Significantly more students age 13-18 say they’re ready for the future than their counterparts over the past three years. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3VkkPs0
A whistleblower alleges DOGE uploaded a database with all Social Security numbers as well as full names, addresses, and dates-of-birth to a vulnerable cloud server. READ: https://fluence-media.co/469zmNq
MplsStPaul editors share their all-time favorite State Fair foods. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45NtVlW
The Star Tribune looked to an etiquette expert to guide us, politely, through various State Fair situations – including how to eat a corn dog. READ: https://fluence-media.co/47JMLNl
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4lR77rB
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
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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.
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “In 2019, the City of Minneapolis made national headlines when it adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. This comprehensive plan (hereafter called the 2040 Plan) contained a mix of policy changes intended to encourage more housing affordability in the city. In our latest analysis of data that track the plan’s progress, we find slowing rent growth in Minneapolis. On its face, relatively low recent rent growth in Minneapolis is consistent with anticipated effects of the 2040 Plan. However, our deeper dive into trends in rents and vacancies suggests that slow rent growth may result more from a negative housing demand shock specific to the Minneapolis market in 2020 than the expected impact of changes in the housing supply.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lMHA2y
LIST: We count 16 from Minnesota on Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Companies. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3UMCWqw
GOVERNOR: On WCCO-Radio this morning, Secretary of State Steve Simon was asked about his considering a run for Governor and how current Governor Tim Walz impacts that decision. SIMON: “I think this Governor has earned the space and the grace to make a decision on his own timetable. The comments he was saying are kinda right – people just need to simmer down a little bit. I understand the questions – they’re legitimate questions. But he’s earned that right . . . We should just let him make his decision. There will be plenty of time after he makes his decision to figure out who’s doing what. And I include myself in that.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3JPimDk
AI: Via Retail Dive, VERBATIM: “Amid challenging economic conditions and swirling trade war concerns, the world’s biggest retailers continue to double down on AI. Walmart and Target expanded AI initiatives and touted potential benefits during their latest earnings calls. Both companies are capitalizing on sustained investment in their respective technology foundations as adoption unfolds.” QUOTE: “By leveraging AI and other tools, our team can build an updated forecast more accurately while spending less time creating them,” Michael Fiddelke, current COO and incoming CEO effective February, said during the Q2 2025 earnings call Wednesday. “We’re investing to deploy the power of AI more fully across our team, freeing them up to spend more time bringing joy to our guests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lJIz3C
COFFEE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Caribou Coffee’s roasting and packaged coffee business will soon have a new corporate owner as part of an $18 billion beverage company deal announced Monday. Last year, JDE Peet’s paid Minneapolis-based Caribou $260 million to run Caribou’s roasting operations. That included retail and food service coffee bean sales. Now, Keurig Dr Pepper intends to purchase JDE Peet’s and eventually spin off the combined coffee brands into a separate $16 billion business. But that shouldn’t change much operations-wise for Caribou.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Sggdg
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)
FAIR HOUSE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “In the southeast corner of the Minnesota State Fair, there’s a big pale yellow house. It’s attached to a collection of greenhouses right next to the Space Tower and across the street from the Agriculture-Horticulture building. ‘This was home for 22 years. This is where mom and dad lived. This was our home,’ said Sue Quam. Quam and her five siblings grew up at the State Fair and lived year-round in what’s known as the J.V. Bailey house from 1973 to1994. Their dad, Bill Hermes, was the State Fair gardener and groundskeeper.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/47Juv6Q
PLYMOUTH: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Plymouth has a new owner. The 28,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, located at 2200 Niagara Ln. N., has been acquired by Maple Grove-based ProMed Pharma. The facility was previously owned by Taiwan-based Bora Pharmaceuticals, which recently announced a major expansion in Maple Grove at the former Upsher-Smith plant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n5sarw
WEDDING: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “On Saturday, beneath a glowing crystal chandelier in the rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol, one of the world’s largest free-standing marble domes, Representative Leigh Dawn Finke, the first transgender woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature, was married to Deborah Marie Fox, a consultant on anti-gender-based violence. State Representative Liish Kozlowski, the first nonbinary member of the Minnesota Legislature, officiated before 175 guests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45yvDsC
CANNABIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers three, nine-week certificate programs focused on careers within the cannabis industry. ‘A lot of students are interested in the cultivation specialist role or training,’ says College President Dr. Carrie Brimhall. ‘But we also have students that are looking at product development, retail, marketing, other areas of the field that would be different skill sets within the industry.’ Around 350 students have enrolled in the 'bite-size' cannabis programs over the last year with many seeing the nine-week commitment as a stepping stone to something bigger and better.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/420ePZ4
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)
LINO LAKES: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The Lino Lakes City Council approved a master plan Monday evening that would guide all development in an area that includes the proposed Madinah Lakes development aimed at Muslim homebuyers . . . Monday’s development comes after public outcry over the much-contested Madinah Lakes proposal prompted the city to enforce a year-long moratorium starting last year so the city could craft the master plan.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JwB4Qc
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Duluth Library Foundation expressed concerns that they may need to cut programs and reduce hours if their budget is cut next year. Executive Director for the Duluth Library Foundation, Erin Kreeger, and others spoke at Monday’s meeting in support of keeping the library’s budget steady.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45BjO51
WATER: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) today announced more than $236.4 million in loans and grants to 30 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in 18 cities throughout the state. The MPFA helps cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4lL0CpY
BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “With students heading back to classes this week, North Hennepin Community College is opening a new art exhibit that highlights students and established artists. The ‘New Voices / New Visions’ fine art collection at North Hennepin Community College has paintings, drawings and more from six established artists and seven students.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4mWonMN
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)
MERGER: Via CX Today, VERBATIM: “Thoma Bravo has agreed to acquire Verint in a deal that values the tech provider at $2BN, including debt. Upon the deal’s completion, Verint will merge with [Minneapolis-based] Calabrio, its workforce engagement management (WEM) rival, which Thoma Bravo owns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mBCaJ7
ATOMIC: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Atomic Data, VERBATIM: “Atomic Data, a leading IT services provider and technology teammate, has announced two key leadership appointments that reinforce its long-term strategic vision and strengthen its shared services operating model.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47f9BfK
VFW: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “Representatives from VFW Auxiliaries from the region last week attended a dinner to recognize and welcome Lois Callahan, the current national president of the VFW Auxiliary, hosted by Post 137 in Proctor. Callahan, of Little Rock, Ark., holds the highest auxiliary position in the United States, is traveling the country with a goal of visiting all 50 states, according to a news release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/478TyA2
BREAD: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The U.S. has been in a bit of a bread renaissance. ‘People are beginning to rediscover bread as it used to be baked and served and eaten’ in the pre-industrial era, explains Omri Zin-Tamir, head baker at Razava Bread Co. The corner bakery and café opened its doors on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue in December. The word ‘artisanal’ is overused, owner Steve Baldinger says, but the point is these are long-fermentation loaves, handmade in the Razava kitchen. (All Razava breads are sourdough.)” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VhUTx4
THURSDAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, August 28, Sabathani Community Center will host the 2025 Southside Heroes Hall Unveiling, celebrating the legacy of Black leadership in South Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oUWu9S
FRIDAY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “As temperatures and humidity levels drop, the Minnesota State Fair opens, and students and teachers prepare to return to school, the inevitable has arrived: summer is ending. Rather than mourn the loss of long days and sunny skies, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is determined to enjoy it while it lasts with their Cycle the Summer End of Summer Celebration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m54CCd
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BOOK: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Ellie Palmer will be the first to admit she’s not really a camper. But she’ll do anything for the plot—literally. Palmer, a local novelist, just published her second book, a friends-to-lovers-trope romcom called Anywhere With You.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JBeeH0
BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Laura Oakes, Rep. Fue Lee, fmr. Sen. John Howe
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