AP has identified another potential deciding factor in the 2024 election: whether voters owned a cat or a dog. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D8eGJw
Something Governor Tim Walz said in the VP debate made Yale’s annual list of notable quotations. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4id1AuV
Bloomington Police were asked to help search for a possible O.J. Simpson confession. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3VoiT2b
Employee dissatisfaction is increasing. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/41fsDzp
Edina’s Paige Bueckers got a shoe deal from Nike. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49pMM8e
Krispy Kreme is coming back to Minnesota. TCB: https://fluence-media.co/4fXcN10
A Chi-Chi’s comeback is also in the works. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/49ldkXX
Eater published its 2024 Twin Cities award winners list. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eZTwuE
Today’s 6:20 morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CY0C5n
On Sunday Take, KARE 11’s John Croman on covering politics for over 30 years as he retires. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Zxsbvj
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
UNITEDHEALTH: Via New York Post, VERBATIM: “The CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division was gunned down Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown in what police say was a targeted attack. Brian Thompson, 50, was at the hotel around 6:46 a.m., arriving early for a conference, when a masked man allegedly waiting for the CEO repeatedly shot at him along Sixth Avenue before dashing off on a bicycle, police sources told The Post. Thompson was hit in the chest, prompting a desperate attempt by first responders to save him with CPR, harrowing video shows.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Db6Ej2
MORE: NYPD held a news conference this morning detailing what they know and are willing to release about the shooting, including that a silencer appeared to have been used and that the alleged shooter fled on a rideshare electric bike into Central Park. They said there was someone accompanying Thompson and want to talk with that person. The also said they’re reaching out to law enforcement, co-workers, and family here in Minnesota to determine if there had been any recent threats against Thompson. Via KABC-TV, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fXv12u
MORE: NBC News spoke with Thompson’s wife, Paulette. QUOTE: "There had been some threats," she said in a phone call to NBC News. "Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him." READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VnsOFo
MORE: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth Group canceled its investor day after reports emerged of the shooting. Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49iYBNp
MORE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Thompson has been the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the country’s largest health insurer, since 2021. He joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and worked on mergers and acquisitions, government programs and other areas, according to a biography on the company’s website.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZzZVZ0
REACTION: From Governor Tim Walz via X, VERBATIM: “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3ZCi6Nx
MORE: From Senator Amy Klobuchar via X, VERBATIM: “This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/49oFJwc
FORECAST: From Minnesota Management and Budget via X, VERBATIM: “MMB forecasts a $616 million balance at end of FY26-27 biennium, $1.1 billion less than prior estimates. Projected reductions in income and sales tax revenues and higher spending for long-term care and special education=growing structural imbalance throughout the forecast period.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4f0KwWa
MORE: Via MMB, from the presentation:
SLIDE DECK: https://fluence-media.co/4gf0mNI REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3BeDHlM
MORE: From MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan via X, VERBATIM: “These are not the surpluses the governor and lawmakers were looking for. Structural imbalance is budget code for the condition of future spending projections exceeding future revenue projections.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4g3AVPx
MORE: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “Big spending increases approved in recent years by legislature are one culprit for large projected deficit. The state economist says income tax revenue growth also expected to decline after wage growth slows from 7% in 2021-22…to 4.2% or less projected in next few years.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3B0i5ty
REACTION: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz says MN remains in ‘strong’ place in short-term budget with small surplus. He says 2028-29 billion projected deficit is down the road and there’s time to address it. When asked if he’d consider tax increases, he said no one should say ‘anything is off the table.’” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3VoJzjv
MORE: From Speaker Melissa Hortman via Facebook, VERBATIM: “While the long-term budget forecast shows reasons for concern, it is the job of the Governor and Legislature over the next two years to balance in the near-term and prepare for the long-term. We will do what we always have done – which is to make responsible and sustainable commitments to Minnesotans – from preschoolers to nursing home residents. While corporate profits continue to soar, Minnesota workers are not receiving their fair share of the wealth they create. We have to focus on lowering costs, reducing stress in people’s lives, and building an economy with jobs that have wages and benefits that can support a family. In a tied House, we need to and will operate in a bipartisan fashion to get our work done.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VoF5cF
MORE: Via Minnesota House GOP, from Speaker-Designate Lisa Demuth, DEMUTH: “While the budget is stable in this biennium, it’s obvious that spending reductions are needed to prevent a deficit down the road," said Demuth. "House Republicans are putting state agencies on notice: the times of automatic budget increases and dramatic government employee growth are over, and we expect you to join us in working to find savings and root out waste and fraud.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41ii0ft
MORE: From KSTP-TV’s Tom Hauser via X, VERBATIM: “GOP House Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth says Gov. Walz and legislative Democrats ‘ignored warnings from Republicans’ that a deficit was looming and still ‘went on a spending spree’ with taxpayer money.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3Zl9zgD
MORE: Via Minnesota Business Partnership, VERBATIM: “In 2023, legislators spent a record $18 billion surplus and raised an additional $10 billion in new taxes and fees. More than merely enacting a historic state budget increase of nearly 40%, lawmakers and the Governor obligated our citizens with ongoing commitments paid with one-time surpluses. Minnesotans understand that level of spending is unwise and the mix of future commitments without future revenues is clearly unsustainable. When the legislative session begins in January, Minnesotans will have a wider spectrum of voices at the table. We call upon Governor Walz and legislative leaders in both parties to unite in true bipartisan collaboration. Passing a responsible budget that meets the needs of Minnesotans in a responsible and sustainable way is the course to support. We can hold the line on new taxes and hidden fees.”
