PATIENCE NEEDED
MnDOT crews working the project on Highway 280 have counted vehicles in the double digits driving around construction barricades, putting themselves and the workers in danger. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xlnLWs
For only the second time in history, there’s a national blood shortage. Axios with why Minnesotans might be uniquely positioned to help. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h78xPW
81% of Republicans and 7% of Democrats approve of the President’s handling of immigration – shortly after he took office it was 88% and 18%. AP-NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4xiH1Us
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday night announced he’s “officially” rescinding the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund – he’s trying to woo the last couple of GOP Senators holding out on his nomination. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xmBUmm
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A BUSY MONDAY
JOBS: Via London & Minneapolis-based nVent, VERBATIM: “nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT), a global leader in electrical connection and protection solutions, today announced the lease of additional manufacturing space at a second location in Blaine, Minnesota. The new 160,000 square-foot site will expand nVent’s capacity to manufacture data center liquid cooling solutions, supporting the surging demand for liquid cooling technologies that enable artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing . . . The new site is expected to begin production in the first half of 2027 and employ more than 200 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fBN2Wq
BEDS: Via The Canadian Press, VERBATIM: “Sleep Country Canada Inc. says it has completed its acquisition of [Minneapolis-based] Sleep Number. The Toronto-based retailer says the deal will make it the second-largest sleep retailer in the world . . . Documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court say Sleep Country agreed to pay about US$702 million for the assets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wfeH4A
HEMP: Via Marijuana Moment, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senate leaders have included provisions to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in a key new spending bill. Industry advocates believe the move will give them more time to convince Congress to enact comprehensive regulations to effectively regulate, rather than prohibit, the products. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill that President Donald Trump signed during his first term in office. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp to make it so only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will remain legal after November 12.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fKp7nP
MORE: Via news release from Senator Amy Klobuchar, KLOBUCHAR: “Brewers, farmers, small businesses, and customers in Minnesota have made clear that the federal ban on hemp products will be devastating,” Klobuchar said. “The new government funding bill in the Senate includes a key provision based on my bipartisan bill to delay the federal hemp ban, which I opposed last November, so other states can put more sensible safety rules in place like we have in Minnesota. This delay was immediately necessary to give Minnesota hemp producers and customers certainty, while giving Congress more time to get to a long-term fix.”
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)
LYNX-FEVER: Via Sporting News, VERBATIM: “A rally organized around Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments drew supporters and counterprotesters outside Target Center before the Indiana Fever faced the Minnesota Lynx. The attention surrounding Sophie Cunningham extended well beyond the basketball court Sunday afternoon. Before the Indiana Fever’s 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, supporters of Cunningham gathered outside Target Center in Minneapolis for a rally focused on protecting women’s sports. The demonstration came after similar events were held in Seattle and Portland earlier in the week. Cunningham has become a central figure in the debate after publicly sharing her position on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S9VlQ8
MORE: Activist and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines was at the game to support Cunningham. A photo and a sign both drew controversy. PHOTOGATE | SIGNGATE
GOLF: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul golf courses may soon be allowed to add lighting — which could lead to later hours — under changes to an odd zoning restriction scheduled for a city council vote Wednesday. The proposed ordinance would remove restrictions prohibiting lighting on golf courses — as well as miniature golf. City officials say they are unsure why those provisions exist.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hLyGEb
COOKBOOK: Via Target, VERBATIM: “Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is bringing easy, flavorful recipes to busy families with the launch of ‘Good & Gather: Discover Delicious Every Day,’ the first-ever cookbook from Target’s flagship owned food and beverage brand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hQVOB4
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)
THE LOCALS
APP: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Public safety is now a tap away for Robbinsdale residents. The city’s police department is the first in the nation to offer the Bridge911 app. The app, which replaces the city’s Tip411 system, has multiple uses, including getting crime alerts and updates on street closures and snow emergencies. Residents can also submit tips directly to police through the Bridge911.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4z0B4NM
FOUNTAIN: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The fountain of the Wind in Canal Park, just across from the Dewitt-Seitz building, was filled with bubbles on Sunday. The Duluth Police Department says officers responded to reports of people putting soap into the fountain just after 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. They called the city plumber to turn it off until it could be cleaned up.” READ/PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4w2f42c
FLOODING: Via Austin Herald, VERBATIM: “Local officials, in combination with state and national agencies, have been working toward establishing damage assessments stemming from heavy rain events on July 2 and 8 . . . According to a release Thursday evening, as part of that process, FEMA and the SBA assessment teams have agreed to come to Mower County and conduct Initial Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in partnership with the Mower County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management and HSEM.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xntwTz
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
ROCHESTER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Standing in front of a massive road closure through downtown Rochester, deputy city administrator Cindy Steinhauser didn’t see the barricades and detour signs, she saw a future bus rapid transit line . . . The transit line is one of the city’s 13 public works construction projects underway right now. Within the next year, that number will nearly double. And that doesn’t count private construction projects like new housing developments or the new hospital that Mayo Clinic is building downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yV4bls
MINNEAPOLIS: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Residents of the Jordan and Folwell neighborhoods have complained for years about gunshots, drug trafficking, prostitution, and dice games that happen out in the open at the corner of Lowry and Logan avenues. Part of their frustration is directed at the Full Stop gas station at that intersection. Residents say the owner has done little to drive away the persistent gatherings of people from that corner . . . Now, the owner is appealing to many of those residents to support his plans to expand his store with a new building that will include a restaurant, a four-unit apartment complex, and a design that will discourage loitering and criminal activity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xjawpb
