Stories from May 25, 2023

Minnesota sees an increase in suicide deaths 
After a dip during the first year of the pandemic, suicide rates in Minnesota rose again during 2021 and 2022.
Warm, dry, summery forecast
A July-like weather pattern is unfolding for Minnesota.
The Supreme Court has narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act
The U.S. Supreme Court placed new restrictions on the scope of the jurisdiction the Clean Water Act has over wetlands, ruling in favor of Idaho landowners who had challenged the law.
Landmark Supreme Court ruling gives Minnesota woman a legal property rights win and Walz issues his first veto, striking down rideshare regulations. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Walz vetoes bill adding protections for Uber, Lyft drivers
Gov. Tim Walz vetoed a bill that would set a minimum wage and work rules for ride service drivers, saying it was not the right bill.
Floyd’s death shaped how these students look at their lives
Many students in Minnesota high schools today were in their early teens when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer three years ago. A group of St. Louis Park High Schoolers met Thursday talk about how Floyd’s death has shaped their experiences.
U of M to oversee multi-state effort to help unlock federal funding for climate projects
The University of Minnesota has received a $10 million grant to lead a multi-state effort to help rural, tribal and underserved communities apply for and secure federal resources for climate action. The grant will go towards creating technical assistance centers in six states that are scheduled to open this summer.
How George Floyd's murder changed 4 Minneapolis musician's paths
Three years later, SoulFlower, Breezy2Fresh, Mack OC and Oaojooo came together to share their experiences, inspirations and thoughts on the role of music in bringing about social change.
 Paid leave is now Minnesota law: What you need to know
Minnesota joins about a dozen states with a guarantee to partially paid time off to bond with a new child, to care for a seriously ill relative or to deal with one’s own health problems. The leave benefit won’t kick in until 2026.
Honoring and remembering George Floyd with music
Three years after the murder of George Floyd, music has been an essential tool for healing. Floyd’s former partner Courteney Ross and south Minneapolis musician Raycurt Johnson share their stories.
Memorial Day weekend weather: Dry and pleasant
Our Memorial Day weekend weather with cooperate with most outdoor plans. We have the details for you.
Target on the defensive after removing LGBTQ+-themed products
Target removed some LGBTQ+-themed products and relocated Pride Month displays to the back of stores in certain Southern locations in response to online complaints and in-store confrontations that it says threatened employees’ well-being.
Supreme Court rules in favor of woman who got nothing when Hennepin County took her condo
A unanimous Supreme Court gave Geraldine Tyler a new chance to recoup some money after the county kept the entire $40,000 when it sold her condominium over a small unpaid tax bill.
How George Floyd's legacy inspires change and community support
All eyes were on Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, as the world erupted with calls for meaningful racial justice after George Floyd was murdered. MPR News guest host Twila Dang speaks with his family members about their grief and what their non-profit is doing to support racial justice.
Warm, brighter Thursday; mostly dry into Memorial Day weekend
Scattered mid-level clouds will clear through the morning Thursday. Highs will be in the 70s and low 80s with 60s near the North Shore. Memorial Day weekend still looks mainly dry with temperatures heating up potentially next week.
Minnesota Aurora shut out Rochester FC in season opener
The Minnesota Aurora kicked off their second season Wednesday night with a 5-0 victory over in-state opponent Rochester FC.
Today marks three years since George Floyd died at the hands of Minneapolis police. His death launched protests, some that turned violent, and led to a push for racial justice in policing. There will be a candlelight vigil tonight at George Floyd Square in south Minneapolis.
4 new books by Filipino authors to read this spring
As we near the close of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we bring you a list of new books by Filipino authors — ranging from a noir graphic novel to the latest from Gina Apostol.
Bright and seasonable Thursday; temperatures trend upward this weekend
We’ll see a very seasonable Thursday with plenty of sun and temperatures near normal, mostly in the 70s. The holiday weekend still looks dry for most with warmer than normal temperatures.
What are realistic expectations for Ukraine's military offensive?
Most major military operations are shrouded in secrecy. Ukraine's planned offensive against Russia has been under public debate for months. This has created expectations. Some realistic, some not.
5 things people get wrong about the debt ceiling saga
Did spending by President Joe Biden and the Democrats rack up the country's debt? Is a default the same as a government shutdown? Here are answers to things people often get wrong about the debt ceiling.
These two Twin Cities children of immigrants just won $90K scholarships
Philsan Isaak and Steven Truong are among 30 people nationwide to receive $90,000 scholarships as immigrant kids “poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture or their academic field.”
Art Hounds: Bad sleep on Robert Street
Art Hounds recommend “Im/perfect Slumbers” at the M, photographs by Edward S. Curtis, and a new version of a Greek classic. 
How Minneapolis has changed three years after the murder of George Floyd
Floyd’s murder by a police officer in 2020 led to some initial discussions and proposals for significant changes to policing and reimagining public safety. Progress has been slow, but there are indications that — for better or worse — Minneapolis has been transformed by Floyd’s killing.