Good morning, Minnesota. Welcome to Wednesday. Yesterday marked the beginning of meteorological summer. Our first 90 degree weather in eight months arrives later this week. Today brings 80s, more sun with highs in the 70s and 80s — cooler near Lake Superior. Government shutdown looms Minnesota's state government employees have been warned: If no budget is approved by the end of June, they'll be temporarily out of work. Layoff notices were sent to nearly 38,000 state employees over the weekend. This marks the first visible sign that a shutdown beginning July 1 is possible. "Getting these layoff notices in our mailboxes over the Memorial Day weekend, it was truly an affront to the public servants who have been stepping up nonstop for the last year, over the last 15 months," said Megan Dayton, president of state government union Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE).
The Legislature will hold a special session this month for budget votes. Brian Bakst has the full story.
New home for seals, sea lions Como Harbor: It's been in the works for nearly a decade. That's the name of Como Zoo's new outdoor tank for sea lions and harbor seals that's twice the size of its predecessor. Como Harbor replaced a Depression-era seasonal exhibit and features a massive shade awning over a larger and more accessible amphitheater space. The grand opening is tomorrow morning. We've got photos of the new exhibit — and of those cute sea lions.
Twin Cities Latino cyclists roll Mario Hernandez started biking to get outdoors and boost his health. When he saw the beauty of Minnesota, he wanted others to be able to enjoy it as well, especially recently arrived Latinos to the state who might not have had the chance to explore.
That simple idea has morphed into something bigger during the pandemic — Latino Social Biking, a Twin Cities group helping Latino people connect, get healthy and get past the isolation and sedentary influences of the pandemic.
Meet the cyclists of Latino Social Biking.
Here's what else to know:
– Grace Birnstengel, MPR News | Find me on Twitter @grace__ | 
