Axios wondered if readers had opinions on dog poop etiquette. They did. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lbu9sX
An Owatonna mom says her son’s bicycle may have saved her life in Monday’s storm. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40L1xiG
18 years ago today, the 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lT68I3
Sunday Take will cover cannabis and hemp, including an interview with Interim OCM Director Eric Taubel. Tune-in Sunday at 9 on WCCO Radio.
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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SUN COUNTRY: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “Sun Country Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ: SNCY) reported second quarter EPS of $0.14, $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of $0.11. Revenue for the quarter came in at $263.6M versus the consensus estimate of $255.98M.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45khNsw
MORE: Via finimize, VERBATIM: “Adjusted net income landed at $7.8 million – almost 20% higher than projected – with earnings per share at $0.14 versus the expected $0.12. That momentum came from a 36.8% surge in cargo revenue, after Sun Country boosted service and signed fresh contract rates with Amazon. Even though available seat miles for passenger flights dipped 6.2% as the airline leaned into its cargo business, other metrics held strong: total revenue per seat mile rose 3.7%, and fare per passenger climbed 6.5%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44WLeBV
NOG: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NOG) on Thursday reported second-quarter earnings of $99.6 million. On a per-share basis, the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had net income of $1 . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The independent oil and gas company posted revenue of $706.8 million in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $574.4 million, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lXGIt2
PIPER: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Piper Sandler (NYSE: PIPR) reported second quarter EPS of $2.95, $0.70 better than the analyst estimate of $2.25. Revenue for the quarter came in at $396.79M versus the consensus estimate of $355.07M. Piper Sandler’s stock price closed at $315.32. It is up 25.19% in the last 3 months and up 30.33% in the last 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l8hA1l
TARIFFS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tariffs have dinged Minnesota companies’ profits — though not as much recently as feared — as a new round of trade taxes keeps business in a state of uncertainty. Executives, on a wave of earnings calls over the past two weeks, said tariff costs were much less, in some cases halved, from what they expected three months ago. But the ever-changing cost of doing business globally was still significant: $230 million for Polaris. $75 million for Pentair. $100 million for Boston Scientific.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mfsynj
UNITEDHEALTH: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth Group said on Thursday it will replace its finance chief John Rex with an external hire, Wayne DeVeydt, adding to the management changes at the health insurer that has been struggling to control its medical costs . . . The largest U.S. health insurer had seen an abrupt departure of Andrew Witty as CEO in May, with Stephen Hemsley replacing him. Hemsley, who led UnitedHealth for more than a decade until 2017, has re-taken the reins following several setbacks for the company, including a cyberattack last year, federal investigations, soaring medical costs and a top executive's murder.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lXiq2l
COFFEE: Via USA Today, Starbucks plans to close all of its pickup-only stores – this includes two in Minneapolis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IVSdlW
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)
EARMARKS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s congressional delegation is seeking millions of dollars in special funding for local projects despite growing doubt they will survive. Those projects, known as earmarks, are supported by both Democrats and Republicans, even among the toughest GOP budget cutters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lT28at
HORTMAN: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “There’s an effort to create a lasting tribute to the late Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman at the Minnesota State Capitol Complex. Jodi Anderson-Wolhaupter and her husband, John Wolhaupter, envision a permanent memorial at the State Office Building. They started a petition suggesting the State Office Building, which is under renovation, be renamed the Hortman State Office Building. It has 400 signatures.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4moGGu2
CRIME: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “New Brooklyn Crime police figures this week revealed a positive trend in crime reduction for the city. According to Police Chief Garett Flesland, violent crime in Brooklyn Center is down nearly 23 percent compared to this time last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41nGLWx
POT: via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the biggest names in the cannabis industry held the 3rd Annual Cannabis Law Conference to answer big questions still swirling in the industry. The MN Office of Cannabis Management's (OCM) Interim Director Eric Taubel says recreational marijuana will be worth more than $1.4 billion by 2029. … [But] on Monday, the Albert Lea City Council voted against registering the business license of what would be the state's first pot shop not on tribal land. … Taubel says he's confident the Albert Lea dispute isn't a precursor to other local governments sparring with licensees, although there is little the OCM can do to mediate.” TAUBEL: “As we see more of these businesses open, I think it’ll start to get a little bit smoother as other jurisdictions have a blueprint of how it looks. … [But] realistically, these local jurisdictions should have been planning for this moment.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4olvMHe
OCTOBER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota officials are getting everything set for this year’s Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. This year’s opener will take place in Ortonville, along the South Dakota border, on October 10 and 11.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l9cCRU
SEVERE WX: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota cities and counties deal with lots of severe weather this summer, emergency managers are struggling to respond — especially with federal funding cuts to their budgets, and the aging infrastructure that hasn’t kept up with the changing climate. This summer has been especially difficult for some counties. In Lac Qui Parle County, at least 100 miles of township and county roads were washed out by flash flooding in June 2025. The county’s emergency management said it cost taxpayers about $268,000 in damages.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3U9azST
