At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York last night, family members of the late Minnesota Ojibwe artist George Morrison attended his first major exhibition. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3WPiVjT
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47ltv72
Sunday Take featured property owner Jim Rubin and Star Tribune columnist Eric Roper discussing the recent ups and downs of Minneapolis from two perspectives. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4qf2085
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.
RULING: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday sent the case of a transgender athlete who wants to compete in the women’s division at weightlifting events back to a lower court to determine whether USA Powerlifting has a ‘legitimate business purpose’ for excluding her. The state’s highest court ruled that the group’s policy that bars JayCee Cooper from competing in its women’s division is ‘facially discriminatory’ under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which protects transgender individuals against discrimination based on sexual orientation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hjaPta
MORE: From House Speaker Lisa Demuth via X, VERBATIM: “Extremely disappointed by today’s ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court. We must fix the Minnesota law to protect girls sports, and House Republicans are ready to take action right away when session starts next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hqIVf9
MORE: Via Gender Justice, QUOTE: “This ruling sends a clear and powerful message: transgender people have a right to enjoy public spaces in Minnesota like sporting events, restaurants, and movie theaters, free from targeted discrimination,” said Jess Braverman, Legal Director at Gender Justice. “This decision is a historic victory for fairness, equity, and the fundamental rights of all Minnesotans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nbuUD3
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
WINNEBAGO: “Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) on Wednesday reported fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $13.7 million. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 49 cents per share . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The recreational vehicle maker posted revenue of $777.3 million in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L0eccC
BRIDGEWATER: “Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (BWB) on Tuesday reported third-quarter earnings of $11.6 million. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based bank said it had earnings of 38 cents per share . . . The company posted revenue of $75.7 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $36.2 million, which missed Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49hWKKx
PAID LEAVE: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today reminded employers of the three simple steps they need to take to meet their responsibilities under the upcoming Paid Leave program. Employers must set up their Paid Leave accounts, notify employees by Dec. 1 and take optional actions to make Paid Leave work best for their workplace.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WUxS44
POWER LINES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “North Dakota, Montana and three Southern states want to block a $22 billion plan for power lines across the Midwest that Minnesota says it needs to transition to carbon-free energy. The states argue that the federal government should stop the grid upgrade because otherwise their customers will be paying higher rates to subsidize clean energy projects in other states. But Xcel Energy, Minnesota’s largest electric utility, called the North Dakota complaint ‘utterly meritless.’ Xcel and other Minnesota utilities argue the transmission projects are needed for a reliable grid as coal plants retire and new AI data centers, electric vehicles and appliances are causing a surge in demand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WWjDf7
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
RENT CONTROL: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Rent control is not on the ballot in Minneapolis this year, but depending on whom voters elect as mayor and city council members, it is on the table. That’s because in 2021, 53% of Minneapolis voters approved an amendment to the city charter giving the City Council the authority to regulate rent — something the council has so far failed to do, stymied in part by a lack of consensus with Mayor Jacob Frey’s administration about how to address the city’s housing woes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JifT4s
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)
NAT’L GUARD: Via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “Every state with either a Democratic governor, attorney general or both signed a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the justices to side with Illinois and Chicago to continue blocking President Donald Trump’s proposed deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. In an amicus brief filed Monday in the Trump administration’s appeal to overturn lower courts’ rulings that Trump lacks the legal authority to send troops to Chicago, 24 Democratic officials argued that restraining presidential power to mobilize National Guard troops was an essential constitutional safeguard.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Chv2j
MORE: Via Supreme Court, the brief. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4oAM7an
SHUTDOWN: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Economic officials spoke to the Beltrami County Board during Tuesday’s work session about the impacts a continued government shutdown would bring to the area, in particular concerning food support programs . . . At Tuesday’s work session, board members heard that around 3,100 county residents received over half of a million dollars worth of benefits that are primarily spent in the county. All of those receiving benefits could be impacted if the government shutdown continues into November.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49ccb76
BUCKET TRUCK: Via Xcel, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth-grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
JOBS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “An asphalt and aggregate products business with many locations across Minnesota says it will be closing some of those facilities by the end of the year, with nearly 300 employees losing their jobs. Rogers-based Minnesota Paving & Materials sent a notice to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development, announcing the permanent closure of 14 of its operations in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o17zFk
AURORA: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “After roughly a decade without a grocery store, a new food market is on the list in the city of Aurora. Main Street Market, a full-service grocery store, is in development on the city’s main street.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qnWjEA
TIMBERWOLVES: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Timberwolves finally have something that has eluded the franchise for the last 20 years: continuity. Why it matters: After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, the team hopes that bringing back almost the same roster from last season can get the Wolves over the hump — and into the Finals for the first time ever.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4obiQ6o
