Stories from July 24, 2023

Hottest week of summer ahead; 100 degrees possible
A major heat wave is building into the Upper Midwest. A ridge of high pressure will amplify in the upper atmosphere across the central U.S. this week. Minnesota will ride the top of this heat dome.
Democrats eye Wisconsin high court's new liberal majority to win abortion and redistricting rulings
Wisconsin's Supreme Court will flip from majority conservative to liberal control in August and Democrats have high hopes the change will lead to the state's abortion ban being overturned and its maps redrawn to weaken GOP control of the Legislature and congressional districts.
Minnesota braces for the impact of marijuana legalization, now just days away, and the hottest days of the year are upon us. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
The streaming model is cratering — here's how that's hurting actors, writers and fans
Streamers have been removing content from their platforms lately — and they're canceling series after just one season. "It's soul-crushing," says one creator. "There is nothing we can do."
Citation: Vikings' top draft pick told trooper a dog emergency prompted speeding on I-94
Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick Jordan Addison told a state trooper last week that he was speeding on Interstate 94 in St. Paul because of an emergency at home involving his dog.
Improving response to domestic violence in Minnesota
The way domestic violence cases are handled in Minneapolis is drawing criticism after a study found some big gaps in the process. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the author of the report and someone who works with survivors and abusers.
Minnesota prepares as heat wave may bring 100-degree temperatures to the state
Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 90s — possibly even exceeding 100 degrees — across parts of the state in the coming days, accompanied by increased humidity. Officials are urging people to take steps to keep themselves safe in the heat.
How to recover after a job layoff
Thousands of Minnesotans have lost their jobs and their livelihoods this summer in a string of layoffs at Allina Health, 3M and Wells Fargo. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the job market and how to recover from a layoff. 
Concern about crops sprouts amid extreme drought, heat
Extreme drought and sweltering heat are sowing trouble for Minnesota corn crops and backyard gardens alike. Nick Peterson, a member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association Board of Directors and a farmer in Clear Lake, says it’s been a “trying summer” due to the complicated conditions.
Isolated thunderstorm, improving air quality Monday; hot all week
Southerly winds should improve air quality slowly through the day Monday. It’ll be hot with highs near 90 south and west. An isolated thunderstorm is possible later in the day.
Heat arrives; smoky skies and spotty thunderstorm chances
We will have some isolated thunderstorms Monday as hot air moves into Minnesota. Highs will be in the 90s south and 80s north. Smoke is also creating air quality issues Monday.
Marijuana isn’t legal in Minnesota quite yet, but already around the state, communities are pumping the brakes on retail cannabis sales until details of state rules on the licensing process are hammered out. And officers are stressing that driving high could result in a DWI – and possibly endanger others on the road. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why
A diet composed of 80 percent ultra-processed foods led one British doctor to gain weight and feel unwell. Now, he's trying to nail down the health effects of this type of diet, which many Americans eat.
Minnesota cops on guard for ‘high way’ drivers in new marijuana era
When recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota next week, law enforcement agencies expect an uptick in use. Officers are stressing that driving high could result in a DWI – and possibly endanger others on the road.
Buying time, cities temporarily ban cannabis sales
Marijuana isn’t legal in Minnesota quite yet but communities around the state are already pumping the brakes on retail cannabis sales as they await details on state licensing.