Stories from June 7, 2020

Sunday night storms in northern and western Minnesota; hot and humid Monday
The best chance of severe weather Sunday evening and Sunday night will be in northwestern Minnesota, but scattered severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday night in some other spots too. We have the forecast details, including a hot and humid Monday and plenty of rain on Tuesday.
Veto-proof majority of Minneapolis council members supports dismantling police department
The council members said past efforts to reform the department have failed, so they are not going to try and implement new training policies or civilian oversight. Council member Phillipe Cunningham said the process will not happen overnight.
Lawmakers propose bill requiring police officers to have identifying information during protests
Rows of armed agents were deployed around protests in Washington, D.C. this past week, but it was not obvious who they were: They had no name tags or badge numbers. Now, Democratic lawmakers are calling for legislation that would make it illegal for these officers to not identify themselves.
Marches and rallies continue across Minnesota, calling for justice for George Floyd
The sounds of a drum circle echoed down the streets of Minneapolis on Sunday, part of another day of peaceful rallies and marches. Meanwhile, the U.S. attorney general said he's not inclined to open a federal investigation into systemic problems in the city’s police department.
Some Minneapolis City Council members have backed dismantling the current police system, and are set to meet with community groups at Powderhorn Park on Sunday afternoon "to announce a historic commitment to building a new model for cultivating safety in our city (and) to transform the city’s approach to public safety." This is an MPR News update for June 7, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Tornado watch for northwestern Minnesota until 10 p.m. Sunday
A tornado watch continues until 10 p.m. this Sunday in eastern North Dakota and much of northwestern Minnesota. We have the details.
Beyond protests: Five more ways to channel anger into action to fight racism
Protests against the violent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others are emboldening and expanding the movement to fight racism. But to make progress, many may need to adjust thinking — and actions. Several African American and Hispanic psychologists and leaders offer suggestions for strategies to fight racism.
Former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday he will vote for Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election.
June 7 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll rises to 1,186 as testing again exceeds 10K
State health officials Sunday reported 16 additional confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota, bringing the overall death toll to 1,186. Sunday’s report also showed 199 COVID-19 patients being treated in ICUs — the first time that number has dropped below 200 since May 13.
'She was a book of generosity and fire': St. Paul school board chair Marny Xiong dies from COVID-19
"We prepared a celebration for her return and waited, and waited but she never came home," Xiong's family said in a statement posted online. "We prayed and prayed for a miracle but none was granted."
Summery winds are expected this afternoon and Monday. Temperatures will be warming up and dew points will reach the sticky 60s in many locations. We have your forecast details, including the updated severe weather outlook for northern Minnesota.
In a place of tragedy in Minneapolis, people resist and find solace
The corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis is the place where police brutality ended the life of George Floyd. And it's here now where people gather every day to protest, to remember and to find comfort.
It’ll feel real summery this afternoon and winds will be gusty. We have details on who may see some severe weather late Sunday and Sunday night.
Coronavirus FAQs: How to stay safe while protesting, when to go out after recovery
Modelers say it's difficult to assess how the protests will influence COVID-19 infections. Being outdoors seems to reduce the risk of exposure because the virus can't survive long in sunlight and there's better air circulation, but it's no guarantee against infection.
‘A ray of hope’: As neighborhood rebuilds, south Minneapolis high school celebrates its seniors
"We have families that are experiencing a lot right now. I think this graduation is a ray of hope amidst a lot of that," said Raquel Gudiel, director of college counseling at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in south Minneapolis.