Stories from July 3, 2024

Scattered rain and slight 4th of July severe storm risk
Scattered rain and a few strong thunderstorms favor central and southern Minnesota on Thursday.
Brothers plead not guilty to bribing Feeding Our Future juror
Two of the brothers charged with trying to bribe a juror in the Feeding Our Future trial last month each entered not guilty pleas at separate hearings Wednesday. Said and Abdulkarim Farah are among five people who allegedly conspired to deliver a Hallmark gift bag with $120,000 to the home of a woman known publicly as juror 52.
Several drug companies filed lawsuits in federal court this week challenging a Minnesota law governing the price of medication. And Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit today alleging that tobacco companies underpaid the state by nearly $58 million.
20-year-old loops Lake Superior solo in 42 days, buoyed by climate change awareness
A triple science major at the College of St. Scholastica may be both the fastest and youngest to circumnavigate Lake Superior in a kayak — and he’s hoping the 1,000-mile trip will draw more attention to climate change’s effects in Minnesota.
Minneapolis launches first Narcan vending machine
Minneapolis opened its first Narcan vending machine in south Minneapolis Wednesday. It dispenses free anti-overdose medication, and city officials hope it will help bring down overdose rates in the neighborhood.
Glorious Wednesday; severe storms possible on July Fourth
After a beautiful Wednesday, Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches look likely across much of southern Minnesota Thursday into Friday morning. There is a slight risk for severe storms across much of southern Minnesota on Thursday.
‘Tangled’: Madison Rubenstein paints what it feels like to live with invisible illness
Madison Rubenstein, a painter and visual artist from Bloomington, creates large-format paintings in their Minneapolis studio, drawing on experiences of chronic illness and disability.
25 years after Boundary Waters blowdown, a changed forest and vivid memories
July 4 is the 25th anniversary of the Boundary Waters blowdown, when winds up to 100 miles per hour tore through the canoe wilderness. A quarter century later, the forest is changed and memories of the event remain fresh.
 E. coli temporarily closes 4 Minneapolis beaches
Authorities say routine testing found elevated E. coli levels at Lake Harriet North and Lake Hiawatha along with two beaches on Bde Maka Ska. There have been no reports of illness.
When and where to watch fireworks this holiday weekend across Minnesota
The soggy start to July has put a damper on some Independence Day celebrations and activities, but fireworks will happen as planned in many cities and towns across the state. Here’s a list of events set to light up the sky.
When should a kid start riding a bike? If it’s a balance bike, you might be surprised how young
It’s important to consider milestones that occur at different times for different children, such as holding their head up on their own and taking a few steps while grasping onto something.
The value of vacation in 2024
Are you burned out? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the value of vacation. Davis’ guests helped us understand the need to unplug from work, how managers can support time off and how you can learn how to rest.
Morning Announcements for July 3
Here are the morning announcements for Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
A beautiful Wednesday followed by more rain Thursday into Friday
Wednesday brings lots of sunshine and seasonable temperatures. More showers and thunderstorms develop Thursday into Friday with locally heavy rainfall possible. 
Gov. Tim Walz meets with President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors Wednesday.  Walz also visited the damaged site of the Rapidan Dam Tuesday and shared updates on disaster relief for the area.
New York top Minnesota Lynx as Liberty play stellar defense in the 4th quarter
Jonquel Jones had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and New York used stellar defense in the fourth quarter to beat the Minnesota Lynx 76-67. Breanna Stewart added 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Liberty in a rematch of the Commissioner’s Cup championship game that was won by the Lynx a week ago.
Minnesota prosecutor provides most detailed account yet of shooting deaths of 3 first responders
A Minnesota prosecutor says police investigating a potential sexual abuse case in Burnsville found themselves in a gunbattle against a well-armed resident in a darkened home while trying to protect seven children inside.
The Supreme Court will hear a case on gender-affirming care in the next term after a flurry of legislation. Lower courts have come to conflicting conclusions when these bans were challenged.
Vandalism or art? Seniors at Episcopal Homes learn about the art of graffiti with new mural
Residents of a senior housing facility in St. Paul took an interest in the art of graffiti after classes were offered by Twin Cities graffiti artist Peyton Scott Russell. He is known for his 12-foot mural of George Floyd he created for George Floyd Square in 2020.
Go with the flow: Minnesota towns see success replacing aging dams with rock rapids
In about 75 Minnesota locations, old dams have been removed and replaced with staircase-like rapids designed to allow the river to flow more freely and to avoid costly dam repairs — or worse, a collapse.
Sanctuary rescues cat thrown from 12th floor of Minneapolis apartment
A cat thrown from a 12th-story apartment balcony in Minneapolis last month is recovering after a Twin Cities animal sanctuary arranged intensive veterinary care. The year-old tabby named Rue suffered a broken leg, foot and jaw, but no internal injuries.
‘Minnesotans are resilient’: Flooding assessments continue; Walz visits flood-damaged Rapidan Dam site
Gov. Tim Walz visited the site of the Rapidan Dam and updated residents on flooding relief as well as conditions of the County Road 9 bridge after suffering damages from the raging floodwaters.