Minnesota Now

Former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane was sentenced for violating George Floyds civil rights. A federal judge gave Lane a 30 month sentence. Lane was found guilty at a federal trial in February of failing to provide Floyd with needed medical care. Two other former police officers involved in Floyd's death have yet to be sentenced. MPR News reporter Jon Collins was at the courthouse today for the sentencing and has been following Lane’s case. He joined host Cathy to talk more about what happened.

It is Disability Pride Month, which celebrates all disabled people and commemorates the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990. University of Minnesota Professor Roger Stancliffe’s research focuses on making lives better of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities especially when it comes to the end of life. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about his work.

This summer on Minnesota Now we are putting a spotlight on community festivals across the state. This week we’re featuring Twin Cities Carifest. From good food to music and a carnival parade, Twin Cities Carifest is a time when Minnesota’s Caribbean community comes together to celebrate their rich cultural traditions. James Byron is executive director of Carifest. He spoke with Minnesota Now producer Simone Cazares about what the festival means to members of Minnesota’s Caribbean community.

Morris, Minnesota has decided to shut down its police department. The mayor tells us how they'll move forward with public safety.

The creator of a new podcast is unearthing details surrounding the tragic disappearance of Josh Guimond. Paul Huttner shares weather records and a detailed forecast.

And Minnesota Chippewa tribe officials are counting votes today in a referendum that may lead to big changes for the tribe. Plus, we talk to the head coach of the Minnesota Aurora.

Minnesota Aurora women’s soccer team is wrapping up their remarkable first ever season this week—so far, they are undefeated. Their championship game will be on Saturday, July 23 against Tormenta FC, based out of Georgia. Nicole Lukic is coach of the new team. She also just won the USL Women’s League Coach of the Year award. She joined host Cathy Wurzer to share reflections on the season.

Today Minnesota Chippewa Tribe officials are counting the votes in a referendum that could dramatically change who can be an enrolled member of the tribe. The tribe includes 6 Native bands - Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Bois Forte, Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. MPR reporter Dan Kraker has been following the story is here to give us the details.

You think it’s hot here? Try the record-breaking 104 degrees in eastern England! MPR’s chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joins host Cathy Wurzer for a look at weather news here and abroad.

Last night the small town of Morris, Minnesota authorized the Stevens County Sheriff to hire two new deputies. They'll need those officers based on last week's vote to discontinue than 140-year run of Morris's city police department at the end of the year due to staffing issues. Morris Mayor Sheldon joined host Cathy Wurzer to share more.

It’s now been 20 years since 20-year-old Joshua Guimond disappeared from the campus of St. John’s University.

On Nov. 9, 2002, Guimond had been playing cards with friends at an on-campus apartment. He started walking home around midnight. He was never seen again.

Now, a new podcast from Josh Newville – a Twin Cities civil rights lawyer – claims to be turning up new leads in the long-unsolved case. It’s called “Simply Vanished.”

Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Newville about the podcast.

Vegalia Jean-Pierre is owner of the business “By.Vegalia.,” which creates digital brushes to draw Black hairstyles.  And in 2020, the Plymouth native also launched a TikTok account, where she amplifies representation in digital arts by drawing Black digital characters. Jean-Pierre’s social media presence now at nearly 600,000 followers and it landed her a $50,000 grant which she has used to  grow her innovative business.