Buzz for brands continuing DEI efforts is up, even among Republicans. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/45b3F4C
The State Fair this morning announced Daryl Hall will take over the gig left open after Steve Miller canceled his tour due to weather concerns. READ: https://fluence-media.co/46y3nY2
Kenny Chesney and Steve Earle have joined the lineup for Farm Aid at Huntington Bank Stadium. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41jNIrF
How will tariffs impact businesses and consumers? A UofM economics professor provides guidance. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mhpbLR
Video shows whitecaps on Bde Mka Ska. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lSPFDS
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3H7ONMk
Sunday Take focused on Capitol security concerns and state Sen. Eric Pratt discussing his run for U.S. Rep. Angie Craig’s seat. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mk2GWV
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
UNITEDHEALTH: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “UnitedHealth Group said its earnings will plunge this year to a level below even Wall Street’s lowered expectations, highlighting rising costs and operational shortfalls across several parts of its business. Chief Executive Stephen Hemsley, who retook the top job in May after an interregnum as chairman, has sought to convey a changed tone at the company he has led in different capacities for nearly two decades. He said UnitedHealth expects to return to earnings growth next year and has ‘embarked on a rigorous path back to being a high-performing company fully serving the health needs of individuals and society broadly.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ocD5km
MORE: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “The company anticipates it will post 2025 adjusted earnings of at least $16 per share, with revenue of $445.5 billion to $448 billion. Wall Street analysts had expected 2025 adjusted profit of $20.91 per share, and full-year revenue of $449.16 billion, according to consensus estimates from LSEG. On top of higher medical costs, the updated outlook removes about $1 billion from ‘previously planned portfolio actions’ that the company is no longer pursuing, UnitedHealthcare CEO Tim Noel said during an earnings call Tuesday. He did not provide specifics on those actions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o9m6PJ
ECOLAB: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Water solutions company Ecolab on Tuesday posted an adjusted profit for the second quarter that narrowly missed Wall Street estimates, hit by reduced demand for its services that include cleaning, sanitization and cooling. Ecolab's shares fell 2.88% to $262 in premarket trading . . . Ecolab said that in the near-term, the global operating environment remains unpredictable, characterized by constantly evolving end-market demand and impacts from geopolitics and international trade policy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ogYhpu
POLARIS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Polaris Inc. (PII) on Tuesday reported a loss of $79.3 million in its second quarter. On a per-share basis, the Medina, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of $1.39. Earnings, adjusted for asset impairment costs and amortization costs, were 40 cents per share. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The snowmobile and ATV maker posted revenue of $1.85 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IQCW63
MORE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Polaris again lost money in the spring months, amid a leisure industry that continues to sputter and see higher costs. CEO Mike Speetzen said the ‘global macroeconomic environment’ continues to be challenging, adding that without the Medina-based company’s ‘disciplined execution’ and continued lean manufacturing moves, the results for April, May and June could have been worse.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l45hmS
VOTING: Via Mother Jones, VERBATIM: “The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that private citizens have no standing to sue for disability-based violations of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—the landmark federal legislation which protects, among other things, the right to voting assistance for disabled people and voters with low English literacy. The Eighth Circuit’s jurisdiction covers Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota—meaning voters in those states will no longer have any direct remedy when those rights are violated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m22QCg
SECURITY: Via DFL, VERBATIM: “Today, the Minnesota DFL Party issued a statement regarding our letter to the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, requesting an advisory opinion on the use of campaign funds for security services for candidates.” QUOTE: “In light of recent horrific events and the ongoing concern for candidate and campaign event attendees' safety and security, the Minnesota DFL is committed to ensuring safety and security at our public events and has requested an advisory opinion clarifying the ability of state parties to hire third-party security services with the use of campaign funds. In today’s highly charged and often troubling political climate, the safety of our elected officials, candidates, staff, and supporters is paramount and represents a core value of the party. The goal of this request is to help us more easily provide peace of mind for everyone who wants to participate in campaign functions as we approach the 2026 election season.”
GUNS: Via news release this morning from Protect Minnesota, VERBATIM: “A new analysis released by Protect Minnesota finds that 564 Minnesotans lost their lives to gun violence in 2024.”
