Some websites not working this morning? It may not be you. A technical issue at Cloudflare is being blamed for a string of web outages impacting social media platform X and popular sites. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4olFJmV
In Lindstrom, the teapot water tower is steaming for the first time in decades. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pbGPSQ
St. Paul’s Joan’s in the Park is the only Minnesota restaurant on OpenTable’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the country. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Kan4MD
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rbHTIo
Sunday Take included Fluence Advisory client Plift COO Glenn McElfresh discussing the federal hemp ban, how it impacts Minnesota THC businesses, and how lawmakers can help before it’s too late. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Xupc4S
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.
IN DC…
Via note from Majority Whip Tom Emmer this morning, which comes as many are anticipating a vote in the House to force the release of the Epstein files. VERBATIM: “Members are advised that votes are now expected in the House on Friday, December 19th. This is a change from the previously announced schedule.”
A BUSY WEEK AHEAD…
TODAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A ‘major business announcement’ will be made on Tuesday by the company that owns the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota Sports & Entertainment – the Craig Leipold-owned parent company for the Minnesota Wild, Iowa Wild, and the 317 on Rice Park event center – is holding a press conference at 1 p.m. at the Grand Casino Arena, formerly the Xcel Energy Center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48lmdlq
THIS WEEK: Target will announce its Q3 earnings tomorrow. Also out this week: Home Depot (today), Lowes, and Walmart.
MORE: Via Marketplace, with a lack of government economic data available due to the recent shutdown, analysts will look to retail earnings for economic indicators. VERBATIM: “Big retail companies will tell investors how much money they brought in between August and October. But they’ll also likely talk about how many things they sold. And that’s what Gaurav Chhabra, managing director at AlixPartners, will be paying attention to.” CHHABRA: “When a consumer walks in and buys fewer things at a higher price, that could result in a higher revenue performance by retailers,” he said. Fine for those big box retailers, but if consumers are buying less stuff overall, that might not be great news for the economy. “What it’ll tell us is how consumers may or may not be tightening their wallets in the short and medium term.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4o0hTws
BUSINESS MOVES
HOT CHOCOLATE: Via CNN, VERBATIM: “Beginning Monday, a Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate drink will be available exclusively at Starbucks cafés inside Target stores. The vast majority of Target’s 2,000 locations include a Starbucks, but this marks the first-ever holiday drink collaboration between the two companies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a05Cox
DQ: Via news release from Minneapolis-based IDQ, VERBATIM: “International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), through its wholly owned subsidiary American Dairy Queen Corporation, a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, today announced it has signed deals to open DQ restaurants in new markets Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and grow the number of DQ restaurants in Qatar. The deals commit to opening 187 DQ restaurants throughout the four markets as treat only and hot food and treat locations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pbSdy4
STEAKS: Via news release from Omaha Steaks, VERBATIM: “Omaha Steaks, America’s Original Butcher, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Target Plus, Target‘s third-party, curated digital marketplace. Omaha Steaks will integrate its products with Target.com, expanding the brand’s reach to the Target app and website and providing customers with a convenient shopping experience for quality proteins at home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nYjzqn
AI: Via news release from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank today introduced a cash forecasting tool with Kyriba to help businesses gain real-time visibility and control over their cash and liquidity positions. U.S. Bank Liquidity Manager, powered by Kyriba’s liquidity performance platform, leverages traditional methods and advanced AI to deliver cash forecasting, scenario planning, and operational efficiency for both mid-sized and large firms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r7bOkO
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)
MINNESOTA NEWS…
SD32: Via news release from the Ford campaign, VERBATIM: “Today, Blaine City Councilmember Chris Ford announced his campaign for State Senate District 32. Ford served 21 years as a firefighter, including 13 years as a captain before retiring in 2020. Feeling motivated to continue giving back to his community, Ford became a paraprofessional at Blaine High School supporting teachers and helping students reach their full potential. Last year, frustrated with the status quo, Ford unseated an incumbent on the Blaine City Council where he now serves with a focus on public safety, infrastructure, and smart economic development.”
