Fish: If you’re hot, they’re hot — and maybe dead

In the land of 10,000 lakes, we have a lot of fish, but a whole lot of those fish are suffering this summer. The heat wave from July 16–20 killed thousands across the state as surface temperatures climbed to 86° and above, and this is likely the new normal. 

“On average,” writes Alex Chhith, “the state’s lakes are about 3 to 4 degrees warmer and have lost about 10 to 14 days of ice cover in the last 50 years, according to the DNR.”

The BWCAW is reopening 41 entrances in the southern and eastern parts of the area to day and overnight use, representing about 39% of the wilderness’ area. Meanwhile, work continues on containing wildfires, with seven still burning in northern Minnesota, three of which are in the BWCAW.

Elon Musk’s AI company is suing Minnesota over a law that bans nudification technology. In its complaint, the company alleges that we might miss out on “animated family photographs” by trying to prevent deepfake revenge porn.

“The complaint includes satirical pictures of President Donald Trump in scant clothing as well as Musk himself to make the point that the law might criminalize more content than Minnesota lawmakers intended.” This is apparently somehow supposed to support their argument. Good luck with that.

Two years ago, Republicans in Minnesota saw a bump in their vote share from Somali voters and voters of color, but it remains to be seen whether those gains will endure amid the fallout from Operation Metro Surge and Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.

Salman Fiqy appeared at a Trump rally in 2024 and canvassed for the candidate in the Somali community. But now? “With this climate, I don’t see them having any chance, especially after the ICE invasion,” Fiqy said of the Republican gubernatorial candidates. “I think that actually cemented the allegation that was always used that Republicans don’t care about people of color.”

Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claires festival in Wisconsin returned after an eight-year hiatus and eschewed big headliners for a broader, more community-oriented feel. “Eaux Claires intentionally worked toward a goal that was slightly off-center,” writes Dustin Nelson, “offering a few risks and rewards to anyone open to something a little smaller and a little different.”

And finally: 10 minutes of Olivia Miles highlights? Ten minutes of Olivia Miles highlights.

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