Stories from June 28, 2024

 Floodwaters and bird flu continue to rise in Minnesota, COVID remains low
Flood waters continue to rise in Minnesota rivers. In addition to the immediate danger presented by rising and rushing waters, floods also pose other health risks. Floodwater can contain downed power lines, human and livestock waste, other hazardous waste, and other debris that may not be visible.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz still expects Pres. Joe Biden to be the Democratic nominee after his performance heightened anxiety within the party. And authorities in North Branch say a police officer fatally shot a woman last night.
Walz, Minnesota DFL leaders stick up for Biden after debate showing opposite Trump
Gov. Tim Walz rejected calls for the Democratic Party to replace President Joe Biden as the nominee while Republicans relished the way last night’s debate with former President Donald Trump turned out.
 Canada honors three Indigenous women with postage stamps
For the third consecutive year, Canada Post, as the postal system is known, celebrated the June 21 holiday by issuing three stamps honoring Indigenous leaders: Josephine Mandamin, Anishinabe; Christi Belcourt, Métis; and Elisapie, Inuk.
4 crime and suspense novels make for hot summer reading
There’s something about the shadowy moral recesses of crime and suspense fiction that makes those genres especially appealing as temperatures soar. Here are four novels that turn the heat up.
Why it's OK to judge a book by its cover (and more tips on how to find a great read)
Traci Thomas, host of the hit reading podcast The Stacks, explains how she finds books she can read from start to finish. Some of her ideas may surprise you!
Eyes on Mississippi River as flood cleanup continues across Minnesota
Federal crews are in the state to assess damage as Gov. Tim Walz seeks disaster aid from Washington. Drier weather this weekend could ease some flooding concerns, but rain’s expected Monday.
How much do presidential debates matter to voters as news consumption habits change?
Dan Myers, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities who studies political psychology and communication, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to share his insight.
Few have flood insurance to help recover from devastating Midwest storms
Many Midwestern homeowners hit by bad flooding this week do not have flood insurance. Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows that the government has issued only about 26,500 policies across Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Authorities have released few details about the encounter but said at one point, one officer fired non-lethal PepperBall and another fired their gun, striking the woman.
Byron Buxton hits 3-run homer, helps power the Twins to a 13-6 win over Diamondbacks
Byron Buxton had a three-run homer among his three hits and the Minnesota Twins beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-6. Twins shortstop Carlos Correa left the game in the seventh inning after being hit by a pitch on the right wrist by Bryce Jarvis. X-rays were negative and the team listed him as day-to-day.
Four takeaways from the first presidential debate
President Biden’s stumbles right from the beginning played into his biggest vulnerability, but how much will the first 2024 general election debate make an impact?
Minnesota folk and blues community unites to honor ‘Spider’ John Koerner’s life, music and legacy
Charlie Parr, Paul Metsa and the Cactus Blossoms were among the local musicians who put their own twists on “Spider” John Koerner songs. The humble musician, beloved by Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan, died last month at 85.
Buoyed by hometown support, Shane Wiskus states his case at the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials
Wiskus, a member of the 2020 Olympic team, said trials would be the last meet of his competitive career if he doesn’t make the five-man Olympic team that will be announced Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Gymnast Skye Blakely’s bid to reach the Olympics ends after rupturing her right Achilles
Blakely, who lives and trains in Frisco, Texas, just outside of Dallas, was going through her floor exercise routine inside Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday when her right leg gave way during a tumbling pass.