Stories from July 27, 2023

Man who killed 1 Fargo officer, hurt 2, was interviewed about guns in 2021 after tip, FBI says
The heavily armed man who killed one Fargo police officer and wounded two as they were investigating a traffic stop had been interviewed about his guns in 2021 after the FBI received a tip, authorities said Thursday.
Sandford - Fairview health care merger, fighting opposition and delayed, has been called off and dangerous heat may give way to a third night of destructive storms this week. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
How much is climate change fueling intense heat across the world?
The heat is on for Minnesota this week and heat waves are making news across the world. How can scientists gauge when heat events are normal and when they’re fueled by climate change?
Minnesota sentencing commission hikes penalty for carjacking
The state panel that sets prison sentencing guidelines on Thursday raised the penalty from the level lawmakers approved earlier this year. The state is set to define the crime of carjacking beginning next week.
Fairview, Sanford call off health systems merger
“Without support for this transaction from certain Minnesota stakeholders, we have determined it is in the best interest of Sanford Health to discontinue the merger process,” Sanford’s CEO said Thursday. He did not say which stakeholders.
BCA completes testing on all sexual assault kits from 2015 inventory
Nearly eight years after the state asked local law enforcement agencies to send over all untested sexual assault kits, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Thursday those tests have been completed. 
Atop former monorail track, Minnesota Zoo's new Treetop Trail set to open
On the structure that once supported enclosed monorail trains, the new open-air, at-your-own-pace Treetop Trail loops for more than a mile through the forest canopy at the 485-acre zoo in Apple Valley, Minn.
Fond du Lac Band sues 3M and other companies over PFAS pollution
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa alleges manufacturers and distributors of the chemicals, which were used to make firefighting foam that was used for decades near the Fond du Lac reservation, have threatened “the health, welfare and rights of the Band.”
Supporting child care workers, one small town at a time
MPR News guest host Emily Bright speaks with a panel of experts about child care challenges, solutions and resources in northwest Minnesota.
'It's going to be life-changing': UPS workers win air-conditioned trucks in new contract
A union representative and former UPS driver in Minnesota says heatwaves can be brutal for delivery drivers, especially those in rural areas who get little reprieve indoors during their 13-hour shifts.
Here's why Niger's coup matters to the U.S.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns the U.S. partnership with Niger depends on “democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.” Niger is vital to U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa.
Creating equity and opportunity in state government
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two new state leaders responsible for making sure Minnesota state government policies are equitable and its workforce is diverse.
Drought expands; excessive heat and severe storms possible Thursday
Drought conditions have expanded in Minnesota, although the latest drought monitor doesn’t include Tuesday and Wednesday rainfalls. Expect excessive heat and severe storms Thursday.
Biden looks to provide relief from extreme heat as record temperatures persist across U.S.
President Joe Biden plans to announce new steps to address the extreme heat that has threatened millions of Americans, most recently in the Southwest. The White House says officials are working on worker protections, improved weather forecasts and more accessible drinking water.
Excessive heat with more storms possible; cooler weekend
After some lingering spotty thunderstorms early Thursday in some areas it will again be hot and humid south. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories go through 8 p.m. Thursday. We’ll also see more possible storms.
A Fargo police officer killed by a gunman earlier this month was remembered at a memorial service for his character and competence. Law enforcement, the public and the Wallin family attended the service held at a Fargo arena. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Collier's double-double leads Lynx past Mystics 97-92
Napheesa Collier had 24 points and 11 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season, Diamond Miller added 21 points and nine assists and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 97-92.
America's farms are desperate for labor. Foreign workers bring relief and controversy
The number of H-2A visas for seasonal farmworkers issued each year has more than quadrupled over the past decade. The growth has alarmed labor advocates. Farmers don't love the program, either.
Beltrami County Historical Society pushes to return sacred Indigenous artifacts to communities
Recently a court granted the Beltrami Historical Society’s museum permission to break up arguably its most important collection — the John Morrison collection. This will allow culturally sensitive artifacts to be repatriated to the Indigenous communities where they originated.