Stories from August 2, 2025

Smoke begins to ease, but air quality alert remains
Air quality alerts remain in effect this weekend, even as smoke conditions begin to improve. Meanwhile, rain chances return Sunday for portions of the state.
In Gaza, more Palestinians are killed while waiting for food aid
Dozens of Palestinians were killed, many while waiting for food aid, amid a deepening starvation crisis and despite Israeli assurances of a humanitarian pause in some areas of the territory.
Luka Doncic agrees to a contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, committing to his new team
Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Slovenian superstar is bypassing a chance at free agency next summer to build a long-term future with his new team.
Minnesota faces longest air quality alert in state history with wildfires raging across Canada
Minnesota is experiencing its longest air quality alert on record — seven days. The alert will remain in effect until noon on Monday, Aug. 4. It’s the result of Canada’s second most severe fire season yet.
After a reference to Trump's impeachments is removed from a history museum, complex questions echo
The Smithsonian removed a reference to President Donald Trump’s 2019 and 2021 impeachments from a presidential exhibit, amid broader efforts by the former administration to reshape cultural institutions and public messaging.
How surgeons build a new bladder for cancer patients like Deion Sanders
University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders announced he got a new bladder this week as part of his cancer treatment. Here's how doctors construct a new bladder from a patient's small intestine.
How abnormal are the revisions in this month’s jobs report?
A look at revisions to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly jobs report data in light of President Donald Trump’s firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It turns out that the revisions issued this month, while large, are not at all unprecedented.
Northside native Brynne Crockett amplifies her voice as Lynx in-arena host, role model
Northside native Brynne Crockett, known also by her stage name Bdot, can add in-arena host for the Minnesota Lynx home games to her resume. She’s also a hip-hop artist, high school basketball announcer and role model.
Smoky skies persist, but weekend temperatures stay pleasant
The weekend will bring hazy sunshine along with comfortable temperatures and dew points, as wildfire smoke slowly begins to clear. Rain chances return by Sunday.
Wild weather, smoky skies put summer camps at risk
For one summer camp in Minneapolis, wildfires up north and a succession of severe storms have put coordinators in a tough spot as they try to provide an outdoor day care experience while also keeping campers safe.