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TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories, send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

Wild lose 5-2.



Drama with Diggs. Vikings play the Giants this week. Good thing for the Twins.



Bomba Squad tonight at 6:10.



Why I the new Homer Hanky red? The Star Tribune writes, VERBATIM: “Why move away from white? Our hands were forced. Major League Baseball rules now prohibit white “in-stadium rally towels.” It’s been referred to as the “Homer Hanky Rule.” The no-white rules apply to in-stadium signage and graphics as well, to prevent distracting players from seeing clearly the white baseball in play.”



WORKING: Did you know that Minnesotans are hard working? RANK: https://cbsloc.al/2AFmy1J



Reminder National Taco Day, National Golf Lovers Day and National Vodka Day.



Sunday is National Coaches Day, Kirk Cousins can help Mike Zimmer celebrate.



Enjoy your Twins crazed weekend and accepting that Fall is here in full swing.



Blois





CENSUS: The Republican National Committee has mailed out something they labeled the “Congressional District Census”. Clearly political mail, that ask for a contribution and a series of questions about the President, the media and key issues. One interesting sentence, “To have a direct impact you may have to contribute to the Republican National Committee” SEE: http://bit.ly/2Oje8VZ



PHILLIPS: via news release from Rep. Dean Phillips later this morning, VERBATIM: “Rep. Dean Phillips introduced the Firewall Act aimed at preventing foreign meddling in U.S. elections. The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign nationals from paying for online advertisements created to attack or support federal candidates. Current law prevents similar foreign spending on television, radio, satellite and print advertisements, leaving bad actors with an open door to spread malice and misinformation in the burgeoning online political ad market. QUOTE: “Given the grave nature of events we’re watching unfold in Washington, it is clear that our democracy faces threats from the inside and out,” said Phillips. “Nowhere is that more apparent than in digital political advertising. Americans of all political persuasions are asking us to step up and prevent foreign interference in our elections, and Congress should act swiftly to update our laws and protect our democracy. If we fail to pass the Firewall Act, foreign actors will continue to use online ads to divide and misinform voters, and we will have earned the American people’s distrust in the democratic process.”



BUSINESS: For minority and women-owned businesses, accessing credit and growth capital is still an uphill battle. So much so that a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has created the “Small Business Act,” designed to address the credit gap that exists for America’s most underserved populations. Unfortunately, proposed consumer finance laws may harm these communities in ways we don’t understand and render the Small Business Act useless. CLICK: http://bit.ly/2kAoOmA (SPONSORED: Domestic Policy Caucus)



QUALLS: via news release from GOP candidate for CD3 Kendall Qualls, VERBATIM: “Kendall Qualls, Republican candidate for congress in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, today voiced strong concern over Dean Phillips’ support of President Trump’s impeachment. QUOTE: “At a time when our country is facing great challenges, Dean Phillips continues to stall progress on issues important to Third District families by calling for the impeachment of the president. Instead of banding together with Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the radical wing of his party, Phillips should demand his far left colleagues end the political theatrics and start getting things done,” said Qualls.



PRATT: On the latest Beers with Blois, State Sen. Eric Pratt while rumored to be considering a candidacy for Congress against Rep. Angie Craig, Pratt announces he’ll run for re-election to the State Senate. Over a Pacifico, he discusses his leadership on passing bi-partisan wage theft legislation and pushback he received from people in his own party. Pratt discusses how he has approached trying to find a solution on the emergency insulin issue with DFLers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois19 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union )



Here are recent episodes of Beers with Blois:



SMITH: From Wild Minds Ales in South Minneapolis, Sen. Tina Smith talks about the culture of the U.S. Senate and who sits with who at lunch, how her marketing background changes the way she views traveling the state and meeting with people. She also shares early thoughts on her 2020 re-election campaign and what’s she’s learning about new currency on the Financial Services Committee. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois16 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



CARNAHAN: At the Republican Party booth, over a “Beer-garita”, from Tejas at the Minnesota State Fair, State GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan talks about how President Trump’s campaign has invested unprecedented resources in Minnesota for a Presidential race. Carnahan also discusses the what’s at stake in the Minnesota Senate and how she grew into her role as a political outsider. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois17 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



MCCOLLUM: From Burning Brothers brewery in St. Paul, Rep. Betty McCollum brings us to our first gluten-free brewery and discusses the dynamics of being back in the majority and the Minnesota delegation. She shares her views on copper-nickel mining in Northern Minnesota, her role as the chair of an appropriations committee. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois15 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)

RX: “Having trouble affording your insulin or other medicines? Our Medicine Assistance Tool connects patients with over 900 resources that could help. Learn more at: www.MAT.org. (SPONSORED: PhRMA) CD1: via news release later this morning from the Feehan campaign, VERBATIM: “Dan Feehan, Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s First Congressional District, announced today that Governor Tim Walz hasendorsed his campaign. WALZ: “I’m proud to support Dan Feehan in the race for Minnesota’s first congressional district…As a soldier, a teacher, a public servant, and a family man, he is the right fit to represent this district in Congress,” said Walz. “The people of southern Minnesota would be well served by having Dan as their next Congressman.”



CD2: The Star Tribune writes about ads $328K in ads being run against Rep. Angie Craig. READ: http://strib.mn/2LNI378



CD8: via news release from the Nystrom campaign, VERBATIM: “Quinn Nystrom announced she will be running for Congress in Minnesota’s 8th District. NYSTROM: “I have committed the last 23 years of my life to public service to ensure people have access to affordable health care. I hear from people every single day who cannot afford insulin, an inhaler, an EpiPen and it’s unacceptable. I’m running for Congress to bring down the costs of health care and prescription drugs because these are the deeply personal causes I have fought for my entire life…When I asked my Congressman Pete Stauber to follow through on his campaign promise to help struggling Minnesotans afford their health care, he failed to follow through. Our community can’t afford another politician who ignores his constituents to work for their corporate donors and political party.”



IMPEACHMENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Trump Victory is organizing a counter-impeachment protest outside the Detroit Lakes office of Democratic U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, of Minnesota…The Republican National Committee says Friday's event is part of a nationwide effort to hold vulnerable Democrats accountable for the impeachment push. Among those appearing will be former Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach, who's running against Peterson…Peterson, who represents a pro-Trump district, is the only Democrat in Minnesota's congressional delegation who's resisted the impeachment push. He's called the process a waste of time and divisive because it lacks bipartisan support…Trump Victory is a joint effort by President Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee.” READ: http://bit.ly/2AD2Un4



EXECUTIVE: via MinnPost’s Peter Callaghan, VERBATIM: “Unlike in other states, Minnesota’s executive lacks any legal authority to declare a health emergency, or to take action to stop distribution of vaping products, even those that might be aimed at kids. WALZ: “What happens if we start seeing dozens of these everyday, these lung injuries, what can we do?” Walz said he asked his lawyers. ..Federal health officials have counted 805 cases of lung injuries and 13 deaths across the country related to vaping so far. The cause is unclear but suspicions have focused on injuries related to inhaling chemicals into the lungs…Ironically, it’s a Minnesota statute passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack makes it harder for Walz to establish that a governor has such authority. That law, The Minnesota Emergency Health Powers Act, authorized the governor to respond to bioterrorism incidents and to declare public health emergencies, which could be interpreted to cover the vaping situation.” READ: http://bit.ly/2nbYdxo



BUSDRIVERS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In St. Paul, one of the school district's bus vendors told school officials just before the start of the school year that there were 10 routes they wouldn't be able to service, said Jackie Turner, chief operations officer for the St. Paul Public Schools. TURNER: "That was unprecedented,” she said. “That left us with a large hole in our system, and so for the first several weeks of school we were pooling all resources internally to make sure that our routes were covered."…Turner said district staff who are licensed to drive school buses but normally perform other duties were called on to drive. REGAN: "It's a situation that no one wants to be in, obviously," said Garrett Regan, president of the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association. He said while school bus companies look for more drivers, they're doing their best to find efficiencies, like making an existing route longer…Regan said companies are offering a range of incentives — sign-on and referral bonuses, health benefits and competitive wages — for new hires. But it can be a tough sell. Drivers must have a fairly clean record, though Regan says it usually doesn’t have to be perfect. And in a lot of cases, drivers must work a split shift and don’t earn money during the summer and school breaks.” READ: http://bit.ly/2oeS583



TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will deliver remarks at the Anoka Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Month Celebration.



HOUSE: Today's the final day of the MN House Mini-Session. AGENDA: http://bit.ly/2oK1vsc



The Fluence Forum...



GreaterMN: Over 1,000 listeners have clicked on the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota at FarmFest. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/FluenceForum2 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers) STPAUL: via Frederick Melo at the Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “During a wide-ranging presentation on demographic trends to the St. Paul City Council this week, state demographer Susan Brower laid out harrowing statistics on Minnesota’s worker shortage and the rapidly aging population…Immigration from abroad and other states accounts for most of the state population growth, and much of that net migration is happening in Minneapolis and St. Paul proper, Brower said Wednesday…Minnesota’s capital city continues to be a magnet for millennials, who in other states are showing signs of tiring of urban living and heading to the suburbs to have children…Minneapolis and St. Paul, however, are still leading growth trends, and it’s unclear if and when that will soften, Brower said.” READ: http://bit.ly/2nfnVRG







SHARE: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, www.fluence-newsletters.com - VISIT: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets



If you like podcasts, listen to Beers with Blois...http://bit.ly/BWBLISTEN



CRAIG: On the next Beers with Blois, Rep. Angie Craig drinks a local IPA with Blois and discusses what constituents are concerned about as she represents a district that President Donald Trump won in 2016, but Craig won in 2018. Talking about her plans for 2020, Craig shares how she’s approached meeting with lobbyists, what farmers have been telling her, and her work with Rep. Pete Stauber. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/beerswblois14 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



QUALLS: In the latest Beers with Blois, Republican challenger in Minnesota's Third Congressional District Kendall Qualls sits down at the Rock Elm Tavern in Plymouth for a cold one. Qualls discusses why he decided to run for Congress, issues he thinks he can make a difference on and where he thinks Rep. Dean Phillips hasn't delivered. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois13 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



PHILLIPS: via Beers with Blois, Rep. Dean Phillips VERBATIM: “That hour I spent in the White House Situation Room with the President was eye opening." In addition, Phillips shares insights on how they share thoughts this weekend in the Problem Solvers Caucus trip to the border, as well as his plans for 2020.” LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois8 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



BENSON: In episode #9 of Beers with Blois, from Invectis Brewery in Blaine, Beers with Blois catches up with State Sen. Michelle Benson on potential ways to split-up DHS and forthcoming prescription drug reform legislation. She shares the perspective on how physicians in the Senate influence legislation and what her plan is for re-election in 2020. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois9 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union) TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories, send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

from health take...



BENEFITS: Via UCare, VERBATIM: “Every year UCare evaluates opportunities to enrich coverage for members. For 2020, the following new benefits will be added to the all-in-one package of Parts A through D (hospital, medical and prescription drug) coverage available from UCare: Hearing aid coverage from TruHearing; Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance from Healthy Savings; Meal delivery from Mom’s Meals after hospital discharge for members with congestive heart failure (on some plans); Acupuncture to manage pain for metro Classic plan members with qualifying diagnoses.” WORCESTER: “We added these enhancements to improve our members’ experience and support their whole health in meaningful ways,” said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer. “Over the years, members requested these supplemental benefits, and we listened and responded as a member-centered organization.” READ: http://bit.ly/2puEGJv (SPONSORED: UCare)



VAPING: Via Minnesota Department of Health, as of yesterday, the number of confirmed or probable cases of vaping-associated lung injuries is 59. Another 32 cases are currently under review.



MORE: Breakthrough research from the Mayo Clinic has uncovered a possible cause of vaping-related illnesses. A survey of students finds vaping has been increasing significantly among that group. Both those stories were featured in morning take. Scroll down to the “via morning take” section of this email to find them.



