250 years after we declared our independence from England, we (and by “we”, we mean Minnesota) share a celebration song with our former Revolutionary War rivals. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4p2I6wS
In Minneapolis on the Fourth, there will be a human mural best viewed via drone. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vK3lGe
Looks like the weather will provide the fireworks today, especially in southern Minnesota. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4p8hsCD
In June, U.S. home prices saw their steepest drop year-over-year since 2017. REALTOR.COM: https://fluence-media.co/4oTY8sA
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Sunday Take featured a breakdown of 5 key things to watch before the Aug. 11 primaries in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gca1bg
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MIDWEEK CHECK-IN
GEN MILLS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “General Mills Inc. (GIS) on Wednesday reported a loss of $2.01 billion in its fiscal fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had a loss of $3.74 . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods posted revenue of $4.61 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4phUl8Z
THE PROBLEM: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “General Mills is dominating more of the grocery aisle. But with consumers eating less, winning alone isn’t enough to revive the company’s struggling sales. The Golden Valley-based food giant said on Wednesday that innovation helped increase the company’s competitiveness at the grocery store, with its retail business holding or gaining market share in 65% of its top 10 U.S. categories over the past fiscal year. Yet General Mills’ overall and retail sales for its most recent quarter were flat on an organic basis adjusted for one-time charges and transactions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SCSCyM
THE PLAN: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Shares were up nearly 6% to $36.74 on Wednesday morning after the company reported its fiscal fourth-quarter results. The stock has lost roughly a quarter of its value over the past year. The maker of Cheerios and Annie’s Mac and Cheese has been taking on more costs to reduce prices because consumers are shopping on a smaller budget. Now that those price adjustments are mostly complete, General Mills plans to focus on introducing new products and marketing that address shoppers’ interest in things like healthy ingredients and bold flavors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xUA5OB
GOVERNOR: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “If House Speaker Lisa Demuth becomes the Republican nominee for Minnesota governor in August, she’ll have one donor in particular to thank: Richard Uihlein. Uihlein owns one of North America’s largest distributors of shipping and packaging supplies, the Wisconsin-based and privately owned Uline. Dick and his wife Liz Uihlein, who also serves as Uline’s president, are also among the country’s most generous megadonors to Republican candidates and conservative causes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wbTj08
MORE: Via Influence Watch, VERBATIM: “Since 2010, Uihlein has been a major donor to Republican candidates. Maggie Severns, in a 2018 Politico profile, called him ‘one of the most influential, but little-known, political donors in the country.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wjpQS2
CD2: Via X, Progressive Caucus PAC has endorsed Matt Little in the race to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Angie Craig. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/448L2hL
DRONES: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is considering a pilot program that would deploy Skydio drones as first responders across North Minneapolis, and activists are pushing back hard. Ward 4 Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw led efforts to approve a 75-day free trial contract from the Silicon Valley-based company. At a rally inside City Hall on Wednesday, June 24, anti-war and legal reform activists made clear they were not on board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/445JUvi
THIS WEEKEND: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The Department of Natural Resources issuing a sober reminder ahead of the 4th of July weekend. ‘No matter what the weather is like, the week surrounding the 4th of July is amongst the busiest we see on the water all year round,’ says Lieutenant Eric Sullivan, supervisor of the Department of Natural Resources Marine unit. This holiday weekend, the DNR and other public safety agencies will once again enforce Operation Dry Water to target intoxicated boaters.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vJWL2q
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 ARTS
GUN VIOLENCE: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “A new gallery exhibit at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) titled ‘Fragments Reimagined’ features Northside artists and signals a call to action to end gun violence. Co-curator of the gallery and founder of Art Is My Weapon, Nikki McComb, hosted the opening for the annual gallery on May 30.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIG5bF
DESIGN: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Walker Art Center will debut its inaugural design exhibition The Walker Design Triennial: Beyond Materialism this fall. Curated by Joseph Grima in collaboration with the Walker’s head of design, communications, and content, Asli Altay, the exhibition examines how contemporary designers are emphasizing spirituality, emotional connection, and community alongside material innovation, on view from October 17 until February 14, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uQuSEt
MUSHROOMS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Walk too fast, and you might miss the life-like crocheted fungi lining the hiking trails at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro. The chicken of the woods and oyster mushrooms engineered with yarn are the handiwork of Rochester artist Lydia Hansen. They’re part of a fungi hunt that is meant to teach hikers about the mycology of southeast Minnesota — and to delight passersby.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/442qfMP
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)
METRO
SUBURBS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A growing contingent of millennials [are] leaving cities they helped revitalize in the recession years for suburbia’s tidy lawns and traffic lanes. From Blaine and Lakeville to Woodbury and Rosemount, suburbs top the list of fastest growing areas in the Twin Cities metro. … Suburbs are responding in kind, building up amenities to entertain newer, younger and increasingly diverse neighbors. The food scene in cities from Excelsior to Prior Lake is having a moment, too, with restaurants and bars moving to suburbs for the looser regulations and lower costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/445Kfy8
ST PAUL: via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of St. Paul is facing a $26 million budget deficit for 2027. City leaders said they are looking at options beyond raising taxes as they begin discussing solutions. … St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker said the city is considering consolidating services with partners like Ramsey County, growing the tax base and using a PILOT program. … She said the city of Boston has a PILOT program that brings in about $28 million a year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ggur2U
