Stories from July 17, 2019

LGBTQ Americans could be at higher risk for dementia, study finds
Research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Convention found that LGBTQ Americans are three times more likely to experience cognitive decline than their non-LGBTQ counterparts.
A Minnesota man who admitted he hacked into state government databases in 2017 because he was angry after a police officer was acquitted of fatally shooting Philando Castile has been sentenced to five years of probation.
Tru Shrimp had planned to build a multi-million-dollar shrimp production facility in Luverne, in southwestern Minnesota. But in January, the Minnesota-based company told Luvene officials it was building in South Dakota instead.
If we all ate enough fruits and vegetables, there'd be big shortages
There's already not enough produce for everyone in the world to get the daily recommended amount. Two new studies urge revamping the food system to feed the growing population and protect the planet.
2nd Democratic primary debate: See which candidates made the cut
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock will make the stage, taking the place of California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who dropped out last week. The lineup for each night of the July 30-31 event will come Thursday.
As part of the settlement, the diocese agreed to make public the names and files of clergy who have been accused of abuse. That information will be released at a later date.
CenturyLink under state investigation after hundreds of complaints
The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety is investigating CenturyLink over hundreds of complaints that the utility failed to respond to requests to locate underground cabling.
East River Parkway, trail closed by mudslide near U of M
Minneapolis park officials have closed a portion of a popular recreational trail and parkway after a mudslide. East River Parkway and nearby path are closed from the Washington Avenue bridge to Arlington Street, just below the University of Minnesota campus on the east bank of the Mississippi River.
Minnesotans targeted by 'go back' taunts say the sting never leaves
When President Trump tweeted that four congresswomen of color should “go back” to other countries, we asked our readers and listeners if they had ever been told the same.
Appetites: ‘Everything tastes better outside’
Naturalist Kelsey Olson loves cooking food outdoors. She also knows it can be a little intimidating if you haven’t tried it before. Here are a few tips and a couple recipes to try.
Apple, Google continue inclusive push with new emojis
Apple and Google are rolling out dozens of new emojis that include cute critters, of course, but also expand the number of images of human diversity.
Two veteran staffers at the Minnesota Department of Human Services rescinded their announced resignations Wednesday, days after Commissioner Tony Lourey stepped down.
Edina adds pledge. Another resignation. A plane crash.
Newest State Fair treat: An air-conditioned building
The $16 million project features a huge exhibit hall, a gallery and a 24-foot “Corn Fairstalk” highlighting the state’s corn farming industry. It will be the largest climate-controlled space on the fairgrounds.
According to their label’s website, the band got their start when Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada went looking for a singer to team up with. A friend introduced him to Eric Burton, who was busking on the streets of Austin, Texas.
What has the conflict between Israel and Palestine meant to individuals from each country? MPR News host Kerri Miller asks Palestinian author Yousef Bashir and Israeli author Yossi Klein Halevi.
EU investigates if Amazon hurts competition by using sellers' data
The European Union's antitrust arm will evaluate Amazon's role as both a retailer and a marketplace for others. One focus will be on Amazon's use of data collected from third-party sellers.
This economic theory could be used to pay for the Green New Deal
Liberal Democrats have embraced an obscure brand of economics — "modern monetary theory" — to make the case for deficit-financed government programs like the Green New Deal for clean energy and jobs.
Another Department of Human Services departure. Former hostage dies. Flash flood update.
5 new lawsuits filed in fatal school explosion
The lawsuits say CenterPoint Energy and Master Mechanical knew their work at Minnehaha Academy was "hazardous and abnormally dangerous" but "failed to inspect and close shut-off valves" upstream from a gas meter.
There is a slight risk for severe weather in both northern and southern Minnesota. The latest outlook form NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center puts the Twin Cities in the marginal risk zone between areas of slight risk to the north and south.
Seeing Apollo through the eyes of astronauts
Five former NASA astronauts who flew on space missions reflect on some of the awe-inspiring photos from Apollo 11, the first lunar landing flight.
State records say Jake Patterson was moved Monday, but do not say where or why he was transferred. The Department of Corrections says his location is not being disclosed for his safety.
DNR seeks input on managing Mille Lacs fishery
Officials want feedback from anglers, business owners and others with a stake in the health of the iconic walleye lake, which is co-managed by eight Ojibwe bands that retain fishing rights.
Born on a Butterfield farm, Bruce Laingen, 96, was the highest-ranking official held captive when student revolutionaries stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979 and took 52 Americans hostage.
In Minneapolis' tight housing market, does tenant screening go too far?
Proposed restrictions on criminal background checks and security deposits are pitting Minneapolis landlords against tenants and their supporters on the City Council.
Flash flood watch Wednesday night
Flash flood watch issued.
John Paul Stevens, former Supreme Court justice, dies at age 99
Stevens’ influence was felt on issues including abortion rights, protecting consumers and placing limits on the death penalty. He led the high court’s decision to allow terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay to plead for their freedom in U.S. courts.