(DISCLOSURE: The Minnesota Business Partnership is a client of Fluence Advisory)
MORE: Via Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, VERBATIM: “This latest budget forecast highlights an alarming trend that shows growing projected deficits into the future. With state spending growth significantly outpacing a slowing growth in tax revenues,” said Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “This should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to focus on positioning Minnesota for a strong and sustainable economy. By enacting a responsible, balanced budget without raising taxes, we can foster a more competitive business climate. Costs matter — whether we face deficits today or in the future."
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Flint Hills Resources makes fuels and other products people need and use every day, products that help keep Minnesota moving. The company does this while prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship and contributing meaningfully to the community. STEWARDSHIP WITH A PURPOSE: Four pillars of stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MPLS: Via news release from the Koski campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, Ward 11 Council Member Emily Koski announced her campaign for Minneapolis Mayor. Pointing to her family’s long history of service to the City of Minneapolis, Koski outlined her vision for the future of our city.” KOSKI: “Today, it’s clear to me, the city I love is at a crossroads. While we face many challenges and opportunities, we’re up against efforts to drive wedges between us and pit us against one another. We need a strong, unifying leader to move us forward. That is why I am proud and honored to announce that I am running to be the next Mayor of the City of Minneapolis.”
MORE: From Kyle Stokes via Axios, VERBATIM: “Several candidates have emerged to challenge Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in the city's November 2025 election. Why it matters: It may seem early, but serious candidates must begin raising money and generating buzz if they hope to win the coveted DFL party endorsement. The party's caucus process begins in April. State of play: Frey is raising money and ‘preparing’ to announce a reelection bid, but isn't officially in the race yet, a spokesperson tells Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49o9j4Y
SENATE: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats on Tuesday reelected Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to serve another two years as the Senate Democratic leader and promoted Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to the third-ranking leadership position, replacing retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fXCIWa
ST PAUL: From Frederick Melo via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council will delay a long-scheduled vote by a week and adopt the final 2025 city budget and tax levy on Dec. 11, giving the seven council members time to advocate for up to $6 million in proposed budget cuts that have been hotly opposed by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. The council’s annual truth-in-taxation hearing Monday evening drew a near-capacity crowd, with two large lines of homeowners testifying over the course of more than two hours against the mayor’s proposed property tax levy increase of 7.9%. Several longtime residents said they feared being priced out of their homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BbXjqK
ANOKA CTY: From Sarah Ritter via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “After months of tense debate, a split Anoka County Board on Tuesday approved a nearly 17% property tax levy increase, the highest hike in recent history, as officials work to close a projected $40 million budget deficit. In a meeting that became heated at times, with some commissioners calling for civility and an end to dysfunction, the board voted 4-3 to raise the levy by 16.9%. As a result, the owner of a median $327,000 home can expect to see a $116 bump in property taxes next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OEfZ5z
BROOKLYN PARK: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Park City Council Member Maria Tran is taking her fellow council members to court for alleged defamation. She filed a lawsuit against five of her council colleagues after they publicly requested she seek a mental health evaluation. The lawsuit, which was filed just before Thanksgiving, claims a majority of the council defamed Tran, violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act and open meeting laws, and unlawfully spent public funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Vp8OSJ
BEER: From Macy Harder via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “What’s more Minnesotan than hockey and craft beer? A combination of the two. Fulton Beer has collaborated with Minnesota Frost’s star forward Kelly Pannek to release the ‘Been There Won That’ ale, a nod to her many athletic achievements thus far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VplJ73
HELICOPTER: From Izzy Canizares via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A Scott County businessman is suing the City of East Gull Lake over the city's opposition to using a helicopter on his lakeside property, claiming it violates city ordinances. Doug Schieffer, the president of Northland Concrete & Masonry Company, has been battling with the city for more than four years after initially trying to build a helipad on his property so he could travel between his Twin Cities home and his nine-acre property on Sunset View Road.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BewxhC
TURKEYS: From Ryan Pattee via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “As the holiday shopping and shipping spree is now in full effect, the United States Postal Service is making an odd request to help get packages delivered on time . . . To help ensure packages reach their intended destination on time, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is asking residents in Northeast Minneapolis not to feed wild turkeys.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3BledTO
‘I GOT INTO THIS INDUSTRY TO HELP PEOPLE’ - Taylor, a first-generation descendant of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is a member of Enbridge’s Tribal engagement team in Wisconsin. She loves getting out into Tribal communities to educate people on Enbridge’s purpose and to help them understand opportunities in the trades. Taylor enjoys her role at Enbridge, where she feels valued and appreciated as a member of the team. She believes Enbridge will continue to make an impact with Indigenous communities through the company’s Indigenous Peoples Policy. Taylor’s dedication to helping others and her commitment to her heritage drive her every day, and her work at Enbridge is a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3P3wqK9 (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
