Stories from July 31, 2023

A federal jury Monday found St. Paul police officer Nathaniel Younce civilly liable for the fatal shooting of Cordale Handy in 2017. But in a mixed decision, jurors determined that a second officer involved in the incident, Mikko Norman should not be held liable.  This is an evening update for MPR News, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Aquatic group works to offer year-round pool access to north Minneapolis
Since north Minneapolis’ only public indoor pool closed in 2007, a group formed a swimming and triathlon team to ensure young people continued to swim. Now the organization, V3 Sports is on the verge of restoring year-round access to a pool, and more.
Climate change gives our era its own name: Anthropocene
Every so often on the show, we get some insight into earth's history from Jim Cotter, professor of geology at the University of Minnesota – Morris.
Top American cyclist Magnus White, 17, dies after being hit by a car
White was preparing to compete in next week's Cyclocross World Championships in Scotland when a driver struck him while he was cycling on the shoulder of a highway in Boulder, Colo.
Civil jury finds St. Paul cop liable in on-duty 2017 killing
A federal jury on Monday found St. Paul police officer Nathaniel Younce civilly liable for the fatal shooting of Cordale Handy in 2017. Jurors on Tuesday awarded $11.5 million in damages to Handy’s family.
Colors on concrete: How Adam Turman paints Minnesota’s urban canvas
Adam Turman, a muralist known for his distinct style, paints Minnesota's urban landscapes and builds lasting relationships with notable institutions, infusing color into the state's iconic locales.
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens dies from cancer at 70
Reubens' publicist says he died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer that he did not make public. Reubens said in a statement that his fans should “accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.”
The science behind growing your own cannabis
The new law means Minnesotans 21 and older will be able to grow up to eight cannabis plants at a time.
Fresh turf coming to Vikings stadium for second time since opening
They’ll be rolling out new field turf at U.S. Bank stadium in 2024, according to a request for contractors. It’s the second replacement since the stadium’s debut in 2016.
Heat, muggy air return midweek with spotty rain chances
Conditions will be heating up again this week with highs again near 90 for much of southern Minnesota. We’ll also have some spotty rain chances but no widespread soaking is likely.
Yes, heat can affect your brain and mood. Here's why
Hot summer temperatures can make you anxious and irritable and dull your thinking. Here's what researchers think is going on.
Heating back up with only minor rain chances this week
After a cooler weekend, temperatures are heating back up for the middle of the week. We’ll have just spotty rain chances this week, with overall much drier conditions than last week.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported early Monday that it was responding to a “use-of-force incident” involving a state trooper along Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
State trooper kills man in confrontation along I-94 in Minneapolis
Three troopers are on administrative leave following the early Monday incident. Trooper body and squad cameras were running, the State Patrol said. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating.
Lee Hodges gets 1st PGA tour victory with a wire-to-wire win at the 3M Open, by 7 strokes
Lee Hodges shot a 67 in the final round for a wire-to-wire title at the 3M Open and his first tour victory. He set tournament records with a 260 and a seven-stroke win in his 65th career start.
Vikings end stalemate with Danielle Hunter by giving edge rusher a big pay raise
The Minnesota Vikings have given outside linebacker Danielle Hunter a hefty pay raise. The agreement on a new deal paves the way for the team’s best pass rusher to participate in practice after a monthslong contract stalemate. 
New bust of Suni Lee unveiled in St. Paul
There's a new honor for Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee in her hometown of St. Paul. Mayor Melvin Carter was among those on hand as a new bust of Lee was unveiled at Phalen Regional Park on Sunday. Lee won gold during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Ready, set, grow: Minnesota to enter era of legal marijuana
Starting Tuesday it will be legal for adults to grow and possess marijuana in Minnesota. That doesn’t mean you’ll be able to buy from a licensed dealer anytime soon, but it’s a big step in the legal cannabis movement.
The Yellow trucking company meltdown, explained
Yellow's demise stems from an exodus of customers, union strife and longstanding financial troubles.