Stories from June 6, 2023

A shooting near Virginia Commonwealth University in downtown Richmond following a high school graduation ceremony injured multiple people Tuesday, according to police and school district officials.
U.S. Army Corps revokes key NorthMet copper nickel mining permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revoked a key permit for the proposed NorthMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, formerly known as the PolyMet project, dealing a serious blow to the controversial project.
Much of Minnesota moving rapidly toward drought
Minnesota is trending dry again. And if current and forecast trends continue, much of the state will likely move into drought conditions in the next few weeks.
Explainer: Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave program
Minnesotans — regardless of where they work — will soon be covered under a new family and medical leave program that was signed into law this session.
Minnesota's air quality is off to worst start in modern records as wildfires burn Canada and Rochester condo residents are out for a month while crews address structural concerns. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Rochester condo building residents out at least a month amid structural worries
The 15-story building was evacuated Friday afternoon after a structural engineer alerted authorities. Engineers are examining the entire structure now. Officials will have a better idea of timelines when that work is done, the city said Tuesday.
What summer looks like for Minnesota families
MPR News producer Emily Bright spoke to a couple of parents from around the state to see what summer looks like for their families.
How religious conversion changed Minnesota's North Shore
WTIP North Shore Community Radio Producers Leah Lemm and Staci Drouillard looked into the history of Catholic missionaries on either side of the border as part of the award-winning series, “It Happens Here.”
Krewe, Flour & Flower Bakery bring fresh flavors to St. Joseph and central Minnesota
Appetites traveled to St. Joseph, Minn. and MPR News host Tom Crann spoke with local restaurateurs Mateo Mackbee and Erin Lucas of Krewe and Flour & Flower Bakery about how they're bringing fresh flavors to Central Minnesota and bringing people together.
Keng Dechawuth shares recipes, stories from his Puposky Pearl mushroom farm near Bemidji
Appetites visited Bemidji, Minn., and MPR News host Tom Crann talked with restaurateur Keng Dechawuth to discover how he “pays it forward” to his workers.
The idea of 'the one' actually makes dating much harder
Dating in search of "the one"? Relationship therapist Jeff Guenther, known as Therapy Jeff on TikTok, says that might not be practical.
Hundreds of journalists strike to demand leadership change at biggest U.S. newspaper chain
Journalists at two dozen local newspapers across the U.S. walked off the job Monday to demand an end to painful cost-cutting measures and a change of leadership at Gannett, the country’s biggest newspaper chain.
Air quality alert remains through at least 6 p.m. Tuesday; shower possible
Smoke remains present in the skies Tuesday, creating air quality concerns. We’ll have more spotty showers and thunder possible Tuesday ahead of cooler, drier air moving in for Wednesday.
State health officials on Monday said there are indications that norovirus is responsible for sickening dozens of swimmers and closing a popular beach in Dakota County. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
With new video, Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota edges closer to Republican presidential race
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has taken another step toward entering the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He posted a YouTube video Monday touting his rise from a small town boy to a self-made software entrepreneur and a governor who cut red tape and taxes.
Sky-high egg prices are finally coming back down to Earth
The industry is recovering from a massive bird flu outbreak and high inflation rates, but prices may not fall to what they once were.
'Lesbian Love Story' unearths a century of queer romance
Amelia Possanza's debut book Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives chronicles the lives of queer couples throughout the 20th century.
AI in medicine needs to be carefully deployed to counter bias – and not entrench it
Powerful new artificial intelligence tools can perpetuate long-standing racial inequities if they are not designed very carefully. Researchers and regulators are taking note, but perils are vast.
Minnesota’s new delivery fee riles retailers
Delivery of goods and services in Minnesota is going to start costing more in many cases thanks to a new law to help pay for road maintenance.