RIP Robert Redford.
Is General Mills paying tribute to “Ghostbusters?” A 25-foot-tall Pillsbury Doughboy is headed to New York City. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pqO4qQ
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pobi0L
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger and GOP Rep. Danny Nadeau discussing how they want to move forward with a special session as purple district legislators. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4gxlhNy
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.
WALZ: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “After several months of speculation, and perhaps even a 180-degree flip, Governor Tim Walz will indeed run for a third consecutive term in office. ‘I’m running for reelection to continue serving as Governor of Minnesota,’ Walz said on social media Tuesday morning. ‘We’ve made historic progress in our state, but we’re not done yet. I’m staying in the fight — and I need you with me.’ Overnight, the Governor's website was refreshed, and gone was the “One Minnesota” message. Last week when asked if he was going to run, Walz responded, ‘I think that's a safe assumption,’ making it clear he was preparing to make a formal announcement soon.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4nD3zKW
MORE: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Mr. Walz, known over six terms in Congress as a moderate Democrat who was willing to work across party lines, enters the race with significant advantages and liabilities. Mr. Walz holds deep institutional support as an experienced campaigner with a vast network of donors and supporters after two decades in elected office. And in Minnesota, Republicans have not won a statewide race since 2006, when Tim Pawlenty narrowly won re-election to the governor’s office. But Mr. Walz’s track record as governor and his vice-presidential run have diminished his reputation as a moderate, which had made him appealing to voters in rural parts of the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K5vZi7
EMMER: Via statement from Rep. Tom Emmer, QUOTE: “Minnesotans cannot take another four years of Tim Walz. Walz is a proven failure," said Whip Emmer. "Instead of boasting about a strong economy, great schools, or safe streets, the only thing Minnesotans can tout is the fact that Walz allowed the nation’s largest taxpayer-funded COVID program fraud to occur under his watch. To protect our children’s future, our safety, and our way of life, we need to vote Walz out next November.”
MN GOP: Via statement from Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash, QUOTE: “Governor Walz’s record is one of misplaced priorities and broken promises. His claim that ‘we’re just getting started’ is not a promise — it’s a threat. Minnesotans cannot afford four more years of higher taxes, failing schools, unsafe streets, fraud, and policies that undermine fairness for women and girls. The fact is clear: Walz is already upside-down in the polls, and no amount of campaign spin can cover up the truth — Minnesota families are worse off under his leadership.”
TARGET: Via ABC News, VERBATIM: “Target is expanding its next-day delivery of parcel shipments to 35 of the nation's top 60 metropolitan markets by the end of next month, marking 22 new cities this year, as the discount retailer aims to narrow the gap with the likes of Amazon. That means that its next-day delivery expansion will go to 54% of the U.S. population, up from 20%, according to Gretchen McCarthy, Target’s chief supply chain and logistics officer. San Diego and Orlando and Tampa, Florida are on the list. Target plans to add another 20 more cities for next day delivery by next year, the company said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42qQtIi
NEW STORES: Via Newsweek, VERBATIM: “Target plans to open seven new stores in October 2025 across Arizona, California, Florida, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, part of the retailer's multi-year plan to add more than 300 stores over the next decade. The openings—six of which will exceed Target's 125,000-square-foot average—advance the company's stores-as-hubs model that supports same-day fulfillment and in-store shopping, while creating local jobs and community investment, the company said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pmafyJ
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)
PAID LEAVE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A major new benefit for Minnesota workers is proving a massive headache for many employers as mandatory paid leave for health and family emergencies goes into effect in just 15 weeks. Small businesses may be particularly exposed to strain, as many don’t have HR departments to help with the tracking, compliance and reporting required. These business owners are now flocking to consultants and a state helpline to navigate the law, which requires all employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid medical or family leave (or 20 weeks combined) to workers needing to care for themselves or a close relative in crisis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HYPCb2
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “It was last call at Palmer's on Sunday night, and for those counting, that means at least five bars in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis have closed since 2021. Town Hall Brewery is the lone survivor at Seven Corners, once a bar-hopping district that attracted patrons from near and far. But owner Pete Rifakes told Axios he is not happy about what's happened in the neighborhood and has considered closing or changing his business model.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mnwCB4
PRISON: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The state is closing the 111-year-old prison near Stillwater. Officials say the building is outdated, dangerous and falling apart, but some men who have spent decades incarcerated there say they have mixed feelings about the decision. A 2020 report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor described countless safety hazards at the prison, including an outdated layout that requires more corrections officers to keep an eye on the incarcerated population.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gqzmvS
GOLDFISH: Via Star Tribune, a look at the impact of goldfish set free in Minnesota lakes. VERBATIM: “Those discarded prizes have since grown into an ecological headache in some Minnesota lakes. Bottom feeders like their carp cousins, the goldfish churn up sediment, release phosphorus and fuel algae blooms that cloud the water and crowd out native species. That’s why the city of Edina and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District have made their removal a priority, and this summer, trucked them to a place where, for some wild residents, the goldfish are appetizing and in-demand: the Minnesota Zoo.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42t1YyV
SCHOOL SAFETY: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “For some Minnesota school districts, one answer comes from a nonprofit started after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Reminders are posted in the halls of St. Francis Middle School: ‘Say Something.’ ‘There's signs all over the school about it that have the phone number and like there's a QR code,’ said student Beverly Shepherd Flores. The idea behind the anonymous reporting system: see it, report it.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42zd59v
MANGIONE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “A judge on Tuesday dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in New York state’s case over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, but he kept the state’s second-degree murder charges against him. In a written decision, Judge Gregory Carro said that although there is no doubt that the killing was not an ordinary street crime, New York law doesn’t consider something terrorism simply because it was motivated by ideology.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IpELXC
