Stories from June 15, 2023

Fed probe into Minneapolis Police likely to be unveiled on Friday, three years after death of George Floyd, and the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a bellwether case on Native rights in child welfare decision. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota’s first Juneteenth as a formal holiday arrives Monday
A new law adds Minnesota to the list where Juneteenth is a formally observed state holiday. For this year, however, the celebrations will be mostly local.
As smoky skies clear, experts say Minnesotans should prepare for more bad air
After Wednesday’s thick, choking smoke, air conditions improved significantly on Thursday across Minnesota. But forecasters say we should expect more air quality issues through the summer, and experts say there are things you can do to reduce the risk to your health.
Feds, Garland set to speak Friday on 2-year probe of Minneapolis police
The investigation into whether Minneapolis police routinely used excessive force and violated people’s constitutional rights began in 2021 after the conviction of ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to speak in Minneapolis Friday.
Chief Justice Gildea to leave Minnesota high court in October
There will be turnover at the top of Minnesota’s Supreme Court as Chief Justice Lorie Gildea steps down in October. It will mean all but one of the court’s justices were picked by DFL governors.
Here's how breathing bad air affects you, and how to protect your health
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer speaks with Mayo Clinic Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn about the short- and long-term health impacts of breathing wildfire smoke. MPR Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard has the latest forecast.
This week in sports
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talks sports with Eric Nelson and Wally Langfellow.
Happy bat season! Here's your rabies questions, answered
We are entering the busy season for bats. Bats are a key part of our ecosystem, but they can also be potential carriers of rabies when they encounter humans. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer speaks with a Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist to answer rabies questions.
St. Cloud State University eliminates programs, lays off faculty due to enrollment decline
University administrators say the cuts are necessary to fix a looming $24 million budget deficit caused by a decline in student enrollment. But some faculty worry that St. Cloud State’s push to expand online courses is making things worse.
Suspect in mass shooting at Colorado gay nightclub is expected to take a plea deal
The suspect in a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub is expected to strike a plea deal to state murder and hate charges that would ensure at least a life sentence for the attack that killed five people and wounded 17.
Early Risers: Parent perspectives on racial equity in early childhood
How do we talk to young children about race and racism? Dianne Haulcy, host of the Early Risers podcast, shares parents’ stories on raising children to love their culture and respect others.
Minnesota's state flag redesign: How the process will work
Minnesota’s state flag is set to undergo a makeover. The move to redesign the flag comes after years of criticism about the current flag’s outdated images. DFL Representative Mike Freiberg of Golden Valley joins Morning Edition to talk about the push for a new state flag.
Severe drought now in central Minnesota; conditions worsen statewide
The latest drought monitor shows drought continuing to expand in the state. Some rain is possible late Friday into the weekend but for most it will not be a significant event.
The latest Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecast shows air quality improving overnight into Thursday across northern Minnesota. Expect air quality to improve statewide by Friday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Art Hounds: Stories from the Great Lakes
This week, Art Hounds recommend art at the Great Lakes Aquarium, Midsummer at Franconia Sculpture Park and a classic play in Rochester
Survey: Americans split on whether schools should teach ongoing effects of slavery, racism
The McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s latest Mood of the Nation Poll, conducted with 1,000 American adults May 12 through 18, 2023 finds that nine in ten American adults think schools have a responsibility to teach children about slavery, but only half think those lessons should extend to “the ongoing effects of slavery and racism in the United States.”