Six in ten Americans oppose using military or national guard in cities. Eight in ten Republicans are for it. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3LoQ03H
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the government shutdown could cost the economy $7-14 billion. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Jvv8r1
A superfan recently took his 30,000th ride on Valleyfair’s wooden rollercoaster. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oE7szq
Sunday Take is likely to be about the battle for school boards – places like Anoka-Hennepin where the hyperbole from social media would make you think it was some sort of invasion of extremists.
MIRAC member Montana Hirsch shared thoughts on immigration, activism and more for last weekend’s Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3L9llHx
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:
A new level of insight and information….
A new level of Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Today’s the last day of our founding member pricing, sign-up at the lower rate today.
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.
LIST: Medtronic, M.A. Mortenson, Target, Hormel, and Piper Sandler all made Vault’s list of the 150 best internships. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/439Np3H
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
ALLETE: “Allete Inc. (ALE) on Friday reported third-quarter net income of $27.1 million. On a per-share basis, the Duluth, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of 46 cents. The power company owner posted revenue of $375 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JngYIv
PROTO LABS: “Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB) on Friday reported net income of $7.2 million in its third quarter. On a per-share basis, the Maple Plain, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 30 cents . . . The custom parts manufacturer posted revenue of $135.4 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oeFD0T
MDH: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A last-minute promise of federal funding allowed the Minnesota Department of Health to avoid layoffs of as many as 100 workers that it planned to announce on Thursday. All layoff plans were suspended, even though the federal funding would only cover state workers who administer a program that provides breastfeeding and nutrition assistance to low-income mothers and children. Some state health workers who inspect nursing homes and other healthcare facilities also were expected to lose their jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/435CtEh
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)
TARGET: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Target’s corporate culture, once known for flexibility and collaboration, is starting to show cracks, with employees describing a workplace increasingly defined by uncertainty, poor communication and ‘business decisions.’ Those frustrations reached a breaking point this week after the Minneapolis-based retailer laid off about 1,000 corporate employees — one of the largest reductions in company history. The rollout, marred by technical glitches during a video call and mass emails that arrived minutes apart, left many questioning the company’s leadership and direction under incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oLC8Ph
MORE: Twin Cities Business takes a bigger picture look, bringing in Amazon which also saw corporate layoffs this week. VERBATIM: “John Challenger, CEO of the Chicago-based career-transition services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, suggests these cuts overall indicate tech-driven tectonic shifts. ‘[Order flow] has been getting automated over the last decade at a furious pace,’ he says, explaining how automation incises management. ‘AI is only accelerating that.’ Regarding Target’s layoffs, it’s not clear AI plays much of a factor right now. Fiddelke may be pointing, simply, to a bureaucratic morass—which would exist alongside Target’s other troubles.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JzMCCB
BUCKET TRUCK: Via Xcel, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth-grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
BWCAW: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Democrats and wilderness advocates are raising alarm about a proposal in the U.S. Senate that would allow the federal government to do border control operations and install tactical infrastructure and surveillance systems in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Border Lands Conservation Act, recently introduced by Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, would allow the Department of Homeland Security access to federal lands, including national parks and wilderness areas, within 100 miles of the northern and southern borders.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Jm9cyx
SCHOOL RACES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “While the Minnesota School Boards Association doesn’t track campaign spending, executive director Kirk Schneidawind said he’s seen campaign money flooding into what are supposed to be nonpartisan school board races. This year, 21 school districts statewide are holding regular elections. Twelve are planning special elections to replace board members who vacated their seats before the end of their terms.” SCHNEIDAWIND: “I think it’s become more important for the community citizens of each community in Minnesota to pay attention to who is running, who will be leading their school district as School Board members.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Wb7Eo
MPLS MAYOR: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Ahmed Omara, who runs a counter-serve restaurant near the intersection of Broadway and Penn Avenues, said little has changed over the decade-plus he’s done business in the area. ‘It doesn’t make any difference’ who’s in charge at City Hall, said the owner of Olympic Cafe Plus. ‘They make promises before the election, and after that, they’re gone.’ A second West Broadway restaurant owned by Omara burned down in May 2020, one of dozens of local businesses torched in the unrest following George Floyd’s murder.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43FX9CT
BALLOTS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “With Election Day coming up on Tuesday, voting officials are recommending anyone planning to mail-in their ballot should drop it off instead at this point. The Minneapolis Deputy Director of Elections Jon Martin says it’s better to be safe than late.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47lCtmg
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS: The Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount is a landmark like no other – the tall columns and bright lights can be seen from miles away. Generations of workers have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy facilities of its kind. This year, Flint Hills Resources celebrates 70 years of dedicated employees at the Pine Bend refinery who have produced the fuels that help move us forward. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
SHUTDOWN: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “We’re hearing from some of the federal TSA agents in Minnesota, working without pay as the shutdown continues on with no end in sight. Morale is low among the agents worried about how to make ends meet.” QUOTE: “When you’ve got somebody running the X-ray and they’re looking to see if there are bombs or guns or something in the bag, you want them paying attention to what they’re looking at on the X-ray screen,” explains Paul Eckert who works at the airport in Duluth, Minnesota. “Not thinking about how am I going to pay for my child care, how am I going to afford food? Can I get gas to be able to come into work tomorrow?” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3JwH2AM
NUCLEAR: Via news release from MN Rural Electric Association, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s ambitious carbon-free energy goals are not feasible without embracing nuclear energy, according to participants at a recent nuclear forum. The forum was held by the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance, a coalition of over 40 organizations aiming to repeal Minnesota’s 30-year old nuclear moratorium. Held at LiUNA’s facility in Minneapolis, the event featured a diverse panel of experts discussing the topic of nuclear energy. In attendance were legislators, business leaders, energy industry professionals, environmental advocates and other stakeholders.”
