Podcast Summary
Lifetime Fitness free speech case: Courts upheld Lifetime Fitness's right to terminate membership for political speech, emphasizing the distinction between private businesses and government entities.
The Minnesota Appeals Court ruled in favor of Lifetime Fitness in a free speech case against a third-party gubernatorial candidate, Hugh McTavish. McTavish was banned from the gym after refusing to remove campaign leaflets, but the court upheld the lower court's decision that Lifetime has the right to terminate membership for conduct deemed against its best interest. This case highlights the distinction between government entities and private businesses when it comes to restricting political speech. Elsewhere, a woman died in an ATV crash in Morrison County, and health officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 as cases have been on the rise in Minnesota since the 4th of July. The vaccinations can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent the spread of the virus in school environments.
Community Festivals: A local festival, Stiffseungfest, drew in 20,000 people, all proceeds benefited the local fire department, and had a closer-knit community feel compared to larger events like the Minnesota State Fair.
While the Minnesota State Fair saw a significant drop in attendance due to intense heat and record-breaking crowds, the community-focused Stiffseungfest in Norwood Young America drew in 20,000 people over four days, with all proceeds benefiting the local fire department. Resident Elroy Lazzack appreciates the festival's familiar faces and closer-knit community feel compared to the state fair. Unfortunately, the excessive heat wave continued, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in the Twin Cities and approaching record highs in other areas, leading to dangerous conditions for elderly individuals and pets. Thunderstorms with potential for severe weather were forecasted for the evening and night. Despite the heat, cooler weather was expected towards the end of the week.