NORTHERN LIGHT
The coronal mass ejection caused the Northern Lights last night, it captivated our phones and eyes last night, nice to have something that is unifying and natural. Tonight is potentially better.
Krispy Kreme returns today…in Fridley. Tom Brady is in Minnesota again this weekend…maybe he can spend some time with KOC and JJ.
The latest example of trust erosion, from Gallup… Trust in the three branches of the federal government ranges from 32% for the legislative branch to 49% for the judicial branch…Two decades ago, all five measures showed trust above the majority level, and as recently as 2012, majorities trusted all but the legislative branch. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4qVYHD0
Wild lose in OT.
MSP still has over two dozen canceled flights today. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4nOh1Lq
Smile…Target is cutting prices on 3,000 food items as consumers tighten their wallets. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4474MCD
The Supreme Court extended an order blocking full SNAP payments again. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/47SPaUq
The House votes on ending the shutdown today. Democrat Adelita Grijalva will be sworn in after seven weeks of waiting. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/49kmLct
YouGov finds that the deal to end the shutdown has 37% approval, including 25% approval among Independents. A 38% plurality says it mostly benefits Republicans. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4nUc8Rh
Happy National French Dip Day! - some people celebrated with Maverick’s yesterday.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take had St. Paul Mayor-elect Rep. Kaohly Her sharing how her rise has been “accidental”, what her father’s words have meant, and how she and the late Speaker Melissa Hortman didn’t start on the right foot. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hMn3uA
The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ:https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
BUDGET + THC BAN
REVENUE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State revenues lagged expectations for October in a monthly collections report that precedes a big economic forecast in just a few weeks. … Minnesota Management and Budget officials wrote that the state took in $26 million less than earlier projected, a 1% deviation from a prior estimate. Lower individual income and corporate tax receipts were the primary cause of the dip. … It’s the last update lawmakers will get before a broader budget update expected early next month. That’s the one that will set the early tone for the 2026 legislative session. That rundown and another scheduled for early next year will help inform how lawmakers update budget bills, possibly approve a capital projects bill and consider other measures that bring in or send out additional money.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hY9J6A REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/47W5dkB
THC: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “A new federal rule tucked inside the recent government shutdown deal could spell trouble for Minnesota’s growing hemp industry. The change would impose a strict 0.4 milligram THC limit — a move that industry leaders say could wipe out much of the state’s hemp market. Ryan Bandy, chief business officer at Indeed Brewing, explains the impact this could have on businesses. As Minnesota’s hemp high hits a low point, producers and brewers are calling for clarity and support to keep the industry alive.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3LITe29
MORE: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The federal ban, if passed, would take effect one year after enactment. MOSS: “This is an industry-killing change,” said Carol Moss, a Minnesota attorney who represents several hemp businesses. “Unless something happens in that one year, we will not have a hemp industry in Minnesota. The beverages, the edibles, the full spectrum of CBD. This is a killer.”…Minnesota was a national leader in creating a legal hemp-derived THC market before legalizing recreational marijuana. THC products have been legal and regulated in the state since the…Legislature authorized the sale and possession of lower-potency THC edibles and beverages for adults 21 and older in 2022.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oAojnc
TAKE: Sen. Mitch McConnell and Attorney General Keith Ellison are on the same team. That seems as logical as the federal Hemp ban that is a going to throw more chaos in Minnesota’s beverage and hospitality industry. Minnesota’s federal delegation has been suspiciously quiet and there’s no sense why AG Ellison signed on to a letter with other Attorney General’s supporting a ban on Hemp derived THC. Meanwhile this pet project of McConnell, to ban hemp messes up the “clean bill” that Republicans have been touting during the shutdown. If other states aren’t regulating hemp derived THC – then let’s punish the states that are. The next Minnesota bipartisan opportunity is to lead the federal fix – and don’t wait a year. Get it done in January – and keep jobs in Minnesota. Between Rep. Tom Emmer, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Reps. Brad Finstad and Angie Craig – this seems like a win. Meanwhile, Ellison should explain himself publicly.
