MINNESOTA’S HOTTEST CLUB…
…might soon be a nursing home. Saturday, a new state law takes effect allowing nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve beer and wine at social functions. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/45uYo8x
More new laws taking effect via MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4fGIAEl
Morning take said it – we need rain. Now we know how much. 76% of the state is now in formal drought status, up from 48% a week earlier. 95% – nearly the entire state – is listed as abnormally dry or worse. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5 percent in the second quarter – down from 2.1% in the first quarter. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/3RF5LHm
33% of Americans say the war with Iran has been worth it. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4x9JjFh
77% of American adults say they’d trust someone with military experience to serve in elected office. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4vUfxmP
Caitlin Clark and controversy coming to town, the Vikings’ quarterback war is about to get real and the Twins go on a talent search. New Sports Take, out this afternoon.
Blois
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MIXED BAG OF OUTSIDE ATTENTION
FAIR FOOD: Yelp mined user reviews to name the best state fairs for food. Congratulations to Wisconsin on finishing second. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4cb2ExH
SPEAKING OF… Via WCCO-TV, in addition to the best fair food in the country, the Minnesota State Fair will feature a new 230-foot-tall Ferris wheel, a renovated Coliseum, dinosaurs, and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ww11mz
CYBERATTACK: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Investigators believe a cyberattack this week on dozens of municipal water systems in Minnesota was probably the work of Iranian hackers, according to U.S. and state officials and others familiar with the matter, a potential act of aggression that comes at a precarious moment in the U.S. war against Iran. Officials cautioned that they had not definitively determined who was responsible for the attack and that the preliminary assessment could change as the authorities collected more technical data.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bhE2mH
MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “No water was contaminated, but it could have been much more severe according to Metro State cybersecurity professor Faisal Kalim, who adds they targeted operational technology like pumps and power sectors.” KALIM: “OT deals with something called the industrial control system that actually controls these water pumps, wells, power sectors, and so on.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3RHeloP
USE OF FORCE: Via Capital & Main, VERBATIM: “Human rights investigators have documented hundreds of instances of misuse of crowd-control weapons at protests of immigration enforcement since President Donald Trump returned to office. Department of Homeland Security employees and local law enforcement both committed violations of standards of use for crowd-control weapons, injuring protesters, according to a report from Physicians for Human Rights and the University of California, Berkeley’s Human Rights Center. The authors of the report called for manufacturers to stop making certain weapons that are particularly harmful and likely to be misused and urged law enforcement agencies to change their use-of-force policies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fKfcNI
MORE: Via Physicians for Human Rights, VERBATIM: “We reviewed thousands of minutes of video, hundreds of pages of legal proceedings, and scores of news articles available in the public arena on incidents occurring between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. We identified 412 unique misuse of force incidents at immigration enforcement protests.”
“Five cities accounted for the majority: Los Angeles, California, alone saw 169 incidents, or more than 40% of the total. Minneapolis, Minnesota, followed with 94 incidents (nearly a quarter of all cases), then Chicago, Illinois, with 56 (13.6%), Portland, Oregon, with 37 (9.0%), and Newark, New Jersey, with 21 (5.1%).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bjV9US
TIMBERWOLVES: Via NBA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced a new local media rights agreement with DAZN (pronounced da-ZONE), naming the global sports entertainment platform as the franchise’s new exclusive home for Timberwolves basketball across its local broadcast territory. Through a new team-branded subscription service launching later this summer, fans can stream Timberwolves games plus access broader team content more directly and conveniently than traditional viewing options. Fifteen games will be available for free this season, underscoring the team’s commitment to reaching more fans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pKueHK
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)
POLITICALLY CONNECTED
INTEREST RATES: Via Yahoo! Finance, VERBATIM: “The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the fifth consecutive policy meeting this year, amid a rebound in oil prices driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East. The central bank voted in a split decision to hold its benchmark interest rate in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari, Dallas Fed president Lorie Logan, and Cleveland Fed president Beth Hammack dissented, preferring to raise rates by a quarter percentage point.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TMYeXw
EXIT INTERVIEW: Minnesota Monthly has a Q&A with Senator Tina Smith. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yNC2MV
POT: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Island Pezi’s new location on Adams Street in Mankato is getting ready to be the company’s first new recreational cannabis store since it started in the Prairie Island Indian Community back in 2024. The business expects to open in either late August or early fall at the latest . . . As a tribal company, Island Pezi is subject to regulations from both the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Prairie Island’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fDHmd1
HUNTING: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A new plan to monitor chronic wasting disease is one of several new laws impacting deer hunters this upcoming season. One key change is that this year carcasses are allowed to leave the CWD management zone, provided a few things happen.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bQQytw
BROOKLYN CTR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Center’s so-called Opportunity Site has been discussed for redevelopment for the better part of two decades. Projects have been proposed. Proposals have fallen through. Now a new concept plan has come forward that has city leaders optimistic about the possibilities.” QUOTE: “It is a huge, huge undertaking,” said Brooklyn Center City Council Member Dan Jerzak about the proposal at the city’s July 27 economic development authority meeting. “It could be monumentally game-changing for the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g4bCPC
SUPERIOR, WI: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Superior Tourism Development Commission is offering a 25% cash rebate to film production crews for expenses spent in the city, a new incentive local film creatives and businesses say could open the door to more productions in the area. Production crews must apply, spend a minimum of $10,000 in the Superior area, and then receive 25% of their money back once audited” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44Zwn93
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)
EARNINGS SEASON
