40% of U.S. adults say they plan to watch at least some of the World Cup – historical polling data shows that support is (not surprisingly) higher when it’s played here. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4ex41ai
ICE bought 11 warehouses for detaining migrants – now it’s trying to get offload seven of them. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4xAIiXS
AP-NORC’s polling has the President’s approval rating relatively unchanged since before the war with Iran. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vZ24un
ICYMI… morning take has Minnesota polling data on Trump, Walz, Klobuchar, and the war. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43M2JDz
The DNR has a new long-range plan for muskie. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QNu7OF
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Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri
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FRIDAY FEED
ST PAUL: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Mayor Kaohly Her is confronting the largest budget shortfall in St. Paul’s history, a $26 million gap that she says will require a combination of spending cuts, a property tax levy increase, and a longer-term push to attract businesses and development to the city.” QUOTE: “There are some tough decisions that are in front of us,” Her said. “There are many reasons why we have that gap, and this is not a fault of anybody. This is the nature of what is in front of us now, because of economic forces, because of decisions made in the past, because of just the way we run government and how we fund government.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xzu6i1
VIDEO GAME: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis family is calling out the gaming platform Roblox, popular among young children and teens, for hosting a first-person shooter experience modeled after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The simulation’s existence was a shock to Leah and Harry Kaiser, whose family is still recovering from the Aug. 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4elvbCu
PINE ISLAND: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Pine Island residents are looking for answers after an unexpected change in city leadership this week, adding to a growing list of questions in the community of nearly 4,000. Many people in Pine Island on Thursday declined to go on camera, but those willing to share said the resignation left the town feeling uncertain . . . Former Mayor David Friese stepped aside this week, and the city has now declared a vacancy in the mayor’s office.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4b0FKsi
RETAIL: Via Forbes, VERBATIM: “Hollister is taking its biggest step yet beyond apparel, teaming up with Target on a new home and dorm collection as the Abercrombie & Fitch-owned brand looks to capitalize on the fast-growing back-to-college living market. The collaboration, dubbed The Hollister Collection at Target, launches June 28 online, in most Target stores and at select Hollister locations. The first drop includes nearly 60 products spanning bedding, décor, sleepwear and loungewear, marking Hollister’s first-ever move into home furnishings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v5GzHP
TIX: Via SeatGeek, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Wild today announced a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the high-growth technology platform transforming the live event experience for fans, teams, and venues, making SeatGeek the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the Minnesota Wild and Grand Casino Arena. Beginning this summer, SeatGeek will power ticketing for all Wild home games and events at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota — giving fans one place to discover, buy, and manage everything happening at one of the NHL’s most celebrated venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Seb9RL
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)
AROUND THE STATE
GRANDMA’S: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “This weekend marks a major milestone for Grandma’s Marathon—the race’s 50th year. A new economic impact study shows the weekend jam packed with events brings in nearly $40 million dollars for the region, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops across Duluth and the North Shore.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QyMff4
BEARS: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “In the past few months, several sightings of black bears in southern Minnesota came to light on social media. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed there has been more cases of spotting these animals throughout this year.” QUOTE: “There were over 20 recorded sightings in southeastern Minnesota,” Rochester Area Wildlife Supervisor Todd Proberg said. “It seems to be there’s a few more this year than there has been in the past.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fVgtDp
WINONA: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports lighting manufacturer Acuity has notified the state it plans to close its Winona plant impacting 86 workers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vQSZnm
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)
EVENTS & MORE
TOMORROW: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Live Nation officially opens its 19,000 seat outdoor amphitheater Saturday in Shakopee. The Mystic Lake Amphitheater is slated to host 40 shows this summer, with tomorrow night’s Setting the Stage event showcasing a variety of Minnesota talent.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44py673
AUG: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Pull up with your family, friends, and dance crew. The Twin Cities Music and Movement Festival is back for a free day of music, dancing, food, and community at Western Sculpture Garden Park in Saint Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a6F1Wm
SEPT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has long been known as an arts destination, from its legendary music scene to its thriving community of photographers, makers, and creatives. This fall, the city will be the home of a brand-new festival that brings music and visual art together. On Sept. 18-20, MODE by Flickr will transform downtown Minneapolis into a celebration of photography, music, and visual storytelling.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4adpnbz
FOR SALE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Indus School in Baudette closed its doors nearly three years ago. The South Koochiching-Rainy River School District cited declining enrollment and budget shortfalls at the school, which covered pre-K through 12th grade. At the time, many residents rallied against the decision, calling it draconian. Now it’s up for sale for $1.7 million, a price that includes all ‘learning materials’ in the building. According to the listing, that means, ‘microscopes, pottery wheels, band equipment and everything needed for metalworking and building trades.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uOXDlc
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
COMMERCE
ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the baking industry’s most trusted brands and a leading manufacturer for in-store bakeries and foodservice operators, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New Jersey-based Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, a manufacturer of premium cookies and baked goods known for its innovative product development, eye-catching packaging and strong retail partnerships nationwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4geM4Ab
MORE: Via GlobalData, VERBATIM: “Jimmy’s, founded in 1985, produces thaw-and-sell baked goods. The bakery’s key brands include its flagship Jimmy’s Cookies, the King Krumb Cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan breads. It also produces private-label products. The company operates more than 350,000-square feet of production capacity across three facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4evwVI2
GOLF: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a nine-hole golf course with a restaurant and bar has opened at the site of a former city-owned course in Sartell. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vhOEd5
RICHFIELD: From El Tejaban Mexican Grill via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Dear Richfield community and wonderful customers, after almost 20 great years of serving the community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently. We have gratitude for the support, loyalty, and friendships you have given us throughout the years. What began as a dream for two proud Mexican immigrants seeking the opportunity to build a better future became a reality because of years of support.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/43Pj76j
LAKEVILLE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Tapestry Coffee will open a second cafe this month, taking up residence in the former Lakeville home of Donut Star. For owners Scott and Kiley Van Daalen and Brad Heerema, it’s not entirely new digs. The team purchased Donut Star and its two locations last year, but closed both shops last month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eRmVdn
GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
WHAT’S NEXT?
THIS WEEKEND: Minnesota Monthly has Juneteenth celebrations around the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xFokLs
TODAY: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Architect and photographer Patricia Mutebi uses her new gallery show to illustrate the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s immigrant and Indigenous communities. ‘Threads of Us: Weaving Identity and Place,’ which opens Friday at Modern Day Me gallery in Minneapolis, started as an architectural prompt, to take an object of significance and build a space around it. Mutebi saw an opportunity to turn the project inside out, and ask Minnesotans: What parts of home do you bring with you when you leave that place?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g0M32F
TOMORROW: From St. Paul’s Black Garnet Books via Instagram, VERBATIM: “Our Juneteenth Vendor Fair is baaaaccckkkk!! We’re welcoming 8 incredible Black vendors into our space for a full day of community, creativity, and celebration. Come shop handmade jewelry, art, screen printing, waist beads, skincare, and so much more — all surrounded by shelves filled with Black and Brown authors. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth to us.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4uMlqC2
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
BASILICA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It’s time for one of Minneapolis’s most historic and recognizable buildings to get a bit of a spa day—or should we call it a spa year? The Basilica has stood tall at the corner where Hennepin and Lyndale converge in Loring Park since the early 1900s, and it’s been decades since it’s had a larger-scale restoration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44jn5nT
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