FRAUD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A judge on Monday sentenced a one-time Minneapolis business consultant to seven years in federal prison for a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud government pandemic aid programs. Through his marketing company Futuristic Management Group and a nonprofit that he started, Tezzaree El-Amin Champion submitted phony loan applications to the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program as well as a Hennepin County small business grant program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JJV2Yi
REPORT: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Entrust, VERBATIM: “Entrust, a global leader in identity-centric security solutions, today released its seventh annual Identity Fraud Report for 2026 . . . New data reveals deepfakes account for one in five biometric fraud attempts, and instances of deepfaked selfies increased by 58% in 2025. Other fraud tactics across biometric systems include photo of a screen, photo of a printout, 2D and 3D masks, video of a video on screen, and video of photo on screen.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4474mMC
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)
EARNINGS
MEDTRONIC: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Medtronic raised its fiscal-year outlook after logging higher profit and sales in its latest quarter, boosted by robust demand across end markets and healthy procedure volumes. The medical-device maker said Tuesday it now expects organic revenue to grow about 5.5% from its last fiscal year, compared with a prior outlook of up 5%. The company also raised the low end of its adjusted earnings outlook to $5.62 a share from $5.60 a share, while maintaining the high end at $5.66 a share. Analysts polled by FactSet forecast adjusted earnings of $5.62 a share.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XGEx2d
NORTHERN: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Technologies International Corp. (NTIC) on Tuesday reported a loss of $1.1 million in its fiscal fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Circle Pines, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 12 cents . . . The rust and corrosion prevention company posted revenue of $22.3 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pm8Jfc
WORKFORCE
FUNDING: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded more than $4.8 million to 39 organizations to provide more than 4,000 young people with workforce development and training opportunities. DEED’s Youth at Work Opportunity Grants Program serves youth of color and youth with disabilities who are economically disadvantaged or considered to be at-risk. Grantees will connect young people ages 14-to-24 with good-paying jobs in high-growth industries, taking a targeted approach for youth who face the largest systemic barriers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K2wppB
AROUND THE TWIN CITIES…
COFFEE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The best part of waking up has a new foothold in Brooklyn Park — and it’s inextricably linked with fitness and its owner, Jesse Hill. ‘Honestly, roasting [coffee] is kind of peaceful,’ Hill told CCX News. Hill has two big passions in life: CrossFit and coffee. He says exercise and coffee are a natural pairing. ‘I think people who work out tend to like caffeine, whether it’s preworkout or so on,’ he said. ‘So I think a lot of people in the gym space are coffee drinkers.’ One day, Hill thought he could combine his twin passions into a side business.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4r2lld3
BBQ: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Midtown Global Market is about to smell a whole lot smokier—in the best way. On Friday, Nov. 21, the Market welcomes its newest restaurant, Rollin Nolen’s BBQ, with a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect good food, great music, and the signature southern hospitality that chef TJ Nolen has been serving up since 2016.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i8IB4P
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
EDINA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Hopefully, you caught the big news earlier this year that after a five-year pandemic-era partnership, Cooks of Crocus Hill and Gavin Kaysen‘s Bellecour Bakery were amicably parting ways—Cooks to expand on its culinary education offerings and Bellecour to open two standalone locations, one on Edina’s Market Street and the other in the North Loop. The former is a daytime café and bakery; the latter a full-service French bistro. And, surprise! After a quiet few months of work behind the scenes, Edina’s Bellecour is open for business as of today, November 18.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49m6jIA
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Buttered Tin, a restaurant that has gained acclaim for fresh-baked goods and scratch-made breakfasts and lunches, has announced its planning to open in Plymouth at The Boulevard redevelopment site.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XyjyyD
MORE NEW: Via Eater, new restaurants in the Twin Cities. LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3JjwJ2Z
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)
REAL ESTATE
HOME SALES: From a news release out this morning from Zillow, VERBATIM: “Pending sales rose most in Florida: West Palm Beach (21.6%), Tampa (18.4%) and San Francisco (12%) posted the biggest increases. Please note that parts of Florida may be seeing large year-over-year jumps because hurricanes slowed the market down last October. Pending sales fell most in Seattle (-15.6%), Minneapolis (-9.8%) and San Antonio (-9.4%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XBCcpk
ST PAUL: Via First & First, VERBATIM: “First & First, the Minneapolis-based real estate development firm known for transforming historic properties into creative, community-driven destinations, has partnered with R2 Companies of Chicago to acquire Prior Works, a 500,000-square-foot mixed-use campus located in St. Paul’s Midway Creative Enterprise Zone . . . Situated within the thriving Midway Creative Enterprise Zone, Prior Works spans nearly 500,000 square feet across multiple interconnected buildings. The campus is already home to a vibrant community of creative tenants — including Black Stack Brewing, Can Can Wonderland, and numerous artists, makers, and small manufacturers — reflecting the kind of grassroots innovation that defines St. Paul’s creative economy.”
UPTOWN: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The struggling MoZaic office and entertainment complex in the heart of Uptown is slated for a pair of sheriff’s foreclosure auctions. Why it matters: Once a sign of neighborhood progress, the fall of the MoZaic properties underscores the recent struggles in Uptown — where commercial vacancies have shot up following crime issues, remote work and road construction.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r3Ipb4
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Things to do around Minnesota this week: Christmas City of the North parade, Gingerbread Wonderland, Pentatonix on tour, and more.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/47NoVAb
THURSDAY: Via news release from Best Buy, VERBATIM: “Get ready for a holiday haul of incredible doorbusters and deals on this season’s hottest tech: Best Buy’s official Black Friday Sale begins Thursday, Nov. 20 — more than a week before Black Friday, so you can get a jump on the savings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49kSHgK
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
HERMAN: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Hermann The German, the iconic bronze statue overlooking the city of New Ulm, looks pretty good for 128 years old. The pedestal he stands atop on is a different story: it’s crumbling from the inside.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Y8GBu
BDAYS: Downtown Council leader and dad Adam Duininck, lobbyist Marty McDonough, fmr. Rep. Julie Sandstede
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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