Stories from July 7, 2023

In its first complete year of data reporting as required under state law, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found that Black people, mostly men, accounted for 126 of the 249 subjects counted in the report. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
This week’s roundup shows that COVID continues to wane in Minnesota, with low levels detected in wastewater plants throughout the state. In light of recent news we also take a look at firearm death rate and a new report showing a big increase in nonresident abortions in Minnesota last year.
July starts with drought, dry heat across Minnesota
Dew points are remarkably low for July, and dry air across the Upper Midwest and into Canada is exacerbating the problem, retired University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
'How to Look Wrong': The vibrant art of Ruben Nusz
An exhibition at Weinstein Hammons Gallery showcases 19 abstract paintings by Minneapolis artist Ruben Nusz, exploring themes of color theory, optical illusion, spatial logic, art history and pop culture, with inspirations drawn from a 15th-century Flemish painting, the arcade game Ms. Pac-Man and the humor of late Minnesota comedian Mitch Hedberg.
Weekend weather: Pleasant; rain chances later Sunday in northern MN
We have your updated weekend weather outlook, including which areas could see some rain. Drought conditions have expanded on the latest report from U.S. Drought Monitor.
Friday showers north and south; weekend warming trend
Scattered showers Friday will be across northern Minnesota and the southern part of the state with central Minnesota largely dry. Temperatures warm back up this weekend.
Scattered showers north Friday; spotty weekend chances
The first of a few disturbances will bring some showers to northern Minnesota Friday. Temps will still be mainly in the 70s, but normal or above normal readings return this weekend.
Hennepin County prosecutors on Thursday charged two teens with shooting fireworks at police during a night of chaos across Minneapolis over the Fourth of July holiday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Las Vegas just unveiled its new $2.3 billion spherical entertainment venue
The giant spherical structure displays a variety of animations, such as eyeballs, planets and fireworks. It is being billed as the world's largest spherical structure and the largest LED screen.
'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' singer CoCo Lee dies at 48
The Hong Kong-born vocalist and songwriter became the first person of Chinese descent to perform at the Oscars with a nominated song from the popular martial arts film.
Against all odds, the rare Devils Hole pupfish keeps on swimming
The Devils Hole pupfish's natural habitat is a single water-filled hole in a cave in the Nevada desert. Its numbers at one point dwindled to just 35 animals. How does it manage to survive?
After days of destruction, Macron blames a familiar bogeyman: video games
Violence has erupted across France after the fatal police shooting of a teen. President Macron has, in part, blamed video games, adding him to the list of leaders who have cited the debunked theory.
13 trans and nonbinary people making an impact in the Twin Cities and beyond
They’re pioneering gender-affirming health care, bringing trans and nonbinary representation to city and state government, paving the way for trans and nonbinary musicians and comedians, and more.
Unsafe Bemidji subsidized housing building evacuated, residents say they feel hopeless
All 47 residents of Red Pine Estates, a Bemidji subsidized housing facility, have now been evacuated from the building. Most of the renters are either elderly or people with disabilities and many said they have nowhere to go.