Here's the latest news from across the state to start your day.
WEATHER
⛈️ We’ll have the risk of an isolated or spotty thunderstorm during the day Friday, but the main action will develop in western or central Minnesota Friday afternoon. The storms will track east into the evening and overnight hours Friday night.
😷 An air quality alert is in effect Friday during the day for northern Minnesota where air quality could reach the unhealthy or very unhealthy categories.
☀️ Friday's cool front will push out the muggy air early Saturday. Dew points will fall into the 50s by Saturday afternoon. Highs Saturday will be in the 70s to near 80 degrees for most with lots of afternoon sunshine.
Literary and medical experts will gather next week in Lewis’ hometown of Sauk Centre, Minn., to discuss his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The story of an idealistic doctor struggling with ethical questions about medicine and scientific research remains as relevant today as it was when it was published in 1925.
One hundred vendors from across the country will participate in Panda Fest July 11-13 at the Mall of America. Some local businesses have joined the festival to share their passion for food with a wider audience.
The White House has proposed a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, putting vital support for local stations like Minnesota Public Radio at risk. The Senate is expected to vote on public media funding in the coming days. Please ask your senators to vote NO on the rescissions bill that would kill public media funding. Your voice has never been more important.
🏛️ Trump administration opens investigation into Minnesota agency's affirmative action policy. The Minnesota Department of Human Services' policy requires supervisors to provide a “hiring justification when seeking to hire a non-underrepresented candidate.”
🔍 Union calls for independent review of workplace culture at HCMC. Workers said they have faced retaliation after trying to raise safety and equity issues. Employees have reported being removed from leadership roles, excluded from decision-making and subjected to scrutiny after voicing concerns.
😮💨 The price of e-cigarettes in Minneapolis will go up to $25. Council member Katie Cashman said during the meeting that she hopes the changes will put e-cigarette policies in line with restrictions on other tobacco products in the city and prevent kids from taking up smoking.
🧑🏻⚖️ A recent high-profile case of AI hallucination serves as a stark warning. MyPillow creator Mike Lindell's lawyers were fined thousands for submitting a legal filing riddled with AI-generated mistakes . It highlights a dilemma of balancing technology and using it responsibly.
