The Supreme Court this morning was set to hear arguments in a challenge to the Voting Rights Act. UPDATES: https://fluence-media.co/4n94FgJ
Minneapolis’ “tulip house” is for sale – minus the tulips. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4n9SrEH
Two zebras from Boston are settling into their new digs at Como Zoo. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4oh9JjV
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3WCMFAj
On Sunday Take, State Demographer Susan Brower warns of slow growth and increased pressure on public budgets. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42Bprhz
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.
MAC: Metropolitan Airports Commission Chair Rick King announced today he is leaving the commission.
SURVEY: Via Eden Prairie-based Arctic Wolf, VERBATIM: “Arctic Wolf, a global leader in security operations, today released its second annual Human Risk Behavior Snapshot, an independent survey of more than 1,700 IT leaders and end users worldwide. The findings show that while organizations remain confident in their defenses, everyday employee behaviors—ranging from phishing missteps to risky AI use—continue to drive breaches and expose sensitive data. As threat activity escalates and generative AI becomes embedded in daily work, the human element has become one of the most unpredictable variables in cybersecurity. Leaders’ overconfidence, combined with employees bypassing or misusing basic safeguards, is widening the gap between perceived resilience and actual exposure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3W3xujB
MORE: A couple of items from the report:
QUOTE: “The C-suite and senior leaders are an attractive target for cybercriminals thanks to their access to high-value data, permissions, and even funds, so it’s perhaps no surprise that 39% have been targeted by phishing and 35% by a malware download.”
QUOTE: “Almost as surprising as the fact that 65% of those in senior IT roles have clicked on phishing links is the fact that almost one-fifth (17%) didn’t report it.”
FULL REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/48wI8Xy
JOBS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Amazon has announced it is hiring 1,500 workers in Minnesota for the 2025 holiday season. The online retail giant announced Monday that it’s hiring around 250,000 positions nationwide, with postings updated each week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IW4JCt
CANNABIS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “After more than 20 rejections from landlords, Brian Bartley began to wonder if Minnesota’s new cannabis industry was really open for business. The 57-year-old Army veteran is trying to get his social-equity cannabis microbusiness, Green Lane Express, off the ground. He received his preliminary license in April, starting an 18-month clock to open his business. ‘I have to pour my life savings into this,’ he said. ‘My retirement is going into this.’ But each time he mentioned marijuana during lease talks, the conversation ended almost as quickly as it began. Across Minnesota, zoning limits, cautious landlords and federal banking restrictions have made real estate one of the steepest climbs in the state’s emerging cannabis economy — especially for entrepreneurs like Bartley without deep pockets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KOYOjc
WINMARK: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Winmark Corp. (WINA) on Wednesday reported earnings of $11.1 million in its third quarter. The Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of $3.02 per share. The store concept franchisor posted revenue of $22.6 million in the period.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48xTXwI
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)
EMMER: Via news release from the Minnesota Senate, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL- St. Paul) today sent a letter to Minnesota U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the House Republican leadership in Congress, condemning his statements characterizing Minnesotans and other Americans who protest at ‘No Kings’ rallies as a ‘terrorist wing’ who ‘hate America.’ In her letter to Congressman Emmer, Leader Murphy said such divisive rhetoric endangers peaceful protesters.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/433vVWT
CRYSTAL: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “On its Oct. 7 agenda, the Crystal City Council provided opportunity for public input on its 2026 budget — a preliminary budget where residents will see a proposed 15.87 increase to the city’s tax levy. The proposed increase comes on top of a 16 percent increase last year and a 10 percent increase the year before that. During the Oct. 7 meeting, elected city leaders said they understand the concerns about double-digit increases in the face of tightening budgets and rising costs impacting many families.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3W3dWMe
DULUTH: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “In 2023, the Duluth City Council closed down Lester Park Golf Course, leaving the future of the property in limbo. Since then, several groups have tried to revive the space, but none of their plans have won council support. Wednesday marks the start of a new attempt to redevelop the land as the planning commission brings forward a new resolution for the city council to approve a transfer of the land. ‘There’s a lot of people with pent-up demand for like what are we going to do at Lester Park Golf Course because we’ve been waiting for years and years, and I hear them,’ said City Councilor Arik Forsman.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h8JWbo
POWER OUTAGES: Xcel Energy has a new Electric Outage Map, now available in both English and Spanish. QUOTE: “Our customers tell us how much they appreciate and rely on this feature. We’ve made user-friendly updates designed to help them stay informed and prepared, as part of our commitment to making energy work better.” MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3WBTvWR (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
LRT: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit is starting to test light rail trains on the 14.5-mile, $2.86 billion Green Line Extension, also known as Southwest LRT, connecting downtown Minneapolis and Eden Prairie. As many as six trains will initially be towed by a rail car mover from the start of the line at Target Field Station to the end at SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie. Then the trains will run along the tracks to test systems between Eden Prairie and St. Louis Park from Tuesday through Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48vOeaH
CAMPAIGN: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The transportation nonprofit, Move Minnesota, wants more people to embrace Maceda’s attitude. The group’s ‘No Car, No Problem’ campaign wants to encourage people who aren’t using transit, walking or biking for transportation to give it a try, Move Minnesota Executive Director MJ Carpio said. The group is placing ads on buses, trains, and transit stations, and giving away a free e-bike to one rider who submits a photo of themselves with the campaign signage by the end of October.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nO3KDn
HIGHERED: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Colleges and universities across the country are cutting their budgets amid rising costs, federal funding cuts and declining student enrollment. In some cases, that means cutting academic programs and laying off faculty to help keep the future of their institutions viable. It’s already happening on Minnesota’s college campuses. In August, Minnesota State University, Mankato announced plans to lay off seven tenured faculty through a year-long process called retrenchment.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49aViJQ
