Slush tomorrow and a stormy Thanksgiving? FORECAST: https://fluence-media.co/3LPnW9Q
The end of the government shutdown is being felt at MSP – as of this writing, 0 flight cancellations today. STATS: https://fluence-media.co/4987POq
A New Ulm soldier missing in action in World War II is finally coming home. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4o63IX1
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3X0EzSs
Sunday Take included Fluence Advisory client Plift COO Glenn McElfresh discussing the federal hemp ban, how it impacts Minnesota THC businesses, and how lawmakers can help before it’s too late. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Xupc4S
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.
THE LEGISLATURE…
SD22: Via Senate Republican Caucus, “Minnesota State Senator Rich Draheim (R–Madison Lake) will not seek reelection in 2026.” DRAHEIM: “After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I’ve decided not to seek reelection after my term ends in 2026,” said Sen. Draheim. “I believe in term limits, and after 10 years in the Senate, it’s time to give others the opportunity to serve in the legislature. Everyone has something to offer, and there needs to be fresh voices in St. Paul. I’m proud of the things I got done, but I’ll also remember the things that didn’t make it across the finish line and the impact they could have had. My top priorities next session are public safety, addressing rising healthcare costs, and term limits at the Minnesota Legislature.”
39B: Via House DFL Caucus, VERBATIM: “Today, third-term Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton) announced her intent to retire from the Minnesota House at the conclusion of her current term.” FEIST: “After my term has ended, I will continue to engage with policy and stand up alongside my community and my family for our shared belief in a state and nation where everyone is supported, accepted, and has a right to a joyful life. Lastly, thank you to my friend, the late Melissa Hortman, who encouraged me to be a ‘squeaky wheel’ and then didn’t hold it against me when I took her advice. I learned so much about principled, effective leadership by following Melissa’s example. Melissa’s mentorship left an indelible impact that I will carry with me always.”
MORE: From Fluence Media’s Blois Olson, via X, ON DRAHEIM: “This is the start of what I expect to be several Southern MN retirements. Expect fmr. @jeremymunson to announce he’s running for the seat.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/47JY8Vg ON FEIST: “Likely a safe DFL seat.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4iovE7n
MEMBERSHIP: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Legislature is almost back to full strength, with two new members joining the state Senate this week. The big picture: A series of resignations related to members’ legal troubles and several unexpected deaths — including the June assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman — prompted six special elections across the state this year. That’s more than typical — the average for the decade prior is 1.5 per year — and enough to tie the previous record set in 1994.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nZiluW
TODAY IN BUSINESS…
ACQUISITION: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Graco, VERBATIM: “Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG) announced today that it has acquired Red Devil Equipment Company, known in the market as Radia, in a transaction valued at $69 million. With annual revenue of more than $30 million, Radia is a manufacturer of mixing, shaking, and automated material handling equipment for the growing paint and coatings industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K7qu2D
NO APPEAL: Via Eden Prairie-based Surmodics, VERBATIM: “Surmodics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRDX), a leading provider of medical device and in vitro diagnostic technologies to the health care industry, today announced that it expects to close its previously announced acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of GTCR LLC promptly. In a joint status report filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Federal Trade Commission and certain state regulators stated that they do not intend to appeal the November 10, 2025 ruling by the District Court denying the Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent the closing of the Merger.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47N35Nb
C.H. ROBINSON: Via Freight Waves, VERBATIM: “[Eden Prairie-based] C.H. Robinson is expanding its U.S.–Mexico border footprint with an additional 450,000 square feet of warehousing and cross-docking capacity in El Paso, Texas. The brokerage giant said the investment strengthens its position as one of North America’s largest cross-border logistics providers as nearshoring accelerates and shippers demand more resilient supply chains.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4idHEII
FEDERAL IMPACTS
APPLETON: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Occasional rumors about the prison’s reopening swirl around Appleton, raising the prospect of new jobs. The latest user linked to the facility is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the federal agency listing Appleton among the possible locations for a mass detention center. In a city with an economic interest in the prison’s viability, ICE’s eyeing of Appleton to scale up President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration is stirring up conflict about what it would mean both locally and regionally.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3X2USOF
NORTHFIELD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Public officials and Northfield community members are denouncing the detainment of Adan Nunez Gonzalez, who was taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Nov. 11. Widely circulated videos on social media capture one man pointing a gun at a vehicle while two others reached into the passenger side of the vehicle where Nunez Gonzalez was seated. Shortly after, four agents slammed Nunez Gonzalez to the ground and put him in handcuffs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K7dZnJ
ECONOMIC FORECAST: The Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence this morning published a preview of the November economic forecast. QUOTE: “When the November forecast is released, expect intense scrutiny—and no shortage of spilled ink—over the fiscal uncertainties and questions tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its projected impacts on expenditure forecasts. MMB faces a formidable challenge: identifying and communicating the ripple effects of OBBBA’s Medicaid provisions across the state’s health care infrastructure, all within the constraints of current-law forecasting. The result will likely be a planning estimate that’s technically accurate but a political mirage that complicates budget decisions and obscures long-term impacts.”
