A BUSY THURSDAY
A Wall Street Journal writer counted 20 instances of “encouraged” or “encouraging” in Wednesday’s Target quarterly earnings call. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xWmfdM
We really need rain. The new Drought Monitor out this morning shows little change over last week, with the exception of an area in northwest Minnesota that slipped into extreme drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
Some showers in central Minnesota, with a slight risk for severe storms this evening. NWS: https://fluence-media.co/4wDuYjO
Violent crime in the U.S. was down 9.3% in 2025 – that’s the biggest year-over-year drop since the FBI started tracking it in 1936. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xegzf8
Elon Musk says former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin should be set free. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3Skh1Jm
A slow week for games but no shortage of sports conversation starters. This week’s Sports Take has the struggles of J.J. McCarthy and Byron Buxton, some snarky Vikings bashing, an eyebrow-raising reference to the Pohlads, two weddings and an injury. Publishing this afternoon.
Blois
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Fluence Advisory has released its Insights memo on “The Next Legislature”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNSMV
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Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bYtsRT
Sunday Take featured a recap of the Minnesota primary, a look at Wisconsin’s primary with political analyst Bill McCoshen and a talk with MN Chamber CEO Doug Loon about Minnesota’s economy. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SER8Ei
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
NASA + MN: Via Minnesota State, VERBATIM: “NASA has selected the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence as one of seven Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce State Hubs in the nation and the only hub located in the Midwest. The NASA State Hubs initiative is designed to address a growing national need for skilled technical talent as the aerospace economy expands and the nation advances priorities related to human space exploration, advanced manufacturing, propulsion systems, and aerospace innovation. Through a three-year, $1.5 million initiative, Minnesota State will convene colleges, aerospace employers, workforce development organizations, and economic development partners to expand industry-aligned education, training, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for high-demand aerospace careers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TZbKrp
JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “New data from July show that over the year, Minnesota added 44,092 jobs, a 1.5% increase that significantly outpaced the national job growth rate of 0.2% according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s private sector also grew 1.5% over the year compared with 0.5% nationally. Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of a percent to 4.3% in July, while the U.S. unemployment rate also declined one-tenth of a percent to 4.1%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TXrCux
MORTGAGES: Via Realtor.com, VERBATIM: “The share of ‘equity-rich’ homeowners has fallen to its lowest level in five years, while the number of homeowners with ‘seriously underwater’ mortgages is rising, according to a new report . . . The states with the largest annual increases in seriously underwater homes were Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, and the District of Columbia. The percentage of seriously underwater homes in Minnesota climbed an astounding 9.5%, from 2.6% a year ago to 12.1% in the second quarter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qs9Mvv
HEMP: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s hemp farmers have weathered a boom, a bust and years of changing rules. Now, a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products is the latest blow to an industry they helped build. For Jeremy Saueressig, that means no hemp in his Hastings fields this year. He’s among the few Minnesota farmers still growing hemp for THC. After growing the crop since 2019, he planted more soybeans instead.” SAUERESSIG: “Missed opportunity,” he said, looking over his fields of soybeans. “The lost opportunity of another year of R and D, another year of moving the market, setting networks.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4c0TNyR
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)
POT: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Brooklyn Park could end up running its own cannabis store. Acting as the Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, the city council approved on Aug. 17 a market feasibility study for a municipal cannabis store.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qrv4JP
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)
GREATER MINNESOTA
APPLETON: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The company operating an ICE detention facility in Appleton is holding a series of job fairs. … CoreCivic, which recently sold the Prairie Correctional facility to the federal government, is hiring guards, medical and administrative staff. The federal government announced the 1,600-bed facility will begin housing detainees this fall after being shuttered since 2010. Before it closed, the facility employed between 300 and 400 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hJWHM4
ST CLOUD: via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Cloud is considering a proposal from its mayor to raise property taxes by 3.75% to retain city staff, including police officers and firefighters. … If approved, it would be added on top of a 2.69% increase tied to voter-approved fire department funding. The total for taxpayers would be a 6.44% increase in property taxes, around a $146 increase for a median home in St. Cloud, valued at $252,700. … Public safety is driving much of St. Cloud’s proposed budget increase for next year. $57 million is for public safety, about $5.8 million more than this year, and an increase of more than 11%. The proposal adds nineteen full-time positions to the city’s fire department.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gjvVaP
