Good morning, Minnesota. Welcome to Thursday. The days of blissful, pleasant June weather are coming to a close, replaced by intense heat beginning this afternoon . Highs will climb through the 80s across most of Minnesota today, but tropical humidity won't really surge until tomorrow. Our meteorologist Paul Huttner is concerned about elevated fire danger as we head into a hot and potentially windy weather pattern.
Minneapolis workers clear traffic barricades at George Floyd Square
City workers have cleared the barricades at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis — the site of George Floyd’s murder that was transformed a year ago into an occupied protest and memorial site in honor of him.
Traffic barriers are now gone and Chicago Avenue is accessible to vehicles at 38th Street, although a large crowd is occupying the intersection after city crews installed new signage and partially cleared the roadway.
COVID-19 in Minnesota
- Case numbers continue to drop
- Vaccination rates continue to climb in parts of the state
- Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have dropped their mask mandates
- State data showed 128 cases and no deaths
Kris Ehresmann of the Minnesota Department of Health says vaccines appear to protect against coronavirus variants, but that variants "remain an ongoing threat" due to their ability to change. She says variants are causing a majority of the cases in Minnesota.
State seeks 30 years for Chauvin. Defense wants time served. Derek Chauvin, former Minneapolis police officer, is scheduled to be sentenced June 25 following his conviction on murder and manslaughter charges. Yesterday we learned that prosecutors are seeking a 30-year sentence for Chauvin, but his defense attorney asks he be sentenced to probation and time already served. Here's the full story.
Should hourly school workers get unemployment? Five different union groups say yes.
Currently, Minnesota's bus drivers, teacher assistants and other hourly school workers aren't allowed to apply for unemployment when school is out for the summer. Several hourly school employees told MPR News reporter Elizabeth Shockman they have difficulties finding summer work.
Unions are asking state lawmakers to change this rule. A bill has bipartisan support and is passed in the House but not the Senate.
Oxygen levels are falling in Minnesota lakes And across the globe, too. This trend is likely driven by climate change causing lake temperatures to rise, according to a new study.
Trouble could be ahead for Minnesota lakes that provide habitat for cold-water fish species. This trend could lead to a loss of biodiversity.
Water reporter Kirsti Marohn has the story.
Here's what else to know:
And finally: We're looking for Minnesota's best tour guides. Nominate someone who guides visitors wisely and with humor through any of the many wonders of our fair state. No tour is too big or too small! Too obscure or too grand! Send us your tips at tell@mpr.org.
– Grace Birnstengel, MPR News | Find me on Twitter @grace__ | 
