Podcast Summary
Minnesota lottery funds, Outdoor spaces: A drunk driver's tragic accident at a Minnesota bar highlights the importance of lottery funds for natural resources projects, which advocates argue will benefit all Minnesotans by preserving outdoor spaces and ensuring clean water.
In Minnesota, a tragic incident occurred at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, where a drunk driver crashed into the patio, killing a server and a patron, and injuring nine others. The suspect, Stephen Frane Bailey, is charged with criminal vehicular homicide and other counts. Meanwhile, environmental groups are advocating for the passing of a constitutional amendment on the November ballot, which would continue earmarking Minnesota lottery funds for natural resources projects. The Vote Yes campaign, backed by over 130 organizations, emphasizes the importance of this measure for all Minnesotans, regardless of political affiliations, as it supports the enjoyment of outdoor spaces and clean water for everyone. The amendment needs a majority of voter support to pass.
Wildfires in Canada: Wildfires in Canada may cause unhealthy air quality in northwestern Minnesota, affecting cities like Fergus Falls and Bemidji, prompting an air quality alert and urging people with chronic heart or lung conditions to limit outdoor time.
Wildfires in Canada may lead to unhealthy air quality in northwestern Minnesota starting today, with places like Fergus Falls and Bemidji expected to be affected. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert, urging people with chronic heart or lung conditions to limit their time outdoors. A school bus driver in St. Louis County faces possible charges for driving drunk with students on board, despite telling authorities and the district he wouldn't drive. On a positive note, State Fair attendance was up, and public transit ridership set new records, with Minnesota Valley Transit Authority reporting 127,220 rides and Twin Cities Metro Transit seeing a 14% increase compared to last year. These transit authorities plan to use excess buses to serve the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
Minnesota sports: Minnesota sports teams had mixed results last week, with the Twins falling behind Cleveland and both the Vikings and Gophers losing their season openers. Upcoming games include the Twins vs Indians, Gophers vs Rhode Island, and Vikings vs Giants.
Minnesota sports teams had a mixed week with some losses but also upcoming games. The Twins lost to the Rays, putting them 4.5 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central. The Vikings kick off their NFL season against the Giants on the East Coast on Sunday, while the Gophers football team aims for their first win against Rhode Island on Saturday. The weather in Minnesota is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and storms. The Twins and Indians meet again tonight, and the women's volleyball team plays Baylor on Friday. Additionally, the Minnesota Lynx are also in action, but no specific details were given about their game. The Vikings and Gophers both lost their respective season openers last week. The Vikings play the New York Giants on Sunday, while the Gophers host Rhode Island on Saturday. The forecast calls for low temperatures in the 50s and 60s, with partly sunny conditions and a slight chance of showers and storms. The high temperatures will range from mid 60s to mid 70s. Stay tuned for an update on Thursday morning from Alex Simpson.