Want more sports? The next sports take is due out tomorrow. See past editions HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3WSsvmr
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Atomic Data, VERBATIM: “Atomic Data, a leading IT services provider and technology teammate, has announced the acquisition of Venue Wireless, a specialized IT service provider for sports and entertainment venues. Venue Wireless has built a strong reputation across North America for delivering technology solutions to large, complex venues. Its expertise in high-density wireless network deployments and IT infrastructure projects makes it a strong complement to Atomic Data’s full-service managed IT capabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3L37OkL
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS: The Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount is a landmark like no other – the tall columns and bright lights can be seen from miles away. Generations of workers have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy facilities of its kind. This year, Flint Hills Resources celebrates 70 years of dedicated employees at the Pine Bend refinery who have produced the fuels that help move us forward. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
IVF: Via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “Miraya Gran is the kind of person who Republican President Donald Trump and his administration say they are going to help with new policies on in vitro fertilization. It took a second mortgage on her Minnesota house and a family fundraiser to afford the IVF treatment she needed to have her first child in 2021. Gran’s husband has male-factor infertility, and she has a genetic blood disorder, making it extremely difficult for them to conceive on their own. But unless the cost of IVF goes down a lot, Gran can’t afford to give her daughter a sibling. ‘I’ve got two embryos waiting for me, and I’m not accessing them due to lack of insurance coverage,’ she said. But Gran doesn’t have much hope left that IVF costs will drop enough after Trump’s announcement at the White House on Thursday, Oct. 16.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hnfkCY
SOLVENTUM: Via news release form St. Paul-based Solventum, VERBATIM: “Solventum (NYSE: SOLV) announced today the appointment of Heather Knight as Chief Commercial Officer, effective November 10, 2025. In this newly created role, Ms. Knight will oversee global commercial and R&D operations across Solventum’s MedSurg, Dental Solutions and Health Information Systems segments, and will report directly to CEO Bryan Hanson.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o2ZgZR
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)
ST BENS: Via news release from CSB and CJU, VERBATIM: “Flag football is coming to the College of Saint Benedict. The school announced Monday (Oct. 20) it is partnering with the Minnesota Vikings to launch the sport, starting with an inaugural team this spring.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KURrqy
HOPKINS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “I have BEEN saying this, folks: the soft-serve renaissance is here! Now we can add A to Z Creamery, the super-viral ice cream business from founder Zach Vraa, to the twisty swirly list. Vraa just announced that in early 2026, A to Z will be moving to 705 Mainstreet in Hopkins, just next-door to its current space, and opening a seasonal soft-serve storefront (there will be baked goods, too, a natural complement).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KYtJtv
SMOOTHIES: Via news release from Texas-based Smoothie King, VERBATIM: “Smoothie King, the world’s leading smoothie brand with a vision to make the world a better place by nourishing healthy habits, continued to build on its growth momentum in the third quarter of 2025 with strong development performance, strategic expansion into new markets, and the successful national launch of its first-ever food menu . . . Further expanding its footprint, Smoothie King entered two new states – Utah and Minnesota – with new store openings in Washington, UT and Woodbury, MN.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4njK35t
THIS WEEK: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “I can’t believe it’s Restaurant Week season again! And even better—in Minnesota, we’re in harvest-mode during the autumn, which means fresh late-season ingredients and meals worth hunkering down for. Here are some highlights we’re excited to stick a fork into, including a handful of spots that are new to restaurant week plus some menu notables.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/47jarWX
OCT 30: Via news release from Sun Country, VERBATIM: “Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY) will hold its third quarter 2025 earnings call on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Wirvre
OCT 31: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Piper, VERBATIM: “Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading investment bank, will release its third quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, October 31, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Jr91St
OCT 31-NOV2: Via news release from Thief River Falls-based DigiKey, VERBATIM: “DigiKey, the leading global electronic components and automation products distributor, is sponsoring the 2025 Hackaday Superconference, a global event that brings together hardware hackers, makers and tech enthusiasts running from Oct. 31- Nov. 2, in Pasadena, Calif. The company will provide products for hacking challenges, partner with industry leaders on workshops and have experts available for support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WlRPRg
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that the company will report its third quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on Monday, November 3, 2025, with a conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time/9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oB4A6I
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Sezzle, VERBATIM: “Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ: SEZL) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, will release its third quarter 2025 results after the market close on November 5, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 5:00pm ET that same day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hHhluh
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CABANA CLUB: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “As I walked across The Cabana Club’s sun-drenched riverside patio in late June, set against the romantic backdrop of Saint Anthony Main’s cobblestoned streets, I felt like I was no longer in Minneapolis. Tiki-style straw umbrellas lined the string-lit patio; vibrant, exotic plant life flourished across the light-toned interior; and globally inspired dishes ranging from spicy Vietnamese pho to delicate, Hawaiian-style Mahi Mahi decorated the wooden dining tables—was I on an island in the Caribbean, beachside in south Asia, or parked at a seaside spritz bar in Europe? According to sommelier and part-owner Krista Johson, the correct answer is, all three.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ndPKlv
BDAYS: fmr. Rep. Terry Morrow, retired lobbyist Phil Griffin, communicator Patty Dunn, attorney Keith Halleland, policy pro Jennifer Billig
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