POLL: From Kenn Alltucker via USA Today, VERBATIM: “Americans strongly support making vaping companies list all ingredients and health risks on product labels and barring teens from buying the electronic nicotine-delivery devices, a new USA TODAY/Ipsos survey showed. But 59% surveyed agree a ban on vaping will drive more consumers to the unregulated black market, the poll said. States and cities are enacting restrictions as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates 12 deaths and 805 cases of vaping-related lung injury in 46 states and one territory. The vast majority of cases involved people vaping the cannabis ingredient THC, alone or with nicotine.” READ: http://bit.ly/2MeNk6J



NICOTINE: From Eric Boodman via Stat, VERBATIM: “The 16-year-old looked sick. Tubes snaked around her face to deliver oxygen through her nose. Medication coursed into her veins through an IV. The culprit, her doctors said, was something in the e-cigarettes she used to inhale both nicotine and THC. Such reactions are rare though potentially serious: Of the 805 Americans reported to have this vaping-related lung injury, at least 12 have died. But last week, when Dr. Melodi Pirzada, the chief pediatric pulmonologist at New York University’s Winthrop Hospital, on Long Island, told the teenager she needed to quit vaping, the response came as a surprise. ‘She was one of the patients who looked at me and said, ‘OK, the THC, that is fine, but the nicotine — I really love the feeling that I get with it. I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up,’’ Pirzada recalled . . . Banning the sale of vapes and their accouterments — as the governor of Massachusetts ordered temporarily — may send a clear warning message, but it doesn’t mean that those who are already addicted know how to quit. E-cigarettes might have been viewed as a way of giving up the old-fashioned equivalent, but it turns out the newfangled version can be just as hard, if not harder, to quit. As Pirzada put it, ‘These kids who are hooked on nicotine, they are going to have the withdrawal symptoms. They will either continue vaping or they will go to traditional cigarettes, which is horrendous.’” READ: http://bit.ly/331Hb4A



SIGNUP: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, VISIT: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets



WALMART: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “Walmart said on Thursday it will begin several health-care pilot programs for its U.S. employees starting Jan. 1 as it looks for ways to cut health-care costs — one of the largest expenses for the retailer after wages . . . In Colorado, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Walmart will expand a program that allows patients to video chat with a doctor from home for $4 per chat. The retailer will also offer workers access to fitness clubs for $9 per bi-weekly pay period and add a predictable co-pay of $35 for every visit to a primary care physician under its most popular medical plan. These services will be available nationwide.” READ: https://cnb.cx/2oMBpEY



STATEFAIR: From Greta Kaul via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Last month, we brought you news that despite all the grease and heat, the food at the Minnesota State Fair is pretty sanitary, something we learned after poring over food inspection reports from 2018. What about this year’s fair fare? This week, MinnPost read nearly 240 newly-available food inspection reports from the 2019 State Fair to find, once again, that you’re more likely to get sick from petting the animals at the Fair than you are from the food.” READ: http://bit.ly/2o1BdBX



VALLEYFAIR: From Valleyfair via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Valleyfair Amusement Park has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, which is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and demonstrates Valleyfair’s dedication to providing a supportive environment for guests with autism and other sensory disorders. To receive the CAC designation, Valleyfair staff completed sensory disorder training to learn how to better communicate and engage with guests with sensory needs and their family members, as well as safety concerns and protocols. The park also received a certification review provided by IBCCES.” READ: https://yhoo.it/2IlaOG9



RULING: From Jon Kamp via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “A judge ruled a Philadelphia nonprofit’s plan to open a supervised site for drug users doesn’t break federal law, marking a victory for advocates battling the opioid crisis and a setback for U.S. law-enforcement. Wednesday’s ruling could help lift a cloud that has hung over these planned sites, often known as supervised-injection sites, which cities such as New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia have supported as a way to stop overdose fatalities. The sites would allow drug use under supervision of people who can treat overdoses and potentially help steer drug users toward treatment.” READ: https://on.wsj.com/2LIACOj



COUNSELORS: Via January, 2018 news release from UCare, VERBATIM: “A grant from UCare will enable Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) to embed licensed drug and alcohol counselors in the Emergency Department to help assess UCare members for treatment with a highly effective addiction medication, and to connect these patients to community providers for ongoing medication treatment. These initiatives will benefit the community by providing cost-effective and research-based early medical response and long-term social support services to help opioid users conquer their addictions.” READ: http://bit.ly/2EsowUd (SPONSORED: UCare)



MEDICAID: From Jeff Lagasse via Healthcare Finance, VERBATIM: “Nearly one in three low-income people enrolled in Michigan's expanded Medicaid program discovered they had a chronic illness that had never been diagnosed before, found a team from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. And whether it was a newly found condition or one they'd known about before, half of Medicaid expansion enrollees with chronic conditions said their overall health improved after one year of coverage or more. Nearly as many said their mental health had improved. The team's analysis looked at common chronic diagnoses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and asthma -- the kinds of conditions that can worsen over time if not found and treated.” READ: http://bit.ly/3364ZEt



GREATERMN: From Farmfest, the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/FluenceForum2 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers)



AI: From Jeff Olsen via Mayo Clinic News Network, VERBATIM: “What if your doctor's stethoscope could predict your heart's future? Thanks to artificial intelligence, it's already happening for some Mayo Clinic patients.” WATCH: https://mayocl.in/331bloy



SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, VERBATIM: “The 2019 Minnesota Legislative session included the adoption of Veterans Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day to be observed the first Saturday of October each year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention recently published the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. This report notes: 45,390 American adults died from suicide in 2017, including 6,139 U.S. Veterans. The number of Veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008 to 2017. Suicide prevention is a national priority and VA is dedicated to this mission, partnering with federal, state and community partners to address the issue of Veteran suicide.” READ: http://bit.ly/353JMMW



