Paid Leave Oversight: Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave is approving far more applications than expected, raising questions about long-term costs and whether the program is matching lawmakers’ original goals. Extreme Heat & Air Quality: A record-smashing heat dome is pushing more than 110 million Americans under heat alerts, with dangerous overnight temperatures and wildfire smoke worsening conditions across Minnesota and the region. Wildfire Smoke Health Alerts: Minnesota and nearby states issued air quality alerts, including hazardous categories in parts of the Northland, warning of breathing and heart/lung flare-ups. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclosporiasis is sickening thousands nationwide; the FDA is investigating produce like lettuce as cases rise, including in Minnesota. Infant Abuse Prevention: Minnesota Department of Health released new tools for parents and caregivers to spot warning signs of physical abuse in infants under 6 months. Blood Shortage: The Red Cross declared an urgent blood shortage as summer donations decline. Local Public Safety: Burnsville officials responded to a mental health crisis involving a firearm that ended in a fatal house fire. Food Safety & Produce: Health officials urged thorough washing of fruits and vegetables as investigators look for the source of the outbreak. Healthcare Policy & Affordability: A Minnesota lawmaker’s plan highlights using state purchasing power to lower prescription drug costs and improve program accountability. Space & Health Tech: NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched on an eight-month ISS mission, part of research aimed at advancing human space exploration and potential life-on-Earth benefits.