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    Local Democratic leaders not aware of plans to push out Biden; Mpls approves police contract

    enJuly 18, 2024
    What did Ken Martin deny regarding President Biden?
    What pay increase was approved by the Minneapolis City Council?
    How will new law affect truck driver testing in Minnesota?
    What upcoming sports event features Joe Maurer in Cooperstown?
    What is the current unemployment rate in Minnesota?

    Podcast Summary

    • Minnesota politicsMinnesota Democratic leaders deny knowledge of efforts to pressure Biden to step down. City council approves police pay increase. New law eases truck driver testing backlog.

      Minnesota Democratic leaders, including the Democratic Farm Labor Party Chair Ken Martin, have denied knowledge of any behind-the-scenes efforts to pressure President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential race. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis City Council approved a significant pay increase for city police officers to help with recruitment and retention. Minnesota officials also reported that a recent change in state law will help ease a testing backlog for new truck drivers, which had caused delays and skill loss for those waiting to get their licenses. Martin also downplayed speculation about Minnesota being a battleground state in the fall election.

    • Third-party testers for driving testsMinnesota schools can hire certified third-party testers to reduce driving test backlog, potentially helping the unemployment rate by creating new jobs

      Minnesota schools will soon be able to hire certified third-party testers to administer behind-the-wheel tests to students, reducing the testing backlog. This comes as Minnesota's unemployment rate has seen a slight increase, with a rate of 2.9% in June, but still well below the national average. The weather in Minnesota is expected to remain pleasant for the next few days, with some rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for the weekend. The Red River Valley may see the highest temperatures, with a chance of scattered showers and storms. In sports, Minnesota United suffered a heartbreaking loss to DC United in soccer, while the Twins prepare to start the second half of their baseball season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers. Minnesota hockey fans have the opportunity to see the Stanley Cup tomorrow as Minnesota native Kyle Okposo brings it to Minnetonka. The unemployment rate increase and the upcoming job opportunity for third-party testers could help mitigate the impact of the rising unemployment rate in the state. The weather forecast and the sports updates provide additional context and interesting information for Minnesotans.

    • Baseball Hall of FameJoe Maurer, a former Minnesota native and Twins catcher, is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this Sunday in Cooperstown, New York. The weather in Minnesota is predicted to be mostly clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the induction ceremony and the following day.

      Former Minnesota native and Twins catcher, Joe Maurer, will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this Sunday in Cooperstown, New York. This is an exciting accomplishment for Maurer and a proud moment for the state of Minnesota. As for the weather, Minnesota residents can look forward to mostly clear skies tonight with temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s. The sun will be out in full force tomorrow, bringing highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s. This means that sports fans can celebrate the Hall of Fame induction with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, while also enjoying the beautiful summer weather. So, whether you're attending the induction ceremony or just enjoying the day at home, the weather looks promising. Stay tuned for an update on the forecast from Phil Picardy on Friday morning.

    Recent Episodes from Minnesota Today

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