ZANTAC: From Tal Axelrod via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Walmart announced Wednesday it is joining other chain stores in halting the sale of the over-the-counter heartburn drug Zantac amid concerns it contains a cancer-causing chemical. The nation’s largest retailer said in a statement it was making the move after reviewing a recent product alert from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) saying that ranitidine, which is found within Zantac, could contain low levels of the carcinogen nitrosodimethylamine . . . Walmart joins CVS Health, Walgreens and Rite Aid in announcing it will no longer sell the drug.” READ: http://bit.ly/2Oj5wys



MEDICATION: From Jeff Lagasse via Healthcare Finance, VERBATIM: “Too many hospitals provide medications according to the practicalities of their staffing schedules rather than the ideal dosing times for their patients, according to a new study led by experts at Cincinnati Children's Hospital . . . For every drug, order times were dependent on the time of day, with morning surges and overnight lulls. Those rhythms corresponded to shift changes and rounding times. But those time peaks don't always line up with when patients need medications the most, be it to relieve pain, control blood pressure or battle infections. For example, the study found a day shift-driven rhythmic order for morphine, acetaminophen and other pain medications, which raises questions about whether night-time pain goes undertreated. Meanwhile, some corticosteroids are administered in the evening, which can lead to insomnia and overnight hunger.” READ: http://bit.ly/32X3GYj



AWARDS: Via Minnesota Department of Health, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s public health community honored six people and three groups for outstanding contributions to public health in Minnesota at a Wednesday night awards ceremony held in conjunction with the annual Community Health Conference in the Brainerd area. Recipients of the annual Community Health Awards are nominated by their peers and represent achievements in community service, health improvement, reducing health inequities in Minnesota and more.” READ: http://bit.ly/2V7qxh8



BRIGHTHEALTH: From Minnesota-based Bright Health via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Today, Bright Health announced it has partnered with University Hospitals to offer Medicare Advantage plans to residents of the Cleveland and Akron areas in 2020. The company will also continue offering Medicare Advantage plans in Cincinnati, Toledo, Springfield, and Youngstown through its partnership with Mercy Health and will expand that partnership into six counties in the Lima area. Bright Health has received regulatory approval from the Ohio Department of Insurance and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer health plans during this fall's Medicare Annual Election period, which begins on October 15th.” READ: https://prn.to/354YQtK



TWINS: From Emily Vaughn via National Public Radio, VERBATIM: “For the first time in nearly 40 years, the twin birthrate in the U.S. is on the decline. According to a data brief published Thursday from the National Center for Health Statistics, twin births declined in the U.S. by 4% from 2014 to 2018. The decline follows decades of steady growth which began in the 1980s and lasted through the early 2000s. The leading theory for the trend reversal is that fertility treatments — generally thought to have caused the twin boom in the first place — have gotten more sophisticated.” READ: https://n.pr/2pEdrMt



from business take...



BRIGHTER FUTURE: Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project will create thousands of construction jobs and is based on safety and environmental protection, to which Audrey, a pipeliner for 20 years, encourages Native Americans like herself to get trained and find pipeline work. WATCH: http://bit.ly/2YOTYGi (SPONSORED: Enbridge)



TWINS: From Joe Nelson via Bring Me the News, VERBATIM: “The Homer Hanky is back for the Twins' playoff push, but they're not the white handkerchiefs that fans remember from the World Series runs in 1987 and 1991. The 2019 Homer Hanky, unveiled by the Star Tribune on Thursday, is red with white lettering that reads: "2019 Homer Hanky," along with this year's theme ‘WELCOME TO BOMBA SZN’ . . . The newspaper notes that they couldn't bring back the white hankies because MLB rules now outlaw white signage of any kind because it can make it harder for players to see the white baseball.” READ/PHOTO: http://bit.ly/2ncfRRI



TV: From Gordon Severson via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “If you listen to the team on the radio, you’re in the clear, nothing will change. The Twins radio network will broadcast all home and away games during the playoffs. But if you plan to catch the team on TV this week, mapping out your options looks more like solving a murder case. Friday night’s game against the Yankees will only be available on the MLB Network. This channel usually isn’t included in basic cable packages. If your package doesn’t include the MLB Network, some cable providers are offering a free preview of the MLB Network so you can watch the game Friday night. Originally Comcast said it was not going to offer this free preview to its customers, but after seeing such high demand the company has decided to offer free previews of the MLB Network up until October 11th.” WATCH: https://kare11.tv/2ocRh3w



FOOD: From Tommy Wiita via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Twins and Delaware North Sportservice announced Wednesday that a specialty menu will be available at Target Field as the club enters the 2019 postseason.” MENU: http://bit.ly/2oKGYnm



SIGNUP: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, VISIT: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets



ECOLAB: From Ecolab via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, has acquired Gallay Medical & Scientific, a leading distributor of endoscopy, central sterile department, dental and pharmaceutical solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Headquartered in Melbourne the company’s sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, were approximately AU$42 million (US$28 million).” READ: https://bwnews.pr/2pz37W3



MEDIA: From Michelle Griffith via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Lillie Suburban Newspapers, the company that oversees many St. Paul suburban newspapers, appeared to publish its last editions Wednesday. The company encompasses eight publications that cover local news in the east metro, including Shoreview, New Brighton, Lake Elmo, St. Anthony as well as the East Side Review in St. Paul.” READ: http://bit.ly/2pCg8y5



VALLEYFAIR: Reuters’ Greg Roumeliotis has news of a potential merger involving Cedar Fair, owner of Valleyfair in Shakopee. VERBATIM: “Six Flags Entertainment Corp has approached Cedar Fair LP with a merger offer, pursuing a combination that would unite two of the largest U.S. amusement park operators, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The move shows how Six Flags, already the world’s largest regional theme park operator, wants to expand its footprint so it can increase ticketing pricing power, even as Chief Executive James Reid-Anderson is preparing to retire by the end of February. Cedar Fair is considering Six Flags’ cash-and-stock offer, and there is no certainty a deal will be reached, the sources said. Details of the offer could not be learned.” READ: https://reut.rs/2obJVgH



GREATERMN: From Farmfest, the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/FluenceForum2 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers)



