At the Life Time in Chanhassen, your masseuse is an AI-powered robot. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Jdbak4
The State Fair’s a month away – here’s what’s new this year. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4mpGwCK
It’s a big day – Sports Take’s first anniversary edition comes out soon. See past issues and sign up HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3WSsvmr
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3HcbiQo
Sunday Take focused on Capitol security concerns and state Sen. Eric Pratt discussing his run for U.S. Rep. Angie Craig’s seat. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mk2GWV
Blois
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On Monday, 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.
This morning, we delivered the next piece of premium content for subscribers.
The Fluence Forum was in partnership with Stinson and SotaCann. Subscribers can find it in their inbox and HERE: https://fluence-media.co/41jGAeO
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C.H. ROBINSON: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Global freight forwarder C.H. Robinson reported second-quarter profit above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as cost-cutting measures, including job reductions, helped cushion the impact of falling revenue in its truckload and ocean shipping businesses. The Minnesota-based company reported adjusted income of $1.29 per share for the quarter ended June 30, compared with analysts' average estimate of $1.16, according to data compiled by LSEG.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3H52MCQ
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, more earnings reports from Minnesota-based companies:
XCEL: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported second-quarter profit of $444 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of 75 cents. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $3.29 billion in the period, missing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lTPubg
API: “APi Group Corporation (APG) on Thursday reported second-quarter earnings of $77 million. On a per-share basis, the New Brighton, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 16 cents . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The company posted revenue of $1.99 billion in the period, also topping Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/479ZubU
HAWKINS: “Hawkins Inc. (HWKN) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $29.2 million. On a per-share basis, the Roseville, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1.40. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The chemical maker posted revenue of $293.3 million in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IREmNz
SPS: “SPS Commerce Inc. (SPSC) on Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings of $19.7 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 52 cents . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The provider of supply chain software services to businesses posted revenue of $187.4 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lZjB16
PROTO LABS: “Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB) on Thursday reported net income of $4.4 million in its second quarter. The Maple Plain, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 18 cents per share . . . The custom parts manufacturer posted revenue of $135.1 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mscQ81
AI: Via Minne Inno, VERBATIM: “As artificial intelligence rapidly remakes the U.S. economy, some regions and communities are far more prepared to take advantage of the swift changes than others. Though most of the country's AI jobs are clustered in California's Bay Area, the Twin Cities area is well poised to weather AI-related disruption. That’s according to an extensive new report from Brookings Institution, which analyzed 387 metro areas using a variety of government and private-sector datasets to assess communities’ ability to create, apply and harness AI.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46ApME7
MORE: Via Brookings Institution, the report. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3ISaXmu
RETAIL: Via Store Brands, VERBATIM: “Best Buy and IKEA U.S. are joining forces to test a new in-store concept that brings together appliances from the home electronics retailer and furnishings from IKEA, displayed together in room settings. The new in-store collaboration will launch in 10 stores throughout Florida and Texas, featuring 1,000-square-foot IKEA footprints that showcase kitchen and laundry room settings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mmMPXz
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)
TOMORROW: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A group of new laws will go into effect Friday that were approved by the Legislature during the last two legislative sessions. They deal with a range of issues from property ownership to background checks to privileged communications within restorative justice programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45ukTLC
WILDFIRES: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The St. Louis County Assessor’s Office released figures Wednesday, providing a better idea of the toll of the spring wildfires that ripped across Northeast Minnesota. After inspecting hundreds of properties across the burn areas of the Munger Shaw, Jenkins Creek and Camp House fire areas, they found 74 properties suffered damage.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mh0xuR
STRIKE: Via news release from Teamsters Local 120, VERBATIM: “Teamsters at Sysco Minnesota have voted unanimously to authorize a strike if the company fails to deliver a fair contract. The group of over 230 drivers and warehouse workers are demanding wage increases, stronger benefits, and improved working conditions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4otOo82
ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Early voting is underway in the Aug. 12 special election to permanently fill the Ward 4 seat on the St. Paul City Council. Why it matters: Ward 4 has been really going through it — and the new council member will have to deal with all of it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l3t3ze
HOMELESSNESS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis claimed progress addressing unsheltered homelessness in a report released Tuesday. The quarterly report was mandated by an ordinance passed in Minneapolis last year aimed at providing greater transparency and oversight around the city’s encampment closures.
The latest update compared data from one quarter — Dec. 19 to March 18 — to the last two quarters of 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lSK0NU
MORE: Via City of Minneapolis, from the report:
City Costs to Close Encampments:
Accumulated Costs in Current Period: $63,911
Average Cost per Encampment Closure: $4,916
Trend Continuing from Prior Period? Previous reporting period total costs were $332,620 with an average of $19,565 per encampment closure.
REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4fcbQCe
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth Mayor Roger Reinhart is expressing concerns about the city’s upcoming budget. In a video posted to his Facebook page, Reinert said the city’s difficult budget situation has gotten worse for 2026. The city is facing a $7.2 million budget deficit for next year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mjJrwt
ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, a judge dismissed a civil case involving current Rochester City Council Member Andy Friederichs and former City Council Member Kelly Ray Kirkpatrick. The civil suit alleges that Friederichs doesn’t truly live in Ward 4, but at a home in Marion Township. Friederich has denied those allegations.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45e2L7o
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ROAD WORK: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “To the naked eye, it would seem to be one of the most expansive road construction seasons in anyone’s memory. Every week another route or street goes under the knife and getting where you’re going gets harder. Does anyone recall daily seven block backups on Franklin west from Hennepin to cross the intersection? The Franklin Avenue bridge over the Mississippi backed up for blocks as a matter of course? Yet in media reports and public pronouncements, it’s a ‘normal’ construction season. To drivers it’s not. Focusing on Minneapolis, the seeming epicenter of it all, TCB attempted to get to the bottom of what’s happening. It’s not easy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/478X9Op
AIRPORT: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel once again has a security checkpoint into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). After a five-year hiatus, the TSA checkpoint is active again for hotel guests and shrewd travelers seeking to expedite their security screening. The security hub didn't see many travelers when it was open previously, making it a hidden gem for fliers looking to get through security fast.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HcTlRE
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Plans are moving forward to bring a new, state-of-the-art Life Time athletic club to Maple Grove. As CCX News previously reported, it’s part of a bigger plan to bring the company’s luxury living concept to the city.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40KFWa7
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)
DROUGHT: The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows continued improvement – only two percent of the state remains in drought status. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
RECYCLING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is generating more waste every year, and has set a big goal to increase recycling. The state’s pollution control agency said in a 2023 report the combined organics and recycling rate is 45.3 percent. They want to increase that rate to 75 percent for recycling by 2030. Minnesota officials say around two-thirds of waste headed to landfills and trash burners could have been composted, reused or recycled. For some residents, it’s just a matter of not knowing how to properly navigate the recycling process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46Cs4CI
CHEESECAKE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Magical things can happen in a kitchen. Bilal Mamdani discovered that little fact during the COVID shutdowns. ‘I started baking over the pandemic like everyone else,’ said Mamdani. ‘I baked a few different desserts. This is the one dessert that I kept coming back to.’ The dessert he’s referring to is Basque-style cheesecake, which originated in Spain . . . Mamdani launched Crème in February and spends about four days a week creating his concoctions out of MSP Kitchenery, a rental kitchen space located within Nikkolette’s Macarons in Plymouth.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3HcWTDs
REBRAND: Via news release from Pine River-based Iron Peak Campers, VERBATIM: “Denali Campers, a rising force in the off-road trailer market, is proud to announce its rebrand to Iron Peak Campers. The name change reflects the company's commitment to clarity in a crowded space, while staying true to its roots: building rugged, purpose-driven campers that thrive off-grid.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mk9wvt
RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Locally owned North Loop women's boutique Queen Anna House of Fashion has announced plans to shutter its doors. While Thursday, July 31 marks the final day in business for the N. 2nd St. brick-and-mortar, owner Nicole Jennings doesn't see it as an ending, but rather an evolution. The boutique will continue operating online and via the store's iOS app.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fgmx6P
TOMORROW: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Dick's Sporting Goods is opening its second outlet store in the Twin Cities this week. Going, Going, Gone! is joining the 800,000-square-foot Tamarack Village shopping center at I-94 and Radio Drive in Woodbury, according to a leasing brochure for the property. A grand opening is planned for Friday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ua8vKq
TODAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Trucks, trucks, and more trucks. It's all thing trucks in Downtown Minneapolis for the first ever ‘Minneapolis Moves: The Big Honking Truck Parade’ on Thursday. And yes, you're reading that right.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/40KhSUZ
THIS WEEKEND: Via Valleyfair, VERBATIM: “Latin Days brings together some of the region’s most exciting Latin artists and performers all in one place - Valleyfair! Guests will enjoy live entertainment spanning pop, cumbia, bachata, and folklórico styles, along with authentic dishes prepared by local Latin vendors.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/40IQoPx
NEXT MONTH: Via Bloomington-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l3E8QQ
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
FRINGE FESTIVAL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Fringe Festival is back with a flurry of nearly 100 locally made and produced theatrical shows to entertain, from now until August 10. Performances at the 32nd annual fest range from the hilarious to heartfelt to even the horror-infused.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/46wIRHf
BDAYS: civic leader Scott Peterson, attorney Matthew Mankey, attorney Joe Lally, higher ed leader Susan Heegaard, Bader’s Brenda Hvambsal, state paid leave engagement director Corinne Horowitz
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.
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