Stories from July 6, 2022

A special summer legislative session remains on the table even though prior talks have deadlocked. Gov. Walz could call a special session to split up a sizable state budget surplus. This is the evening MPR News update for Thursday, July 6, 2022. Hosted by Dan Kraker. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Pandemic bonus sign-ups top 900,000
Applications for a share of $500 million in bonuses that will go to frontline pandemic workers have exceeded estimates, although not all those who seek a hero check will get one.
Old bank in Minneapolis to become an incubator for Black-owned businesses
An old, dilapidated bank building on 42nd and Lyndale Avenue is getting a new life. Anissa Keyes is turning the Camden Park State Bank into an incubator for Black-owned businesses. She gave MPR News host Tom Crann a tour of the space before its soft opening on July 11.
Clearing up confusion about Minnesota's newest legalized THC edible
Minnesota hemp stores saw long lines and a buying frenzy over the holiday weekend. Why? Minnesota lawmakers surprised some by quietly passing a new law regarding edible THC products last week.
Dealing with the 'decide for yourself' phase of the pandemic
When it comes to current guidance on COVID-19, you may feel like you are on your own. The Atlantic’s science writer Ed Yong recently described it as the “figure it out yourself” phase of the pandemic. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Yong, and a community group in Minneapolis that is working to fill the gaps in information and aid.
Ex-cop Chauvin gets 20-plus years for violating George Floyd's civil rights
“I really don’t know why you did what you did. But to put your knee on another person’s neck until they’re deceased is wrong,” Judge Paul Magnuson told Chauvin during Thursday’s hearing. “And for that you must be substantially punished.”
The president of a Minnesota rabbit rescue organization faces charges of animal cruelty and torture after authorities found dead and injured animals at the nonprofit’s operation in Savage, Minn.
Minnesota Now for July 6, 2022
A new law broadening THC legalization in the state has created some confusion. A lawmaker clarifies what is and is not legal. The news is full of tragedies right now. Cathy Wurzer talks with a local healer about a practice to take care of yourself and your community. Meteorologist Paul Huttner is here with the latest weather news. And much more.
Police: Parade shooting suspect contemplated 2nd shooting
The man charged with killing seven people at an Independence Day parade confessed to police that he unleashed a hail of bullets from a rooftop in suburban Chicago and then fled to the Madison, Wisconsin, area, where he contemplated shooting up an event there.
Paul Huttner with weather details for July 6, 2022
A windstorm with gusts up to 85 miles an hour blew through South Dakota, southern Minnesota and Iowa Tuesday evening. And the evening sky across the region was an unreal shade of yellow and orange. Why and what weather is in store next?
Dr. Joi Lewis on taking care of yourself in times of tragedy
There have been so many tragedies recently, this is a good time to focus on ways to take care of yourself and your community. Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Dr. Joi about the appeal of numbing out your feelings when things get overwhelming, and what to do when life makes you want to stay in bed with the covers over your head!
Why Alison Bechdel's 'Dykes to Watch Out For' is still popular after nearly 40 years
Alison Bechdel is the author of a comic strip that — nearly 40 years after its creation — is still getting attention. “Dykes To Watch Out For” ran from 1983 to 2008. It gained a worldwide cult following for its game-changing portrayal of American queer life set in Minneapolis.
Twin Cities chef Justin Sutherland seriously hurt in boating accident
Friends and family of chef Justin Sutherland are raising money to cover medical costs after the Twin Cities restauranteur and TV personality was seriously injured in a boating accident.
More clouds, cooler Wednesday; explaining Tuesday's wild sky colors
Expect more clouds than sun on Wednesday with cooler temperatures. Southwestern Minnesota could see an isolated shower. A few thunderstorms are possible overnight into Thursday.
Valerie Castile says youth give her hope for future
Six years after her son Philando Castile was killed by a police officer, Valerie Castile says she’s encouraged by how a younger generation is speaking out for social justice.
Cooler with isolated thunder Wednesday
Wednesday will be cooler with highs mainly in the 70s and low 80s. There will be increased cloud cover and the chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm, mainly in southern Minnesota.
Grandfather urges public to avoid rumor, speculation about Vadnais Lake murder-suicide investigation
Chong Lue Lee spoke out Tuesday about his son Yee Lee’s suicide, and the subsequent murder-suicide of his daughter-in-law, Molly Cheng, and the couple’s three children. He expressed concern that police allowed Cheng to leave with the children.
Smithfield Foods settles pork price-fixing lawsuit for $42M
Smithfield Foods will pay restaurants and caterers $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the giant meat producer of conspiring to inflate pork prices, which will likely only add to concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects meat prices.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is calling for the public’s help in holding friends and family accountable following a busy Fourth of July holiday in the city. Minneapolis police say there were more than 1,300 911 calls between 9 p.m. Monday and 4 a.m. Tuesday, including calls after large crowds started shooting off fireworks at people and condos in the downtown Mill District neighborhood.
Kirilloff hits 2 homers as Twins pound White Sox 8-2
Alex Kirilloff hit two of Minnesota’s five home runs, Jorge Polanco went deep on his birthday for the second time and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 8-2.
Chauvin faces sentencing on federal charges in Floyd killing
A federal judge will this week sentence former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for federal civil rights violations in the killing of George Floyd. Judge Paul Magnuson on Tuesday set Chauvin’s sentencing for 2 p.m. Thursday in St. Paul.
FDA temporarily suspends order banning Juul cigarettes
The U.S. federal agency said on Twitter that the stay temporarily suspends the marketing denial order while it conducts further review, but does not rescind it.