GRAND RAPIDS: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “On a sunny August afternoon, hundreds gathered outside the Grand Rapids Area Library for crafts, prizes and free popcorn and slushies. The annual summer celebration awards kids for their summer reading with a free book and an afternoon of fun. Children’s Librarian Tracy Kampa is 90% sure there will be no summer celebration next year. Its absence was listed among the impacts of budget cuts in a presentation Director of Library Services Amy Dettmer gave to the Grand Rapids City Council on Monday, Oct. 27.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qCw9y0
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)
SPA: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Watershed Spa, the beloved Twin Cities destination for bathing and holistic wellness, is growing—both in space and spirit. Founder Nell Rueckl announced that the spa will double the size of its flagship location in the Switch House building near the Mississippi Riverfront and open a second location in the former Bev’s Wine Bar space in the North Loop.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qGS7Ai
VIKINGS: Via news release from Fan Girl, VERBATIM: “Fan Girl Clothing, a women’s game day apparel brand born in the heart of Vikings territory, is proud to announce its officially licensed collaboration with the Minnesota Vikings. The partnership debuts The Kickoff Collection, a seven-piece lineup designed to elevate women’s game day style through thoughtful design, premium fabrics, and unique details.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/438NdBQ
APOGEE: Via news release from Bloomington-based Apogee, VERBATIM: “Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) announced today that Apogee Enterprises’ Independent Chair Donald A. Nolan has been appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective October 31, 2025. Mr. Nolan succeeds Ty R. Silberhorn, who departs from his role as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board as of October 31, 2025. In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nolan will become Executive Chair of the Board. Board member Patricia K. Wagner has been appointed the Company’s Independent Lead Director. The Board of Directors will immediately begin the process of evaluating internal and external CEO succession candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qJbgS7
HORMEL: Via news release from Hormel, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the planned upcoming retirement of PJ Connor, group vice president of Retail sales, to coincide with his 30-year anniversary with the company this spring.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47krMQR
TODAY: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “After 18 months and $36 million, a remade South Hennepin Avenue is opening Friday. Why it matters: For an Uptown neighborhood already facing plenty of struggles, the reconstruction of its main artery has been tough on businesses and residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47xZsZW
TODAY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Trick-or treating in the Bemidji area started looking a little bit different 35 years ago…when R-P Broadcasting started doing an indoor Halloween event called ‘Treat Street’…aimed to give kids a safe, indoor trick-or-treating environment.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3X6mtOO
TOMORROW: A Dia De Muertos celebration will be held at Midtown Global Market. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3L9homn
NEXT WEEK: Via news release from Plymouth-based Tile Shop, VERBATIM: “Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTSH), a specialty retailer of natural stone, man-made and luxury vinyl tiles, setting and maintenance materials and related accessories, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 on Tuesday November 4, 2025, after the close of the financial markets. The Company will not be hosting a conference call.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48RBFGP
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Vireo, VERBATIM: “Vireo Growth Inc. (CSE: VREO; OTCQX: VREOF), today announced that it will release its financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2025 on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48WPbZQ
NEXT YEAR: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A big Twin Cities music festival is ready to return for a third year. No, we’re not talking about Minnesota Yacht Club (though, that’s coming back, too). The EDM-centric Breakaway Music Festival has officially announced when it’ll return to Allianz Field in the summer of 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFXAmG
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PEACE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Marjorie Johnson, renowned throughout Minnesota for her award-winning baked goods at the Minnesota State Fair, has died at 106, according to her family.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oPLR7u
PEACE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Twin Cities hockey community is mourning the loss of a beloved, longtime coach. The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association shared the news, announcing that coach Derek Krueger passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L9fXnZ
BDAYS: radio pro Mary Niemeyer, pa guy Mike Franklin, DFL Vice Chair Marge Hoffa. SAT: pr pro Anne Deanovic, Sen. John Marty, civic leader Jay Cowles. SUN: Fox 9’s Doug Solomon, retired lobbyist Todd Iverson
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