TOUR: From Tim Krohn via Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “With employers scrambling more than ever to find workers, highlighting modern manufacturing with its good pay and benefits is a way for companies to attract more employees. On Thursday and Saturday area residents can visit a number of plants during the annual Tour of Manufacturing. Similar to a ‘parade of homes’” students, job seekers and the general public can stop by featured plants throughout the day for tours . . . There are dozens of firms in the area opening their doors to visitors, including Cambria and Michael Foods in Le Sueur, Johnson Outdoors and Dotson Iron Castings in Mankato and Itron in Waseca . . . Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan kicked off Manufacturing Week Monday by touring plants in the Twin Cities.” READ: http://bit.ly/2ndqkwl



WORKFORCE: via the Center for Rural Policy and Development, VERBATIM: “Ask business owners in Minnesota what their biggest challenge is today and most will tell you: “finding help.” Economic growth coupled with an aging workforce heading toward retirement and fewer young people to replace them is putting significant pressure on Greater Minnesota’s employers, making hiring significantly more challenging…Business owners have “levers” they can pull to attract applicants, and the data indicate that those levers are being used: wages are up while qualification requirements, such as education and work experience, are decreasing…But although it might be a good time to be a job seeker, at some point the levers can’t be pulled any further. Without more people entering the labor force to replace the people leaving, businesses will have to make serious decisions, including whether to move or close…Fortunately for Greater Minnesota, there are numerous partnerships and initiatives developing between private, public, and non-profit institutions to tap hidden talent pools, attract a new workforce through migration and immigration, and retain young people in their regions.” READ: http://bit.ly/2Aqrbw8 (SPONSORED: RuralMN.org)



NETNEUTRALITY: From Walker Orenstein via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A federal appeals court on Tuesday largely upheld a decision by federal regulators to reverse Obama-era net neutrality rules, but also said states could implement their own internet laws. The opinion by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was a victory for states like California and Washington that have made rules to bar internet service providers from throttling web traffic and charging businesses more for faster speeds. They can still face legal challenges. But the ruling gives new life to those who want Minnesota to follow suit. Top Republicans at the Minnesota Legislature have argued the state can’t and shouldn’t enforce its own net neutrality laws, and internet providers like AT&T have pledged to adhere to the ‘principles of net neutrality.’ Yet the Democrats who control the state House passed new regulations this year anyway.” READ: http://bit.ly/2oKzoZY



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SHARKTANK: From Circadian Optics via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Circadian Optics, a Minneapolis-based startup that makes bright light therapy lamps, announced today that it has been selected from thousands of applicants nationwide to participate in ABC’s Shark Tank, the multi-Emmy® Award-winning show where entrepreneurs have their business ideas evaluated by an expert panel of self-made millionaire and billionaire business moguls and venture capitalists, and compete for the chance to secure real-life investment deals that could take their businesses to the next level of game-changing growth. Circadian Optics CEO and Co-Founder, Amber Leong, will appear on the Sunday, October 6 episode (airing on ABC at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT) of Shark Tank, where she will pitch her uniquely designed light therapy lamps.” READ: http://bit.ly/2nf30yj



MORE: From Shark Tank via Instagram, a preview of the episode. WATCH: http://bit.ly/2obLMlH



SAGEGLASS: From Faribault-based SageGlass via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Saint-Gobain’s SageGlass, manufacturer of the world’s smartest dynamic glass, today announced the results of an energy study done in partnership with SCHEELS, a sporting goods and entertainment chain with 27 stores in 12 states. The study compared electricity usage at two SCHEELS locations and found that the store featuring SageGlass, in addition to enhanced building automation HVAC controls, better insulation and LED lighting, benefitted from a 73 percent decrease in electricity consumption. This reduction resulted in $487,193 in energy cost savings in the store’s first year of operation.” READ: https://bwnews.pr/2pCKkJr



RETAIL: Via CNBC, the store at Mall of America is among those Forever 21 plans to close. READ: https://cnb.cx/354Zzva



GRACO: Via Minneapolis-based Graco, VERBATIM: “Graco Inc. announced today that it will release its Third Quarter 2019 earnings after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019.” READ: http://bit.ly/2o9hUGI



ALLETE: From Duluth-based ALLETE via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE) will announce its financial results for the third quarter before the stock markets open on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.” READ: https://bwnews.pr/2oRL90x



HUNTADKINS: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Hunt Adkins, Minneapolis, Minnesota announced that Shanna Apitz has been promoted to partner and Executive Creative Director + Innovation. Shanna has been with Hunt Adkins since 2006 and, prior to her promotion, led the agency’s digital practice . . . Holli Maines has been promoted to partner. Holli has been with Hunt Adkins since 2006 and is the Director of Client Services . . . Josh Smerick has been promoted to partner. Josh has been with Hunt Adkins since 2007 and is the Director of Strategic Planning.” READ: http://bit.ly/2oJ8YYH



JENNIE-O: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “Jennie-O Turkey Store has made some changes at the executive level. Nicole Behne has been named vice president of marketing, while Paul Peil will take over as vice president of retail sales. Both have worked many years for Hormel Foods, the parent company of Jennie-O Turkey Store.” READ: http://bit.ly/2nYXiRz



CODE42: Via Minneapolis-based Code42, VERBATIM: “Code42, the leader in data loss protection, released the annual 2019 Global Data Exposure Report. The study found that insider threats – caused by current and departing employees – expose companies to breaches and put corporate data at risk . . . Rather than sticking to company-provided file sharing and collaboration tools, one in three (31%) business decision-makers also use social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, 37% use WhatsApp and 43% use personal email to send files and collaborate with their colleagues. Over three-quarters (78%) of CSOs and 65% of CEOs admit to clicking on a link they should not have, showing that no level of employee is immune to lapses in judgement.” READ: http://bit.ly/2oMY1oZ



