6/21/2024 -- Widespread Floods Rock MN

Weather

Flooding Rocks State of Minnesota Following Heavy Rain 🌧

The Summary: Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in significant flooding across the state of Minnesota, with St. Louis County declaring a state of emergency.

At A Standstill: The town of Cook, MN has been completely submerged with waist-deep water filling most of downtown leading to a state of emergency and evacuations.

Significant Damage: At a meeting this past week, Commissioner Keith Nelson told a media briefing that he believed the county sustained at least $50 million in damage to infrastructure.

Travel Closures: State and county agencies have said that heavy rainfall is causing multiple roads to be closed across Minnesota as crews deal with the aftermath of flooding — and in some areas — washouts.’

No Break: More rain is in the forecast for the next 24-48 hours with many parts of the state, including the Twin Cities, facing a threat of flash floods.

Safety

Charges Filed Against 10 Minneapolis Gang Members 🚨

The Summary: Federal and state authorities indicted several members of the 10z/20z gang in south Minneapolis on drug and firearm charges, disrupting the gang's attempted resurgence.

Historical Contexst: In a press conference this past week, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger highlighted that the latest batch of indictments against the 10z/20z gang follows earlier federal prosecutions in 2015 that significantly reduced the gang's influence. A joint initiative targeting violent crime in the Twin Cities, launched two years ago, has so far resulted in charges against over 70 alleged gang members.

Investigation Findings: According to the FBI, the 10z/20z gang is involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking, primarily operating around Peavey Park in south Minneapolis.

Business

❯ Target Rolls Out Chatbot: Target is rolling out a generative AI chatbot, called Store Companion, in 400 stores to help workers with tasks such as rebooting cash registers and enrolling customers in loyalty programs, aiming to improve in-store experiences for both employees and shoppers.

❯ Top Places to Work: The Star Tribune announced their annual “Top Work Places” list with companies like Bridge Realty, Right at Home, and Bell Bank topping the rankings.

❯ New Jobs: Former NBA player Devean George has opened a modular manufacturing facility in North Minneapolis, aiming to create over 160 local jobs and improve upward mobility in the area. The facility, supported by significant investments from the city and state, will specialize in modular construction for various housing projects.

What Else We’re Reading…

The FBI is investigating Minnesota autism centers, which have exploded in growth since 2018

According to reporting from the Minnesota Reformer, the FBI is investigating potential Medicaid fraud in Minnesota autism centers, which have seen a 700% increase in providers and a 3,000% rise in spending since 2018. State officials are also considering licensing requirements for these facilities amidst concerns over high caseloads and potential misuse of funds, echoing issues seen in previous fraud cases.

Sports

⚾ The Minnesota Twins’ streaky season has continued after they won six in a row then dropped two straight in extra innings to the Rays.

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings’ JJ McCarthy and Justin Jefferson have officially agreed on who gets to be called “JJ”

⚽ The Minnesota Aurora have continued their winning ways with their fifth straight win coming against Bavarian United.

🏊‍♀️ Minnesota's Regan Smith set a world record in the 100 backstroke at the U.S. Olympic trials this past week.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Minneapolis cleared a homeless encampment in the Phillips neighborhood on Thursday (WCCO)

❯ St. Paul Schools cutting $114 million from next year’s budget (Fox9)

❯ Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board workers have voted to authorize strike (KSTP)

❯ Webber Natural Swimming Pool and Lake Harriet Southeast Beach were temporarily closed due to bacteria (Kare11)

❯ After previously being cancelled, the Uptown Art Fair will now take place at Bachman's on Lyndale in early August (Bring Me The News)

Quick hits

Headlines From Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ Vandals opened hydrants in Cokato leading to 1.1 million gallons of water wasted (Kare11)

❯ A shooter in Carver County killed the therapy service dog of a boy grieving father’s death (Fox9)

❯ The Leech Lake Band and the Forest Service have agreed to a 11K-acre transfer of Chippewa National Forest land (WCCO)

The Final Word: Grandma’s Marathon

This weekend is one of the best for Minnesota’s running community as Grandma’s Marathon completely takes over the city of Duluth. It will be the first year in about six years that I haven’t been in attendance with over 20,000 other runners, but I’m sending all positive vibes to those that are running.

And remember, always listen to the advice of this fan from a few years ago.

-Patrick