Stories from July 13, 2022

Group offers recommendations for St. Paul rent stabilization
The 41-member stakeholder group was made up of residents, real estate professionals and advocates for renters or affordable housing, among others.
Landmark rent control regulations are falling into place in St. Paul, as panel fleshes out a voter initiative before the city council. Also, GOP gubernatorial contender says he’s ready to roll back Democratic environmental measures. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
First Native American appointed to University of Minnesota Board of Regents
Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Tadd Johnson to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, the first Native American ever to serve on the university’s governing board in more than 170 years.
Pharmacies can't discriminate on reproductive health scripts
The Biden administration is warning pharmacies not to discriminate against women who may seek reproductive health prescriptions, including some that might be involved in ending a pregnancy.
New Minnesota rape kit tracking system promises more accountability
The new program helps survivors track the status of their sexual assault kits, after a push for more transparency in how the kits are tracked and stored.
Court rulings put spotlight on abortion issue in governor’s race
After monumental court decisions on the federal and state level, abortion is an issue in the race for Minnesota governor. Incumbent Democrat Tim Walz says he will defend access to abortion, while his likely Republican opponent Scott Jensen has been softening his rhetoric around his opposition to the procedure.
After lengthy investigation, DNA identifies man found dead in Rosemount in 2014
He’d been dead for as much as a year, after apparently living in an abandoned railroad shed in Rosemount. And for years, after his remains were found in September 2014, nobody knew his name. Now, thanks to a DNA match, he’s finally been identified.
World Axe and World Knife Throwing Leagues host U.S. Open tournament in Minneapolis
The World Axe and World Knife throwing leagues are hosting their U.S. Open Tournament this weekend in Minneapolis. Mario Zelaya joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the sport and the tournament this weekend.
This week’s headlines on the war in Ukraine include intensified attacks on civilians in the Donetsk province, the U.N.’s monitoring for violations against children, and U.S. military aid that may not be as generous as expected. To explore these stories and more, MPR News reporter Tim Nelson talked with his longtime friend and colleague Brian Bonner in Ukraine.
Brian Bonner on the latest headlines from the war in Ukraine
This week’s headlines on the war in Ukraine include intensified attacks on civilians in the Donetsk province, the U.N.’s monitoring for violations against children, and U.S. military aid that may not be as generous as expected. To explore these stories and more, MPR News reporter Tim Nelson talked with his longtime friend and colleague Brian Bonner in Ukraine.
Paul Huttner with weather details for July 13, 2022
It’s been a hot and steamy week with some surprising pop-up storms. Let’s get the details and the forecast with MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner.
Sunny, comfy Wednesday; Friday thunderstorm chances, weekend heat
A nice Wednesday with sunshine and more stable conditions. Thursday will also bring sun but it will become a bit warmer with muggy air returning late in the day. We’ll have the chance of thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday. Heat builds in over the weekend.
Dr. Joi on Minnesota's Black liberation movement
Dr. Joi is a community healer, speaker, and founder of Joi Unlimited and the Healing Justice Foundation and author of the book “Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care.” Listen to her conversation with Shvonne Johnson on her new organization based in Minneapolis called Pimento Relief Services and leading Black liberation work in Minnesota. 
St. Paul expands efforts to replace lead water lines
St. Paul is using money from the federal infrastructure law to replace lead water lines at no cost to homeowners.
Storm brought spectacular, ominous clouds and welcome rain to Twin Cities
A blustery cold front pushed a remarkable cloud formation across the Twin Cities on Tuesday night, prompting a flurry of social media postings and appreciation for the spectacle. MPR News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says the cloud wasn’t threatening, even if it looked that way.
There’s gonna be a lot more ice cream at the Minnesota State Fair when the gates open August 25.  The fair unveiled its new foods Tuesday, the annual preview of the dizzying array of new eating and drinking options at the 12-day gathering and eat-a-thon. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Sunshine Wednesday; rain early Friday?
Wednesday will be more settled with abundant sunshine and comfortable dew points. Northeast Minnesota could see one or two stray showers. Thunderstorms are possible early Friday before things heat up this weekend.
How Russia's current war in Ukraine echoes its Crimean War of the 1850s
Russia had a more powerful army. It didn't think the West would intervene. The invasion was poorly planned. We're not talking about Russia's current war, but about Russia's Crimean War in the 1850s.
Aerial Powers had career highs of 35 points and 12 rebounds, Rachel Banham added season highs of 25 points and seven assists, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 118-107 in two overtimes.
Biden heads to Mideast jittery about Iranian nuclear program
Joe Biden starts the first visit to the Middle East of his presidency with a monumental task: assuring uneasy Israeli and Saudi Arabian officials he's committed to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power. 
Three things to know about health insurance coverage for abortion
Even before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, whether a health plan paid for abortion varied widely. Now it's become even more complex, with conflicts and court challenges on the horizon.
No retreat in the summer heat. Inflation blistering at 9.1% in June
Record gasoline prices pushed inflation to a new, 40-year high last month. The Labor Department reported Wednesday that inflation hit 9.1 percent for the 12 months ending in June.