Downsizing Boomers are driving the apartment market, including here in the Twin Cities. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3HDFDHE
What do Canadians think of U.S. leadership? Better than Russia but worse than China. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/45A8LaV
Sunday Take will be St. Paul-focused with guests, Mayor candidate Rep. Kaohly Her and new city councilmember Molly Coleman – tune-in Sunday at 9AM on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
Last weekend we had Representatives Angie Craig and Brad Finstad, the USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs, plus Minnesota ag stakeholders – a busy Sunday Take from Farmfest. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fz19tO
Blois
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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.
UNITEDHEALTH: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Shares of UnitedHealth Group surged more than 9% on Friday after a fresh investment from billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway boosted investor confidence in the troubled health conglomerate. The company is dealing with multiple challenges that have emerged in the last two years, including rising costs, a federal investigation into its government-backed health plans, a cyberattack at its technology unit that affected the personal information of over 192 million Americans, and the murder of its insurance unit chief in December.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lw03QX
PETVIVO: Via Tip Ranks, VERBATIM: “In its latest earnings report for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, [Edina-based] PetVivo Holdings, Inc. reported a significant increase in revenues compared to the previous year, reflecting the company’s efforts in expanding its market reach. However, the company continues to face challenges with its operating expenses exceeding its gross profit, resulting in a net loss for the period. Key financial highlights include a revenue increase to $297,500 from $123,751 in the same quarter of the previous year, driven primarily by new distribution partnerships.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JhPW4T
CELCUITY: Via AInvest, VERBATIM: “Its Q1 2025 earnings report, marked by a $37 million net loss, underscores the financial toll of advancing a pipeline of oncology candidates. Yet, for investors with a long-term horizon, the story is not one of despair but of calculated risk-taking in pursuit of a breakthrough. [Plymouth-based] Celcuity's Q1 2025 results reflect the steep costs of clinical-stage development. Research and development expenses surged to $32.2 million, a 56% increase from Q1 2024, driven by expanded trials for its lead asset, gedatolisib. General and administrative costs also rose, though modestly, to $3.9 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HAf1Yc
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)
PROPERTY WORKERS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Dozens of custodians and security guards in Ramsey and Hennepin counties may have been shorted more than $700,000 while working in libraries, detention facilities and other government buildings, according to SEIU Local 26, a union representing thousands of property service workers. Union president Greg Nammacher says they reviewed workers’ paystubs and public records and found three contractors — PK Property Services, Squeaky Services, and Black Knight Protection Agency — have been underpaying workers $5 to $12 per hour in wages and benefits by failing to pay prevailing wages. Around 75 workers may be affected, Nammacher said.” WORD: https://fluence-media.co/4135pvK
NEXT WEEK: Via MAC, VERBATIM: “The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) will close the south parallel runway at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on Aug. 18 for the second and final phase of runway safety improvements and other airfield projects.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oULHg3
CANADA: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Air Canada has started canceling flights as a flight attendant strike looms, potentially halting all operations by Saturday morning. The airline has stated that nearly 100,000 travelers will be affected, with the union representing 10,000 flight attendants citing unresolved contract negotiations over salary increases and other issues. Travelers from Minnesota are already feeling the impact.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45zqSO1
BROADBAND: Via Broadband Breakfast, VERBATIM: “Broadband trade groups need to provide clear evidence when accusing local governments of delaying broadband builds, according to one organization for local franchising authorities. The Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators – a nonprofit association representing 105 cities and 9 townships across the state – called out trade groups for using vague language to forestall local and state authority, calling it an ‘all-too-common industry practice.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Hy67KN
GOLF: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “New design details were unveiled Thursday by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to improve the historic Hiawatha Golf Club. The course has been losing thousands of dollars annually due to declining use, and the city needed to have a reckoning on how to handle its future. The main question is why it's happening, and Al Bangoura with the Park Board says water - too much of it - has been a problem.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fE988P
