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Consumer Reports tested modern toilets, finding many models now flush more efficiently with less water. Top-rated options include American Standard and Glacier Bay toilets, while bidet attachments offer cost-effective alternatives. Smart toilets with features like heated seats and bidets were also evaluated, though they come at a higher price.

Minnesota's Twin Cities experienced high heat index values today with mid-90s morning heat indices and mid-90s afternoon temperatures. Humidity will decrease by tonight, but the week will bring continued high temperatures through Thursday, followed by thunderstorms that may bring heavy rain and cooler temperatures by Friday. Wildfire smoke and air quality impacts are expected this week.

Evacuation zones in Minnesota have been downgraded as firefighting efforts continue against northern wildfires, with combined acreage estimated at over 64,000 acres in the U.S. and 8,400 acres in Canada. Over 1,000 personnel are battling the fires, and some areas in the Boundary Waters reopened, though overnight permits remain canceled. Governor Tim Walz highlighted concerns about entering a 'new norm' due to extreme weather conditions.

Senator Mitch McConnell remains in a rehabilitation facility undergoing physical therapy and will not attend Kentucky's Fancy Farm picnic. His medical team states he is not yet cleared to leave, and his childhood polio history affects his mobility. McConnell plans to finish his term without seeking re-election.

Stanford has established the first player-led College Football Players Association (CFBPA) chapter, with Fisher Anderson and Ernest Cooper elected as representatives. The CFBPA aims to expand to other Atlantic Coast Conference schools to push for unionization and collective bargaining in college football. The NCAA and conferences are working on a Senate bill for an antitrust exemption, while some athletic directors advocate collective bargaining as an alternative.

The water plant in Braham is offline due to an unknown malfunction, leading to limited water supply and a city request for residents to conserve water. Crews are troubleshooting, but there is no timeline for restoration, and the situation coincides with a heat wave in Minnesota.

Cracker Barrel's CEO Julie Masino is stepping down next month after a rebranding effort led to customer backlash and declining sales. David Deno, former CEO of Bloomin' Brands, will replace Masino as CEO on August 10. The company's attempt to simplify its logo and modernize restaurants last August caused protests, sales to drop, and the changes were reversed, though sales continued to decline.

Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer. She shared details of her health struggles, including joint surgeries and mobility challenges, and announced the release of her first original album since 2008, 'Comes in Waves,' as a source of solace.

A Minnesota man accused of threatening federal ICE agents online and doxxing a pro-ICE individual is scheduled to appear in court. Kyle Wagner, part of a group charged in Operation Metro Surge, allegedly called for impeding immigration enforcement and made threatening statements in a video.

The article discusses concerns about taking side jobs to stretch paychecks and the potential impact on tax brackets. It highlights a conversation between Paul Folger and a tax expert on Minnesota Live, addressing whether extra income could negate financial benefits due to higher taxes.

Talaya Dendy, a cancer doula and podcast host, is announcing a free four-hour wellness workshop titled 'The Healing Pen & A Mic' for the cancer community. The event is scheduled for Sunday, with registration closing at 5 PM on Thursday. The workshop follows her participation in the Masonic Cancer Center’s Survivorship Conference.

Minnesota Live explores alternative methods to track fitness progress beyond the scale, featuring personal strength trainer Allison Mosso. The article highlights vibrant ways to assess health journeys and mentions KSTP.com as the source.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority issued a heat alert for today with heat index values reaching 95-100. The Twin Cities experienced a record high of 99°F on Sunday, and temperatures will remain near 90°F this week until late Thursday/Friday. High dew points (80°F) and humidity contribute to dangerous conditions.

Mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan have made progress in efforts to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with a pause in attacks after a period of escalating conflict. Both sides have halted strikes for three consecutive days, and discussions focus on managing ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent further escalation.

Robbinsdale Area Schools approved three bond referendum questions for up to $413 million to fund school renovations, which could increase property taxes by $25 per month. Opposition groups like Neighbors for Sustainable 281 are organizing 'vote no' campaigns, arguing the tax burden is excessive for residents.

The Twin Cities reached a high of 99° on Sunday, the highest temperature in over four years and surpassing the previous 2024 record of 96°. This marks the first time since June 20, 2022, that the area exceeded 99°, with future weather forecasts predicting a heat advisory and potential rain to cool temperatures.

At least four people, including a child, were wounded in a shooting at a Seattle festival near the Space Needle on Sunday night. The victims were treated at Harborview Medical Center, with one in critical condition. Authorities are investigating and have asked people to avoid the area.

A man in his 40s was fatally hit by a car while crossing the street at the intersection of Twins Way and 10th Street North in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday night. The woman driving the car remained at the scene and cooperated with police, who have not made any arrests as the investigation continues.

A 28-year-old man from Hastings died after a motorcycle crash in Cottage Grove on Sunday. The Aprilia RSV4 collided with a Honda Passport on Highway 61 and 95. The Honda driver was unharmed, and the motorcyclist's identity will be released Monday.

Gas prices are rising due to renewed conflicts in the Middle East, including Iran-backed Houthi rebels fighting Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. The threats to shipping routes are impacting global energy supplies, with Minnesota's average gas price reaching $4, a 17-cent increase from the previous week. Experts warn of potential new all-time highs in gas and diesel prices.