Stories from July 26, 2022

Union Pacific will spend more than $1 billion to upgrade 600 of its old diesel locomotives over the next three years and make them more efficient, but regulators still want it to do more to cut pollution from its engines.
North Dakota abortion clinic prepares for likely final day
North Dakota’s only abortion clinic is preparing for what could be its final day of performing procedures, with a trigger ban due to take effect Thursday that will likely force patients to travel hundreds of miles to receive care pending the clinic’s relocation across the border to Minnesota.
A growing number of Americans are questioning the value of going to college
A new poll on adults' perceptions of higher education shows a sharp partisan divide and a decline in the share of Americans who think colleges and universities have a positive impact on the nation.
Indiana doctor says she has been harassed for giving an abortion to a 10-year-old
The harassment began soon after her young patient became flashpoint in the national debate over abortion, Dr. Caitlin Bernard told NPR. "It's honestly been very hard for me, for my family," she said.
3M makes a big move with health care spinoff plans and DFLer Walz reports a ninefold funding advantage over his Republican gubernatorial rival Scott Jensen. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
A Hennepin County judge on Tuesday partly reversed course and is now allowing city leaders to implement the controversial Minneapolis 2040 plan while they appeal a lawsuit from its opponents.
Ready, set, spend? Campaign accounts bulging as races heat up
As campaign raising turns to spending, DFLers are out front of Republicans in several key races on this year’s Minnesota ballot.
Ep. 12 In a state of disconnection
Civil rights icon Josie Johnson says it's important for African Americans in Minnesota to connect with each other.  However, that can be particularly tough for African Americans new to the state.  Guests offer ways to build those intra-racial relationships and build a stronger sense of community for Black Minnesotans. 
The power of Black male educators
Research has shown that having teachers and school staff of color can help students of color succeed. But nationally only seven percent of teachers are Black, and only two percent are Black men. American Public Media special correspondent Lee Hawkins talks about identity, curriculum, recruitment and more with four Black men who are educators.
From the archives: Quan Barry on her debut novel, 'She Weeps Each Time You're Born'
Poet and novelist Quan Barry returns to MPR News this Friday for Big Books and Bold Ideas. This time, she’ll talk about her new novel, “When I’m Gone Look for Me in the East,” which follows two brothers on a quest in the wilds of Mongolia. To whet you appetite, enjoy this 2015 conversation between Barry and host Kerri Miller when they discuss her novel set in Vietnam, “She Weeps Each Time You’re Born.”
Klondike discontinues Choco Taco
Those trying to beat the heat with some nice cold ice cream during the summer no longer have the Choco Taco to turn to, as Klondike has announced it’s discontinuing the treat.
Some showers Tuesday; pleasant temperatures through Friday
Tuesday brings some scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially north and west. Wednesday will yield a couple instability, pop-up showers or thunderstorms. Temperature remain pleasant through Friday before heating back up.
Trump returning to Washington to deliver speech on crime
Former President Donald Trump is returning to Washington for the first time since leaving office. Trump will address the America First Policy Institute’s two-day America First Agenda Summit.
EU reaches deal to ration gas amid Russian cut-off fears
European Union governments agreed Tuesday to ration natural gas this winter to protect themselves against any further supply cuts by Russia as Moscow pursues its invasion of Ukraine.
Because of Texas abortion law, her wanted pregnancy became a medical nightmare
New, untested abortion bans have made doctors unsure about treating some pregnancy complications. That's led to life-threatening delays, and trapped families in a limbo of grief and helplessness.
A Ramsey County judge on Monday gave a 16-year sentence to a teen convicted in the shooting death of a man during a robbery in St. Paul. Mekhi Speed is the cousin of Amir Locke, 22, whom Minneapolis police killed Feb. 2 while executing a no-knock search warrant to gather evidence in the investigation. Locke was not involved in the case. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Few showers Tuesday; nice through Friday
We’ll have scattered showers, mainly for the northern half of Minnesota Tuesday. Temperatures and dew points remain comfortable through Friday before heating back up.
Russia aims new air strikes at Black Sea coastal targets
Russia has targeted Ukraine’s Black Sea regions of Odesa and Mykolaiv with air strikes, hitting private buildings and port infrastructure. Ukraine’s military said that the Kremlin’s forces used air-launched missiles in Tuesday's attack.
The power of Beyoncé is about to change music... again
Due out this Friday, July 29, Beyoncé's “Act I Renaissance” has generated a massive wave of anticipation. In this round-table discussion, we breakdown why we're excited, why it matters and what we might expect.
St. Louis County takes first step to drop controversial jail medical provider, expand services with St. Luke's
The county board gave preliminary approval to a contract with St. Luke's Hospital of Duluth that would expand medical and mental health services in the jail, ending the county’s 10-year relationship with MEnD Correctional Care.
Advocates push Minneapolis to provide money to support abortion access
The effort comes after some abortion funds report an increase in people who need help paying for the procedure and travel costs, including those from other states.
Michigan medical students walk out on an anti-abortion keynote speaker
A petition had circulated before Sunday's white coat ceremony asking the university to remove the speaker, a physician who directs the school's Health, Spirituality and Religion program.
U.S. to plant 1 billion trees as climate change kills forests
The Biden administration on Monday said the government will plant more than one billion trees across millions of acres of burned and dead woodlands in the U.S. West, as officials struggle to counter the increasing toll on the nation's forests from wildfires, insects and other manifestations of climate change.
Wisconsin disabled voters file federal lawsuit over ballots
Four people in Wisconsin with disabilities have filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to ensure that they'll be able to get help turning in their ballots, even though the conservative-controlled state Supreme Court said no one other than the voter can return absentee ballots in person.