Stories from May 26, 2023

As the auction selling the HyLife pork processing plant in Windom launches, about half of the plant’s 1,000 workers face an uncertain future.
Listen: Voices from the 2023 Minnesota legislative session
The Minnesota Legislature has adjourned, but some of what transpired in St. Paul during the last five months lives on in this audio recap.
Arts Briefs: Concerts and celebrations
This week’s Arts Briefs include new concert series, a Thai New Year’s celebration and updates from the arts community. Also in Absolute Bleeding Edge: a multimedia project about beds, and the lack of them.
DEA moves to revoke major drug distributor's license over opioid crisis failures
The agency says it will strip Morris & Dickson of its license to sell highly addictive painkillers after finding it failed to flag thousands of suspicious orders at the height of the opioid crisis.
Expect driest Memorial Day weekend in 16 years
Minnesota is trending toward drought in places once again.
As many Minnesotans hit the road this holiday weekend, gas prices have inched up slightly over the past week. But they’re far lower than a year ago.  This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
'COVID emergency' over but concerns rise over loss of health insurance, mental health among younger Minnesotans
The officially declared national public health emergency related to COVID-19 has now been over for two weeks. Here in Minnesota, we are still receiving relatively timely hospitalization and wastewater data. This week we also look at the alarmingly high rates of depression and anxiety among younger Minnesotans as well as those identifying as transgender.  
Journalist Jeff Sharlet on America's slow civil war
In his new book “The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War,” Jeff Sharlet examines the anger underneath American politics today — including a turn toward fascism and Christian nationalism.
A boy, 11, called police in Mississippi. A cop shot him
Nakala Murry says her son doesn't understand what happened to him. "His words to me were: 'Why did he shoot me? What did I do?' "
Can multivitamins improve memory? A new study shows 'intriguing' results
A team of researchers tracked thousands of people who took a daily multivitamin for three years. At the end of the first year, they performed slightly better on memory tests than people on a placebo.
What is ‘real’ self-care?
While the saying “treat yo’self” may come to mind when you think about self-care, experts argue it’s not about self-indulgence or access to an expensive splurge.
Very warm, dry May continues; Memorial Day weekend looks beautiful
In a reversal of March and April, May has been dry and quite a bit warmer than normal. That pattern continues through this Memorial Day weekend into May’s final days.
Candlelight vigil in Minneapolis marks third anniversary of police killing of George Floyd
A day of remembrance on the third anniversary of the police killing of George Floyd ended with a candlelight vigil Thursday night in Minneapolis at the corner of 38th and Chicago — George Floyd Square.
Gov. Tim Walz has signed the legislation that creates a leave benefit that doesn’t depend on where a person works. It will take a few years implement the state program that allows up to 20 weeks off per year with partial pay for a range of qualifying conditions or family care needs. his is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Beautiful Friday and above normal Memorial Day Weekend
Look for a sun-filled Friday with warm temperatures mostly in the 70s. Temperatures will steadily increase through the weekend into the 80s for most by Sunday and Memorial Day. We’ll see the chance of isolated storms finally by Tuesday.
At a 'Gente Funny' show, only bilingual audience members are in on the joke
Latinx comedians with non-English routines have largely been relegated to restaurants, bars and other spaces where Spanish already dominates. But a new generation is changing that, one show at a time.
3 ways to protect your money if the U.S. defaults on its debt
From social security payments to interest rates, a lot hinges on a debt-ceiling deal. Personal finance experts say you should prepare for a possible debt default as you would a recession.
What we know about the health risks of ultra-processed foods
Sure, they're tasty, but packaged snacks and meals can be packed with sugar, salt and a list of unpronounceable ingredients. So what are they doing to your health? Scientists are trying to find out.
Indiana reprimands doctor who spoke publicly about providing 10-year-old's abortion
Caitlin Bernard, an Indiana OBGYN, has been under scrutiny from her state's Republican attorney general since speaking out about the impact of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Minnesota's new rebate powers up 'Year of the e-bike'
Bike retailers around Minnesota say e-bike sales have surged in recent years. And they expect further growth now that Minnesota has joined the increasing number of states and cities to pass e-bike rebate programs.