Stories from July 25, 2023

Air quality and heat alerts are popping up as Minnesota leans into peak summer in the days ahead, and educators say they’re starting to see signs of recovery from the pandemic in Minnesota student achievement. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minneapolis expands program to prevent child homelessness
A Minneapolis program designed to help prevent kids’ families from becoming homeless is expanding for the next school year, with the aim of helping twice as many families with children to avoid experiencing homelessness. 
Severe storm waves with hail and damaging winds likely overnight
Short-range forecast models strongly suggest a cluster of severe storms will cross Minnesota from northwest to southeast overnight.
Jury hears testimony in 2017 police shooting civil suit
A federal jury is hearing testimony this week in a civil trial over the death of a man St. Paul police shot six years ago.
The Vikings are happy Danielle Hunter came to camp. Contract for star pass rusher still at issue
Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter reported to training camp Tuesday after skipping the offseason program, but his status with the club remains uncertain with his contract still an issue.
Biden's dog, Commander, has been biting Secret Service agents
The conservative group Judicial Watch obtained Secret Service emails complaining about Commander being aggressive. One bite sent an agent to the hospital.
Biking across Iowa: A Minnesotan checks in from RAGBRAI
This week, Iowans along a 500-mile stretch of road set up tents and tables to welcome a record-breaking 28,000 bicyclists crossing the state.
After big Minnesota United win, is Minnesota a 'soccer state?'
Andy Greder covers the team for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He talked with MPR News guest host Emily Bright about the team’s success, the Minnesota Aurora’s equally strong season and rising star power in Major League Soccer.
How rare is 100 degrees in the Twin Cities?
Forecast models are pushing temperatures close to the century mark across southern Minnesota Wednesday and Thursday, but 100 degrees in the Twin Cities does not typically occur every year.
Obamas' personal chef dies while paddleboarding in Martha's Vineyard
The body of Tarfari Campbell, 45, was recovered Monday after a two-day search in Edgartown Great Pond, near a home owned by the former president and first lady.
Crime writer S.A. Cosby loves the South — and is haunted by it
Cosby's novel “All the Sinners Bleed” centers on a Black sheriff in a small Southeast Virginia county. The novel was inspired by his own experiences growing up in the shadow of the Confederacy.
Minneapolis musician Kashimana sings of motherhood
MPR News guest host Emily Bright speaks with Minneapolis-based musician Kashimana about their new solo album, “Phantom Cries,” out this week.
Minnesota State Fair announces new attractions, events, upgrades for this year
Minnesota State Fair organizers have announced a slate of new attractions, improvements and upgrades for the 2023 fair — including a special morning session on the Mighty Midway and Kidway, aimed at visitors with sensory sensitivities.
How extreme heat impacts our mental health
MPR News host Emily Bright spoke with Dr. Kristi White, clinical health psychologist and professor at the University of Minnesota, about how extreme heat affects our mental health.
MPR News guest host Emily Bright speaks with Kelly Smith from Bloomington, Minn., about her book “Mindful in Minutes: Meditation for the Modern Family.”
Extreme heat's coming: Here's how to stay healthy
“If we don't pay attention to the symptoms and hydrate ourselves and get ourselves to a cooler place, we may get into a medical emergency, which is heatstroke,” a University of Minnesota doctor told MPR News Tuesday.
Very hot with scattered storms Tuesday night; air quality concerns linger
Highs Tuesday will be well into the 90s with muggier conditions. Scattered storms are possible Tuesday night with some becoming severe, especially west. Wednesday and Thursday will be hotter.
Anger grows in Ukraine's port city of Odesa after Russian bombardment hits beloved historic sites
In just a week, Russia has fired dozens of missiles and drones at the Odesa region of Ukraine, hitting the historic city center that had been largely spared since the beginning of the war.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Carlos Correa's RBI single in the 10th inning gives Twins a 4-3 win over Mariners
Carlos Correa’s flare to right field evaded a sliding Teoscar Hernández and scored automatic runner Donovan Solano as the Minnesota Twins won their second straight game in extra innings, beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in 10 innings.
Congregations leave United Methodist Church over defiance of LGBTQ+ bans
The largest mainline Protestant denomination in the U.S. is shrinking due to disputes over LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage. About 20 percent of United Methodist congregations have left in recent years.
New marijuana law likely to ignite legal challenges
Legal marijuana in Minnesota poses a range of issues around traffic stops and criminal cases that stem from use or possession. Prosecutors, police chiefs and defense attorneys are already looking at what might happen in court.
Poll: A majority of Americans support universal background checks, gun licensing and an assault weapons ban
The latest Mood of the Nation Poll shows that a bipartisan majority of Americans support universal background checks and gun licensing. A majority supports an assault weapons ban even while nearly half support eliminating most current gun laws.