Stories from June 9, 2023

2022 was the worst year on record for attacks on health care workers
A new report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition documents almost 2,000 incidents in 2022: "a shockingly violent year against health care, especially in Ukraine and in Myanmar."
A Fillmore County sheriff's deputy found the body of Madeline Kingsbury, 26, on Wednesday wrapped in a bedsheet and tape along an isolated gravel road just north of the Iowa state line. The father of Kingsbury's children, Adam Fravel, 29, is charged with second degree murder. This is an MPR News evening update for June 9, 2023, hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota Department of Health has changed its approach to reporting COVID-19 cases, prioritizing severe disease and mortality data over case counts. COVID hospitalizations in Minnesota have been steadily decreasing, with no spring rebound this year, potentially relieving pressure on the health care system.
Many teens don't know how to swim. A grassroots organization is trying to change that
First Strokes, a nonprofit based in New York City, is helping students learn water safety skills and how to swim. They offer free swimming lessons for teens — taught by other teens.
Arts Briefs: Art for the birds
In this week’s Arts Briefs, art to prevent bird collisions, a retrospective of one of the Walker’s biggest donors and Irish music. Also in Absolute Bleeding Edge: How do we talk about art monsters?
Allina to pause controversial practices for people with medical debt
Last week, the New York Times published an investigation into Allina’s billing practices, alleging that the company refused to provide certain types of care for patients with at least $4,500 in medical debt. While the system would provide emergency care, the article said, it would withhold other services until that debt is paid off.
2022 was the worst year on record for attacks on heath-care workers
A new report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition documents almost 2,000 incidents in 2022: ‘a shockingly violent year against health care, especially in Ukraine and in Myanmar.’
How music venues can make concerts accessible to more people
Minnesota musicians and members of disability communities describe what it would take to create more welcoming live music spaces.  
Fire fans and a flaming octopus: See this fire troupe's free show in Minneapolis
Northern Fire Dynamic is putting on a free fire performance at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. The group formed in 2017 and now at 33 members, the community shares skills, leadership and performances with one another as they flow with fire.
Poor air quality continues to plague parts of the country including Minnesota
Minnesota feels the heat with a warm start to the month, and poor air quality will continue deeper into summer. Meteorologist Mark Seeley sat down with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the recent weather.
Weekend weather: Thunderstorm chance Saturday; dry Sunday
We could see a few scattered showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, but some areas won’t see any rain this weekend. We have details on that Saturday rain chance plus a look at weekend temperatures.
What it really means to be all-American
Joe Milan Jr.’s debut novel, “The All-American,” circles around questions of identity. Can you be American without the paperwork to prove it?
Murder charges: Ex-partner allegedly abused, threatened Madeline Kingsbury
Winona County prosecutors allege Adam Fravel had physically abused Kingsbury and told investigators he was infatuated with the case of Gabby Petito, a woman killed by her fiance in 2021. Kingsbury died by “homicidal violence.” Fravel faces second-degree murder charges.
Rain, thunder possible late Friday into Saturday; El Niño is here
Our best chance of some rain arrives late Friday into Saturday before things cool off Sunday. El Niño has officially arrived after three consecutive years of La Niña conditions, what does that mean?
Minnesota House boosts lawmaker expense allowances
The bump in per diem aligns the Minnesota House with the Senate’s $86 per day allowance. Some lawmakers questioned the timing of the move.
Cool front brings chances of needed thunderstorms
Northern Minnesota will see the chance of spotty late day thunderstorm. Central and southern Minnesota have a shot at some rain Saturday afternoon and evening before things cool off Sunday.
Billy Williams was born in the Rondo community in St. Paul in 1877 and was the only African American player and captain on the Saints' team. Williams was a star on and off the field -- as he went on to work at the Minnesota State Capitol for Governor John A. Johnson in 1905. He worked for fourteen governors until he retired in 1957. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Relationships are the true heart of 1940s dystopian novel 'Kallocain'
Karin Boye's novel is an outlier in that it was authored by a woman and, though narrated by a man, still expresses interest in women's inner life and acknowledges the subtleties of sexism.
El Niño has officially begun. Here's what that means for the U.S.
The natural climate pattern known as El Niño has officially begun. It exacerbates human-caused climate change, driving even hotter temperatures and other dangerous weather.
ChangeMakers: Hildie Edwards speaks up for trans kids like herself
Edwards, a 12-year-old singer and actor, testified at a Minnesota Senate committee hearing earlier this year in support of a bill protecting access to gender-affirming care.