“The breakdown of deaths highlights long-standing racial, geographic, and generational disparities. Protect Minnesota Executive Director Maggiy Emery emphasized the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that include safe firearm storage, access to mental health support, and local violence interruption programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o75jgx
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)
TRADE MISSION: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will lead a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany from November 15-21, 2025. The delegation will travel to the major business centers of Zürich, Düsseldorf and Berlin. The mission will focus on growing the state's exports of goods and services, showcasing Minnesota as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing ties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40GTiEj
CANADA: Via MPR, a conversation with a restaurant manager and a resort owner in Grand Marais about visits from Canada. Gunflint Trail Lodge owner John Frederickson says that, from what he’s seen, perception is worse than reality. FREDERICKSON: “We-- in the chamber meetings and our Visitor Bureau meetings, we talk about if there are issues or what we can do on the issues. I think, a lot of times, it's larger than just our local impact. Obviously, nobody in Cook County is chasing away Canadians or making Canadians feel threatened. I think it's a little bit more hyperbole nationally that there's more angst between Americans and Canadians. When we see Canadians here or in Grand Marais, obviously, everybody-- on an individual basis, everybody gets along fine, and we're all still friendly. I think people maybe sometimes just focus a little bit on how much they see in the news and on social media and maybe not what the actual interaction is with folks.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45matxD
ICYMI… morning take had a Fluence analysis of U.S. Customs and Border Protection data that shows crossings into Minnesota are currently below the past two years, but still above the numbers seen at the end of the COVID pandemic. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4lNrdDJ
SOLAR: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Public Utility Commission said it has the authority to investigate a complaint filed by the Upper Sioux Community against a rural electric cooperative. The issues raised in the complaint will be moved to an administrative judge for a contested hearing with the aim of resolving the dispute. Upper Sioux filed the complaint after the electric co-op threatened to turn off power to the tribe should it move ahead with plans to switch on a 2.5-megawatt solar array on the reservation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46y5yLc
MOVE: Via Transwestern, VERBATIM: “Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) announces Leonardo DRS, Inc. signed a 48,563-square-foot lease at Grand Oak Business Park in Eagan, Minn. Transwestern Principal Mike Honsa represented Group RMC, the owner of the 100-acre, 10-building business park, in the transaction. Leonardo DRS, Inc. is a defense technology company specializing in providing high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion. The company signed a 10-year lease at Grand Oak VII located at 2750 Blue Water Road. Leonardo DRS, Inc. is relocating from Burnsville, Minn. and is expanding its footprint in the fall of 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kZxlri
NEXTGEN: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “With machines taking on more manufacturing work, humans need to step up their technical skills to stay relevant as managers. That’s the impetus for a free boot camp being offered to machinists this summer by the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. In partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Third Wave Systems, the two-day Machining Modeling and CNC Optimization Training introduces participants who already have some CNC (Computer Numeral Control) experience to new technology.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46y8kjs
Do you like to read about Minnesota institutions, businesses, and individuals doing good things? Check out MN Good at The Daily Agenda. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43G34c2
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)
IMMIGRATION: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Alma’s family is one of about 30 in southern Minnesota federal agents visited in June for welfare checks on children who entered the United States without parents and immigration status, according to local attorneys. The number of visits has dropped since then for reasons that are unclear to attorneys who have been in touch with such families. About 300 unaccompanied minors were released to caregivers in Minnesota between October 1, 2024, and June 2025. Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Services show that their numbers have grown in recent years — more than 4,000 were sent to homes in Minnesota between 2021 and 2024. Most are concentrated in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Worthington and Windom.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mlxsyH
TWO HARBORS: “Two Harbors Investments Corp. (TWO) on Monday reported a loss of $257.5 million in its second quarter. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of $2.62 per share . . . The real estate investment trust that invests in mortgage-backed securities posted revenue of $117.1 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fbX6n3
BEST BUY: Via barchart, VERBATIM: “The Richfield, Minnesota-based company is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings results on Thursday, Sept. 4. Ahead of this event, analysts expect Best Buy to report an adjusted EPS of $1.22, down nearly 9% from $1.34 in the year-ago quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3U3Ez2v
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)
OPUS: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “With Matt Rauenhorst to take over as CEO at the end of 2026, the Minneapolis-based Opus Group is reinstating the commercial real estate company’s family legacy. Rauenhorst will succeed Tim Murnane, who served as president and CEO starting in 2010. Late last month, the top leadership position bifurcated: Rauenhorst took over as president, to assume the CEO role at the end of 2026, when Murnane retires.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fbGCeB
LYNX: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “While fans of the Minnesota Lynx anticipate another strong run to the WNBA finals this season, Northsiders have another reason to tune in. One of their own has joined the team. Brynne Crockett, known affectionately as Bdot, is the new in-arena host for the Lynx. Better put, she is the MC of energy and fan experience.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44R7InR
LUMBERJACKS: Via NPR, VERBATIM: “Every summer, thousands of people descend upon this northern Wisconsin ‘big small town,’ as some locals call it. They come for the local fishing and camping, bars and restaurants decorated with taxidermy, and a 4-and-a-half-story tall sculpture of a Musky, a toothy freshwater fish. But the biggest tourist draw every July is the Lumberjack World Championships, the local equivalent of the Olympics. Crowds fill bleachers overlooking a glassy cove of water, watching timber sports athletes from all over the world swing axes, wield crosscut saws, and sprint across floating logs.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46tbuFf
TOMORROW: Via Citizens League, VERBATIM: “Join us for an important conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing small, local and cultural media outlets; how existing news and media outlets are trying to evolve and adjust operations; and what we can do to preserve local media outlets as critical community resources across the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44Re4DJ
ENTRUST: Via Shakopee-based Entrust, VERBATIM: “Entrust, a global leader in identity-centric security solutions, today announced three promotions that strengthen its leadership team and position the company for continued innovation and growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45av1b0
SKYWATER: Via Bloomington-based SkyWater, VERBATIM: “SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT), the trusted technology realization partner, today announced a license agreement with Infineon Technologies, granting access to a robust library of silicon-proven, mixed-signal ASIC design IP.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40DMDLg
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
COMEDY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Writer Patrick Strait’s newest book about the local comedy scene, Home Club: Up-and-Comers and Comebacks at Acme Comedy Company, is a thorough exploration of the venue’s rise and success. Released in March, the book is a tribute to the hundreds of comics, staff, and audience members who helped build Acme’s legacy alongside its founder and current owner, Louis Lee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44QyVae
BDAYS: public affairs pro Pat Sexton, Senate DFL’s Mike Mullen, MSPBJ Editor Dirk DeYoung, Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire, fmr. Rep. Andy Dawkins
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
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