Stories from July 17, 2023

Veterans' PACT Act deadline approaching
The 2022 SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act expands benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and other toxic substances during the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. 
Storms possible Wednesday; 90s again next week?
The next chance for meaningful rain arrives Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Allina Health system will shed 350 jobs amid "unprecedented" financial challenges and Minneapolis is rethinking its options for the destroyed 3rd precinct police headquarters, a flashpoint for reform after it’s destruction in the wake of George Floyd’s death. This is an evening update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
8 things to do around the ‘Barbie’ premiere in Minnesota
Events include a pop-up closet at the Mall of America, a Barbie-themed rave in Minneapolis and parties ahead of movie screenings across the state.
Biden to meet Israel's Netanyahu after months of tension
The meeting is likely to happen by the end of the year, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. President Biden has expressed concern over Netanyahu's judicial proposals.
What Russia's Black Sea grain blockade could mean for Minnesota
Russia’s decision to pull out of the agreement to let Ukrainian grain shipments pass through the Black Sea could have ripple effects for Minnesota agribusiness firms such as Cargill, farmers and the East African community.
Morrison County deputy struck by vehicle is stable, improving
Deputy Brady Pundsack was directing traffic leaving from the Freedom Fest music festival in Pierz Saturday night when he was struck by an SUV.
'On the edge': Minnesota farmers, gardeners, cities wait to see if rain will curb worsening drought
Widespread rain expected soon could spare the region from seeing the most serious effects of drought. But a continued dry pattern could quickly make things worse for farmers and gardeners.
75 years ago, Hubert H. Humphrey called for Dems to 'walk into the bright sunshine of human rights'
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with author Samuel Freedman about his new book, “Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights.”
Exploring Minnesota’s natural underground wonders: caves
Minnesota is known for having 10,000 lakes but did you know the southeastern region of the state has 400 natural caves? Three cave experts invite you to explore Minnesota’s windows to the underworld.
Taylor Swift just made Billboard history, again
Swift became the first woman and third artist ever to have four of the Top 10 albums on Billboard's 200 chart. This latest milestone comes weeks after the release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”
Minneapolis police say a teenage girl was fatally shot in the city’s East Isles neighborhood early Monday morning.
Massive search is underway for missing children swept away in suburban Philadelphia flash flood
Crews in suburban Philadelphia on Monday intensified the search for a missing 9-month-old boy and his 2-year-old sister, swept away after weekend rains swelled the banks of a creek while they were driving to a barbecue with their family.
An experimental Alzheimer's drug outperforms one just approved by the FDA
In a large study, the experimental drug donanemab slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s by about 35 percent. That’s slightly better than the drug Leqembi, which was fully approved by the FDA on July 6.
Estes Enterprises: A Minnesota family business thriving for 50 years
Have you ever wondered about life behind the scenes in a family business? What is it like to work for mom and dad? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the second generation of Estes Enterprises, a Minnesota family business that just celebrated 50 years. 
Fargo officer Jake Wallin was just three months into his tenure as a police officer when he was fatally shot during a routine investigation of a car crash in Fargo on Friday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Lovely Monday; warmer again the rest of the week
A comfortable, smoke-free Monday. Then warmer and mostly dry for the rest of the week.
Kirilloff rallies Twins to 5-4 win over A's for a series sweep
Alex Kirilloff homered in the fifth inning and hit a three-run double in the seventh, rallying the Minnesota Twins to a 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics and a series sweep.
Thousands of authors urge AI companies to stop using work without permission
Nora Roberts, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Michael Chabon and Margaret Atwood are among those signing an Authors Guild letter asking artificial intelligence companies to get permission or offer compensation.
Written driver’s tests for new Minnesota residents going away
Starting Aug. 1, people moving to Minnesota will no longer have to take a written test to get a Minnesota driver’s license if they have a valid license from another state.
Rising interest rates challenge Minnesota home buyers, sellers
Rising interest rates have reshaped the housing market in Minnesota. There are still many more buyers than sellers, but bidding wars are rarer and prices are more stable.