Eight in ten U.S. adults endorse compromise with 83% rejecting political violence. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/48ppZdy
Three in five say President Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse – 38% think he participated. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/3X39Lk2
Some of delayed federal jobs data is finally out. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4o2E8Ch
We need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows 30% of the state has returned to drought status. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Sports Take comes out this afternoon, featuring a small Twin Cities college basketball team that went almost 1,000 days without a win -- a streak that ended last week. Also, J.J. McCarthy, Jessie Diggins, Twins TV news, the Prep Bowl and more.
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47PWQIm
Sunday Take included Fluence Advisory client Plift COO Glenn McElfresh discussing the federal hemp ban, how it impacts Minnesota THC businesses, and how lawmakers can help before it’s too late. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Xupc4S
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.
ROBOTAXIS
ANNOUNCEMENT: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “Alphabet’s Waymo on Thursday announced that it will soon begin manually driving its robotaxi vehicles in Minneapolis, Tampa and New Orleans. The Google sister company will start operating test drives in that trio of towns with human drivers in hopes of launching its driverless robotaxi service there as soon as next year, the company said. If Waymo does begin operating in those markets next year, that would bring the robotaxi company’s list of 2026 planned expansions to 15 cities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ibjBKb
WHAT: So, what’s it like to take a ride with Waymo? WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3X7sta8
WHEN: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “It could be a long time before the rides are available to the general public in Minneapolis, as Waymo navigates state and local regulations to bring its fleet online. ‘[W]e do not have a timeframe to share for when we’ll offer public rides, and we look forward to working with state and city officials as we define a path toward offering our autonomous commercial ride-hailing service in Minneapolis,’ Waymo spokesman Chris Bonelli said. The company does appear to have bipartisan backing among state legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oZlAUQ
BUSINESS NEWS…
TARGET: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Experts say Minneapolis-based Target‘s decision to invest a billion dollars in store remodels amid a continued slide in sales is the right move, even after a very difficult third quarter and what the Minneapolis retailer says will be a challenging holiday season. University of Minnesota Marketing Professor George John says the billion dollars investment could help the retailer regain its ‘cheap chic’ brand identity, and once again offer premium curated merchandise that sets it apart from rivals like Walmart.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49vEaPl
NEXT WEEK: Via news release from Target, VERBATIM: “Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced it’s turning Black Friday into more than just a shopping day — it’s an experience full of joy, discovery and unbeatable savings. Guests can expect immersive in-store moments, exclusive product launches and surprise giveaways all while saving up to 50% on top gifts across tech, toys, apparel and more. The Black Friday experience runs Sunday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 29.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pn1fIO
ACQUISITION: Via news release from St. Paul-based Solventum, VERBATIM: “Solventum (NYSE: SOLV) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Acera Surgical (Acera), a privately held bioscience company focused on developing and commercializing fully engineered materials for regenerative wound care for $725 million in cash plus up to $125 million in contingent cash payments based on the achievement of certain future milestones.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LQ3yFN
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)
INVESTIGATIONS
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Community Action Duluth nonprofit, which provides critical services to families in need, is now facing serious questions about how it managed its money and those concerns have led to multiple board resignations. On Tuesday, Northern News Now was able to obtain a pile of documents that show just how serious financial issues are at CAD and a list of their unpaid bills, totaled more than $120,000. According to the documents, which we have redacted to protect those who aren’t able to speak publicly at this time, that unpaid money is owed to various organizations.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4prijgN
COMMITTEE: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Ever since [Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-St. Paul] got picked in January to chair the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, DFLers have brushed off the panel as the ‘let’s make Walz look bad’ committee. Robbins’ run for governor has not exactly disabused Democrats of that notion . . . Moreover, there is no evidence the committee has prevented — or even uncovered — fraud. Still, Robbins has emerged as the face of the issue that Minnesota Republicans are sure to campaign on in 2026, which is a galling lack of oversight at DHS, the agency largely in charge of administering the state’s sprawling Medicaid program known as Medical Assistance. At worst, her committee has shone an unflinching spotlight on some of the state government’s shortcomings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i7p198
CLEAR LAKE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Three former municipal employees in Clear Lake, Minn., are charged with embezzling $201,000, or nearly half of the city’s annual property tax revenue and a fifth of its entire budget. City leaders reported the suspected fraud to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office in early 2024 after hiring a forensic accountant to review the books.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/488JQN2
