The Minneapolis City Council rejected a proposed contract between the Minneapolis Police Department and Skydio, a California-based drone company, citing privacy concerns.

The 75-day pilot program with Skydio would have enabled the MPD to use drones in hopes of speeding up response times. However, concerns over data privacy and city involvement with a federal government-contracted company drew pushback from both representatives and the public.

The Minneapolis City Council deliberated on July 16 regarding implementing the drone-piloting program in north Minneapolis. Residents packed the council chambers to maximum capacity as the council and Mayor Jacob Frey discussed the drone-piloting program.

As I prepare to move into the professional world, I’ve found myself imagining what my ideal job would look like.

After all, there is an entire world of jobs out there with different descriptions, responsibilities and pay scales. Even daydreaming about the different benefits these jobs could offer is a fun exercise: hybrid work, flexible hours, paid sick leave …

That last one may seem like just an extra benefit to those in the United States, but to many of my friends abroad, the idea of not having any national guarantee of paid time off for sick days is inconceivable. 

For years, the U.S. has lagged in many workers’ rights areas, including paid sick leave. Analysis from the World Policy Center shows that as of 2022, paid sick leave laws are commonplace across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, with many countries guaranteeing six weeks or more of paid sick leave.

Since its 2001 screen release, “Shrek” has captured the hearts of millions of fans thanks to its heartwarming story, unconventional premise and sharp humor.

Seven years after the film debuted, DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions brought the beloved story to the stage with “Shrek: The Musical,” written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and composed by Jeanine Tesori.

This summer, the stage adaptation, produced by Tom Larson and Coral Bode, came to Minnesota at the Fridley Community Theater, running from July 24 through Aug. 1. 

With the addition of 50 new players from the transfer portal and the freshman class, the Minnesota Gophers football team is looking to create competition, developing a strong connection and chemistry between teammates in the process. 

The team welcomed 19 transfer players from various colleges, as well as 31 freshman recruits for the upcoming season. These new players are fighting for returning players’ positions. Starting is not guaranteed. This competition has turned team leaders and veterans into mentors, initiating new players into the culture of Gopher football.

At the team’s media day on Wednesday, Coach P.J. Fleck said the team they have built is a sponge that continues to soak in information and adapt. Fleck saw a better transition this season than in the past.

“The transition has been way smoother than in the past because they are true fits,” Fleck said.