BUECKERS: Via news release from Trü Frü, VERBATIM: “Sometimes, the internet asks for something so loudly you just have to make it happen. After college basketball star [and Hopkins native] Paige Bueckers went viral for her love of Trü Frü, the better-for-you frozen fruit brand listened. The result? A limited-edition collaboration that celebrates Paige’s genuine love for the brand—and the community that shares it. What began as a few casual posts from Paige turned into thousands of comments, tags, and more than 30 million views of fans hunting down Trü Frü’s iconic frozen chocolate-covered fruit in freezer aisles nationwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KROB5s
70-YEAR LEGACY OF CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION. Innovation has been synonymous with the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery since it was established 70 years ago. Today, Pine Bend operates with cutting-edge leak detection technologies, the largest solar installation of its kind, a community-driven water-recycling system, and numerous other advancements. These innovations have allowed Pine Bend to produce more of the fuels and other products we all need, while continually finding ways to use fewer resources and minimize emissions. LEARN MORE: Environmental, Health, and Safety at Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
CEMETERY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “When Matt Connell bought a 20-acre hayfield three years ago in rural Blackhoof Township, about 25 miles southwest of Duluth, he had a vision to provide a space for a new kind of cemetery — a more sustainable death care tradition . . . But Connell’s plan for a green cemetery, which seeks to tap into a growing desire for more environmentally friendly burials without toxic chemicals and expensive caskets and vaults, is not getting a very welcome reception from neighbors of the plot of land and others in this rural part of Carlton County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WKn6xf
COAST GUARD: Via WTIP-Radio, VERBATIM: “When the U.S. Coast Guard closed its Grand Marais station in 2022, it left a significant gap in safety coverage along a large stretch of Lake Superior. For the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the answer was clear: step in to protect the waters they have long called home. Now, the Band has launched what the tribe says is the first Indigenous-led coast guard in the nation. With state funding, new boats, and volunteer crews in training, the program is already rescuing stranded vessels and benefiting communities and visitors to Minnesota’s North Shore.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JcK0u8
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)
NEXTGEN: Via news release from 3M, VERBATIM: “3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) named Kevin Tang, an 8th grader at Cedarlane Academy of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Hacienda Heights, California, as the winner of the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. Kevin distinguished himself with a novel fall detection device that can accelerate emergency responses to falls among older adults at home, even in the dark. As the grand prize winner, he received a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of ‘America’s Top Young Scientist.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hbXl2g
PURPLE RAIN: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The creative minds behind Purple Rain the Musical are sharing new details about the show ahead of [its] pre-Broadway release in Minneapolis.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42FNJHe
TOMORROW: Via MIRAC, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will hold a press conference at the Minneapolis Public Service Center (250 S 4th St.) on Thursday, October 16, at noon, inviting the leading Minneapolis mayoral candidates to explain how they will protect the city from violent overreach by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. Candidates Sen. Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis, and Jazz Hampton are all confirmed to attend. Additional invitations have been sent to Mayor Jacob Frey and Brenda Short, who have not responded at that time of this release.”
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail, VERBATIM: “Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) will issue a news release announcing third quarter 2025 financial results after the stock market closes on Monday, November 3, 2025 and will host a live conference call and webcast on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the corporation’s financial and operating performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hdhkOm
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Bio-Techne, VERBATIM: “Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) today announced that management will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. CST to review its first quarter fiscal 2026 financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47aARKD
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Bloomington-based SkyWater, VERBATIM: “SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT), the trusted technology realization partner, today announced that it will report its fiscal third quarter 2025 financial results following the close of the market on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The same afternoon, management will host a webcast to discuss its business and financial results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42HQUy7
NEXT MONTH: Via news release from Hopkins-based Digi, VERBATIM: “Digi International Inc. (NASDAQ: DGII) will release its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and full fiscal 2025 on Wednesday, November 12, after market close, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET. Ron Konezny, CEO, and Jamie Loch, CFO, will host a conference call later the same day, at 5:00 p.m. ET, to briefly discuss the results and will take questions and provide answers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47aCqbt
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “The Twin Cities’ most dazzling winter tradition is back and brighter than ever. The GLOW Holiday Festival returns to CHS Field in downtown St. Paul from Nov. 20, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, transforming the home of the St. Paul Saints into a twinkling wonderland of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n2s8jp
NEXT YEAR: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Dropkick Murphys are taking their St. Patrick’s Day celebration across the U.S. The Boston punk vets have announced a tour that will take them around the country leading up to their St. Patrick’s Day residency in Boston, including a March 6 stop at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hvQxNv
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
AIRPORT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Don’t resign yourself to a sad sandwich at the gate. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has over 100 concession options across the two terminals for every kind of traveler. Here are some of our picks for airport eats.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4olAGmL
SHOW + DINNER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Hear us out—the matter of planning dinner and a show is not one of merely location or convenience but vibes. Here’s our vibes-based dining guide to where to grab a pre-show dinner or a post-show nightcap at the many vibrant theaters around Minneapolis and St. Paul (with proximity and parking in mind, of course).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42JNfzY
BDAYS: lobbyist Sarah Erickson, KSTP’s Lindsey Brown, ag leader Doug Petersen, GOP activists Barb Sutter and Sheri Auclair
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