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a client of Fluence Advisory)
GUN CTRL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Ramsey County judge has denied Minnesota’s request to allow the enforcement of a binary trigger ban while state attorneys appeal a ruling that declared the provision to be unconstitutional. … Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro [said] the state failed to show that an appeal would be likely to succeed or that a stay would be in the public interest. … The provision was slipped into a 1,500-page tax omnibus bill [in 2024]. … The Upper Midwest Law Center, which is representing the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus in court, celebrated Castro’s order and said it has filed a cross appeal to have the entire 2024 omnibus bill struck down.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47ZZCd4
ISRAEL: The State Board of Investment responded to a public records request, seen in Monday’s morning take, that shows the board has sold 96% of its Israel bonds since 2020 amid activist pressure to divest. Via MPR, VERBATIM: “In a statement, the SBI said it has ‘not changed its investment policy regarding permitted investments.’ The board hires third party investment managers and said that holdings are not static. The board also said the recent reduction was in part due to the maturity and payment of one 10-year bond. … Next up for the groups, [activists] said they want the SBI to divest from companies that manufacture weapons and high-tech that is used by the Israeli military.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xo1vet
VETERANS
FOOD BANKS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order directing the Department of Veteran Affairs to create a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network to support veterans, service members and their families. The Governor’s Office cited data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stating that 13% of veterans who are on health care from the VA have reported food insecurity. Thousands of Minnesota veterans also depend on SNAP. … The MDVA will be able to partner with nonprofits, government agencies and other entities in order to support the network.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3LAEouy
MANKATO: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s official [Veterans Day] celebration took place outside the Twin Cities metro for the first time. Officials and distinguished guests gathered at the National Guard Armory in Mankato. Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar were among the speakers. … Another annual ceremony took place early Tuesday at the center of Victory Memorial Drive in Minneapolis.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49gpSlG
STEARNS CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Stearns County Veterans Service Office is expanding its outreach and improving access to critical resources for veterans and their families. Next year, the agency plans to open a satellite office in Melrose. It will help veterans apply and file for VA pension, disability, health care and financial assistance right in their own backyard.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hWcMfE
STEM: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act to help veterans pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including agricultural science, computer science, information support services, and health care. The legislation would modify the requirements of the current Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship to make the program accessible to more veterans. … This bill also reduces the waiting period by allowing veterans to apply for the scholarship earlier in their studies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p8QXMj
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BUCKET TRUCK: via Xcel Energy, 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)
2026…
GOV RACE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Gubernatorial candidate and House Speaker Lisa Demuth on Tuesday shared her vision for Minnesota under Republican leadership during a quick campaign visit to Moorhead. Demuth, R-Cold Spring, came to the Moorhead Municipal Airport as part of a statewide media tour along with her running mate, Ryan Wilson. … Wilson said their campaign will take an ‘all of Minnesota approach’ to issues, rather than only focusing on the Twin Cities or rural Minnesota. … During a campaign stop at the Duluth International Airport, Demuth criticized [Tim] Walz and other Democrats [for] ‘record fraud.’ … Demuth’s media tour on Tuesday also included stops in Mankato and Paynesville.” DEMUTH: “The vision that I have [is] a stronger and better Minnesota. … Businesses can thrive here, stay in Minnesota and grow in Minnesota. Our families can afford their lives.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47ZVWbg
PHILLIPS: Former DFL Rep. Dean Phillips spoke to WCCO Radio about his thoughts on the federal government shutdown as it draws closer to an end. Phillips said the shutdown was damaging to the nation’s reputation and stability. QUOTE: “It was inevitable that swing state senators would eventually capitulate because they’re seeing the pain in their communities and their states. … I just wish our leaders would prioritize preventing that than this nonstop bickering and nonsense.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hYS1jo
NOTE: Although former Rep. Dean Phillips said “swing state senators” capitulated on the shutdown vote, most of the Democrat-aligned senators who supported the deal are from blue states. Of the 10 Democratic senators from current swing states, only three voted for the final deal: John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Jackie Rosen of Nevada. Of those three, Rosen was the only one who changed sides and voted for the deal after previously rejecting it. SOURCE: https://fluence-media.co/47PVFY1
SNAP: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “It’s not just people caught in the middle [on SNAP funding] — some small-town, independent grocery stores are being impacted by the decisions. University of Minnesota research shows some stores have thin profit margins as it is, and could be further exacerbated by customers not shopping there if they don’t have SNAP benefits. … Glenn’s Supervalu in Winsted [said] SNAP recipients make up 10% of its sales.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43sy0eZ
ISSUES
HEALTHCARE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Everyone in the MNsure public marketplace will be subject to premium increases that could be double, triple or quadruple what customers are paying now. … Denise Robertson of Health Access MN, a health insurance navigator in partnership with MNsure, [said] she’s had to share bad news with a lot of consumers. She gives one example of a 63-year-old non-smoker from Rochester in 2025 paying $338.21 per month after a $721 federal tax credit is applied. In 2026, with no subsidy, that would jump to $1,392.07, a 387% increase. … Carleton College political analyst Steven Schier says it’s going to be a volatile campaign issue in 2026 if subsidies are not extended.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3JulMvN
