As the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ only concert in Minnesota approaches, MplsStPaul has an accounting. NUMBERS: https://fluence-media.co/4ms6Age
In the Midwest, Minneapolis has one of the highest rates of home ownership among people under age 35. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3Uhdl8N
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3J0hRpS
Sunday Take included an interview with OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel on the State of Cannabis in Minnesota and a discussion about the need for quality candidates in the 2026 elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3U9jDaz
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.
TODAY: Farmfest began this morning in Redwood County. From Fluence Media’s Blois Olson, from a panel featuring Representatives Angie Craig, Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad, and Pete Stauber:
You can watch the panel HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4lbHqBC
SURVEY: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “As in other industries, for businesses in the services sector, the volatility of trade policy is a big concern. ‘Uncertainty about tariffs is very disruptive,’ commented a respondent for a Minnesota services firm. But amid all this unpredictability, services firms in the Ninth District still reported a somewhat positive outlook for their businesses over the coming year, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Over the past year, firms saw mild growth in sales, productivity, and employment, and are expecting more in the year to come.”
“But labor supply conditions remained tight. For example, 41 percent of firms reported that the number of qualified applicants for open positions decreased this year. Meanwhile, 60 percent noted that applicant wage demands increased, and 40 percent said demands for benefits and remote work increased as well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IYV0ed
MORE: The survey results were presented via video with commentary from Regional Outreach Director Joe Mahon. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4m4yZJH
NEXT WEEK: Via Minneapolis Fed will release a survey of businesses in the Ninth District Tuesday.
LIFE TIME: Via Investing, VERBATIM: “[Chanhassen-based] Life Time Holdings (NYSE: LTH) reported second quarter EPS of $0.37, $0.05 better than the analyst estimate of $0.32. Revenue for the quarter came in at $761.5M versus the consensus estimate of $752.28M.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47exaVM
MORE: Via MarketWatch, VERBATIM: “The top line was lifted by higher average dues, more members in both new and ramping centers, and higher member utilization of the company's in-center offerings, including personal training. Life Time said it now expects $2.955 billion to $2.985 billion in revenue this year, up from a previous estimate for $2.94 billion to $2.98 billion, on a profit of $290 million to $293 million, instead of $286 million to $293 million as previously targeted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oo2VC1
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)
SECURITY: Via KSTP-TV, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher responded to a Department of Public Safety statement that an emergency notification system implemented in 2017 had limitations at the time state lawmakers were shot in June. FLETCHER: “There is no excuse for not having or not using a functional mass notification system for our legislators on June 14th, 2025. The State Patrol Capitol Security Division has been working on this issue for eight years, but failed to implement an effective alert program that could have notified Melissa Hortman and others of the active potential threat against them. These notifications could have occurred shortly after the Capitol Security Captain was notified at 2:37 am of the Hoffman attack – an hour before the Hortmans were killed. Hopefully, there will be some accountability for this safety failure.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3UNqGps
PARKS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Federal officials are reviewing whether to remove books and signs with historic references to the harsh treatment of Native Americans from Minnesota’s national park sites. An executive order issued by President Donald Trump in March required employees at all national park sites to audit and report to the Department of the Interior any material that negatively portrayed Americans, past or present, by July 18. In Minnesota, staff reported informational signs and books that referenced forced relocations, starvation and treaty violations of Native American tribes living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Ojibwe, Yankton Sioux and Dakota, according to groups that work with the parks and staffers who did not want to talk for attribution for fear of losing their jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4535yl7
ST LOUIS CTY: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “More than 4,000 acres of northern Minnesota forest will now be open for wildlife habitat, public recreation and sustainable forestry. St. Louis County and The Conservation Fund have closed a $4.1 million deal under which the county has acquired 4,643 acres of timberland from The Conservation Fund.” READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4ldM6qD
FRAUD: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “We're hearing more reaction Monday from the chair of the Minnesota Fraud Prevention and Oversight Committee about plans to end the state's troubled housing stabilization program. ‘I think that this program is so riddled with fraud that the only remedy is to shut it down,’ explains Republican State Representative Kristin Robbins. She also talked about the possibility of re-launching the program.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3HmAvaR
COLD CASE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Maple Grove police are calling attention to an unsolved missing person’s case. This week marks the 36-year anniversary of Amy Sue Pagnac’s disappearance.” QUOTE: “The case of Amy Sue Pagnac’s disappearance has always been at the forefront of the Maple Grove Police Department,” said Commander Jon Wetternach of the Maple Grove Police Department. “We just want to bring it back to the public’s attention because we know that there’s somebody out there who knows something about her disappearance.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3IUDYxZ
LIST: Via Forbes, Land O’Lakes’ Beth Ford made Forbes’ list of the Most Powerful People. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fnVxmb
JOBS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The problem is simple: there are too many open jobs and not enough people to fill them. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, around 76,000 auto mechanic positions open every year, but only 39,000 workers are coming out of technical colleges or training programs.” QUOTE: “From Metro Transit’s perspective, we desperately need them,” said John Komarek, spokesperson for Metro Transit, which is putting the word out to experienced candidates. “Mechanics who work at dealerships or who have owned their shops, that’s who we’d love to attract.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mlKAno