FIREFIGHTERS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park Fire Department is bringing on four new recruits amidst a staffing shortage. Fire Chief Shawn Conway says it will help prevent burnout for the city’s full-time firefighting crew . . . The Brooklyn Park City Council approved a $224,000 budget increase for the fire department to hire and train four new firefighters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Jofto
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)
ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Saint Paul Brewing's owner sued the city Thursday, escalating a fight over plans to build housing on a parking lot that many brewery patrons use. Why it matters: The lawsuit threatens to delay the long-awaited revival of the former Hamm's brewery site into nearly 200 housing units and a vendor market. Saint Paul Brewing owner Rob Clapp said the loss of parking would destroy his business, which has played a big role in turning a drab, abandoned complex into a buzzing East Side destination.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Pf3EO
MONOPOLY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “About a year after announcing there would be a St. Paul edition of Monopoly, the board was revealed during an event at Can Can Wonderland on Thursday, Aug. 14. On the board, each of Monopoly's traditional locations has been replaced by famous St. Paul locales and events, such as CHS Field and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.” READ/LIST: https://fluence-media.co/41LFhWj
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)
EDINA: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “On Wednesday, Hempel Real Estate announced plans to redevelop a parcel of land in Edina that developers have had their eye on for more than a decade. At the southeast intersection of 50th Street and Highway 100, the vision is a mixed-use, three-acre spread of owner-occupied housing (condos, townhomes), green space, and a yet-undisclosed anchor restaurant by Jester Concepts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oI6MKs
NORTHFIELD: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Keep your eyes open, Northfield—if all goes well, the grain-to-glass team of dreamers behind craft distillery Loon Liquor Co. will be opening a new cocktail room and pizza spot between now and Jesse James Days (the weekend after Labor Day, that is).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41DwiXa
STATE FAIR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Great Minnesota Get-Together begins Aug. 21 and Crystal’s La Michoacana Rose ice cream shop will be there to sell a variety of frozen treats. That will include a brand-new flavor this year.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oCgz4F
TODAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Whether you prefer biking through scenic trails, finding your flow in a free yoga class, or sweating it out in a sauna, there are plenty of ways to relax in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Aug. 15 is National Relaxation Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to center your mind and body with these restorative activities.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/47uy9Bk
THIS WEEKEND: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “From jewelry made of stones from Lake Superior to a selection of specialty breads, Duluth’s ‘Art in Bayfront Park’ has all the craft goods. The festival returns to Bayfront Park Saturday and Sunday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lpMItj
SUNDAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “For hungry Minnesotans, the North Loop will be the place to be on Sunday. Sure, that's probably always the case, but this weekend, the trendy neighborhood will also play host to the annual North Loop Food Truck Fair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4luBuDV
LITTLEBIG: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has a new home for big ideas. LittleBig, founded by artist and creative entrepreneur Sarah Edwards, is a fully equipped creative studio and connection hub designed for founders, small business owners, marketers, artists, and brands to work, create, and connect.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UuWIXf
GREAT CLIPS: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Great Clips, VERBATIM: “Great Clips, the world’s largest salon brand, today announced the promotion of Rob Goggins to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Steve Hockett, who will retire at the end of 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Hwjo6C
ACQUISITION: Via Minuteman, VERBATIM: “Minuteman Press Bloomington, a leader in print and marketing services for the Twin Cities area, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Express Press Printing of Edina, Minnesota. The agreement brings together two well-established printing businesses, combining decades of expertise and a shared commitment to exceptional customer service.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/415X0Yl
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SKATING: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “After hearing that Minneapolis' only roller rink is closing in October, I had to reminisce about the good old days for skaters via one of my favorite vintage Twin Cities books: ‘Let's Skate Minnesota!’ . . . the book details 15 indoor rinks and 45 outdoor trails throughout the state suitable for skaters at various skill levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Jjaytq
BDAYS: Rep. Kristin Bahner, GOP insider Maggie Mulvaney. SAT: tech guy Gino Giovannelli, WCCO Radio’s Al Schoch, organizer Geri Katz, emergency leader Kristi Rollwagen. SUN: lobbyist Susie Emmer, Sen. Norm Coleman
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