Stories from July 14, 2023

What you need to know about aspartame and cancer
This week, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer reclassified the sugar substitute as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Minnesota Republicans still owe the Mayo Civic Center for last year’s state convention as the party nears a decision on its 2024 event. Democrats paid the same venue the rental fee last fall for its convention. Republicans have more than $21,000 in remaining rental costs. This is the evening update from MPR News for Friday, July 14, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
Arts Briefs: Musicians in masks
In this week’s Arts Briefs, Target Field labor issues, new music from Lucy Michelle and the next season of performing arts at the Walker. Also, in Absolute Bleeding Edge: Did Jimi Hendrix breed musical wolves?
Droughts, wildfire smoke clouds outlook for agriculture - and concern for farmers’ health
The increasing drought and smoke from Canadian wildfires are adding to Minnesota farmers’ challenges this summer. But there’s a debate over whether the smoke may actually help as it shields already drought-stressed crops.
Megachurches are getting even bigger as churches close across the country
At a time when empty pews are forcing churches across the country to close, megachurches are largely bucking that trend — attracting younger, more vibrant and more diverse congregations.
Gabby Douglas aims a comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The last time a female gymnast over age 20 won gold in the Olympics' landmark all-around was in 1972. Douglas took gold in that event in 2012.
Student loan forgiveness is on the way for more than 800,000 borrowers
The loan forgiveness comes after past mishandling of income-driven repayment plans, which were designed for low-income borrowers. The move will erase $39 billion in federal student loan debt.
Minnesota Republicans thin on money as parties gear up for 2024
Minnesota Republicans have a tiny bank balance and still owe rent for the 2022 state convention. The party chair says the fundraising picture is perking up though.
Mid-summer dryness contrasts early year flooding
Heavy flooding and record precipitation that began at the start of the year has practically run out with cities across the state recording precipitation deficits of five inches or more. We would need to see at least two to three times the normal rainfall through the rest of July and August to balance these deficits.
I-94 closure among weekend road work in the Twin Cities
A stretch of Interstate 94 in the east metro will be closed this weekend, along with part of Fairview Avenue in Roseville, Minn. A major road closure will begin Monday in Stillwater, Minn.
Rainfall recap; details on Minnesota, Wisconsin air quality alerts
We have some rainfall totals from Thursday afternoon and evening. Some areas have a chance of rain later Friday. We also have details on the air quality alerts for Minnesota and Wisconsin and the weekend weather outlook.
An air quality alert has been issued for all of Minnesota from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, as another wave of wildfire smoke from Canada moves into the region. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Sun, tourism and fashion: Goldstein Museum of Design connects them in new exhibit
Experience the history and evolution of sun-inspired fashion from the 19th century to the present, as captured in the “Solar Flair: Dressing for the Sun” exhibition at the Goldstein Museum of Design, where societal norms, beauty ideals and technology intersect in the form of beachwear.
Nature-based preschools encourage kids to connect with the world around them
Dodge Nature Preschool in West St. Paul was one of the first nature-based preschools in the country that helps kids learn and connect to nature year-round. The number of these schools has more than quadrupled since some of the first started in the early 2000s.