FREIGHT: Via news release from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, VERBATIM: “The U.S. truck freight market showed signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2025, with national shipment volumes rising 2.4% and spending increasing 1.2% from the previous quarter, according to the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. This marks the first quarter-to-quarter gain in both metrics in three years. All five U.S. regions posted sequential volume gains, led by a 6.7% increase in the Southwest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45le4L0
EARNINGS: Via Associated Press, quarterly reports from Minnesota-based companies:
OTTER TAIL: “Otter Tail Corp. (OTTR) on Monday reported net income of $77.7 million in its second quarter. On a per-share basis, the Fergus Falls, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.85.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lYH3vj
CVRX: “CVRx Inc. (CVRX) on Monday reported a loss of $14.7 million in its second quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had a loss of 57 cents. The results missed Wall Street expectations . . . The medical device company posted revenue of $13.6 million in the period, which beat Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mpLNtJ
TACTILE: “Tactile Systems Technology Inc. (TCMD) on Monday reported second-quarter profit of $3.2 million. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 14 cents. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations . . . The medical device maker posted revenue of $78.9 million in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fkfqKK
INSPIRE: “Inspire Medical Systems Inc. (INSP) on Monday reported a loss of $3.6 million in its second quarter. The Golden Valley, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 12 cents per share . . . The results topped Wall Street expectations . . . The maker of devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea posted revenue of $217.1 million in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40RDU8g
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
TONIGHT: Via National Night Out, VERBATIM: “National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fs9iAe
MORE: A list of participating Minnesota cities. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3HjIbKY
MORE: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa has been involved in National Night Out for years. He said law enforcement likes to get out and listen to what’s going on in their community.” QUOTE: “To talk to them and get to know their interests,” Ceynowa said. “From a police perspective, for us, it’s a great way to see people, see engagement in our community.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41nakri
AWARDS: Via news release from ORBIE, VERBATIM: “The 2025 Minnesota ORBIE Awards recognized the exceptional leadership and innovation of top technology executives from Illumina, Cargill, Minnesota Housing, Agiliti Health, Cambria, Choice Financial Group, Land O’Lakes, Inc and Anderson Trucking Service. Hosted by MinnesotaCIO, and introducing MinnesotaCISO, chapters of the Inspire Leadership Network, the prestigious awards honor CIOs and CISOs and C-suite technology leaders who drive business transformation and industry impact.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3J2lmMm
FREE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The opportunity to get free wood chips out of the Bemidji Target debris site will end soon. Currently, the Target site is open for pickup Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. until August 8th. The location was originally set up to dispose of tree debris following the June 21st derecho but transitioned to only being a pickup site on July 28th.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4msPAX9
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)
BEER: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild's showcase of Minnesota breweries is returning to the Minnesota State Fair in 2025, toting flights of award-winning drinks. Its ‘Brewed in Minnesota’ exhibit will again set up shop in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, showcasing the wares of more than 85 breweries and brewpubs from around the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lgGNqx
TWINS: Via news release from Global Payments, VERBATIM: “Global Payments Inc. announced that it has been selected as the payments technology provider for Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins and Target Field, and also extended its status as payment processing provider for the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium. Global Payments was chosen by the teams for its proven ability to deliver innovative payment solutions that enhance speed, efficiency and the overall fan experience in large-scale, high-traffic stadium environments. For the Minnesota Twins, Global Payments will serve as the payments provider for food and beverage as part of a multi-year partnership.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UNBiVi
AIRPORT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Local gastropub chain Lucky's 13 will likely be the anchor restaurant and bar for the expansion of Terminal 2 at MSP Airport. Driving the news: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) will soon vote on a lease agreement with the group behind Lucky's 13, called Eclectic Culinary Concepts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ft4QBo
LEGOS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is now home to two LEGO stores. The Danish toy giant's latest Twin Cities location opened up at the Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka on Friday, holding a series of events over its opening weekend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HaIx6I
THIS WEEK: Via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “A popular music festival is returning next month, bringing live bluegrass music and other activities to central Minnesota. The 45th annual Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival will take place Aug. 7 to 10 at El Rancho Mañana Campground in Richmond. It will feature both local and nationally renowned bluegrass acts, vendors, camping and other activities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40S3JVF
DAYTON ROGERS: Via news release from Blaine-based Dayton Rogers, VERBATIM: “Dayton Rogers Manufacturing has appointed Stephanie Lowry as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Ron Lowry, who will continue to serve as Owner and Chairman of the Board. Stephanie Lowry has held leadership positions at Dayton Rogers for over 15 years, bringing extensive industry experience and manufacturing expertise to her new position.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45meUHB
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
MAKERS: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “True style tells a story. We found no less when diving into the worlds of five Minnesota makers whose exquisite craftsmanship and unique vision captivate us. These artists seamlessly blend cultural tradition with modern aesthetics, each object a testament to their personal journey and a joy to behold. They don’t just create; they narrate, ensuring every piece tells a compelling tale—theirs, and eventually, yours. Discover the beauty of objects imbued with meaning and celebrate the artistry thriving right here at home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UhHBjQ
BDAYS: Fox 9’s Jason Matheson, retired Hormel lobbyist Jeff Grev, wife of the Senate GOP Leader Skyler Johnson, fmr. GOP ED Jennifer DeJournett
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