7/15/2024 -- Storms Rock Twin Cities

Weather

Weekend Storm Results In Power Outages For Thousands Across Twin Cities ⛈

The Summary: Tens of thousands in the Twin Cities area lost power early Sunday morning after thunderstorms and strong wind. Xcel Energy reported around 73,000 customers were without power in the Twin Cities on Sunday morning with the majority being in the west metro.

Large hail: Along with the strong winds, baseball sized hail was reported at multiple locations in the Twin Cities area.

Tornado in Rice County: Around 5pm the National Weather Service snapped this photo of a tornado that touched down in Rice County.

The Damage: Twin Cities residents took to social media to post photos of the widespread damage from the storm. Check them out here, here, and here.

Politics

Minnesota Political Leaders Condemn Assassination Attempt On Trump

The Summary: During a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage after shots were fired at him. Two fatalities were confirmed: the gunman and an audience member. Trump had visible blood on his face but is safe.

Reactions from Minnesota Politicians: Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the shooting and extended their sympathies to Donald Trump and his family.

"President Trump is a proven warrior who has overcome adversity time and time again. He will rise above this horrifying situation stronger than ever." -Tom Emmer, U.S. House Majority Whip

“Violence has no place in American politics. Praying for the safety of former President Trump and everyone at his rally in Pennsylvania." -Governor Tim Walz

“We are glad that President Trump is safe. Violence has no place in our politics and the Minnesota DFL unequivocally condemns this appalling and horrific act." -Ken Martin, DFL Chair

What Else We’re Reading…

Minnesota Reformer: Minnesota proposes water pollution permit for 3M plant that makes forever chemicals 

The 3M Cottage Grove chemical plant, which has been operating on an expired water pollution permit for over 20 years, is now under a new draft wastewater permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The new permit requires 3M to invest nearly $300 million in advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS to undetectable levels. Despite ongoing legal and regulatory actions, including a $10.3 billion settlement and a 2018 lawsuit over contaminated drinking water, 3M continues to address PFAS pollution, with the draft permit also mandating expanded contamination monitoring efforts. Read the full article from the Minnesota Reformer here.

Sports

🏀 Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx in front of a sold out Target Center crowd that had many Fever and Iowa Hawkeye fans.

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings star receiver Jordan Addison was arrested in California on a possible DWI.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins drafted Kaelen Culpepper with the 21st pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Culpepper is a middle infielder from Kansas State.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ SouthWest Transit is debuting autonomous vehicles for on-demand rides in Eden Prairie starting this fall (Star Tribune)

❯ A raid of a Twin Cities woman's home revealed thousands of illegal pull-tabs, scratch-offs (WCCO)

❯ US Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced she is cancer free again after undergoing a procedure on Friday (Fox9)

❯ Minneapolis hotel revenue for June set an all-time monthly record (MPR)

❯ Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board released a statement asking for a counteroffer from the striking workers (KSTP)

❯ Texas knocked Minnesota out of the Top 5 in CNBC's 'Top States for Business' (Bring Me The News)

The Final Word: Summer Bucket List 🌞

We’re halfway through July which means the summer scaries are officially setting in (the feeling when you know summer is going to end in the not too distant future.) I need all of your summer bucket list items — what ice cream shop do I need to try, what lake should I paddle board at, what festival is absolutely worth attending. Reply to this email and I’ll feature some of the responses in this Thursday’s newsletter!

-Patrick