Stories from August 5, 2022

'The most progress we will have made — ever': Climate scientists heartened by Senate climate deal
Climate scientist and author Michael Mann tells Climate Cast, that while it stops short of the 50 percent emissions drop we need, the climate deal now poised to pass the Senate will be “the most progress we will have made in addressing the climate crisis — ever — from the standpoint of Congressional action.”
Court says state senator can remain on primary ballot
The state Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Sen. Gene Dornink’s residency in a southern Minnesota district. Justices said the case wasn’t filed promptly and it was too close to the election.
A first-of-its kind affordable housing complex with childcare center breaks ground
A new affordable housing project with a childcare center began construction this week in St. Louis Park. It comes at a time when rising housing prices, inflation, and supply chain shortages continue to push homeownership out of reach for many. MPR News host Nina Moini discussed the Rise on 7 project and the increasingly dire state of housing with Deidre Schmidt, president and CEO of CommonBond Communities.
Three people died in a crash between a semi and an SUV on Thursday evening at an intersection in western Minnesota.
Five people — including some children — were injured Friday morning when a car crashed into a group of bicyclists riding on a county road in south-central Minnesota.
Minnesota’s COVID plateau - a new normal?
Perhaps this plateau has become our new normal. But the relatively steady statewide trends overall can mask important variations in communities throughout the state.
Funeral director Caleb Wilde on 'All the Ways Our Dead Still Speak'
Is the promise of heaven a coping mechanism that allows us to avoid the inevitable truth of our own mortality? In his new book, funeral director, theology student and author Caleb Wilde shares his thoughtful, unexpected and ultimately hopeful reflections about death, the afterlife and staying connected with those we’ve lost.
Mall of America reopens following gunfire, lockdown
The Mall of America reopened Friday as police continued to search for two people connected to gunfire inside the massive complex that sent shoppers and employees running for cover the day before.
World's biggest rubber duck: A Duluth man's quacky idea has outsized impact
The world’s largest rubber duck was created nearly a decade ago by a Duluth entrepreneur. This weekend it’s back in the region at the tall ships festival in Two Harbors.
Hot Friday; heavy rain potential this weekend
Nineties return to southern Minnesota Friday with gusty south winds. Showers and thunderstorms develop for the weekend with the potential for locally heavy rain. Cooler temperatures set in Sunday into Monday.
More NCAA leagues to pay women’s basketball referees equally
The NCAA earned praise last year when it agreed to pay referees at its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments equally. The gesture only cost about $100,000, a tiny fraction of the roughly $900 million networks pay annually to broadcast March Madness.
Hotter and more humid Friday; weekend rain, thunder
Hot and more humid air returns Friday. Scattered storms will develop in northern Minnesota Friday afternoon. The chance of rain and thunder increases south as well into Saturday and Sunday.
Get ready to look up in the night sky at all those meteor showers
The Perseids, the most popular meteor shower, will soon reach its peak. For best visibility, make sure you find a dark location and avoid light pollution from cities.
Old books, new perspectives: Program aims to diversify rare books field
The rare and antiquarian books field has historically been dominated by white men, and difficult to enter for anyone without a prior connection. A new fellowship at a Minnesota rare book seminar is aimed at bringing more diverse voices into the industry.
GOP governors sent buses of migrants to D.C. — with no plan for what came next
For months, governors of Texas and Arizona have been sending charter buses full of migrants to Washington D.C. Neither the local nor federal government greets them when they arrive.
New data sheds light on one method to combat election lies
Positive messaging about democratic values like freedom and unity seems to have a meaningful effect on whether voters say they trust voting results.
Leveled by an April tornado, Taopi is coming back to life
Four months after an EF2 tornado ripped through Taopi, the tiny southern Minnesota town is seeing new foundations being poured and new roofs going up on homes. Residents say they have hope for their town’s future.