Stories from July 11, 2022

Three year legal challenge to most of Minnesota's abortion restrictions wins sweeping win in initial court ruling. Also, the flood on Rainy Lake is finally over. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
AG rivals debate what it will take to fight crime
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his Republican-endorsed challenger Jim Schultz laid out different plans Monday for improving public safety.
Hundreds of couples didn't have a wedding due to COVID — until now
There were older couples and younger ones, gay, straight and nonbinary couples, couples of different races and from different places, all joining together at Lincoln Center.
The successes and challenges of rebuilding on Minneapolis’ Lake Street
Two years ago, important business corridors in the Twin Cities were damaged by civil unrest that followed the police killing of George Floyd — most notably, Lake Street in Minneapolis. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with nonprofit leaders and business owners about the efforts to rebuild and revitalize businesses on Lake Street.
Trump associates' ties to extremists probed by Jan. 6 panel
An upcoming hearing of the House committee probing the Jan. 6 insurrection is expected to examine ties between people in former President Donald Trump's orbit and extremist groups who played a role in the U.S. Capitol riot.
Minnesota business news: THC seltzers, Minnesota ciders, and high housing prices
Summer is the season for breweries here in Minnesota. Patrick Rehkamp is back to talk about news in the Minnesota beer and cider industries, along with other business news this week, including the health of the housing market. Rehkamp is a reporter for the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal.
Abortion rights poised to go before Michigan voters in fall
Abortion rights are poised to come before Michigan voters in November after an abortion rights campaign turned in a record-breaking number of signatures for a ballot initiative.
State judge strikes down many of Minnesota's abortion restrictions
Ramsey County Judge Thomas Gilligan on Monday ordered state officials to stop enforcing many Minnesota abortion restrictions including the informed consent law and the two-parent notification law, saying they violate the state constitutional right to privacy.
Where and how can THC products be sold in Minnesota?
When Minnesota's new law allowing hemp-derived THC edibles kicked in July 1, a lot of people were surprised, including local leaders across the state. The law sets the rules for maximum legal dosages for edibles and beverages, packaging, warning labels and the age of purchase. But the law is mostly silent on the issue of how and where those products can be sold and under what circumstances.
Minnesota’s 2020 Teacher of the Year leaves the classroom
Students, parents, and fellow educators describe Qorsho Hassan as an exceptional teacher: an example of how teachers of color can change a classroom. But in an interview with Sahan Journal, Hassan says that Minnesota schools continue to fail their students — and teachers like her, too. “We’ve been tasked with the impossible job of fighting systemic racism,” Hassan said.
Photos: A look at the world last week
The first full week of July brought celebrations, competitions, religious reflections and more around the world. Here’s a look at some of the images from around the globe for the week of July 4 through July 11.
Few showers Monday; hot by the end of the week
We’ll have a few scattered morning showers Monday with the possibility of isolated thunder in the afternoon. Winds are picking up from the northwest, dropping dew points. Expect heat by the end of the week.
Gary Potter has spent the past two months nervously watching the swollen waters of Rainy Lake press against the head-high sandbag wall he built in his backyard, to keep the record-setting flooding away from his home. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Program helps educators accurately teach Native American content in classrooms
Most Minnesota K-12 educators say they lack access to resources they need to accurately teach lessons which include Native American content. But one teacher training program is trying to change that.
Morning showers; dropping dew points Monday
The humid air is on its way out after some scattered morning showers and a few thunderstorms Monday. A few pop-up storms are possible in northern Minnesota again in the afternoon. 90+ temperatures move in by the end of the week.
Over-the-counter birth control? Drugmaker seeks FDA approval
A drug company is seeking U.S. approval for the first birth control pill that women could buy without a prescription. The request from a French drugmaker on Monday sets up a high-stakes decision for the Food and Drug Administration amid the political fallout from the Supreme Court's recent decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Flurry of trades, signings expected before NHL free agency
Executives around the NHL expect plenty of movement before free agency opens Wednesday. Several top players including Calgary MVP candidate Johnny Gaudreau, Colorado playoff star Valeri Nichushkin and two-time Stanley Cup champions Ondrej Palat and Jan Rutta could still sign contracts prior to hitting the open market.
Jeffers homer helps Twins beat Rangers 6-5, avoid sweep
Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking home run in the sixth inning, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 6-5 to avoid a three-game sweep. 
Residents optimistic as historic Rainy Lake floodwaters recede
Floodwaters on Rainy Lake along the Canadian border have dropped by about 2 feet since they peaked at historic levels in mid-June. Now home and business owners are shifting to cleanup and recovery.
A distillery is fighting invasive crabs by turning them into whiskey
Invasive green crabs are destroying marine ecosystems in the United States. A New Hampshire distillery is making crab-flavored whiskey to take them on.
Privacy advocates fear Google will be used to prosecute abortion seekers
When law enforcement requests it, Google usually hands over location and search data collected through its smartphone apps. Will that now be used against people seeking abortions in some states?
Sleepy Eye theater revives, diversifies, with 'West Side Story'
After a six-year hiatus and the pandemic, Sleepy Eye Community Theater is reviving with a production of “West Side Story.” With the re-opening, reaching into new diverse audiences and actors is a priority for the theater group.
Abbott reopens Michigan baby formula plant after flooding
Abbott's facility has now closed and reopened twice this year. The baby formula plant had previously closed in February because of bacterial contamination.