Democracy Dies in Darkness – Years like this one may soon be remembered as relatively mild in comparison to what future years could hold.
On July 14, 2026, at 8:28 p.m. EDT, a significant weather event unfolded in Minneapolis. A construction worker there rinsed his hands during an extreme heat warning. (Ellen Schmidt/AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
By Satish Desai, Minnesota Reformer
The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization. It is committed to keeping Minnesotans informed and uncovering stories that other outlets might overlook.
In early July, a heat wave scorched the Eastern half of the United States. Just before this, I reached out to an old friend living in Northern England. At that time, much of Europe was enveloped in a heat dome.
The day before I messaged him, the U.K. experienced its hottest day on record. This record was shattered the day I reached out, and again the following day.