Stories from July 16, 2025

Remembering Melvin Giles, Rondo's 'bubble man'
Giles held many titles over the years: Co-leader of the Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, former director of the Catholic Charities Frogtown Center, community faculty member in Bethel University’s Anthropology Department and a respected elder in Rondo’s Black community.
Building community one donut at a time: Donut Trap offers more than sweet treats
Bradley and Ashley Taylor, owners of The Donut Trap, have a new retail space in St. Paul where they hope to build a community with their neighbors and people across the Twin Cities who visit the space for their sweet treats.
How a third parent's DNA can prevent an inherited disease
An experimental technique that patches defective DNA with donated genetic material helped families at risk of passing rare illnesses to their children.
Sunnier, warmer weather in the forecast
We’re halfway through meteorological summer in Minnesota. It’s been slightly warm and very wet so far.
Lynx beat the Mercury 79-66 to improve to 12-0 at home heading into the All-Star break
Kayla McBride scored 18 points, Courtney Williams had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 79-66 to improve to 12-0 at home this season heading into the All-Star break.
National bike race puts Minnesota’s gravel roads on display
A major bike race may bring hundreds of cyclists to La Crescent in the southeastern corner of Minnesota. The 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championship race is planned for Sept. 20.
Proposed federal housing cuts could leave local programs in 'a state of triage'
President Trump’s original budget request to Congress outlined a 44 percent cut to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees federal rental assistance programs and Section 8, or Housing Choice, vouchers.
Israel strikes Syria’s capital Damascus
The Israel military said targets included a Syrian military compound in Damascus as well as a target near the Syrian presidential palace. Israel’s defense minister said “painful strikes have begun.”
Morning Announcements for July 16
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, July 16. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
The healing benefits of nature
Did you know that simply taking a walk in a park can lower your blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature.
Unexpected medical issue grounds Isle Royale wolf-moose survey
Researchers from Michigan Tech University were unable to conduct their annual wolf-moose survey on Isle Royale this past winter. A last-minute medical issue grounded their ski-plane pilot, and no replacement was found in time. 
Former MLB pitcher Dan Serafini is convicted of murder in the 2021 shootings of his wife’s parents
Retired MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini has been convicted of murder and attempted murder in the shootings of his wife’s parents during a burglary at their home four years ago near Lake Tahoe in California.
Authorities say the man suspected of killing a DFL state lawmaker and her husband last month likely acted alone. The Justice Department has not decided if it will seek the death penalty in the case.
Trump team withholds $140 million budgeted for fentanyl fight
Threats to $140 million in funds for public health departments battling fentanyl overdoses comes as some experts see the addiction safety net unraveling.
Senate set to debate cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid
The Senate voted by a razor-thin margin late Tuesday to advance debate on a package of funding cuts requested by President Trump that would claw back $1.1 billion previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Much cooler and wetter Wednesday before sun returns Thursday
Wednesday will be much cooler with clouds and on and off scattered rain showers. Sunshine returns Thursday but temps will still be below normal. Late Friday brings the next chance of rain. 
St. Paul to host sporting event Transplant Games in 2028
Thousands of athletes who’ve had organ transplants will be competing in a series of sporting events in Minnesota when the 2028 Transplant Games come to the state.
Author Frank Bures on canoeing, forgotten races and a brush with death on the Mississippi
Minnesota author Frank Bures discusses his new book “Pushing the River,” a blend of personal adventures, historical research and rediscovered stories about the state’s forgotten canoe racing culture, including a near-fatal experience on the Mississippi.