Stories from June 2, 2023

Biden signs bipartisan deal to avert debt default
President Biden praised a bipartisan agreement that raised the debt ceiling and averted a calamitous debt default in a rare Oval Office speech Friday.
Minneapolis City Council candidate Nasri Warsame says he will continue his campaign in the wake of the Minnesota DFL voting earlier this week to bar him from seeking the party's endorsement. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Jon Collins. Music by Gary Meister.
Warm, humid weekend with scattered showers, thunderstorms
Our summery weather will continue through the weekend. We have an update on rain chances and when some cooler air will arrive.
Xcel Energy will ask state regulators to reconsider electric rate hike
Xcel says it will reevaluate its investments in the clean energy transition and is withdrawing a proposal to build a network of more than 700 electric vehicle charging stations.
Arts Briefs: Unexpected public art
This week’s arts briefs look at the new season for Cantus, art at the capitol and a huge pencil. Also: Absolute Bleeding Edge looks at stripped-down Swedish glam rock.
Do Allina Health’s alleged billing practices violate MN law? The attorney general is looking into it
On Thursday, the New York Times published an investigation into Allina’s billing practices. The story alleges the company refused to provide certain types of care for patients with at least $4,500 in medical debt. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asks those who’ve experienced “aggressive billing practices” at Allina Health to contact his office.
HyLife plant closes in Windom; company says new buyer doesn't intend to retain workers
More than 1,000 workers will lose their jobs in the plant closure, including half who are in the U.S. on work visas connected to employment at the company. The City of Windom and social service agencies are working to help employees.
Minnesota writer William Kent Krueger on the importance of place
Minnesota is more than home to author William Kent Krueger. It’s a central character in most of his books. Kruger talked about it — and about his primary human character, Cork O’Connor — at a special spring Talking Volumes in Duluth earlier this month.
Hot Friday, afternoon thunderstorms possible; dry conditions widen in MN
Hot, muggy conditions persist into the weekend with better chances of scattered thunderstorms developing Friday and Saturday afternoons. Activity Sunday may be more isolated.
A New York Times investigation into the billing practices of Allina Health revealed the organization allegedly withheld care from patients who have unpaid medical bills. The report is based on internal documents and interviews with doctors, nurses and patients. Minnesota's attorney general is encouraging patients denied needed care to contact his office. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Yet another steamy day with scattered late day thunderstorms Friday
Temperatures will be hot, in the 80s and low 90s with more scattered thunderstorms popping up late Friday afternoon into the evening. Saturday will see similar conditions but Sunday looks drier for most with mainly isolated thunder.
Metro Transit police chief promises safety improvements
Metro Transit officials are promising to tackle crime and other safety problems on the Twin Cities’ public transit system.