RECALL: From Eden Prairie-based E.A. Sween via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “E.A. Sween Company announced the recall of multiple products due to possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems . . . Tip Top Poultry, Inc., initiated a recall and is an ingredient provider to two of E.A. Sween’s suppliers, The Suter Company, Inc. that provides chicken salad products and Baja Foods LLC that provides burritos, to the company. To date, we have not received any reported illnesses related to this organism.” READ: http://bit.ly/2oQASlC fromBENEFITS: Via UCare,“Every yearevaluates opportunities to enrich coverage for members. For 2020, the following new benefits will be added to the all-in-one package of Parts A through D (hospital, medical and prescription drug) coverage available from UCare: Hearing aid coverage from TruHearing; Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance from Healthy Savings; Meal delivery from Mom’s Meals after hospital discharge for members with congestive heart failure (on some plans); Acupuncture to manage pain for metro Classic plan members with qualifying diagnoses.”“We added these enhancements to improve our members’ experience and support their whole health in meaningful ways,” said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer. “Over the years, members requested these supplemental benefits, and we listened and responded as a member-centered organization.”Via Minnesota Department of Health, as of yesterday, the number of confirmed or probable cases of vaping-associated lung injuries is 59. Another 32 cases are currently under review.Breakthrough research from thehas uncovered a possible cause of vaping-related illnesses. A survey of students finds vaping has been increasing significantly among that group. Both those stories were featured in morning take. Scroll down to the “via morning take” section of this email to find them.From Kenn Alltucker via USA Today,“Americans strongly support making vaping companies list all ingredients and health risks on product labels and barring teens from buying the electronic nicotine-delivery devices, a new USA TODAY/Ipsos survey showed. But 59% surveyed agree a ban on vaping will drive more consumers to the unregulated black market, the poll said. States and cities are enacting restrictions as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates 12 deaths and 805 cases of vaping-related lung injury in 46 states and one territory. The vast majority of cases involved people vaping the cannabis ingredient THC, alone or with nicotine.”From Eric Boodman via Stat,“The 16-year-old looked sick. Tubes snaked around her face to deliver oxygen through her nose. Medication coursed into her veins through an IV. The culprit, her doctors said, was something in the e-cigarettes she used to inhale both nicotine and THC. Such reactions are rare though potentially serious: Of the 805 Americans reported to have this vaping-related lung injury, at least 12 have died. But last week, when Dr. Melodi Pirzada, the chief pediatric pulmonologist at New York University’s Winthrop Hospital, on Long Island, told the teenager she needed to quit vaping, the response came as a surprise. ‘She was one of the patients who looked at me and said, ‘OK, the THC, that is fine, but the nicotine — I really love the feeling that I get with it. I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up,’’ Pirzada recalled . . . Banning the sale of vapes and their accouterments — as the governor of Massachusetts ordered temporarily — may send a clear warning message, but it doesn’t mean that those who are already addicted know how to quit. E-cigarettes might have been viewed as a way of giving up the old-fashioned equivalent, but it turns out the newfangled version can be just as hard, if not harder, to quit. As Pirzada put it, ‘These kids who are hooked on nicotine, they are going to have the withdrawal symptoms. They will either continue vaping or they will go to traditional cigarettes, which is horrendous.’”: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, www.fluence-newsletters.com Via Reuters,“Walmart said on Thursday it will begin several health-care pilot programs for its U.S. employees starting Jan. 1 as it looks for ways to cut health-care costs — one of the largest expenses for the retailer after wages . . . In Colorado, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Walmart will expand a program that allows patients to video chat with a doctor from home for $4 per chat. The retailer will also offer workers access to fitness clubs for $9 per bi-weekly pay period and add a predictable co-pay of $35 for every visit to a primary care physician under its most popular medical plan. These services will be available nationwide.”From Greta Kaul via MinnPost,“Last month, we brought you news that despite all the grease and heat, the food at the Minnesota State Fair is pretty sanitary, something we learned after poring over food inspection reports from 2018. What about this year’s fair fare? This week, MinnPost read nearly 240 newly-available food inspection reports from the 2019 State Fair to find, once again, that you’re more likely to get sick from petting the animals at the Fair than you are from the food.”From Valleyfair via Globe Newswire,has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, which is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and demonstrates Valleyfair’s dedication to providing a supportive environment for guests with autism and other sensory disorders. To receive the CAC designation, Valleyfair staff completed sensory disorder training to learn how to better communicate and engage with guests with sensory needs and their family members, as well as safety concerns and protocols. The park also received a certification review provided by IBCCES.”From Jon Kamp via The Wall Street Journal,“A judge ruled a Philadelphia nonprofit’s plan to open a supervised site for drug users doesn’t break federal law, marking a victory for advocates battling the opioid crisis and a setback for U.S. law-enforcement. Wednesday’s ruling could help lift a cloud that has hung over these planned sites, often known as supervised-injection sites, which cities such as New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia have supported as a way to stop overdose fatalities. The sites would allow drug use under supervision of people who can treat overdoses and potentially help steer drug users toward treatment.”Via January, 2018 news release from UCare,“A grant fromwill enable Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) to embed licensed drug and alcohol counselors in the Emergency Department to help assess UCare members for treatment with a highly effective addiction medication, and to connect these patients to community providers for ongoing medication treatment. These initiatives will benefit the community by providing cost-effective and research-based early medical response and long-term social support services to help opioid users conquer their addictions.”From Jeff Lagasse via Healthcare Finance,“Nearly one in three low-income people enrolled in Michigan's expanded Medicaid program discovered they had a chronic illness that had never been diagnosed before, found a team from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. And whether it was a newly found condition or one they'd known about before, half of Medicaid expansion enrollees with chronic conditions said their overall health improved after one year of coverage or more. Nearly as many said their mental health had improved. The team's analysis looked at common chronic diagnoses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and asthma -- the kinds of conditions that can worsen over time if not found and treated.”: From Farmfest, the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers.From Jeff Olsen via Mayo Clinic News Network,“What if your doctor's stethoscope could predict your heart's future? Thanks to artificial intelligence, it's already happening for somepatients.”Via Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs,“The 2019 Minnesota Legislative session included the adoption of Veterans Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day to be observed the first Saturday of October each year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention recently published the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. This report notes: 45,390 American adults died from suicide in 2017, including 6,139 U.S. Veterans. The number of Veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008 to 2017. Suicide prevention is a national priority and VA is dedicated to this mission, partnering with federal, state and community partners to address the issue of Veteran suicide.”From Tal Axelrod via The Hill,“Walmart announced Wednesday it is joining other chain stores in halting the sale of the over-the-counter heartburn drug Zantac amid concerns it contains a cancer-causing chemical. The nation’s largest retailer said in a statement it was making the move after reviewing a recent product alert from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) saying that ranitidine, which is found within Zantac, could contain low levels of the carcinogen nitrosodimethylamine . . . Walmart joins CVS Health, Walgreens and Rite Aid in announcing it will no longer sell the drug.”From Jeff Lagasse via Healthcare Finance,“Too many hospitals provide medications according to the practicalities of their staffing schedules rather than the ideal dosing times for their patients, according to a new study led by experts at Cincinnati Children's Hospital . . . For every drug, order times were dependent on the time of day, with morning surges and overnight lulls. Those rhythms corresponded to shift changes and rounding times. But those time peaks don't always line up with when patients need medications the most, be it to relieve pain, control blood pressure or battle infections. For example, the study found a day shift-driven rhythmic order for morphine, acetaminophen and other pain medications, which raises questions about whether night-time pain goes undertreated. Meanwhile, some corticosteroids are administered in the evening, which can lead to insomnia and overnight hunger.”Via Minnesota Department of Health,“Minnesota’s public health community honored six people and three groups for outstanding contributions to public health in Minnesota at a Wednesday night awards ceremony held in conjunction with the annual Community Health Conference in the Brainerd area. Recipients of the annual Community Health Awards are nominated by their peers and represent achievements in community service, health improvement, reducing health inequities in Minnesota and more.”From Minnesota-based Bright Health via PRNewswire,“Today,announced it has partnered with University Hospitals to offer Medicare Advantage plans to residents of the Cleveland and Akron areas in 2020. The company will also continue offering Medicare Advantage plans in