Stories from July 13, 2024

Trump rally shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt, officials say
Donald Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination attempt as he spoke during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. That's according to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The former president, his ear covered in blood from what he said was a gunshot, was quickly pulled away by Secret Service agents and his campaign said he was “fine.”
Richard Simmons, a fitness guru who mixed laughs and sweat, dies at 76
Fitness guru Richard Simmons has died at age 76. Los Angeles police and fire officials say they responded to a home where a man was declared dead. The Associated Press matched the address and age with Simmons through public records.
A heat advisory has been issued for Southwest Minnesota this afternoon and evening, and for the Twin Cities Metro area through Sunday evening. Residents are advised to take precautions as temperatures rise.
GOP congressional candidate Tayler Rahm drops from race to work on Trump's Minnesota campaign
Rahm was challenging incumbent Rep. Angie Craig in the 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses the south Twin Cities metro and parts of south-central Minnesota. His departure creates opportunity for Joe Teirab, a former federal prosecutor.
Israel targets Hamas commander in airstrikes that kill 90 Palestinians
The powerful Israeli strike killed dozens in southern Gaza. An Israeli military official said the target was the head of the Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif. But there was no word on his status.
Navigating early childhood special education: 7 questions, answered
Kyra Miles of MPR News tapped the expertise of St. Cloud State University’s Carol Gibson-Miller to answer your questions about early intervention, inclusive education, and the role of parents in advocating for their children.
Stay out of the yuck: What to know  about E. coli and other water hazards
High levels of E. coli and blue-green algae blooms can lead officials to temporarily close beaches and post advisories warning people to avoid the water if there is an increased risk of getting sick from swimming.
These governors aren't running for president, but some voters say they wish they were
Trump won Georgia and Michigan in 2016. Biden did the same in 2020. In 2024, some disillusioned voters say they wish Govs. Whitmer of Michigan and Kemp of Georgia were on the ballot instead.