Forget day-old – the Pillsbury Doughboy turned 60 YEARS old this month. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44m7rbG
Will the Olympics give women’s professional hockey the boost it needs? AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4oN9Nso
And speaking of sports – former WCCO-Radio host Dave Lee says this could be his last year broadcasting the Prep Bowl. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ie4j7t
Last weekend’s 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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FIRST: Thursday’s lunch take reported robotaxi operator Waymo is planning to launch in Minneapolis. That had some wondering how the self-driving taxis would handle winter. Waymo says it’s been preparing. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pmAy6T
POLITICS
SD64: Spotted via Facebook this morning, a list of candidates who attended a DFL meeting last night. They were there to pitch themselves to replace St. Paul Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her representing Senate District 64. The candidates reportedly in attendance:
Beth Fraser
Matt Hill
Meg Luger-Nikolai
Dan McGrath
Lois Quam
Carolyn Will
EXTREMISM
THE TREND: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “A national counterterrorism group is closer to answering the question of why the Annunciation Church shooter unleashed a deadly barrage of violence earlier this year. The FBI identified Nihilist Violent Extremism, or NVE, as an emerging trend in violent extremism across the country, including Minnesota. Seamus Hughes, with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE), at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the FBI is studying 250 potential NVE cases across the country, including the Annunciation Church mass shooting in August.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JY5Emp
MORE: Via NCITE, the briefing on NVE and how it relates to the Annunciation attack. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3XGeFDF
RETAIL
FURNITURE: Via KNSI-Radio, VERBATIM: “Family-owned home furnishings store Hennen Furniture is being acquired by HOM Furniture, one of the nation’s largest furniture retailers in the upper Midwest. Bob Hennen founded Hennen Furniture in 1967 as a small store near St. Cloud’s Crossroads Shopping Center. Over nearly six decades, it grew into a regional retailer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MesHde
MORE: Furniture Today on why the acquisition “checked a lot of boxes” for HOM. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ijHWOi
TARGET: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Organizers are calling it one of the most successful boycotts in U.S. history and say they’ll continue until Target reverses its anti-DEI stance. CAIR executive director Jaylani Hussein asked consumers directly to not shop from Target during the holidays.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ppKbBY
MINING
MAGNETS: Via Minneaopolis-based Niron, VERBATIM: “Jonathan Rowntree, Chief Executive Officer of Niron Magnetics, testified Wednesday before the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese CCP, presenting the company’s breakthrough Iron Nitride magnet technology as a solution to reducing America’s critical dependence on rare earth materials. Rowntree’s testimony emphasized that Iron Nitride technology at scale can eliminate foreign rare earth dependencies that have plagued American manufacturers for decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Trtg3
MORE: From National Association of Manufacturers via Facebook, Rowntree’s testimony. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44phvAJ
GAS: Via news release from Rep. Brad Finstad, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) this week voted in support of H.R. 1949, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025, legislation that restores certainty to America’s energy approval process by removing burdensome restrictions on the export of American liquified natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the sole authority to review LNG export applications, streamlining the approval process for American LNG exports to countries with which the U.S. has a free-trade agreement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oNLQ4c
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)
KLOBUCHAR
CRYPTO: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday voted to advance President Trump’s new pick to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a low-profile agency that is poised to take on a key role regulating cryptocurrency . . . The state of the CFTC was a key concern for Democrats at Selig’s confirmation hearing Wednesday, as lawmakers continue to wrestle with legislation that would hand over a large chunk of crypto regulation to the agency.” QUOTE: “I believe it’s in the public interest that the CFTC not only have a confirmed chairman, but also a fully functioning commission, and that would include, of course, a Democratic appointee, in fact, two Democratic appointees,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), the committee’s ranking member, said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47RGKhq
VATICAN: From Senator Klobuchar via X, VERBATIM: “It was an honor to meet Pope Leo XIV, a true moral force for peace and justice. I joined a Ukrainian delegation to speak to him about the Russian abduction of Ukrainian kids. Any path towards peace must start with returning the kidnapped children.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3JOCkyN
MORE: Via Klobuchar news release, VERBATIM: “While in Rome, Klobuchar also spoke with Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, and personal papal envoy for peace in Ukraine, to discuss efforts to bring home Ukrainian kids abducted by Russia. The Ukrainian delegation includes four Ukrainian children who were kidnapped by Russian forces and have since been reunited with their families.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48rx79g
THE HOLIDAYS
AIRPORT: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owner and operator of MSP, anticipates at least a 5% uptick in departing passengers compared to earlier this month between Thursday, Nov. 20 and Monday, Dec. 1. The busiest day is projected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, when more than 49,000 people are expected to be screened through MSP’s security checkpoints, followed by nearly 47,000 on Wednesday, Nov. 26. That’s in addition to the travelers flying in to the airport.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ihy9bo
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)
CLIMATE
CITIES & COUNTIES: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “As the Trump administration sits out an annual United Nations climate change meeting in Brazil that could (maybe) produce a detailed roadmap to transition the global economy away from fossil fuels, local governments in Minnesota and across the U.S. are preparing for more extreme weather to come. At least 22 Minnesota city, county, regional and tribal governments have published ‘climate action’ or resilience plans to mitigate the human and financial costs of future weather disasters, according to a report out Tuesday from Josefina Hajek-Herrera, a fellow with the Building Power Resource Center and climate policy consultant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49taJxm