AUGUST: From meteorologist Sven Sundgaard via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Plains — and especially the Midwest, which saw a very wet July — are expected to dry out in August, according to most model guidance. Will Minnesota flip from a wet spring and summer to a dry finish? We did last year, though more so in September.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45gzyc2
FIRES: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “The St. Louis County Assessor’s Office has released the preliminary results of their inspection of damages caused by the spring Brimson Complex wildfires. The assessment was done on all properties with structures on them within the perimeters of the Munger Shaw, Jenkins Creek, and Camp House fires. As per the inspection, 74 parcels of land were damaged, 205 structures were damaged, and damages totaled out at $2,348,795.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3H2QTNJ
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)
ENERGY: Via Minnpost, VERBATIM: “Inside Open Access Technology International’s Bloomington headquarters, high-powered computer servers and scores of electrical engineers help coordinate the flow of electricity through most of North America’s high-voltage transmission lines. Now, OATI is working to scale new software and AI-powered solutions for a much different scale: microgrids. The company’s home base is actually proof of concept built on its proprietary platform that synchronizes solar panels, batteries, an onsite cogeneration plant and emergency diesel generators to keep its offices and data center running when the main grid goes down.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mm4jDp
GOLF: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports broadcaster Jim Nantz is a design consultant for a multi-million dollar golf resort planned for New London. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4flE4uw
ACQUISITION: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Piper Sandler, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire G Squared Capital Partners, a premier boutique investment bank specializing in government services and defense technology based in the Washington, D.C. area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JcNQ61
ACQUISITION: Via Cook News-Herald, VERBATIM: “Park State Bank, a trusted community bank with deep roots across Northeastern Minnesota, and First National Bank of Chisholm, a respected local institution known for its longstanding presence and strong customer relationships, today announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which Park State Bank will acquire First National Bank of Chisholm.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ohzUaY
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)
RETAIL: Via news release from Acme Tools, VERBATIM: “Acme Tools, a premier retailer of tools and equipment, today announced it is opening a new store in Rochester, Minn. The new location will be Acme Tools' fifth retail location in Minnesota and its second new store in the state this year. Acme Tools recently opened a new store in Eagan, Minn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ffd3sx
TRUCK REPAIR: Via news release from Ryder, VERBATIM: “As the demand for skilled talent grows across the transportation and logistics industry, Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) continues to distinguish itself as an employer of choice—investing in development, recognition, and advancement opportunities for highly skilled technicians who keep freight moving. In celebration of this commitment to top talent, Ryder has named Kyle Walton of Bristol, PA its 2025 Top Technician and awarded him a $50,000 grand prize during the company’s annual skills competition. The 24th annual Ryder Top Technician Skills Competition, hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center, celebrated the ‘best of the best’ from Ryder’s 5,000 U.S.- and Canada-based technicians.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Utp2cJ
STEAKHOUSE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A new chapter in Minnesota dining is about to unfold. Opening July 31 in the iconic Farmers and Mechanics Bank building in downtown Minneapolis, Stock & Bond blends historic grandeur with modern elegance, offering a bold new take on steakhouse dining. Brought to life by national hospitality group Apicii, the 251-seat restaurant celebrates American whiskey, heritage-bred beef, and local artistry—all under one impressive Art Deco roof.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3UMt27X
THIS WEEKEND: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Drivers, buckle up: It’s going to be another weekend of multiple freeway closures in the Twin Cities. That includes three freeway closures in St. Paul, along with closures affecting parts of Interstate 694 in the north metro and State Highway 5 in the west Twin Cities region.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3U4MIE1
MORE: Via MnDOT, all current construction projects in the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3IYz8iZ
NEXT WEEK: Via news release from Plymouth-based Tile Shop, VERBATIM: “Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTSH), a specialty retailer of natural stone tiles, man-made and luxury vinyl tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories, today announced that the Company will release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 7, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lXo4S7
THIS MONTH: Via Insurance Federation of Minnesota, VERBATIM: “The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is coming to Minneapolis for its Summer National Meeting, taking place August 10–13. To mark the occasion, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota is co-hosting two receptions during the week, and we invite all of our members who will be in town to join us.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Hc29Y5
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RETIRING: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities musical culture will get a jolt at Orchestra Hall Friday night. Expect thunderous applause and perhaps a few tears. Manny Laureano, the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal trumpet for the past 44 years, and one of its most revered and storied musicians, will play his final concert as a member of the orchestra.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lb9KnL
BDAYS: civic leader Ellen Perrault, golfer Blake Smith, advocate Tim Stanley, fmr. Sen. Terri Bonoff, Central Liquor’s Scott McCleary. SAT: Retail leader Lonnie Hartley, General Mills’ Lee Anderson, real estate guy Stu Ackerberg, govt. affairs pro Becca Martin, Washington Cty. Atty. Kevin Magnuson, MN Turkey’s Ashley Kohls. SUN: CBS journalist Jamie Yuccas, lobbyist Grace Keliher, GOP operative Kevin Poindexter
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