HENN CTY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County is launching a new crime diversion screening model to curb crime among young offenders. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says starting December 1, the program will evaluate youth right away for diversion.” MORIARTY: “And what we can do to help children and young people get out of the system, or not come in again and again, this is what we need to do.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3KfD8wB
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)
MORE NEWS…
HIGHERED: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud State has a new president. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Gregory Tomso to serve as president of St. Cloud State University.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XDeCbJ
AWARD: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis fintech company Sezzle is among the national winners of 2025’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Entrepreneur of the Year is Ernst & Young’s annual competition honoring business leaders for ‘entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact.’ This week, the program announced recipients of 10 awards at the national level.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pjsbcf
BUSINESS NOTES…
MPLS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “D’Amico & Sons is closing in downtown Minneapolis after 30 years in business. Thursday is the final day for the popular Italian lunch spot, located in Gaviidae Common at 555 Nicollet Mall, a representative for the restaurant confirmed to Bring Me The News on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43EHd3Y
BOOKS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “At least twice a month Maggie Taylor drives 90 miles one way to Austin for book club. While there are book clubs in Winona where she lives, there is nothing quite like the Hey Darling romance club . . . Trish Marin opened Hey Darling on Oct. 12, 2024. It is the second romance-only bookstore in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pgGP3T
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
SMALL BIZ: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Housing and Economic Development launched two business loan funds in February, responding to reports that disadvantaged businesses have been going through a difficult time getting loans approved. The loans are part of the Elevate Hennepin initiative, which the county launched in 2020 to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses via no-cost advising and resources.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X3b0zI
STEAK: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Say the word ‘steakhouse’ and many familiar images come to mind: massive cuts of beef, hearty sides of baked potato and grilled asparagus, a dimly lit dining room with a large wooden bar. Fortunately, the Twin Cities have more than a few classics to choose from and a few newer spots on the scene, too.” LIST/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4oaeNWN
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)
GIFT IDEAS
BLACK FRIDAY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Black Friday sales are landing so early that we’ll soon live in a world where every day is a Black Friday sale. Until that point, here are some early sales that are already taking place at retailers, including Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, and elsewhere.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JKdTm3
CLASSES: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “As the leaves turn, we nestle into the kitchen, seeking warmth from the oven, the hearth, the bubbling pot of soup on the stove. In our humble opinion, fall and winter are prime times to take a cooking class—and luckily for us, the Twin Cities’ culinary education scene is flourishing.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3McXLtR
MOVIES: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “This holiday season, Minnesota Monthly rolls out the red carpet for a gift guide with a cinematic twist. We’ve taken beloved Minnesota-made films like ‘Grumpy Old Men,’ ‘Purple Rain,’ ‘Jingle All the Way,’ ‘The Mighty Ducks,’ and ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous,’ and curated gifts that capture their very essence.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/44lYgrL
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Observances are planned in Minnesota on Thursday for the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. It’s an annual event to honor the memory of lives lost to anti-transgender violence.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ka9ybI
TONIGHT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Over 75 musicians will pack a Minneapolis high school stage Thursday night for a grand orchestral performance — of beloved video game music.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ie8Bfh
SATURDAY: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Chisholm Area Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Discovery Center are teaming up for a holiday shopping event. The Chamber Expo and Artisan Market are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. A number of downtown locations are hosting vendors, crafters, and home-based businesses. There is no admission charge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oZ75jS
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
PANETTONE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Cossetta‘s panettone, a dome-shaped Italian sweet bread typically studded with fruit or chocolate, is a Christmastime classic, and therefore one of the marketplace’s most coveted items during the holiday season. As December stretches on, the shelves begin to empty. Beginning this holiday season, though, we’re unlikely to face a panettone shortage at Cossetta.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48p1i0T
BDAYS: Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL comms guy Donald McFarland, United Health’s Peter Glessing, Ron Paul insider Marianne Stebbins
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