MORE: Via Building Power Resource Center, the report. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/47Wrobq
EDUCATION
TEACHERS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The head of Minnesota’s teacher licensing board says she’ll ask lawmakers to give the board more power to revoke the licenses of teachers accused of inappropriate behavior and to investigate people applying for licenses. Yelena Bailey says there’s momentum for change at the Capitol driven by Hannah LoPresto, a woman who shared her story with MPR News.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ptY2qV
ROBBINSDALE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “With mounting debts, declining enrollment and buildings in serious need of repair, the Robbinsdale Area School District is expected to close two of its elementary schools, as well as a middle school and its main administrative building.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oTCrrT
AUDIT: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “An Olmsted County school district failed to meet state requirements for documenting credit card purchases, according to a state investigation that recently concluded. The findings mark the latest financial concerns for Byron Public Schools, which has found itself in the hotseat for its money management practices.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3K7iC1d
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)
IN DC…
ADOPTION: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act. This comprehensive legislation protects adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries and ensures that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o7ivRe
MEDICARE: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig introduced the bipartisan Senior Savings Protection Act to help more low-income seniors learn about and access essential Medicare benefits. Rep. Craig’s bill would reauthorize federal resources that expand outreach to potential low-income Medicare beneficiaries and boost enrollment efforts. These resources are set to expire on January 30, 2026. They have been extended with bipartisan support multiple times over the past 17 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X4UlMa
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)
THE TWIN CITIES…
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Well-known Twin Cities restaurateur David Fhima will partner with Coborn’s for a trio of fast-casual food concepts inside the new flagship grocery store under construction in Plymouth. The new culinary partnership comes as another new stand-alone restaurant, The Buttered Tin, announced it will open inside the store. The Buttered Tin is owned by Alicia Hinze, who gained fame as a winner on Food Network’s ‘Cupcake Wars.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LQyYM9
MILL DISTRICT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “In the shadows of U.S. Bank Stadium and the Guthrie Theater, Zen Box Izakaya has long been a Mill District institution. Now it’s preparing for its final service on Saturday, ending a two-decade run beloved by everyone from Vikings linebackers to neighborhood regulars.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LRadPY
RUSCO: Via news release from the Attorney General’s office, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is alerting Minnesotans harmed by the abrupt closure of Minnesota Rusco what options they may have to recover funds paid to Rusco for work that was never completed . . .
Keep copies of all contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, and communications like emails or text messages to document any money paid to Minnesota Rusco in exchange for services that were not delivered. These documents will be important in efforts to get your money back through any court proceedings.
Credit card companies often allow ‘chargebacks’ for undelivered services. If you paid Minnesota Rusco for services you did not receive with a credit card, contact your credit card company directly to request a chargeback and learn more about the process. You may be asked to submit documentation to support your chargeback request.
. . . Attorney General Ellison’s alert comes after Minnesota Rusco, a home renovation company that operated in the state for 70 years, abruptly ceased all operations on October 29, 2025, leaving a large number of consumers who had signed contracts and paid sizeable deposits to Minnesota Rusco with unfinished work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o5EE2d
RETAIL: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The luxury wing at the Southdale Center officially opened earlier this year, but new shops are still entering the revamped mall. The newest addition is Gucci, which had been previously announced as a future tenant of the luxury wing. It opened late last week, giving the luxury retailer a stand-alone shop just as the holiday shopping season begins.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XHHHCV
WHAT’S NEXT?
TONIGHT: Via Cedar Cultural Center, VERBATIM: “On November 21, 1948, one of the greatest American Songsters of the 20th century, Lead Belly, played a house party in Minneapolis. Someone at the party recorded the show. It highlights a legendary Folk Singer at his finest. On November 21, 2025, a group of folk musicians who have long admired Lead Belly’s contributions to the American folk tradition and the Minneapolis House Party recording, will gather on the exact date of the original concert 77 years later in memory of that concert and to play their favorite Lead Belly songs.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4r9odF3
TOMORROW: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “One of the most prominent musical personalities in Minnesota’s Somali community, Salaad Mohamed Shardi, better known as Salaad Darbi, will be honored at a concert on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Golden Valley.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49s0h9n
MONDAY: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “The community is invited to a free health fair at the Itasca County Family YMCA Active Living Center from 2-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rbQn1R
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
LOWERTOWN: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “30 semi-trucks of lights are all in place waiting for sunset as the annual GLOW holiday festival kicks off at CHS Field in St. Paul Thursday night. Founder Randy Levy [told] Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News there are many new attractions this year including a 30-foot fairytale castle sparkling with 10,000 lights, as well as the usual crowd favorites.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3LQAKwR
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