WEATHER: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota had a somewhat more active than normal severe weather season, driven largely by June and early July when we had numerous storm events and tornado reports . . . We’ve discussed how billion-dollar disasters (yes, adjusted for inflation) are increasing across the United States, but severe thunderstorms that cause nine-figure damage are also on the rise.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46mjExv
MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Heavier rainfall because of a warming climate is accelerating erosion in many parts of Minnesota, leading to more frequent landslides, mudslides and rockfalls. And those landslides can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, roads and other infrastructure, and have occasionally turned deadly. The sandstone bluffs and hillsides of the Minnesota River Valley are especially vulnerable.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42qJ2km
FLOODING: Via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “Effects from the July 18 flooding in the city of Marshall are still apparent, as Southwest Minnesota State University is continuing to work on repairs to its facilities. Marshall experienced significant flooding from 5-8 inches of heavy rainfall over a short period, forcing a State of Emergency declaration from Mayor Bob Byrnes. Sewer infrastructure systems were overwhelmed across the city, allowing businesses, roads, houses and schools to experience flash flooding. SMSU, in particular, is still working to repair damages it saw nearly two months after the occurrence.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46ht1zP
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO CELEBRATE: Flint Hills Resources and its employees are proud of the company they keep, including many community partners that help make Minnesota a better place to live and learn. Not only is the Pine Bend refinery celebrating 70 years, many of the company’s long-time partnerships have milestones in 2025: 25 years of the Flint Hills Family Festival in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 25 years with Frends of the Mississippi River to restore critical habitat, 30 years with the Minnesota Zoo, and 40 years with Ducks Unlimited. WATCH: Celebrating our Community Partners (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
BELTRAMI CTY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Next year’s budget for Beltrami County could possibly include cuts of more than 40% to community services in the area. County Administrator Tom Barry says the county will receive significantly less from federal and state resources and is expected to cover more costs than usual due to unfunded mandates.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pnQxCq
STATE FAIR: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The city of Falcon Heights has released data on the first year of its State Fair parking program. The State Fair Task Force is set to discuss the numbers at its Wednesday night meeting. The city says 3,561 visitors parked in the paid parking zones, earning the city a net revenue of $72,000. While this was lower than initial estimates, the expenses for the program were also lower than expected, leading to a surplus of $49,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41StWnI
FILMMAKER: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Somali Minnesotan filmmaker is boosting authentic Somali representation by making his first feature film — shot in Djibouti with a cast and crew from around the world. Aleel Films founder Mohammed Sheikh said he wanted to be a filmmaker to combat false negative narratives of Somali people in mainstream media.” SHEIKH: “If you’re watching TV, and you have absolutely no idea about Somali people, and the first thing that you watch … is a pirate, or somebody who’s stealing, or somebody who’s doing damage to the society, then your image of Somali people would be that.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n3GNM2
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)
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A recent housing study completed in the city of Bemidji suggests the area has an overwhelming need for additional housing, both affordable and market-rate units. The study, conducted by the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, was discussed with the Bemidji City Council at Monday’s meeting. Councilors were presented with six issues challenging the area, including an aging population and aging housing infrastructures within the city.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48k6cg2
MINNEAPOLIS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports on data from the City of Minneapolis that predicts a million visitors will attend events over the next six weeks. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nyrM4S
POT: Via news release from Green Thumb, VERBATIM: “RISE Dispensaries, a rapidly growing cannabis retail chain owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), today announced it will commence adult-use cannabis sales at Minnesota retail locations in Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Mankato, New Hope, and Willmar, beginning September 17. RISE Dispensaries will celebrate the launch of adult-use sales at its Minnesota locations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:00 a.m. before doors open at 9:00 a.m., followed by music, treats, and special giveaways.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42zGaBI
MORE: Via Cannabis Business Times, VERBATIM: “Several Minnesota cannabis retailers will commence adult-use sales Sept. 16 and 17, marking 840 days since Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation to legalize a commercial marketplace for those 21 years and older. This marks the fourth-longest rollout of an adult-use cannabis program in the U.S.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/467eKFB
GOLF: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “When the glacier covering central Minnesota receded 12,000 years ago, it left a hilly terrain of clay, rocks and gravel — not great for farming, which early settlers attempted, but ideal for a golf course. And for Mark Haugejorde, not just any course. Haugejorde has returned to his New London hometown to lead the development of Tepetonka, a ‘destination’ golf club in northern Kandiyohi County. It’s expected to open next summer and will be a pinnacle of his lifetime in the golf industry, which began in his youth at nearby Little Crow Resort Golf Course, where his father was one of the founders in the late 1960s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41TJqaV
THIS WEEKEND: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Hope you’re hungry, because Revive Virginia’s Food Truck Festival is returning. It’s set for Saturday, September 20th, from 12-6pm on Chestnut Street.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gAV14L
NEXT MONTH: Via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Where did the Beige Book come from, and why does it have such a strange name? How is the report put together, and what does it tell us about the economy? Why has the Minneapolis Fed’s Beige Book report on the Ninth District won more Beigie Awards from National Public Radio than any other district? Hear from the members of the Ninth District Beige Book team and learn about this colorful report during a virtual event on Wednesday, October 1, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CT.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3ImUHK7
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
CHEESE CURDS: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Best cheese curds outside of the Minnesota State Fair? Everyone knows they’re at the Nook, the nearly-100-year-old bar and burger joint owned by childhood besties, and now seasoned restaurant professionals, Ted Casper and Mike Runyon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pEUgfg
BDAYS: Allette’s Dave Chura, Rep. Kaela Berg, fmr. Rep. Jerry Newton, neighborhood guy Jim Poulter, Insight News publisher Al McFarlane
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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