Stories from August 7, 2023

A firsthand account of hip-hop's early days in Minnesota
Derrick Stevens shares his firsthand experience as a witness to and participant in the birth of hip-hop and in its emergence in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota’s energy future
Minnesota aims to be carbon-free by 2050. Here’s a look at what needs to happen until then.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill Monday sentenced Tou Thao to nearly five years in prison for his role in the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota state Rep. Dan Wolgamott has been charged with two impaired driving counts. He said he takes responsibility and has undergone alcohol assessments.
APM podcasts for kids tap into natural curiosity and wonder
MPR News host Angela Davis talks to the hosts from the Brains On! Universe about the podcasts they produce for kids about learning, exploring and answering those thought-provoking questions your kids have.  
Your late summer gardening questions, answered by an expert
Meg Cowden is busy this time of year with her enormous garden. And she’s back as usual to give tips for all of us who might have a little less than a green thumb.
How could Minnesota become carbon-free? New MPR News series dives in
On Tuesday mornings, our reporters will be exploring the opportunities — but also the challenges — the state faces as it moves away from fossil fuels and toward more climate-friendly energy sources.
Democrats see Michigan and Minnesota as guides for what to do with majority power
Gun safety packages, expanded voting rights, free meals for all students, and increased protections for abortion rights and LGTBQ+ people were just some of pent-up policy proposals that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law within months under the new legislative majorities.
Architect Damaris Hollingsworth on how buildings can be welcoming
Listen back to MPR News host Angela Davis speaking with Minnesota architect Damaris Hollingsworth about how she brings an inclusive perspective to design as a Black woman and an immigrant. 
Attacks at U.S. medical centers show why health care is one of the nation’s most violent fields
Health care workers racked up 73 percent of all nonfatal workplace violence injuries in 2018, the most recent year for which figures are available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Weekend rains were variable and heaviest south; more chances this week
Southern and southwest Minnesota saw the bulk of the weekend rainfall. We’ll have a couple more chances of rain this week with near-normal temperatures. Friday and Saturday will be cooler.
Seasonable temperatures with a couple more chances of rain
Monday will see near normal temperatures and mainly dry conditions. Tuesday will bring some showers and thunder to northern Minnesota late in the day.
U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips spoke for the first time Sunday since Politico reported last month he was talking to donors about a possible run. This an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Some state Republican parties are struggling and seeing deep divisions
Some state Republican parties — like Colorado's — are struggling after steep election losses, and are witnessing infighting that has left deep divisions when it comes to the future of the GOP.
New charges against Trump focus on lies. Scholars see an authoritarian playbook
Prosecutors allege the former president and co-conspirators used lies to advance criminal conspiracies to overturn the election. Scholars say distant and recent history show how potent lies can be.