Stories from June 12, 2023

Bolton, Trump's ex-national security adviser, calls for him to withdraw from the race
John Bolton says the indictment is a "potentially catastrophic turn of events" for Trump. He spoke to Morning Edition about the seriousness of the charges and the importance of accountability.
Here's what to expect from Minnesota's extra $1.3B for housing
The one-time funding far exceeds the housing agency’s usual budget of $125 million every two years. Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho called the extra funding “huge” and “exactly what's needed right now.”
Minnesota is putting millions into new full service community school initiative, and Windom awaits the fate of a major business development as pork plant sale closes. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Seal Dwyer is building community and healing trauma in the St. Cloud area
Dwyer is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, especially young people. She is helping start a queer community center in downtown St. Cloud to provide a safe space and resources.
Northfield author Krista Burton on her quest to visit every remaining lesbian bar in the country
Gay bars have long been lauded as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate who they are and explore their identity. But over the past 30 years, the number of lesbian bars in the U.S. has shrunk from 206 to around 20.
Drug-maker Mallinckrodt may renege on $1.7 billion opioid settlement
Victims of prescription opioid addiction as well as communities slammed by the opioid crisis could wind up with nothing if Mallinckrodt files for a second bankruptcy.
Pulse nightclub victims remembered on 7th anniversary of massacre
Across central Florida, the 49 victims killed and dozens more survivors of the massacre at a gay-friendly nightclub were remembered with the unveiling of a 44-foot (13.4-meter)-wide mural, the ringing of church bells and an overnight vigil at the site of the Pulse club on Monday, the seventh anniversary of the tragedy.
Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan leaves paper after 9 years at helm
Ryan, 68, will lead the newly formed Center on Public Civility at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, the newspaper said. He’ll be replaced at the Post on an interim basis by Patty Stonesifer, formerly chief executive of the Gates Foundation and a member of the Amazon board.
Youth go to trial in a test of state’s obligation to protect Montana residents from warming
The 16 young plaintiffs — supported by a parade of leading climate experts — are trying to persuade state District Judge Kathy Seeley that the state’s allegiance to fossil fuel development endangers their health and livelihoods and those of future generations.
Happy 5th anniversary, MPR raccoon!
Where were you the day a mottled brown raccoon inspired the internet when she climbed the 25 stories of UBS Tower in downtown St. Paul?
Ask a Bookseller: 'They're Going to Love You'
Matt Nixon of A Cappella Books in Atlanta, Ga., has loved selling his customers Meg Howrey's novel “They're Going to Love You.”
The Lake Street Recovery: Stories behind the storefront
Three years ago, the world watched Lake Street sustain significant damage after the murder of George Floyd. But business owners cleaned up, came back and insisted that this recovery be accessible to all. Were they successful? Listen to this live In Focus discussion hosted by MPR News host Angela Davis.
Temps climb again; thunderstorm possible to end the week
Temperatures will once again be climbing above normal this week. Saturday rainfall was hit and miss but we have another chance late this week of some thunderstorms.
5 new mysteries and thrillers for the start of summer
These new releases might take you from Europe to Africa to the Middle East to Russia and the United States — without leaving your hammock.
Popular blackout license plates will soon hit the road in Minnesota
Minnesota lawmakers this spring approved the creation of several new license plate designs — including so-called “blackout” license plates that feature white lettering on a black background.
Warming back up the next couple days
After a cool start, temperatures will be back to near or above normal Monday. We’ll have partly cloudy skies with heat building back in midweek. Spotty thunder is possible late Thursday into Friday.
Minnesota Lynx retire Sylvia Fowles' jersey
Sunday night's retirement ceremony for Sylvia Fowles capped off a reunion weekend for the Lynx, who honored the 25 greatest players in franchise history, including Fowles, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus and Rebekkah Brunson.
Lynx erase 11-point 4th-quarter deficit to beat Sparks after honoring Sylvia Fowles
Napheesa Collier had 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and Minnesota rallied from a late 11-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 91-86 on the day the Lynx honored Sylvia Fowles by retiring her No. 34 jersey.
Blackout plates — set white letters and numbers against a black background — are among the newest in the lineup of specialty license plates that Minnesota vehicle owners can choose from. State lawmakers authorized them in the new budget, and those who pick them will pay an additional $30 per year on top of standard registration fees and taxes. They will be available for plates issued as soon as January. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
6 takeaways from the 2023 Tony Awards
The theater was sweltering. There was no script. And yet it was a swift, entertaining show.
Heart work: Training social workers to keep Native children home
A unique program housed at the University of Minnesota Duluth trains social workers to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act to keep Native American children connected to their families and communities.
Tony Awards 2023: Here's the list of major winners with photos
History was made, as Alex Newell became the first nonbinary actor to win a Tony and J. Harrison Ghee the second. We'll be updating this winners list throughout the night.