Rain today changing to snow this afternoon (along with a healthy blast of wind) – cold tomorrow – expect a messy commute. FORECAST: https://fluence-media.co/3M4HtDm
Xcel Energy this morning sent out tips for staying safe and saving energy during the storm. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3M1hVHh (DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
Minneapolis ranks 5th among North American cities on the Copenhagenize Index, a ranking of bike friendliness. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4rlTfJL
The latest target of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Scouts. READ: https://fluence-media.co/487rUlC
When is a gift card more than a gift card? When it comes with a bonus for the gift card giver. Minnesota Monthly has a list of establishments offering bonus gift cards. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3M3bkvV
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48q2Ir0
Rep. Brad Finstad was on Sunday Take discussing agriculture, immigration, the government shutdown and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48BQRpV
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.
POLITICS
CULTURE WARS: Via Fox News, VERBATIM: “A website belonging to the ‘Culture and Family Lab’ at Minnesota’s flagship university hosts a webpage warning against a ‘whiteness pandemic’ that provides ‘resources’ on how to ‘halt and reverse’ the issue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4olVDO2
The Fox report stems from a report by right-leaning Defending Education. You can read the report and see what other schools they’re eyeing on an “indoctrination map.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ikUzsn
THE PARDONING AND…: Governor Tim Walz pardoned a turkey this morning. But, as predicted in morning take, the conversation veered to other topics, including fraud… WALZ: “From our perspective in government, it doesn’t matter the nationality, the religion, whatever it is. These are criminals who need to be pursued and need to be stopped.” …and DFL concerns over his re-election bid. WALZ: “Imagine that. Nervous Democrats. Not surprised. I would say as someone who’s been on the ticket and won three statewide elections, someone who has a track record of moving Minnesota into the top in so many categories of working together, I certainly can understand if they’re concerned – it’s just kind of what you do, it’s an election year.” From KSMP-TV via YouTube, WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pAa3v2
ROBBINS: GOP candidate for governor Rep. Kristin Robbins talked on WCCO-Radio’s The Morning News about efforts to combat fraud in the state. ROBBINS: “We have vectors of investigation going on in a number of the different Medicaid programs and continuing to see the web of network of relationships between different service providers, different businesses, different providers are on different people’s boards. We’re finding so much.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4rlYSaM
ROBBINS’ PLAN: Via news release from the Robbins campaign, VERBATIM: “Republican candidate for Governor Kristin Robbins, Chair of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention Committee, today announced the first part of her plan to bring prosperity to Minnesotans. At a Capitol press conference, Robbins pointed to the rising property taxes, gas tax, and the tax on social security income as examples of Minnesotans being overtaxed. Her platform includes:
Capping property tax growth at 3% or the rate of inflation.
Phased reduction in income tax rates from 9.85% to 4%.
Eliminating taxes on social security.
Cutting taxes on tips and overtime.
Cutting the estate tax to stop the out-migration of wealth and talent from our state.
Stopping the automatic gas tax increases.
Ending the license tab tax scam.”
READ: https://fluence-media.co/4imNIi6
ROCHESTER
DMC: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Rochester City Council is getting its first look at a proposed update to a strategic plan for a $5.6 billion economic development project meant to boost Rochester and Mayo Clinic. Destination Medical Center was launched a decade ago to make Rochester a more appealing place for people to work, live and visit. Today, some of those original goals are well under way to being realized. And Mayo Clinic has committed another $5 billion to build a new hospital.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43L6o56
WHAT’S HAPPENED: Via KIMT-TV, VERBATIM: “The presentation highlighted achievements from 2015-2024, including generating over $1.8 million in private investments and authorizing $277 million in public infrastructure spending. The plan increased new jobs by 47%, doubled downtown residents, and developed 15 downtown blocks for housing and research. It also boosted enrollment at the University of Minnesota Rochester and contributed to the redesign of Discovery Square.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44tHYNy
WHAT’S TO COME: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “DMC Director of Strategic Development Catherine Malmberg told the council this quarter’s 178-page plan draft does not include specific project details but serves as a strategic framework to guide future investment.” MALMBERG: “There are no specific projects that are in this document, right? It’s a strategic framework to guide investment going forward.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3M0YI8H
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)
CHANGE IS COMING…
HEMP THC: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “As response to the national ban grows, Minnesota has emerged as a state that hemp industry advocates say is a model for potential national regulations.” QUOTE: “It does precisely what we as an industry have been calling for, which is robust regulation,” Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said in an interview about Minnesota’s regulations. Miller said he’s testified before Congress three times since 2018 to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate hemp-derived THC products. It’s never happened. “(It’s) really rare for an industry to go to Congress and ask to be regulated,” he said. “But it’s that important to the future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p06QVs
MINING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of people stood in a long line that snaked outside the offices of Mesabi Metallics in Nashwauk last week, eagerly awaiting the chance to get an up-close look at the largest mining trucks ever to rumble through the mines on Minnesota’s Iron Range. They boarded buses and rode past giant buildings under construction at the mine site. Then, on mud stained red by iron ore, they stood and gaped at one of the mine’s new haul trucks, part of $110 million in new equipment purchased in anticipation of the mine’s opening next year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XdBLS9
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)
EARNINGS SEASON
BEST BUY: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Best Buy Co. (BBY) on Tuesday reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $140 million. The Richfield, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of 66 cents per share . . . The results exceeded Wall Street expectations . . . The consumer electronics retailer posted revenue of $9.67 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/482nD4o
CEO’S TAKE: Via CNBC, VERBATIM: “On the company’s earnings call, CEO Corie Barry said Best Buy saw ‘better-than-expected’ sales in the quarter because of strong results across computing, gaming and mobile phones, as well as growth in wearables and headphones. She said sales rose across both its website and stores. She said customer shopping behavior in the most recent three-month period was about the same as what Best Buy has seen for the past several quarters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KkYbxQ
ANALYSTS’ TAKE: Via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Analysts have said Best Buy has seen a boost from tech upgrades, with consumers seeking to replace the laptops they bought during the pandemic with more advanced models.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iitDt4
CLEARFIELD: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Clearfield Inc. (CLFD) on Tuesday reported a loss of $9.1 million in its fiscal fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Brooklyn Park, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 65 cents . . . The maker of fiber optic management products posted revenue of $41.1 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XhxNrC
AHEAD: Via news release from Toro, VERBATIM: “The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced that it will release its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full-year results on Wednesday, December 17, at approximately 7:30 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48gtuld
AND: General Mills will release its earnings that same day.
