A man was fatally shot by police in West St. Paul last evening. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lWhzhx
Two-thirds of Americans are pessimistic about peacefully ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4oW54oG
The demand for gold and silver as investments is growing in Twin Cities immigrant communities. READ: https://fluence-media.co/46khoqD
What can Minneapolis learn from Melbourne, Australia to improve the skyway system? WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3HSdgWv
Sunday Take was live at the State Fair as GOP Rep. Keith Allen and DFL Sen. Doron Clark discussed their lifelong friendship and how to bridge political divisions. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3HuzoGl
This weekend, Sunday Take will be live from the WCCO Radio Porch at 9AM Sunday at the State Fair.
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.
POLL: Via Gallup, VERBATIM: “Even before a shooter this week killed two children and injured numerous others during a Minneapolis Catholic school church service, U.S. parents were registering heightened anxiety about their own children’s safety at school. Forty-one percent of U.S. parents of K-12 students told Gallup in an Aug. 1-20 survey that they fear for their oldest child’s physical safety at school.”
“Gallup's analysis of the data based on four-year groupings to increase statistical reliability finds meaningful increases in concern among mothers and fathers, lower- and upper-income households, and parents of children at all grade levels. Longer term, groups that historically report lower concern, such as fathers, upper-income parents and Republicans, have kept pace with other groups in terms of mounting concern over the past two decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mMpyz2
2023 REQUEST: Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls was on Fox Business to talk about a 2023 request from the Minnesota Catholic Conference for increased security at private religious schools. QUOTE: “There was a meeting that [Minnesota Catholic Conference Executive Director] Jason Adkins and that team had, the Catholic leadership from our state, with Governor Walz. They discussed this issue. He agreed and felt it made sense. But there was never any follow-up.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g3Rc7Y
MORE: Via Minnesota Catholic Conference, from a 2023 letter to Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, QUOTE: “We are asking for your assistance in making sure the Minnesota Legislature enacts your budget recommendation of $50 million to establish the Building and Cyber Security Grant Program and include all schools as eligible for funding, whether they are public, charters or nonpublic schools. The exclusion of one sector of schools – as you know, nonpublic schools serve many students and families in need of services and resources – is a discriminatory act against our students.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4lOWjdq
TESTING: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota students aren’t making progress in math and reading after significant declines in proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to statewide standardized assessment data released Friday. Fewer than half of Minnesota public school students are meeting grade-level expectations on math and reading exams given in May — 43% in math and 48% in reading, staying roughly the same from 2023 and 2024. The data comes from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, exams given to students in grades 3-8 in reading and math, with additional reading and math exams in grades 10 and 11.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Slyp9
MORE: From this morning’s news release from the Minnesota Department of Education which also includes link to the data. VERBATIM: “Overall, student performance on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) remained steady in reading and mathematics, while consistent attendance rates continued to improve across student groups. Science assessment results will be released later this fall, reflecting the first year of instruction following the implementation of revised academic standards and assessments aligned to those rigorous standards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45XkHDE
READING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Hopes are high for future literacy gains following the passage in 2023 of the Read Act, which places a greater emphasis on phonics. Some schools had already embraced the back-to-basics approach, and have reported success at the local level.” QUOTE: “It is not whether the Read Act is working; it’s where it is working,” said Katie Pekel, executive director of educational leadership at the University of Minnesota. “These are the schools we should be writing case studies about or holding up as lighthouse examples.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UO383Z
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)
JOBS: Via CareerForce, VERBATIM: “Results from the July Job Search Experience Survey are in and they indicate people utilizing the CareerForce system in Minnesota to find work are having a harder time finding employment now compared to last summer. Of the 310 CareerForce staff and partner respondents, 294 have worked with job seekers for at least the entire past year. Of those 294, 34 (12%) say it was somewhat easier or much easier for the job seekers they serve to find employment, 86 (29%) say it was about the same and 174 (59%) say it was somewhat harder or much harder to find employment compared to a year ago.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gjlXpL
CUTS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Latino nonprofit COPAL Minnesota is scrambling, trying to save a building project to support its job training program after two key government grants were cut. Dozens of other nonprofits providing help to businesses and job seekers also are pivoting, as their funding either declined or was canceled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41sAfhx
HORMEL: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Hormel Foods said its prices will go up, after rising costs for meat, nuts and other goods cut into its profit. Take pork bellies: The company, which makes Spam, Jennie-O turkey and Planters nuts, said Thursday that the cost of bellies used in bacon products have gone up 30% compared with last year. Wholesale pork in general was 10% higher.” QUOTE: “That run-up in commodity markets was both sudden, and it was major,” said Jeff Ettinger, Hormel’s interim chief executive, on a conference call Thursday. “To address commodity inflation, we are taking targeted pricing actions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46eGmbS
SAFETY CAMP: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The world can be full of hazards for kids, which is why the Brooklyn Park Police Department brought back its annual safety camp on Aug. 26 and 27. It’s partly a way for first responders to connect with kids and make safety lessons fun. Police officers, mostly dressed in plain clothes, showed off drones, robots and SWAT tools.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46ezZ8s
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Bemidji City Council and the Northern Township Board held a joint informational meeting Thursday ahead of a trial to decide if portions of Northern Township surrounding Lake Bemidji will be annexed by ordinance. City and township residents filed into the Sanford Center’s conference room to hear arguments from both sides on the contested action.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lRXHvM
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)
SOUL GRAIN: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Liza Maya is a Twin Cities nutritionist; Sylvia Williams is a local pastry chef. For years, the two friends dreamed about cooking up a healthy snack brand with flavor. In 2022, they launched Soul Grain with a mission to add color, diversity, and unique flavors to the granola aisle. Started as a granola bar, their recipe quickly became deconstructed. ‘We thought granola aisles were lacking diversity and representation,’ Maya says. Now available in select Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, and Kowalski’s Markets, Soul Grain’s packaging makes it a standout.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mxGJnC
PEDAL PUB: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Golden Valley entrepreneur pedaled her business into this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together for the first time. ‘[The State Fair] wanted us here. I mean, I think we just have a great brand,’ said Kristina Urvina, owner of Pedal Pub Twin Cities. ‘We’re fun, you know and I think they just thought it would be a good fit.’ Pedal Pub is a 16-seat party bike. People can rent a Pedal Pub and take in some scenic views of downtown Minneapolis while enjoying a few beverages with friends.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47l3fvs
PASTA: Via news release from Richardson, VERBATIM: “Richardson (US) Holdings Limited, the US subsidiary of Richardson International Limited, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Post Holdings, Inc. to acquire the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc.. The acquisition expands Richardson's food and ingredients presence in the US, adding production facilities and well-known brands to its portfolio. The transaction includes three production facilities – located in Carrington, North Dakota; New Hope, Minnesota; and Winchester, Virginia – as a well as the Ronzoni® retail brand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oZXgm0
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)
ELY: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “There’s a new place to stop and enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Ely. Community groups held a ribbon-cutting this week for the new Ely regional trailhead space, located at the west entrance of Ely on Highway 169. The project was made possible with about $1.5 million in federal grant money, along with other local funding sources.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fZNDzr
CHOCOLATE: Via St. Croix Chocolate, VERBATIM: “St. Croix Chocolate Company, the award-winning artisan chocolate shop in Marine on St. Croix is beginning a new chapter. Founders Robyn Dochterman and Deidre Pope have sold the business to Jason Moldan of Maplewood, who will take over as owner and head chocolatier in September, after a record-breaking year of sales at SCCC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UTTbSz
FACE FOUNDRIÉ: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Edina-based Face Foundrié is expanding fast – it now has dozens of franchises across the country. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lSNL5s
DORSEY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Attorney Peter Nelson joined the Minneapolis-based Dorsey law firm in 2008, which was defined by the Great Recession. In July, he became the firm’s managing partner, who’s now charged with growing the firm’s business during the Trump administration, which has demonstrated an appetite for constant changes in government, business, and the economy. For instance, U.S. companies and consumers are attempting to adapt to the highest tariffs in the nation’s history since the Great Depression in the 1930s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41QeI2z
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Feel that chill in the air? Fall is slowly creeping in, which means the countdown for Minnesota Monthly’s Rhythm & Brews has begun. Back for its fourth year, the event will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at the Hilde Performance Center in Plymouth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m1j2Dm
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
STATE FAIR: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency works to educate Minnesotans on waste and sustainability, especially through its large, comprehensive Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair. From where to put your groceries in your fridge to where your poop goes after you flush it, here are five things we learned from the exhibits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45W9tzw
BDAYS: labor guy Richard Kolodziejski, Regent Ellen Luger. SAT: Rep. Alex Falconer, Trade Office’s Laurence Reszetar, PR guy Ryan Mathre. SUN: DFL Senate staffer Justin Emmerich, IRRRB Commissioner Ida Rukavina, public affairs pro Rachel Eason, fmr. Sen. Dean Barkley, fmr. state Rep. Betty Folliard. MON: communication pro Val Martin, attorney Andy Brehm, Habitat CEO Chris Coleman, Rep. Cal Warwas, Fed’s Alene Tchourumoff
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