LIFE TIME: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Eden Prairie-based] Life Time Holdings (NYSE: LTH) reported second quarter EPS of $0.48, $0.10 better than the analyst estimate of $0.38. Revenue for the quarter came in at $866M versus the consensus estimate of $845.9M.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45vo3Om
PIPER: Via Stock Titan, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis-based] Piper Sandler Companies reported strong Q2 2026 results, with U.S. GAAP net revenues of $495.5 million, up 25% year-over-year and 4% sequentially. Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies was $67.8 million and diluted EPS was $0.95, both up 61% from Q2 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yJGvk1
MORE EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, from Minnesota-based companies:
XCEL: “Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) on Thursday reported second-quarter profit of $586 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 93 cents. The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The utility posted revenue of $3.12 billion in the period, which did not meet Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yP6PZO (DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
C.H. ROBINSON: “C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW) on Wednesday reported second-quarter profit of $186.8 million. On a per-share basis, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.56 . . . The results beat Wall Street expectations . . . The trucking company posted revenue of $4.93 billion in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wi6UD7
API: “APi Group Corporation (APG) on Thursday reported second-quarter earnings of $99 million. The New Brighton, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 20 cents per share . . . The results met Wall Street expectations . . . The company posted revenue of $2.25 billion in the period, exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pKfTel
HAWKINS: “Hawkins Inc. (HWKN) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $28.3 million. The Roseville, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.35 per share. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations . . . The chemical maker posted revenue of $315.7 million in the period, which beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TplDhK
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS: Flint Hills Resources is celebrating summer with thousands of Minnesotans at local festivals and parades. Look for Flint Hills employees – along with their families and friends – as they show their hometown pride at many local celebrations, including Rosemount Leprechaun Days, Hastings Rivertown Days, Inver Grove Heights Days and Saint Paul’s Lowertown Sounds. For decades, Flint Hills Resources has supported programs, organizations and events that improve our quality of life in our communities. LEARN MORE: Community Partnerships (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
TRADE: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting nominations for the 41st annual Governor’s International Trade Awards. These awards recognize Minnesota companies that have demonstrated exceptional export growth and success in international markets. They also highlight the important role international trade and foreign investment plays in strengthening Minnesota’s economy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pNjPLi
ANOKA: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Anoka Vintage Fest, an event that has become an October staple in the Halloween Capital of the World, is coming to an end. In a Tuesday post on social media, festival founder and owner of Amoré Antiques Brandon Altenweg that the event will come to an end.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fFyEuT
BEER: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A revival is not in the cards for Back Shed Brewing. The Waite Park brewery closed its doors last March after the St. Cloud Christian School purchased the former Crafts Direct Building, which included the brewery’s building. At the time, co-owner Jason Schlecht said it was a surprise to learn the brewery had to move out.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yNKo7d
HAWAIIAN FOOD: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In the highly competitive restaurant industry, breaking into a brand-new market is never an easy task. However, the team behind Mo’ Bettahs found a surefire way to catch the public’s attention: offer free food. ‘Hey, lunch is on us today,’ staff members could be heard calling out to eager guests on July 24. The strategy worked flawlessly. During the recent soft opening weekend, the line for the new Maple Grove location circled completely around the building.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hGCEhf
LAKEVILLE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Oppidan Investment Co. will break ground today on a retail development at 179th and Cedar. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h16wVq
HANDBAGS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Leave it to the grande dame of local fashion, Joy Teiken, to share the stage with both emerging and established talent at her recent Minneapolis runway experience featuring her current Joynoelle collection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pNknAQ
RETIREMENT: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) today announced that Fay West, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Tennant Company, gave notice of her intention to retire after her successor has been hired and an appropriate transition period has occurred, with her retirement expected to occur in the second quarter of 2027, but no earlier than April 2, 2027. The Company is commencing a search for a successor Chief Financial Officer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c96yqQ
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via Minnesota Senate, VERBATIM: “Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown), Representative Roger Skraba (R-Ely), the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, and other partners will discuss the economic impact of Northland wildfires on tourism and other industries on Friday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m. at Hungry Jack Lodge on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais.”
THIS WEEKEND: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “What began as a small gathering celebrating Slavic heritage has grown into one of the Twin Cities’ largest multicultural festivals. This year, Slavic Experience returns to St. Louis Park’s ROC on Aug. 1-2.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g1kZQe
NEXT MONTH: SNL’s Michael Che will record a Netflix special at First Ave. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45xxjl6
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based Stratasys, VERBATIM: “Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) will release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yUtMuW
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
POTTERY: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “For better and for worse, Lexie Peterson’s first year as a full-time ceramicist hasn’t exactly gone to plan. For better: The artist behind Gimme Gimme Pottery has amassed a steadfast art fair following; created a distinct, recognizable style (to the point where, when I posted a hot pink iced coffee cup that I purchased at an art fair onto my Instagram story, a friend almost immediately DM’d me: Is that a Gimme Gimme?!); and found her true creative (and career) calling.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vY9kXc
BDAYS: attorney Lyndsey Olson, writer Tricia Velure
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