real-estate investment activity nearly froze. Developers halted new projects as lenders pulled back. Property values declined as investment cooled. All this compounded the existing real-estate problems brought on by the pandemic . . . In Minneapolis, meanwhile, developers kept building. Housing permits surged nearly fourfold in early 2022 from the year before. Downtown hubs blossomed as new apartments hit the market and attracted young professionals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rZfp4L
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Following a divided public hearing earlier this week, a similarly divided Minneapolis City Council on Thursday approved new homeless encampment policies that would provide toilets, collect trash and give more notice before forcing out inhabitants, among other changes. Mayor Jacob Frey opposes the plan and might veto it. … The ordinance [was] approved by an 8-5 vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aOPuGQ
HENN CTY: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “In 2023, Hennepin County created a goal to end chronic homelessness by the end of 2025, partnering with a national organization to collect better data on the issue. As the year draws to a close, that goal is far from completion, although the county has made strides. While it has been able to house more than 700 chronically homeless people since October 2023, 254 people were experiencing chronic homelessness in Hennepin County in November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49cPJdx
DULUTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is exploring a move that would spell the end of the ore boat-like modernist library that sits at the mouth of downtown, potentially moving the main branch to a far-flung medical facility on the fringes of Duluth. … Reinert said in an interview that he’s committed to maintaining a downtown library, [but] the new location would be appealing to Hermantown, which isn’t close to other Duluth branches. He said he’d like the library system to act in a more regional manner [because] about a third of cardholders are not Duluth residents. … Setting up such a library district would involve the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qdQokW
EDUCATION
EDINA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The principal of Edina High School says it will pursue disciplinary action against students ‘making light of’ actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. … Principal Paul Paetzel said the school will enforce discipline ‘up to and including suspension’ for students who make comments ‘making light of immigration threats or referencing ICE in ways that cause fear or humiliation.’ … The city has been the site of protests surrounding ICE actions, including last week at a Homewood Suites by Hilton where agents were staying.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49bqh8j
RELATED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Community members and legal advocates have been working to help parents understand how Minnesota law might help them make arrangements for their children if they are separated. Ana Acosta is a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota Law School. She and others have been working to educate parents on what’s called a Delegation of Parental Authority, or a DOPA. It’s a document that gives a caregiver temporary legal and physical custody of a child and the ability to make decisions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s3lNs2
TOLAR: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Dr. Jakub Tolar, dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School, will interview Dec. 17 and 18 for a new position in Arkansas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qfWvFn
GOLDEN VALLEY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Franklin Center offers classes to children and young adults on the autism spectrum or with similar neurodiversities.
And here, cooking courses are a high-demand elective. ‘Culinary skills is probably a fan favorite for our entire high school and capstone population,’ said Kim Snow, whose son Parker attends courses at Franklin Center. ‘It gives them a great sense of pride and joy to see their work come to life. It’s a very tangible skill of learning’ . . . That positive experience made Snow, who spent much of her career working in the corporate world, want to get more involved at the school. She joined the board, and when a leadership position opened up, she became the executive director.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q581D7
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)
BUSINESS
MEDIA: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A new meteorologist has joined the KSTP-TV team. Dana Oleksuk made her debut on the Twin Cities ABC affiliate on Sunday, with her appearance coinciding with an announcement on her Facebook in which she changed her profile image to a photo of her sitting behind the station’s weather desk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4j70bH6
RETAIL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Mall of America could break ground as soon as next year on a massive indoor water park, a long-awaited amenity that executives hope will inject new life into the Bloomington attraction amid the decline of brick-and-mortar retail. But the ‘Mystery Cove’ water park is only the beginning of the multimillion-dollar effort to transform Minnesota’s most famous mall into an entertainment hub. Part of the financing plan allows the first $100 million in water park profits to pay for additional projects, and leaders already have ideas — from tournament space for youth athletes to an exhibit hall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ankRbz
EXPENSES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Surging demand for Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs is adding up for some Minnesota employers. Why it matters: The popular medications are changing lives and health outcomes for the better. But the high price tag is also driving up health care costs for employers and their workers, prompting some workplaces to scale back coverage. Driving the news: The Metropolitan Airports Commission recently decided to end coverage of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss for its roughly 800 employees next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rWFMZ9
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)
NEW BUSINESS
RESTAURANTS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “2025—what a year! Scads of new everything—new restaurants, new trends, new people, and new projects launched by old friends. Only problem: If you weren’t glued to the news cycle while haunting all the far corners of the internet and also all the brick-and-mortar pockets of our fair cities, you might not have a handle on what a year full of big changes 2025 really was.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/459hvFk
GOLF: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Directly adjacent to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and The Meadows Golf Course, LaunchPad Golf (which opened in October) feels like a modern hybrid of high-tech play and thoughtful hospitality. In each bay, Inrange radar technology tracks every shot with precision, while a lively indoor-outdoor vibe keeps the space feeling energetic without being overwhelming.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L0hIE8
ECONOMIC INDICATOR: CCX Media checked out libraries and found increased demand for the services offered. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3MDhHGL
WHAT’S NEXT?
WEDNESDAY: Via news release from General Mills, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter on Dec. 17, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KdpoCx
WEDNESDAY: Via news release from Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that it will release its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full-year results on Wednesday, December 17, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gtuld
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GIFT IDEAS
CERAMICS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Twin Cities are home to a remarkable community of ceramicists whose work carry both meaning and artistry—everyday objects that define living beautifully, like hand-glazed mugs that elevate the morning ritual, sculptural bowls that hold their own on any table, and pieces that exist somewhere between function and art.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3XVU12O
FOR THE HOST: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Jerrod Sumner, Minnesota Monthly’s arts and lifestyle editor, stopped by the Fox 9 studio to share his ‘pro tips’ for selecting the perfect host gift this holiday season. Forget the generic bottle of wine; Jerrod featured local treasures that truly honor the host’s hospitality.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oYLPJT
BDAYS: MAC member Rich Ginsberg, advocate Sia Her, lobbyist Nick Zerwas, attorney Janel Dressen, car guy Jon Reyerson, CEO and golfer Richard “Donkey” Walker
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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