RUSH CITY: via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Rush City is asking residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use after the [DNR] moved the St. Croix River basin into a drought warning response phase. The city said prolonged dry weather prompted the change and that conservation efforts are needed to help protect the municipal water supply and meet state requirements.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4zzyjDl
BEARS: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions following an increase in bear activity and human-bear interactions throughout the area…In recent months…the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement have responded to a number of incidents involving bears…including one entering a tent at a campground…a motorcyclist crashing into a bear…as well as bears damaging vehicles while attempting to get into rear tonneau covers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iihpTg
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)
THE CITIES
GREEN ZONES: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The city of Minneapolis is using new data to reevaluate areas that receive additional environmental benefits to combat historic pollution in diverse, working class neighborhoods. Minneapolis formally established two areas known as green zones in 2017 after years of urging from environmental justice advocates to designate and provide benefits to areas surrounded by highways and heavy industry. City officials are using updated data on pollution to revise the green zones, and are seeking community input on how the boundaries should be redrawn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xcpoGk
AI-GATE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is adding new explanatory language to an exhibition after visitors mistook an artist’s digitally rendered work for generative AI.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4qs3bBf
HIGHWAY 280: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A collective rejoicing and sigh of relief. That is, or at least should be, the reaction for many Twin Cities motorists and State Fair enthusiasts starting this weekend. Highway 280 on the border of St. Paul and Minneapolis is reopening after being closed since April for resurfacing and ramp and bridge repair.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qnXB2Q
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Osseo Area School District celebrated this week the opening of Aspen Ridge Elementary, the first new school built in the district in 20 years. Located in the fast growing northwest corner of Maple Grove on Arbor Ridge Parkway, the school will initially serve more than 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The building is built for a capacity of 1,100 students.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4glhDGB
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
NEXT WEEK: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Want a meal at Indígena by Owamni for under $50? You may have a chance — but only next Wednesday. The acclaimed Indigenous restaurant will participate in the international Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can initiative on Aug. 26, during which some of the world’s best restaurants will offer regular menus without the usual price barrier.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xUNEN9
NORTH LOOP: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “People packed a neighborhood meeting in the North Loop Wednesday night about a proposed data center there. The Virginia-based developer, Legacy Investing, has agreed to a deal to buy the old Star Tribune printing facility and turn it into a data center. Ari Chernikoff, the group’s vice president of development, joined the meeting via Zoom, much to the ire of the residents who showed up in person.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qu9PHh
HERMANTOWN: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Shouts resulted in multiple people being escorted out of the AAD Shrine event center as Google hosted an open house on its proposed Data Center in Hermantown on Wednesday night. Many spoke out because they felt like their questions weren’t being answered.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45zD8yL
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based WSB, VERBATIM: “WSB LLC, one of the nation’s fastest-growing design and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of Civil Infrastructure Associates, LLC, a well-established engineering firm supporting the Nashville metropolitan area. CIA specializes in water and wastewater utilities, civil/site design, aviation infrastructure, and surveying services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQZ38l
ACQUISITION: Via Plymouth-based Wealth Enhancement, VERBATIM: “Wealth Enhancement, a national independent wealth management firm dedicated to enriching clients’ lives, announced it has acquired the investment advisory business of Servo Wealth Management, an independent RIA in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wISvQv
WHAT’S NEXT?
NEXT WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Whether you’re chasing the latest fair food craze, catching a show at the Grandstand or making your annual trip for the classics, the Minnesota State Fair has something for everyone. Here’s what to know before you go, from tickets and transportation to deals and can’t-miss attractions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ztPB4w
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
ART: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Liz Derby is best known for distilling Minnesota into its most basic of shapes, pieces, and colors—while expressing an entire world of personality and nuance within. Under her moniker, Little Dipper Art, she creates prints depicting Twin Cities landmarks and icons (Loring Park, our city lakes, First Ave, the Landmark Center in two different seasons, even Mickey’s Diner) in minimalistic form.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46blmlp
TITANIC: From a Minnesota Monthly reporter who describes herself as a “‘Titanic’ person”, on the exhibit that opened recently in Minneapolis, QUOTE: “My husband and I visited last weekend with complimentary VIP tickets, and while I expected to enjoy the spectacle of it all, I was surprised by what stayed with me most.” READ/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4zpKeU9
BDAYS: AgriGrowth’s Darin Broton has a milestone bday, Farm Bureau’s Dan Glessing, comms pro Joanna Hjelmeland
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