ENERGY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Paul is the one of the lead plaintiffs in a new lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the cancellation of clean energy grants. The city is part of a coalition that said Democratic-led states were unfairly punished with the cancellation of $7.5 billion in projects for things such as electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy incentives and measures to prevent methane leaks. … In the pleadings, city attorneys said St. Paul has taken concrete steps toward purchase and installation of EV chargers, and staff time spent planning [this] ‘will have been time wasted.’ The case is likely to take months, if not longer, to work through the legal process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hY9J6A
SPEECH: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “There is a shortage of speech-language pathologists across the country and in Minnesota. … One reason for the shortage is the lack of new graduates entering the profession to meet job openings. Additionally, more kids are being diagnosed with communication disorders. … A 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association survey found that about 48% of school districts reported difficulty filling SLP positions, especially in rural and low-income areas. Becky Ludewig Lulai, director of clinical programs in speech-language pathology at the U of M, said [that’s why] they’re launching telehealth programs in two rural Minnesota school districts.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hRnP9M
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)
CRIME
OSMAN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Nearly a week after sailing to re-election, Minneapolis Council Member Jamal Osman was carjacked Monday by two teenage boys, who seemingly targeted victims at random throughout the city in a violent crime spree. … One opened Osman’s passenger door and threatened to mace him if he didn’t give them the keys and get out. The other indicated he had a gun. … Osman decided it wasn’t worth fighting and ‘quietly cooperated.’ He said the vehicle was rented. … Police tracked and arrested two teens [and] tied the boys to at least four carjackings, including Osman’s, committed over a six-hour period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nOiZeQ
BAIL: via LELS advisory, VERBATIM: “Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) are condemning the shockingly low bail set for a suspect accused of violently attacking an Anoka County deputy during a burglary response in Ham Lake on November 6. … The deputy sustained a head laceration and possible concussion. … At the suspect’s first court appearance, prosecutors requested bail of $150,000 unconditional or $75,000 with conditions. Instead, the court set bail at $75,000 unconditional or just $10,000 with conditions — allowing the suspect to immediately post $10,000 bail and walk free on November 9. … The organizations are calling for a review.”
RESPONSE: via David Titus, MPPOA interim executive director, TITUS: “This decision puts the public and peace officers at risk. A violent attack on a deputy should not be treated like a minor offense. This bail amount simply doesn’t reflect the danger or brutality of what was involved in this incident.”
CONVICTIONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Philip Vance has been waiting four years for the state to decide whether his murder conviction should be overturned. … A small division in Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office could play a major role in whether Vance is released. The Conviction Review Unit was created to review cases of prisoners claiming to be innocent. … But Vance has waited years for results. The CRU has given few updates on its progress, he said. … The Vance case is emblematic of both the promise and realities of the CRU, which has completed just five reviews since it started in 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47MhoAg
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: https://fluence-media.co/46lTpIs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
CITIES
MPLS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is reviewing how it could potentially increase access to more public [restrooms] downtown. … A [new] report found that outside of special events, there are very few publicly available restrooms — with most of the burden falling on business owners. From July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, Minneapolis 311 received 27 complaints related to human feces in public areas. During roughly the same time period, 311 also received 26 reports relating to public urination.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4p0W4xN
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s reparations commission plans to contract with a research company for a ‘harm study’ examining the impact of ‘historic and ongoing harms’ suffered by the city’s Black descendants of chattel slavery, an undertaking budgeted for up to $250,000. While the city council appears to be on board, the evaluation process surrounding competing research proposals recently drew objections from some of the city’s Black elders, as well as the city council’s two Black members, who were of opposite minds about a full restart.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p6pLOe
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Rochester is poised to grow over the next several years into a 2,500-student campus. At a state-of-the-campus event held at the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, UMR Chancellor Lori Carrell laid out expansion plans for the health care-focused school that would include two new buildings in the coming years. One building would house high-tech classrooms and a learning innovation center. … A second building [would have] student housing and a recreational district.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p9dhW4
WHAT’S NEXT
TODAY-TMRW: via MN Senate, VERBATIM: “On Nov. 12-13, Senate Capital Investment Committee Chair Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) and members of the Capital Investment Committee will travel to 12 communities in Northwest Minnesota to learn about proposed projects requesting state matching funds, meet with local officials, and tour project sites.” Sen. Jordan Rasmusson will attend Thursday. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4p1LKG6
TOMORROW: The Minnesota Senate subcommittee on federal impacts will hold a hearing on higher education and terminated federal grants. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TOMORROW: Rep. Betty McCollum will host a virtual town hall on Zoom at 12:00 noon to discuss the government shutdown and her opposition to a deal that could end it. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
FRIDAY: via MIRAC advisory, VERBATIM: “As Minneapolis City Council negotiates a 2026 contract with the Police Federation, local organizers are keeping one urgent issue front and center: how will MPD respond to [ICE]? … [MIRAC] will hold a press conference demanding ‘No Consequences? No Contract!’ at the Public Service Building (505 4th Avenue South) at 12:00 p.m. on Friday.”
MONDAY: DFLer Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Republican Michael Holmstrom, Jr. will be sworn in for Minnesota Senate terms following their special election victories this month. The Senate will once again have 34 Democrats and 33 Republicans.
BDAYS: lobbyist Steve Johnson, Title guy Scott Jensen, retired sports guy Joe Schmit
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