PROPERTY TAXES: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Cities and counties have said they, like homeowners, are dealing with rising costs. Plus, county officials are quick to point out, they are picking up more of the tab for programs that used to get stronger financial support from the state or federal government. But that hasn’t satisfied residents who have urged cities to do more to cut back spending, and made rising property taxes a deciding factor in local elections . . . All seven counties in the Twin Cities metro area are proposing higher property tax levies — by roughly 10% in Ramsey, Dakota, Scott and Anoka counties. The heartburn has stretched into greater Minnesota, where some counties are passing the biggest increases in years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nYsnMY
FOOD: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Now that the federal government shutdown is over, Minnesotans who rely on SNAP are getting their food assistance benefits or will soon. But food banks across the state are worried about the shutdown’s lasting impacts and the growing need for hunger relief heading into the holiday season. Changes to eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and looming federal funding cuts included in President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ act will sharply increase the number of Minnesotans needing to turn to local food shelves, which have already been struggling to keep up with the demand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4peANRu
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)
THE WHITE HOUSE
GIFTS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Forget retaliation: To cut tariffs President Trump imposed on their country, the Swiss sent a delegation of industry tycoons bearing gifts — a special Rolex desktop clock, a 1-kilogram personalized gold bar, and loads of flattery. Why it matters: Trump loves such pampering, and the word’s out among nations and companies seeking his favor. Tributes fit for a king — especially gold — catch his eyes and his heart. The Swiss bar, given to Trump during the delegation’s visit on Nov. 4, was stamped with 45 and 47 in homage to his presidential terms. It’s worth a little more than $130,000. Trump accepted the gifts on behalf of his presidential library, making them legal, White House officials say.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r9vlkO
MORE: NPR talked with University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painter who served as White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. PAINTER: “I certainly view this as inappropriate. It appears as if there’s a quid pro quo of a gift from foreign interests to the president in return for a concession on tariffs, and once this precedent is set, we’ll have other countries and industries offering the same. And this is a matter of grave concern for the United States. It’s unconstitutional in the United States to - for the president or anyone else in a position of power to receive anything of value from a foreign government. That is unconstitutional. But if the gift is from a foreign corporation or a private interest, we - it’s not technically prohibited under the emoluments clause of the Constitution. But it’s still a very, very dangerous precedent to set that foreign interests can give gifts to the president and then get a concession on tariffs or anything else.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47LKVLK
BUCKET TRUCK: Via Xcel, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth-grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
MNLEG
BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Minnesota House lawmakers toured Brooklyn Park’s Community Activity Center (CAC) on Wednesday, as the city seeks $11 million in state funding to renovate and expand it. The CAC, referred to as the Northwest Metro Regional Athletic Facility on the tour, is one of hundreds of projects competing for state funding. Brooklyn Park leaders hope their project will be selected.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43uMXgM
TWIN CITIES
CANNABIS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The city of Osseo, which has spent months planning a municipal cannabis retail operation, has approved a second marijuana shop located in the city’s downtown. On Monday, Nov. 10, the Osseo City Council approved applications for both cannabis retailers. Along with its own municipal operation planned for the former Press and News newspaper office at 33 2nd St. NE, a second application was approved for Roz Chunks LLC to operate at 332 Central Ave.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XEBGqx
WAYZATA: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Wayzata Public Schools Board has given the green light to ask voters for more money to build new schools as the district is faced with climbing enrollment and not enough space to accommodate students. Board members approved the measure at their meeting on Monday, allowing for three school funding requests to appear on a special election ballot in April 2026. The ballot questions will ask voters to approve $500 million in potential tax hikes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LJAWxV
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)
50 YEARS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “. . . Seng and Phan are part of a wave of Cambodian refugees who arrived in Minnesota during and after the Vietnam War and fall of the Khmer Rouge. More than five decades later, they have built a tight-knit and thriving community, starting small businesses, launching churches, temples and arts groups, bringing new foods to Minnesota, and creating space for their families to thrive. About 12,000 Cambodians live in Minnesota today, mostly in and around the Twin Cities, according to the most recent data from Minnesota Compass. The community has built one of the largest Buddhist temples in the country, the Watt Munisotaram near Farmington, which draws hundreds of community members for ceremonies and celebrations several times a year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oJCKW6
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)
FOOD
HARDEE’S: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota appears to have lost several Hardee’s restaurants in recent months. There have been multiple reports in southern Minnesota that a series of Hardee’s locations have shut their doors, including both of its Mankato restaurants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rmrBwr
NE MPLS: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “From baba ghanoush and fresh mistah bread at Emily’s Lebanese Deli to massive chimichangas at El Taco Riendo, to Hmong sausage with sticky rice at Diane’s Place, Northeast is one of Minneapolis’s most essential dining destinations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LSmlQF
RETAIL
VINTAGE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Vintage and Craft Markets is rolling out a diverse calendar of six holiday-themed events, each featuring local makers, artists, designers, and vintage collectors. Hitting some of the top historic and contemporary venues across the Twin Cities—including the IDS Center, Machine Shop, Quincy Hall, and more—the festive markets present the perfect opportunity to snag that one-of-a-kind holiday gift that reflects intention and sparks conversation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3K7d7iX
MARKETS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Wrestling with strangers in the Mall of America parking lot on Black Friday isn’t for everyone. Instead of taking part in the mad rush for holiday discounts, the Twin Cities is home to dozens of holiday markets that offer a little atmosphere, entertainment, and the chance to shop locally.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4r40mWZ
WHAT’S NEXT?
TOMORROW: Via news release from NTIC, VERBATIM: “Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ: NTIC) today announced that it expects to release its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter financial results on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, before the market opens.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43oNxMY
TOMORROW: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an open house for the Highway 34 corridor study in Park Rapids [this] week. The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Park Rapids City Hall, located at 212 Second Street W.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43Dedtw
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
TEA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Pinkies up! Whether you’re all about tradition or looking for a new activity with family and friends this year, these afternoon tea parties will bring you back in time—in style.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/48jjqJu
BDAYS: Rep. Pam Altendorf, civic leader Mike Schardin
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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