STRIP MALL: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “A Chicago-based social enterprise company is purchasing the Hawthorn Crossings strip mall in north Minneapolis, promising it will build local wealth and support community development in one of the Twin Cities’ lowest-income and most diverse neighborhoods. Lyneir Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Chicago Trend, is undertaking a crowdfunding campaign, asking nearby residents to invest a minimum of $1,000 into the Hawthorn Crossings project. He seeks to make the strip mall 49% community owned, saying that ownership of commercial real estate on West Broadway will empower the neighborhood.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TPUEvO
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS: Flint Hills Resources is celebrating summer with thousands of Minnesotans at local festivals and parades. Look for Flint Hills employees – along with their families and friends – as they show their hometown pride at many local celebrations, including Rosemount Leprechaun Days, Hastings Rivertown Days, Inver Grove Heights Days and Saint Paul’s Lowertown Sounds. For decades, Flint Hills Resources has supported programs, organizations and events that improve our quality of life in our communities. LEARN MORE: Community Partnerships (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
RETAIL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “A Crunch Fitness and Foss Swim School are coming to St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. Why it matters: The additions to the Highland Village Shopping Center on Ford Parkway will fill a high-traffic anchor store spot that has sat vacant since Lunds & Byerlys moved to the neighboring Highland Bridge redevelopment in 2022.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RPiWpc
BBQ: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Big news rocked the world of 6-year-olds in the Twin Cities, when Animales BBQ Co. opened the latest and greatest in indoor play places just off its main dining room: stairs to climb and slides to slither, walls to ascend and big tumbling mats for somersaults, a curtained stage for kid productions, magnet walls to rearrange, picture books for all, and little tables just for kid meetings. Conveniently, just outside the playroom door: mac and cheese and a large space to keep your parents!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hc1vJO
CLOSING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “It’s the final curtain for El Sazon Cocina & Tragos. The south Minneapolis restaurant specializing in tacos, birria and other casual Mexican bites announced it will close in mid-August after a nearly three-year run. ‘After many sleepless nights and difficult conversations, we’ve made the decision to close El Sazón Cocina & Tragos,’ owners Cristian and Karen de Leon posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The last day of service will be Aug. 15.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFSmcA
OPENING: From White Bear Lake’s Donatelli’s Restaurant via Instagram, VERBATIM: “We’re beyond excited to announce that Donatelli’s is opening a second location in Bloomington this September!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wV7mIB
CROW WING CTY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Snarky Loon Brewing in Jenkins was recently visited by the media and marketing group America’s Best Restaurants and will soon be featured on an episode of ABR’s Roadshow series. The ABR crew travels the country highlighting independent, locally-owned restaurants that make a positive impact on their communities.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xiI6eV
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the baking industry’s most trusted brands and a leading manufacturer for in-store bakeries and foodservice operators, today announced it has completed its acquisition of Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, further strengthening its position in the cookie category while expanding manufacturing capabilities in the Northeast.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pQm6W9
ACQUISITION: Via GlobalData, VERBATIM: “Quantum computing firm IonQ has completed the previously announced acquisition of [Bloomington]-based semiconductor foundry SkyWater Technology in a transaction valued at about $1.8bn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w7rfL9
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted payments and data company, today announced it has closed its acquisition of Celero Commerce, a financial technology company focused on optimized payment solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and strategic partners.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yVMuCg
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) will issue a news release announcing second quarter 2026 financial results after the stock market closes on Monday, August 3, 2026 and will host a live conference call and webcast on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the corporation’s financial and operating performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pmT40l
WEDNESDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted Payments and Data company, will report second quarter 2026 financial results after market close on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Tg0Qgu
WEDNESDAY: Via Brooklyn Park-based Clearfield, VERBATIM: “Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for broadband, data center and network infrastructure environments, today announced that it will release results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, ended June 30, 2026, on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, after the close of the market.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wfdeMb
WEDNESDAY: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its second quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/ 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4weigbQ
THURSDAY: Via Minnetonka-based NOG, VERBATIM: “Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) announced today that it plans to issue its second quarter 2026 financial and operating results on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after the market closes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eTFuxP
THURSDAY: Via Minneapolis-based Sezzle, VERBATIM: “Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its second quarter 2026 results after the market close on August 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vrMarT
THURSDAY: Via Brooklyn Park-based CVRx, VERBATIM: “CVRx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVRX), a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative neuromodulation solutions for patients with cardiovascular diseases, today announced that it plans to release second quarter 2026 financial and operating results after market close on Thursday, August 6, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44NTdAj
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
SATURDAY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “IgboFest celebrates its 31st year highlighting Nigerian culture on Saturday, Aug. 8, on the campus of North Hennepin Community College. Hosted by the Umunne Cultural Association, attendees can experience traditional Igbo clothing, cuisine, music and cultural performances at this year’s festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45InWPz
BDAYS: GOP operative Kevin Poindexter, CBS’ Jamie Yuccas, lobbyist Grace Keliher, Torrent goalie Hannah Murphy
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