Cincinnati, Toledo, Springfield, and Youngstown through its partnership with Mercy Health and will expand that partnership into six counties in the Lima area. Bright Health has received regulatory approval from the Ohio Department of Insurance and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer health plans during this fall's Medicare Annual Election period, which begins on October 15th.”From Emily Vaughn via National Public Radio,“For the first time in nearly 40 years, the twin birthrate in the U.S. is on the decline. According to a data brief published Thursday from the National Center for Health Statistics, twin births declined in the U.S. by 4% from 2014 to 2018. The decline follows decades of steady growth which began in the 1980s and lasted through the early 2000s. The leading theory for the trend reversal is that fertility treatments — generally thought to have caused the twin boom in the first place — have gotten more sophisticated.”fromEnbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project will create thousands of construction jobs and is based on safety and environmental protection, to which Audrey, a pipeliner for 20 years, encourages Native Americans like herself to get trained and find pipeline work.From Joe Nelson via Bring Me the News,“The Homer Hanky is back for the' playoff push, but they're not the white handkerchiefs that fans remember from the World Series runs in 1987 and 1991. The 2019 Homer Hanky, unveiled by theon Thursday, is red with white lettering that reads: "2019 Homer Hanky," along with this year's theme ‘WELCOME TO BOMBA SZN’ . . . The newspaper notes that they couldn't bring back the white hankies because MLB rules now outlaw white signage of any kind because it can make it harder for players to see the white baseball.”From Gordon Severson via KARE-TV,“If you listen to the team on the radio, you’re in the clear, nothing will change. Theradio network will broadcast all home and away games during the playoffs. But if you plan to catch the team on TV this week, mapping out your options looks more like solving a murder case. Friday night’s game against the Yankees will only be available on the MLB Network. This channel usually isn’t included in basic cable packages. If your package doesn’t include the MLB Network, some cable providers are offering a free preview of the MLB Network so you can watch the game Friday night. Originally Comcast said it was not going to offer this free preview to its customers, but after seeing such high demand the company has decided to offer free previews of the MLB Network up until October 11th.”From Tommy Wiita via KSTP-TV,“The Minnesotaand Delaware North Sportservice announced Wednesday that a specialty menu will be available at Target Field as the club enters the 2019 postseason.”: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, www.fluence-newsletters.com From Ecolab via Business Wire,, the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, has acquired Gallay Medical & Scientific, a leading distributor of endoscopy, central sterile department, dental and pharmaceutical solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Headquartered in Melbourne the company’s sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, were approximately AU$42 million (US$28 million).”, the company that oversees many St. Paul suburban newspapers, appeared to publish its last editions Wednesday. The company encompasses eight publications that cover local news in the east metro, including Shoreview, New Brighton, Lake Elmo, St. Anthony as well as the East Side Review in St. Paul.Six Flags Entertainment Corp has approached Cedar Fair LP with a merger offer, pursuing a combination that would unite two of the largest U.S. amusement park operators, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The move shows how Six Flags, already the world’s largest regional theme park operator, wants to expand its footprint so it can increase ticketing pricing power, even as Chief Executive James Reid-Anderson is preparing to retire by the end of February. Cedar Fair is considering Six Flags’ cash-and-stock offer, and there is no certainty a deal will be reached, the sources said. Details of the offer could not be learned.: From Farmfest, the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers.From Tim Krohn via Mankato Free Press,“With employers scrambling more than ever to find workers, highlighting modern manufacturing with its good pay and benefits is a way for companies to attract more employees. On Thursday and Saturday area residents can visit a number of plants during the annual Tour of Manufacturing. Similar to a ‘parade of homes’” students, job seekers and the general public can stop by featured plants throughout the day for tours . . . There are dozens of firms in the area opening their doors to visitors, includingandin Le Sueur,andin Mankato andin Waseca . . . Gov.and Lt. Gov.kicked off Manufacturing Week Monday by touring plants in the Twin Cities.”Ask business owners in Minnesota what their biggest challenge is today and most will tell you: “finding help.” Economic growth coupled with an aging workforce heading toward retirement and fewer young people to replace them is putting significant pressure on Greater Minnesota’s employers, making hiring significantly more challenging…Business owners have “levers” they can pull to attract applicants, and the data indicate that those levers are being used: wages are up while qualification requirements, such as education and work experience, are decreasing…But although it might be a good time to be a job seeker, at some point the levers can’t be pulled any further. Without more people entering the labor force to replace the people leaving, businesses will have to make serious decisions, including whether to move or close…Fortunately for Greater Minnesota, there are numerous partnerships and initiatives developing between private, public, and non-profit institutions to tap hidden talent pools, attract a new workforce through migration and immigration, and retain young people in their regions.”From Walker Orenstein via MinnPost,“A federal appeals court on Tuesday largely upheld a decision by federal regulators to reverse Obama-era net neutrality rules, but also said states could implement their own internet laws. The opinion by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was a victory for states like California and Washington that have made rules to bar internet service providers from throttling web traffic and charging businesses more for faster speeds. They can still face legal challenges. But the ruling gives new life to those who want Minnesota to follow suit. Top Republicans at the Minnesota Legislature have argued the state can’t and shouldn’t enforce its own net neutrality laws, and internet providers like AT&T have pledged to adhere to the ‘principles of net neutrality.’ Yet the Democrats who control the state House passed new regulations this year anyway.”Begin your day with political news via morning takefrom Fluence Media. Sign up here to receive it in your InBox.From Circadian Optics via Globe Newswire,, a Minneapolis-based startup that makes bright light therapy lamps, announced today that it has been selected from thousands of applicants nationwide to participate in ABC’s Shark Tank, the multi-Emmy® Award-winning show where entrepreneurs have their business ideas evaluated by an expert panel of self-made millionaire and billionaire business moguls and venture capitalists, and compete for the chance to secure real-life investment deals that could take their businesses to the next level of game-changing growth. Circadian Optics CEO and Co-Founder,, will appear on the Sunday, October 6 episode (airing on ABC at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT) of Shark Tank, where she will pitch her uniquely designed light therapy lamps.”From Shark Tank via Instagram, a preview of the episode.From Faribault-based SageGlass via Business Wire,“Saint-Gobain’s, manufacturer of the world’s smartest dynamic glass, today announced the results of an energy study done in partnership with SCHEELS, a sporting goods and entertainment chain with 27 stores in 12 states. The study compared electricity usage at two SCHEELS locations and found that the store featuring SageGlass, in addition to enhanced building automation HVAC controls, better insulation and LED lighting, benefitted from a 73 percent decrease in electricity consumption. This reduction resulted in $487,193 in energy cost savings in the store’s first year of operation.”Via CNBC, the store atis among those Forever 21 plans to close.Via Minneapolis-based Graco,announced today that it will release its Third Quarter 2019 earnings after the New York Stock Exchange closes on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019.”From Duluth-based ALLETE via Business Wire,(NYSE:ALE) will announce its financial results for the third quarter before the stock markets open on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.”Via The Minneapolis Egotist,, Minneapolis, Minnesota announced thathas been promoted to partner and Executive Creative Director + Innovation. Shanna has been with Hunt Adkins since 2006 and, prior to her promotion, led the agency’s digital practice . . .has been promoted to partner. Holli has been with Hunt Adkins since 2006 and is the Director of Client Services . . .has been promoted to partner. Josh has been with Hunt Adkins since 2007 and is the Director of Strategic Planning.”Via West Central Tribune,has made some changes at the executive level. Nicole Behne has been named vice president of marketing, while Paul Peil will take over as vice president of retail sales. Both have worked many years for, the parent company of Jennie-O Turkey Store.”Via Minneapolis-based Code42,, the leader in data loss protection, released the annual 2019 Global Data Exposure Report. The study found that insider threats – caused by current and departing employees – expose companies to breaches and put corporate data at risk . . . Rather than sticking to company-provided file sharing and collaboration tools, one in three (31%) business decision-makers also use social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, 37% use WhatsApp and 43% use personal email to send files and collaborate with their colleagues. Over three-quarters (78%) of CSOs and 65% of CEOs admit to clicking on a link they should not have, showing that no level of employee is immune to lapses in judgement.”From Eden Prairie-based E.A. Sween via PRNewswire,announced the recall of multiple products due to possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems . . . Tip Top Poultry, Inc., initiated a recall and is an ingredient provider to two of E.A. Sween’s suppliers, The Suter Company, Inc. that provides chicken salad products and Baja Foods LLC that provides burritos, to the company. To date, we have not received any reported illnesses related to this organism.” If you like podcasts, listen to Beers with Blois...http://bit.ly/BWBLISTEN