HORMEL: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL) on Wednesday reported fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $220.2 million. The Austin, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 40 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to 42 cents per share. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of Spam canned ham, Dinty Moore stew and other foods posted revenue of $3.14 billion in the period, which matched Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ine17d
TENNIS SHOPS: From Lisa Rounds via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “In their heyday, these family-owned stores were cornerstones of their communities—places like Twin City Tennis on Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. But gradually, most of the mom and pop shops shuttered. With the exception of Michael Lynne’s, the only options left for local tennis enthusiasts throughout the ‘90s were national sporting goods chains or the pro shops at tennis facilities like the old Northwest Racquet Swim and Health Clubs—and by the 2000s, Life Time. But could the recent pickleball wave create a confluence of interest in the two sports, and a demand for more specialty retail on a local level? Alisa Chase—who recently opened Swing City Racket Sports with her family in Maple Grove—thinks so.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CUybWa
POKE: From Dustin Nelson via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Another chain is preparing to plant its flag in Minnesota. Pokeworks, the Hawaiian poke which has more than 120 locations, announced plans to open three Twin Cities locations in 2025. They will be operated by Minnesota-based owners Louise and Kris Daniels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OFHN9E
COLLE MCVOY: From Allison Kaplan via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Colle McVoy president Jessica Henrichs becomes CEO of the Minneapolis-based ad agency on Jan. 1. It’s a role she’s been preparing for since she joined Colle McVoy in 2019. Henrichs was initially introduced to Colle McVoy’s longtime CEO Christine Fruechte through a recruiter who cold-called her about a position that wasn’t quite right, ‘but it gave me the chance to get to know Christine.’ Fruechte, who will transition to chair of the agency, saw a spark in Henrichs that prompted her to keep in touch.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZBviCf
NEXT WEEK: From Emma Salomon via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Rolling into town again this year is the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. On its 2024 tour of Canada and the U.S., the train is making 20 stops in Minnesota from Dec. 10-16. Each stop offers festive performances and chances to support food banks.” SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3BdeZSQ
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
RESPONDERS: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park Police Department has expanded its Alternative Response Team (ART), which responds to 911 callers experiencing mental health issues. Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Elliot Faust says they’ve added a second team, which allows for expanded operating hours.” QUOTE: “The money that the citizens are putting into this — these folks are working very efficiently and very hard, and we’re seeing some fruits of our labor,” Faust said. “It’s just going to create a healthier society, a healthier community.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZCxZ6w
VAPING: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “A majority of Supreme Court justices didn’t seem convinced Monday that federal regulators misled companies before refusing to allow them to sell sweet-flavored vaping products following a surge in teen e-cigarette use. The conservative-majority court did raise questions about the Food and Drug Administration crackdown that included denials of more than a million nicotine products formulated to taste like fruit, dessert or candy. Teen vaping use has since dropped to its lowest level in a decade, but the agency could change its approach after the inauguration next month of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to ‘save’ vaping.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VlPhm8
TRANS: Via The Guardian, VERBATIM: “Many transgender people in the US are scrambling to shore up their treatments out of fear the incoming Trump administration will follow through on threats to restrict their healthcare . . . A popular underground hormone manufacturer stopped taking new orders in order to get through a backlog.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49hMd07
U OF M: From Chandra Colvin via MPR, VERBATIM: “Every day, University of Minnesota students walk and bike across the Washington Avenue bridge, between the East and West Bank campuses. As they cross high above the Mississippi, cars and light rail trains move on the level below. Supporters says new temporary high fencing on the bridge will save lives after recent incidents sparked concerns. The fencing blocks access to railings, spanning the length of the bridge on either side. It’s been sought for months by suicide prevention advocacy groups in the wake of tragedies at the bridge.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49hzESt
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CARGILL: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Global commodities trader Cargill began laying off employees across its vast operations on Tuesday in a drive to slash headcount by 5%, sending U.S. workers from supply chain, inventory control and other roles to look for new jobs . . . In Minnesota, home to its headquarters, Cargill plans to terminate 475 employees at an office center in Wayzata starting on Feb. 5, the company said in a letter to state officials.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CY5Gqp
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
DULUTH: From Amy Nelson via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Duluth in December? Yes, please. While some visitors may worry the port city along Lake Superior is too cold or dreary in the winter months, we say the area is at its prime during this time. The town of nearly 90,000 hardy residents offers a variety of activities to enjoy the winter weather and embrace the dipping temperatures. In fact, CNN Travel ranked Duluth as one of America’s ‘10 Best Towns to Visit’ this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gkoCxU
BDAYS: community leader John Stanoch, photo guy Jerry Holt, reporter Nicole Norfleet, golf guy Jerry Zgoda, ranger Joe Sertich
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