July 23, 2021

Much of the state will see highs in the 90s on Saturday, with 80s in far northern Minnesota. More of the same Sunday with dew points in the comfortable 50s. Find the latest on Updraft.

A ballot question about whether to replace the Minneapolis Police Department cleared its final hurdle today, and will appear on November's ballot.

The citizen-driven ballot measure would create a new department of public safety and give the city council more oversight. Opponents say it would complicate decision-making and slow the pace of police reform.

JanNae Bates is the communications director for Yes 4 Minneapolis, which is pushing for the amendment. She says putting the question on the ballot is proof that people are excited to re-envision public safety.

“This entire campaign is getting folks excited, we’ve been through well over a year now of some hardship and some growing pains and waking up to the realities that the city faces," Bates said.

The latest report from the state of Minnesota says two more people died from COVID-19.

There were 375 newly reported COVID cases today. Case counts have been ticking upward for three weeks. Deaths continue to trend near early-pandemic lows.

And the percentage of Minnesotans 16 and older with at least one vaccine shot continues to hover around 68 percent.

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New effort aims to hold back water to slow ‘flashy’ Minn. rivers

Unlike this year, Minnesota often has had to contend with high water. Scientists attribute flash flows to more intense rain events and the loss of wetlands that act as natural sponges. New state funding aims to help landowners store more water on their land.

As smoke dissipates in Minnesota, health experts urge people to stay aware of air quality

The thick wildfire smoke that choked much of Minnesota earlier in the week has largely dissipated. But while measurements of particulates in the air have receded from record-high levels, the air quality still isn't great across Minnesota.

You adopted a pandemic pet. Now you're going back to the office. What next?

The luxuries of remote work were temporary for many. As workplaces reopen offices and resume in-person operations, pet owners are scrambling to adjust to a new routine.

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Minnesotans grapple with John Thompson abuse allegations

A traffic stop has led to waves of allegations against the DFL representative from St. Paul. Activists see a double standard in the media coverage and the calls for John Thompson’s resignation. Approached by Sahan Journal, all 21 legislators in the POCI caucus — progressive legislators of color — offered no comment.

Tokyo Olympics begin with muted ceremony and empty stadium

The Tokyo Games have arrived at last, after a yearlong delay. They're a multinational showcase of the finest athletes of a world fragmented by disease. They're also steeped in the political and medical baggage of the relentless pandemic.

Employee killed in accident at Golden Valley Menards

According to authorities, a man operating a forklift in the lumberyard of Menards in Golden Valley died when a large pallet of wood tumbled onto his machine Thursday.

Weekend road closures: Highway 62 east in Richfield, I-35W north in Burnsville

Eastbound Minnesota Highway 62 will close between Interstate 35W and Minnesota Highway 77 late Friday through early Monday. Northbound I-35W will close between the I-35/35E/35W split and County Road 42 from 9 p.m. Sunday until 5 a.m. Monday.

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