CYBERATTACK
WHAT HAPPENED: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Beltrami County has decommissioned its CodeRED by OnSolve Emergency Notification System due to a cyberattack and data breach at the vendor level. A press release from Emergency Management Director Chris Muller says the county had used the platform for 12 years, with alerts being sent by Emergency Management and the 911 Dispatch Center. They are actively evaluating options to replace the CodeRED platform.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3MlTEvC
YES, BUT…: From the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook, VERBATIM: “There are redundancies in place for Beltrami County to get emergency alerts and information out that include both the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and Beltrami County Emergency Management Facebook pages, the Beltrami County website, Emergency Alert System through broadcast tv and radio and our local media partners. Wireless Emergency Alerts can be sent at the County’s request through the state Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency but will slow the process. There is currently no capability to place phone call notifications.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44lE5KC
IMMIGRATION
ST PAUL: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A crowdfunding campaign seeks to raise money for the family of two brothers who were detained last week during an ICE raid at a St. Paul manufacturing facility. Leonel and Isaias Villagrana Flores were among more than a dozen Bro-Tex employees arrested on alleged immigration violations on Nov. 18, according to a GoFundMe created by one of their daughters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M0MvAP
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
OPENINGS
BAKERY: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A local bakery is serving up breads and sweet treats in the heart of St. Paul’s Macalester-Groveland neighborhood. Longtime friends and bakers Xiong Xiong and Xiong Thao launched X2 Pastries in 2017 and built a following at Twin Cities farmers markets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iEs3lL
FITNESS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A new fitness center is coming to Lincoln Park aimed at supporting young athletes. Essentia’s Heritage Center held a ribbon cutting Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s grand opening of their new fitness facility.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XinuDB
(DISCLOSURE: Essentia is a Fluence sponsor)
RETAIL: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The shopping hub at 50th and Xerxes in southwest Minneapolis is an ever-growing vintage destination. Vintage J.A.M., which launched at Loft Antiques five years ago, has expanded its local footprint with a brand new store at 5004 Xerxes Avenue South.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48cHAnO
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)
CLOSINGS
RESTAURANTS + BARS: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “As we get closer to the end of the year, a number of Twin Cities’ restaurants won’t be around to see 2026. Some will stay open through December, while others are already gone.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4adgeAw
BROOKLYN CENTER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The LA Fitness branch in Brooklyn Center is slated to close on Dec. 18. It’s the latest closure at Shingle Creek Crossing shopping center, where Walmart shuttered its doors in 2023.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rlvbqg
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via MIRAC, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, November 18, a convoy of HSI, ICE, and other federal agents descended on Bro-Tex, a manufacturer in the South Saint Anthony Park neighborhood of Saint Paul. When hundreds of community members arrived to defend their neighbors, agents met them with violent force before driving off with 14 people they had kidnapped from the facility. TODAY (Tuesday, November 25) at 5:00 p.m., the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will hold a rally at the site (800 North Hampton Ave.) to demand ICE OUT OF THE TWIN CITIES.”
TOMORROW: Expect the DeRusha Download holiday gift guide in your inbox… assuming you’re subscribed. If not, it’s not too late. Sign up HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3XNasy7
THIS WEEKEND: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “At the end of this month, Minnesota’s Hmong population—at 94,000, one of the largest in the entire country—will get together to celebrate Hmong New Year. More than 30,000 are expected at St. Paul’s two-day party at RiverCentre. To help celebrate, let’s look back at this thriving immigrant community’s story.” TIMELINE: https://fluence-media.co/4oZZhhw
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
COCKTAILS: From Jason DeRusha via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “I tasted my way through Red Rabbit‘s 12 Cocktails of Christmas for 2025, and I am particularly excited about the Miracle on 34th Street, the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Elf.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ilre0U
BDAYS: critic Dominic Papatola, operative and operator Meredith Vadis, business leader Ryan Rutzick, fmr. Sen. Ellen Anderson
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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