HAMLINE AVE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Two St. Paul neighborhood organizations are asking the city to convert part of Hamline Avenue from four lanes to three during an upcoming pavement overlay, arguing the change would improve safety. But city officials don’t think it’s practical. … The groups argue their proposal will improve safety, [but] Public Works Director Deb Barber said the city would have to conduct a broader public engagement process and studies on traffic, business and public safety impacts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4y43LZI
HENN CTY: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Every year for the last two decades, Hennepin County has helped fund a handful of projects through their Transit Oriented Communities grants, spurring development that makes it easier for people to live and work car-free. … [Since] 2003, Hennepin County has put nearly $53 million into more than 180 projects. Those projects, according to county figures, have created or maintained more than 18,000 units of housing and more than 3,600 jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fbunQJ
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
NORTH SHORE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors is changing hands. On Tuesday, Landmarq Capital announced that it has acquired the four-season Lake Superior resort.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gRdhJb
SOMALI BIZ: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Businesses owned by Somali Minnesotans continue to struggle months after Operation Metro Surge brought fear and chaos to the state’s immigrant communities. Shop owners say some customers are returning, but the economic hit has been huge. A legislative effort to provide financial relief failed, but the city of Minneapolis and other entities are moving to help. Still, some businesses have not survived.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vB49Nq
RESTAURANTS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Twin Cities restaurant scene gained popular chains from Ecuador, Taiwan, China and other countries across the globe this month. Acclaimed local establishments, such as Dangerous Man Brewing Co. and Owamni, also started a new chapter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SD0YGw
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A popular Twin Cities-based restaurant chain is bringing its breakfast specialties to Maple Grove. Hope Breakfast Bar plans to open in the former Paulie’s, located at 15641 Grove Circle N. in The Grove.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p0xyhC
FIRE TRUCKS: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The truck parked inside Fire Station 7 in St. Paul was built just up the road in Wyoming, Minnesota, by a company working to make the vehicles safer for crews . . . The modern fire truck apparatus now incorporates camera systems, improved visibility, ergonomic designs and digital tools. Much of it is aimed at navigating tight city streets and reducing traffic collisions while responding to emergencies.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SEdqps
HAIR CARE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “In a crowded category, Minneapolis-based hair care brand Odele Beauty, co-founded by Britta Chatterjee, Shannon Kearney, and Lindsay Holden (right), has carved out a fast-growing niche by doing something surprisingly simple: giving people something they didn’t realize they were missing.
Holden, a Minneapolis native, built her career as a Target merchant—not a beauty or salon expert. Her perspective wasn’t shaped by the beauty industry but by everyday life.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vADGQ8
NEW CEO: Via SGSY, VERBATIM: “So Good So You, the Minneapolis-based wellness brand best known for its category-leading refrigerated wellness shots and functional beverages, announces the hire of Jennifer Jorgensen, most recently CEO of Back to Nature and a 26-year veteran of General Mills, as Chief Executive Officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aunHuq
NEXT YEAR: Via MNCAR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate and Realtors (MNCAR) today announced that Matt Anfang, its Executive Director, will retire in June 2027 after leading the organization for 14 years. Anfang’s career spans more than 25 years of leadership across multiple roles in the broader commercial real estate marketplace.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v54l6E
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEK: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “It’s the week of the 4th of July, and that means it’s rodeo time once again in Park Rapids with the annual Headwaters PRCA Rodeo & Xtreme Bulls. It’s Minnesota’s largest professional rodeo, and this year it will have a few new features, including nightly themes like ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ on Wednesday, Jul. 1, and ‘Military Appreciation Night’ on the 4th.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4y6m8NB
TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, July 2, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince will meet with Bemidji small business owners and business leaders to highlight the challenges and opportunities small businesses are facing, and how Minnesotans can help support their local small business economy. Following the roundtable, Greater Bemidji will host a walking tour of Main Street businesses.”
THIS MONTH: Via Minneapolis-based Graco, VERBATIM: “Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) announced today that it will release its second quarter 2026 earnings after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v3mK3P
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “If there’s one food that brings Minnesotans together, it’s the burger. This summer, that shared love gets its own celebration with the inaugural MN Burger Week, happening Aug. 10-16. The weeklong dining event invites burger lovers to explore Twin Cities restaurants through exclusive $10 burger specials, while earning rewards and competing for prizes along the way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gPWXsf
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RIVER VIEW: Via My North News, VERBATIM: “Ole Olson Park is now home to a deck with chairs and oversized swings, right on the Mississippi River. But it’s the view of the downtown skyline that makes the deck a standout feature . . . The park’s upgrade is part of a larger project that connects two trails. A 1,000- foot trail connection will now connect 26th Avenue North Overlook to the downtown riverfront and the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. It also connects to the off-street trail on 26th Avenue North, which runs between the Mississippi River and Theodore Wirth Regional Park.” READ/PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4oYNQYb
BDAYS: Sen. Zach Duckworth, Rep. Marion Rarick, comms pro John Vomhof Jr., DFL operative Ellen Watters, recruiter Paul DeBettigneis, retired exec. Jeff Peterson
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