Stories from August 2, 2022

Cooler, less humid Wednesday as extreme heat ebbs
Wednesday’s Canadian air mass will produce highs in the upper 80s in southern Minnesota, but comfortable 70s will be the rule up north. Thursday brings another comfortable summer day. Highs hit 90 again by Friday in southern and western Minnesota.
What leaked audio tells us about Trump-linked "election integrity" efforts
Attorney Cleta Mitchell came under scrutiny after taking part in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Now she's hosting "election integrity" events that have included officials from the RNC.
An investigation is underway into how petroleum got into the sanitary sewer system under the University of Minnesota's east bank campus, where dozens of buildings, including athletic stadiums and businesses, were evacuated across a wide area. The incident comes about a month after an explosion blew off manhole covers in the same area. This is an MPR News evening update for Tuesday, August 2. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Life hacks from India on how to stay cool (without an air conditioner)
Heat wave researcher Gulrez Shah Azhar grew up in Uttar Pradesh, India, without an A/C unit. He shares tips on how to deal with the heat — including wearing a wet scarf around your neck.
Meet the Candidate: Mary Moriarty runs for Hennepin County Attorney
For the first time in 24 years, voters in Hennepin County are voting for a new county attorney. There are a record seven candidates running for office and Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer is talking to every single one of them.
Same-sex marriage plaintiff Obergefell runs for Ohio office
Jim Obergefell, whose landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationally, is hoping he and fellow Democrats can make gains in the Ohio Statehouse this year with a message grounded in equality.
A bumper crop of politics at Farmfest
At a sweltering summer gathering for farmers, a host of politicians made their pitch a week before Minnesota’s primary election. 
From the archives: Sunita Puri on living — and dying — well
This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature a conversation between host Kerri Miller and author Caleb Wilde, a sixth-generation funeral director who’s written a new book, “All the Ways Our Dead Still Speak.” It hearkens back to a 2019 discussion Miller had with Dr. Sunita Puri, about her poetic and practical book, "That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour." Modern medicine can help us live longer. But can it help us die well?
Bicycling and bike routes surging ahead in Minnesota
Are you riding a bike more? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a bicycle advocate and a bike educator about the jump in pandemic pedaling and how streets and trails are changing to encourage more biking.
Minnesota benefits from historic electric grid investment
The state’s grid is slated for a $2 billion upgrade. It’s part of a $10 billion investment in the region’s grid — the largest in U.S. history.
Ep. 14 Do we have a thing?
This episode of Untangled Roots was inspired by a conversation between co-hosts Brandt Williams and Jonathan Rabb. If you had a friend coming to town and they said “I want to do the Black ‘thing’ in town,” what would you tell them to do? Cities with larger Black communities often have at least one ‘thing’ - like a unique cultural festival or some other draw for Black people. Do we have a thing? Do we need a thing?
Petroleum leak forces evacuations on U Twin Cities campus
Contractors working in sewer tunnels around 5th and Oak streets Tuesday morning reported their gas monitor alarms sounded and they saw and smelled petroleum. The source is still unknown. Officials lifted the evacuation order at about 4:30 p.m.
Twins stock up with starter Mahle, relievers López, Fulmer
The Minnesota Twins have bolstered their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring closer Jorge López in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles for four pitching prospects. The 29-year-old López is in the middle of a breakout season.
Monkeypox isn't going away any time soon. Here are signs to look for and how to avoid it
Monkeypox infections are continuing to climb in the United States. Illinois and California declared states of emergency Monday, and the World Health Organization says the outbreak is a global health emergency. But what does the disease look like in Minnesota, and who’s at risk?
Meet the Candidate: Tad Jude runs for Hennepin County Attorney
For the first time in 24 years, voters in Hennepin County are voting for a new county attorney. There are a record seven candidates running for office and Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer is talking to every single one of them.
Very hot Tuesday with possible storms overnight; cooler Wednesday
Expect triple-digit heat indices Tuesday with relief on Wednesday. Thunderstorms are possible, mainly north, overnight into Wednesday as a cool front drops temperatures and dew points temporarily.
Prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man with first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly fatally stabbing a teenage boy and wounding four other people while tubing down a western Wisconsin river over the weekend. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Authorities say a security guard fatally shot a man who reportedly was trying to stab a woman with a knife late Monday night in Brooklyn Park.
In one rural Minnesota town, old buildings get new life as arts spaces
There are only a few buildings left in the center of Farwell, Minn. — and as of this summer four of them have been renovated and rededicated to the arts. It's bringing new energy to that part of rural Minnesota. 
Excessive heat Tuesday; storms possible overnight
A steamy Tuesday is in store for us as both the temperature and the dew point rise to levels not seen in weeks. Heat index values will reach 100 degrees or more for many places in southern and western Minnesota. Storms are possible overnight Tuesday night.
Farmfest forums: Congressional candidates on agriculture and rural issues
The Farmfest agricultural expo in Redwood County will play host to several forums featuring Election 2022 candidates. On Tuesday, several candidates from Minnesota’s 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th Congressional Districts will discuss issues impacting agriculture and rural parts of the state.
Farmfest forums: 1st Congressional District candidates
The Farmfest agricultural expo in Redwood County will play host to several forums featuring Election 2022 candidates. On Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., candidates for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District seat will speak ahead of an upcoming special election.
Fargo house will research hemp construction material
Two new homes under construction in Fargo are offering researchers a chance to answer questions about the viability of hemp as a construction material. The homes are identical in size and layout, but one has hemp filled walls, while the other has fiberglass insulation.
Pelosi has landed in Taiwan. Here's why that's a big deal
Local media in Taiwan reported the U.S. House speaker will arrive in Taipei on Tuesday night, becoming the highest-ranking elected U.S. official to visit in more than 25 years.
Bipartisan compromise bill would restore abortion rights
While the bill is not expected to pass — and is unlikely to even get a vote — the legislation introduced by two Republicans and two Democrats on Monday is intended to send a signal to state legislatures and the public that a majority of the Senate supports codifying Roe, even if they can’t get the necessary 60 votes to pass it in the 50-50 Senate.