Stories from July 2, 2025

If you have plans to watch fireworks or take part in other outdoor activities on the Fourth of July, keep an eye on the forecast over the next couple of days. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says a cool front may touch off thunderstorms.
Minnesota Republican responds to uptick in extreme political views, violence following lawmaker shootings
Republican state Rep. Walter Hudson of Albertville, while earning a reputation as a rabble-rouser and willing to frequently engage in debates on social media, has turned to the same platforms to quell falsehoods in the wake of the Hortmans' killings. Hudson joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer for an interview to talk about political polarization and violence.
After several years of July Fourth violence, law enforcement step up safety measures in Minneapolis
Minneapolis police are planning for large crowds for multiple events this July Fourth weekend, and they hope to avoid a repeat of the mayhem that plagued the last three Independence Day holidays.
‘Jurassic World’ needed a restart. Steven Spielberg knew who to call
In the 32 years since penning “Jurassic Park,” Wisconsin native David Koepp has established himself as one of Hollywood’s top screenwriters not through the boundlessness of his imagination but by his expertise in limiting it.
Sophie Cunningham is no fan of WNBA’s plans to add teams in Cleveland and Detroit
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has raised concerns about the WNBA's choice of markets for its three latest expansion teams. Cunningham said Tuesday that the league should listen to players about where they want to play.
Closing the gaps in mental health care
How do you respond when someone asks, “How are you doing?” MPR News host Angela Davis talk with the leaders of three agencies that address mental health needs. What’s holding people back from getting the help they need?
Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority strikes down 176-year-old abortion ban
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down the state’s 176-year-old abortion ban. The court’s liberal majority ruled 4-3 on Wednesday that the ban is no longer valid because newer abortion restrictions superseded it. State lawmakers adopted the total ban in 1849. 
The Dalai Lama announces plans for a successor, signaling China won’t have a say
The Dalai Lama said he will be reincarnated after he dies, and no one can interfere with the matter of succession. The Chinese government, however, claims authority over the his succession.
Paramount to reach a $16 million settlement over Trump’s CBS lawsuit
Paramount Global will pay $16 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit over 60 Minutes’ interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris — a lawsuit that many legal experts considered spurious.
Daughter of assassinated civil rights leader sees painful echoes of political violence in America
Civil and voting rights activists gathered in Jackson, Mississippi, to honor what would have been the 100th birthday of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Evers was assassinated by a white supremacist in 1963.
Marlins extend winning streak to 8, 1 shy of club record, with a 2-0 victory over the Twins
Kyle Stowers homered and the Miami Marlins stretched their winning streak to eight, one shy of the club record set in 2008, with a 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins. Edward Cabrera (3-2) struck out six and only allowed two hits and one walk in seven innings, the longest start of the season by a Marlins pitcher.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jordan Collins who was known as “Manny.” The boy’s body was found in a landfill in Elk River over the weekend. A 14-year-old boy was killed and a 13-year-old boy suffered life-threatening injuries when a pickup truck struck a motorized scooter they were riding Tuesday in St. Paul.
Popular unicycle performer Red Panda injured at halftime of WNBA game
The popular halftime show performer who goes by Red Panda fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court during intermission of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night, unable to finish her show. 
Missing Clark, Fever soar past Lynx 74-59 to win WNBA Commissioner's Cup
Natasha Howard had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists as the Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final. The Fever were missing All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined since June 24 with a strained groin.
5 ways Trump's tax bill will limit health care access
With spending cuts poised to hit medical providers, Medicaid recipients and Affordable Care Act enrollees, here's how the bill will affect health care access for millions in the U.S.
Despite ceasefire, some Iranians in Minnesota uncertain about future
More than two weeks after Israeli missile strikes on Iran triggered a deadly war, a ceasefire between the two countries seems to hold.  For some Iranians in Minnesota, the news brings cautious relief — but also deep concern for loved ones back home and uncertainty about what comes next.
More than a story: Minnesota researcher explores the power of fairy tales on children
Fairy tales are more than magical stories. They’re portals that help children and adults better understand their world. MPR News spoke with a Minnesotan who’s a renowned researcher on the subject of fairy tales and how they help young children navigate their lives.
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