Stories from July 24, 2025

Trump administration approves sale of CBS parent company Paramount
The Federal Communications Commission approved the sale of Paramount Global after the buyer made pledges to showcase a diversity of viewpoints and root out alleged bias in CBS’ news coverage.
Summery weekend ahead; refreshingly cooler next week
It’s a classic summer weather pattern across Minnesota this weekend. Free air conditioning arrives next week.
Derrick Thompson was sentenced Thursday to 58 years for killing 5 women in high-speed crash. In June, a Hennepin County jury found Thompson guilty on all charges, including five counts of third-degree murder and 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
Help me learn to swim as an adult
According to the CDC, more than 40 million adults in the U.S. do not know how to swim.
Minneapolis kicks off Black Business Week
Minneapolis’ annual Black Business Week kicks off Thursday afternoon, with several workshops, markets and events showcasing Black-owned businesses.
Most of Minnesota now drought-free; northwest still dry
Nearly all of Minnesota is now drought-free, according to the latest drought monitor, except for a few counties in the northwest. Also, the latest rainfall totals are in from Wednesday’s heavy rain.
Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71
Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said Thursday.
Morning Announcements for July 24
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, July 24. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Pura Scents recalling more than 850,000 diffusers as magnet issue may cause ingestion hazard
Pura Scents, sold at Target, Scheels and other stores nationwide, is recalling more than 850,000 diffusers because some magnets may detach and cause a possible ingestion hazard to children. The company is recalling about 851,400 Pura 4 Smart Home Fragrance Diffusers with detachable covers.
Power Pair: A superintendent and a state senator focused on serving their community
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her next Power Pair — Laurie and Aric Putnam. She leads the school district in St. Cloud. He’s a Minnesota state senator. Both are deeply rooted in public service. 
Close call between a B-52 bomber and a commercial jet over North Dakota puts focus on small airports
The evasive action an airline pilot took to avoid a B-52 bomber in the skies over North Dakota has focused attention on the way small airport towers are often run by private companies without their own radars. 
Duluth officials cancel agreement for huge hilltop housing development
The Duluth Economic Development Authority voted Wednesday night to cancel the development agreement for Incline Village, a massive proposed $500 million development that had planned for more than 1,000 housing units overlooking downtown and Lake Superior.
Ohtani homers in 5th straight game, Freeman drives in 2 runs in the 9th as Dodgers beat Twins 4-3
Shohei Ohtani matched a franchise record with a homer in the fifth straight game and Freddie Freeman drove in two runs with a two-out single in the ninth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3. Freeman hit a sinking liner to left field that eluded a diving Harrison Bader and scored Mookie Betts and Ohtani, setting off a wild celebration.
Frustrated by NIMBYs, states are trying to force cities to build affordable housing
Utah’s leaders worry skyrocketing home prices are keeping young people from creating wealth. It’s among a growing number of states — red and blue — passing laws to promote more affordable places.
Trump’s EPA now says greenhouse gases don’t endanger people
The Trump administration wants to reverse a 2009 EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger people. The finding is the basis for much of the United States’ climate change regulations.
Dew points drop slightly Thursday and Friday before a steamy weekend
Clouds will decrease Thursday morning, making way for a pleasant afternoon and Friday. It will still be muggy but not as humid as dew points drop a bit. The weekend looks steamy again. 
Cartoons, culture and care: Latino artist creates bilingual mental health universe
Rocky Casillas Aguirre’s bilingual art show, “U are the Universe,” uses playful cartoon characters to explore mental health in a way that’s accessible to Latino youth and families.
Music camp sparks creativity and friendship for Native youth
Rock the Rez is a week-long music camp for Indigenous girls, two-spirit and gender diverse youth. This summer marks the first year the music camp is in Minnesota.
Derrick Thompson sentenced to 58 years for killing 5 women in high-speed crash
In June, a Hennepin County jury found Thompson, the 29-year-old son of former DFL state Rep. John Thompson, guilty on all charges, including five counts of third-degree murder and 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide.