Stories from July 28, 2023

'Pretty miserable': Prison staff, inmates swelter in Minnesota facilities without air conditioning
Nine out of Minnesota’s 11 prisons don’t have facility-wide air conditioning. The Department of Corrections this week reminded staff and residents to hydrate and limit activity, while nurses made rounds to check on them.
St. Paul Mayor Carter vetoes tax-raising early childhood education ballot measure
Mayor Melvin Carter vetoed a resolution that would ask voters in St. Paul’s 2024 election whether to raise the property tax levy to pay for early childhood care and learning for low income families in the city.
The union representing more than 600 union workers at six of the 11 Kowalski’s Markets grocery stores in the Twin Cities says it’s reached a tentative contract agreement, averting a three-day strike planned for next week.
A fourth aquifer breach has been reported along the Line 3 oil pipeline in northern Minnesota. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Lisa Ryan. Music by Gary Meister.
The CDC sees signs of a late summer COVID wave
In July, coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and emergency room visits inched up. Recent summers have seen a bump in COVID-19. This year’s rise looks modest so far.
Oaxaca basketball tradition finds a Minnesota home
This weekend, more than 20 amateur basketball teams comprised of players with personal ties to Oaxaca, Mexico, will be in Austin, Minn., for a fierce competition. But the annual tournament is also a cultural bridge in a town that’s unusually diverse.
DNR confirms new Line 3 aquifer breach in northern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed it’s investigating the rupture near Moose Lake, south of Hill City in Aitkin County in an area with complex wetlands and peat bogs. It’s the fourth confirmed breach of a groundwater aquifer along the Line 3 corridor.
The 75th Emmy Awards show has been postponed
The ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 18, has been cancelled due to the writers and actors’ strikes. This year’s nominees include “Succession” and “Ted Lasso.”
Weather whiplash this week, nicer weekend ahead
MPR News host Phil Picardi spoke with meteorologist Mark Seeley about this week’s heatwave, drastically shifting dewpoints and summer storms.
Steamy Friday, isolated storms in southern Minnesota; weekend looks good
A cool front will continue to be the focus for some storms later in the day Friday. It will still be steamy south while northern Minnesota will be much more comfortable. Cooler air moves in statewide by Saturday.
Art Hounds: Ely is about to get crowded
This week, the Art Hounds recommend the Blueberry Art Festival in Ely, Minn.; Deborah Foutch’s exhibition “Nine Artists in Conversation” in Minneapolis and Cow Tipping Press’s Cowchella in St. Paul.
What the SAG-AFTRA strike means for Minnesota
There’s a good chance you’ve got a SAG-AFTRA member living in your apartment building, down your street or in your community. And as the national actors’ strike enters its third week, Minnesota members are asking for support and solidarity.
Cooler air progresses south Friday with isolated thunder
Cooler air moves across the state Friday for the weekend. Isolated thunder is still possible. The weekend will be comfortable before things heat up again some next week.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Demand for CSA memberships still high after pandemic surge
Community Supported Agriculture deliveries, or CSAs, long a presence in Minnesota, took off during the pandemic. Unlike other pandemic-related trends, there is still strong interest in the food partnerships.
Annie's Project marks two decades of empowering women in agriculture
More women are taking leadership roles in agriculture across Minnesota and the country. Annie’s Project, a program that provides education and support for women in farming, is marking 20 years of helping women take that step.
New law allows Minnesota students to opt out of shooter drills
The law’s author said the plan is designed to give school districts more guidance and minimize trauma for students during active shooter simulations and drills.
More typical summer temperatures ahead
Temperatures will be closer to average as we approach August.