Stories from July 7, 2022

Yellowstone floods reveal forecasting flaws in warming world
Flooding that devastated Yellowstone National Park last month has generated calls from weather experts for changes to the way the government issues weather forecasts as extreme weather becomes more frequent.
Indiana's abortion laws may tighten before Legislature acts
Indiana’s abortion laws will likely be tightened even before the Legislature is expected to start debating additional abortion restrictions later this month.
If confirmed by the city council, Cedric Alexander would head a proposed Office of Community Safety that would oversee the police and fire departments, the city’s 911 system, as well as the existing violence prevention and emergency management offices.
A judge today sentenced former Minneapolis police officer to 20 years in prison for violating George Floyd’s civil rights. The sentence will be served concurrently with the 22-and-a-half years he is already serving for the murder and manslaughter of Floyd. This is the evening update for Thursday July 7th 2022, hosted by Stephanie Curtis. Music by Gary Meister.
Fargo clinic sues to stop North Dakota trigger ban
North Dakota’s law makes performing an abortion a class C felony, except in certain cases, such as saving the life of the patient. Providers could face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.
How to help those impacted by the Highland Park parade shooting
One way to help is by donating, whether to official community funds or verified fundraisers set up by families of those hurt or killed. Just be wary of scams, a city official warns.
Florida man sentenced in death threat to Minnesota Rep. Omar
A federal court judge sentenced a former Trump supporter to three years probation for an emailed threat to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and three other congresswomen.
Ep. 7  Making a way
Immigrants and refugees from Southeast Asia in a section of St. Paul, known as ‘Little Mekong’ have overcome hurdles and restrictions to create this unique enclave. 
Summer is a great time for birdwatching in Minnesota
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Sharon Stiteler, also known as the “Birdchick,” about what birds are nesting now in Minnesota, what you might be seeing in your backyard or the local park and how we can all protect bird habitat. 
Georgetown University made headlines back in 2017 when officials at the Washington D.C. university revealed that it had been involved in slavery. Lee Hawkins is journalist, musician and special correspondent for American Public Media. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about his reporting on the story.
Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson on Minnesota sports news
Wally is the publisher of Minnesota Score sports magazine and co-host of “10,000 Takes,” a sports talk show. Eric is the co-host of "10,000 Takes" and the Minnesota Vikings reporter for CBS Sports Radio’s “Eye on Football.” They joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the Minnesota baseball, soccer, hockey and more.
It’s summertime and Minnesota Now is highlighting community gatherings across the state. Today host Cathy Wurzer talked with Wone and Youa Vang, the co-creators of the Little Asia Market popping up this weekend.
Tenants say landlords are trying to get around St. Paul's new rent control law
St. Paul landlords are facing soaring inflation and energy costs but the city’s new rent control law is capping the amount they can charge for rent. Max Nesterak is Deputy Editor at The Minnesota Reformer and has covered the issue. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about his reporting.
Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges
The WNBA star admitted to bringing cannabis into Russia but said she had packed in a hurry and did not intend to break the law. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.
FAA to give airports $1 billion for terminals and upgrades
The Biden administration is giving nearly $1 billion to 85 airports across the country — including four in Minnesota — to expand and upgrade terminals and other facilities, using money approved in last year's huge infrastructure bill.
Rochelle Cox steps in as interim superintendent for Minneapolis Public Schools
Rochelle Cox is stepping into the role of interim superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to share the goals she has for her team and the district during her one-year term.
Humid with thunderstorms possible Thursday
Humid air and a frontal boundary will be the focus for some pop-up showers and thunderstorms midday Thursday into the afternoon and evening mainly across southern and western Minnesota.
Warm, muggy, spotty storms Thursday
With high dew points and a meandering frontal boundary, expect isolated to spotty showers and thunder to pop up for some in western and southern Minnesota Thursday. Highs will range from the 80s south to the 70s north.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will be sentenced Thursday afternoon for violating George Floyd’s civil rights. He faces between 20 and 25 years. This is a morning update for Thursday, July 7 from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
The pandemic has changed workplace fashion. What does that mean for you?
Many people traded in slacks for sweatpants during the worst of the pandemic and are now figuring out what to wear back to the office. Here's what that looks like, from Wall Street to Capitol Hill.
Vaughn, Garcia help White Sox rally, beat Twins 9-8 in 10
Andrew Vaughn tied the game with a two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Leury Garcia hit a game-ending single in the 10th to give the Chicago White Sox a 9-8 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
The Minnesota Wild re-signed defenseman Jake Middleton to a three-year, $7.35 million contract Wednesday. The 26-year-old Canadian split last season between San Jose and Minnesota, joining the Wild on March 21 in a trade for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen and a fifth-round selection this year.
Rudy Gobert arrives in Minnesota, after 9 seasons with Utah
The Timberwolves announced the acquisition of Rudy Gobert at a news conference in Minneapolis on Wednesday, when the trade that they agreed to make with the Utah Jazz last week could finally become official.
Russia taking 'operational pause' in Ukraine, analysts say
Foreign analysts say Russia may be temporarily easing its offensive in Ukraine as the Russian military attempts to reassemble its forces for a renewed assault.
Johnson resigns, remains UK prime minister for now
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to resign, ending an unprecedented political crisis over his future. Johnson had rebuffed calls by his Cabinet to step down in the wake of ethics scandals. 
What the U.S. can learn from abortion rights wins in Latin America
In the last two years, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia have decriminalized or fully legalized abortion. Here's what Latin America's green wave can teach the movement in the U.S.
The story of Fred the mastodon, who died looking for love
A mastodon named Fred, also known as the Buesching mastodon, is a distant relative of the modern elephant. His remains reveal the story of his life and violent end.
Nursing home robots dance, sing and watch for signs of trouble
The robots can remember faces and names, they can even sense facial cues to react in ways that could help those who become agitated or confused.