CARTER: At the Allianz Field Beer Hall, Mayor Melvin Carter shares his priorities for St. Paul neighborhoods and residents. From major redevelopment opportunities on the riverfront, the Ford Plant and in Midway to what he’s learned during ride-alongs with police in the city. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/2Ytdprr



HAGEDORN: From Beers with Blois over some different Schell’s brewed beers at Crooked Pint in Fairbault, Rep. Jim Hagedorn joins Blois to discuss how Chinese trade has impacted the first district, his support of President Donald Trump, and what businesses and the agriculture community is concerned about as he travels the first district. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois11 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



DULUTH: In episode #10 of Beers with Blois, from Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson discusses how Duluth residents voted for higher taxes for infrastructure with over 70 percent of the vote, what the city is doing to address making housing more accessible, and why she’s taking the lead on pushing the EPA to study hydrogen fluoride after a refinery explosion in Superior, WI. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois10 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



BENSON: In episode #9 of Beers with Blois, from Invectis Brewery in Blaine, Beers with Blois catches up with State Sen. Michelle Benson on potential ways to split-up DHS and forthcoming prescription drug reform legislation. She shares the perspective on how physicians in the Senate influence legislation and what her plan is for re-election in 2020. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois9 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)



BDAYS: TODAY: Star Tribune’s Brandon Stahl, fmr. House leader Matt Entenza, agriculture thinker David Ladd, labor pro Colleen Nocerini SAT: Rep. Sandy Layman SUN: Hazelden’s Emily Piper, Retailers leader Bruce Nustad, Washington County Commissioner Joe Atkins



