Stories from June 16, 2023

Gas stoves pollute homes with benzene, which is linked to cancer
Benzene is among the pollutants gas stoves emit into homes, Stanford University researchers show. The toxin is linked to a higher risk of leukemia and other blood cell cancers.
40 years ago, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space
On June 18, 1983, she made history aboard the space shuttle. America's first woman in space had joined NASA after responding to a newspaper ad. "I knew that's what I wanted to do," she said.
The U.S. Department of Justice has found that Minneapolis police engaged in discriminatory excessive force and violated the civil rights in particular of Black and Native residents. The Justice Department also found Minneapolis police used dangerous hold techniques, Tasers, chemical irritants and brandished guns against people who committed at most a petty offense and sometimes no offense at all. This is the evening update for June 16, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.   
Canadian rain, shifting winds to boost Minnesota air quality
There is a good chance for significant rainfall in the Canadian wildfire zones that have been producing most of the smoke we’ve seen in Minnesota this year, and a wind shift over Minnesota next week should help push smoke back into Canada.
Arts Briefs: Classic musicals, opera and paper
In this week’s Arts Briefs, two award-winning musicals, a Duluth fashion show and a live performance of two radio dramas. Also, in Absolute Bleeding Edge, what is the deal with “The Wizard of Oz.”
History-making whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg has died at 92
Ellsberg's release of what were called the “Pentagon Papers“ hastened the end of the Vietnam war, prompted a landmark Supreme Court ruling and contributed to the downfall of President Richard Nixon.
Consent decree negotiations on MPD: 9 questions, answered
Minneapolis and federal authorities say they’ll negotiate a consent decree around the findings from the Justice Department’s report on the Minneapolis Police Department. Here’s a look at what these agreements entail and how it might work for MPD.
As air clears, thousands of runners head to Duluth for Grandma's Marathon
About 20,000 people will be running in Duluth this weekend for Grandma’s Marathon and its associated races. Organizers said they’ve been monitoring air quality — and are not expecting any issues for this year’s events.
Gen Z workers are exhausted — and seeking solutions
The work expectations and experiences of Gen Z are different from those of earlier generations. It's part of the reason why some members of Gen Z are going through an early life crisis.
Minnesota chief justice says departure opens new chapter for her, court
Chief Justice Lorie Gildea spoke about her plans to leave the Minnesota Supreme Court in October as a renewal for both her and the court. But she says it’s not retirement.
Drought is spreading across Minnesota as the state is hit with warmer than average temperatures
Despite scattered storms and cooler temperatures over the past week, a large part of the state continues to deal with a worsening drought. Meteorologist Mark Seeley sat down with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the recent weather.
Community asking for intervention for years are only being heard now
MPR New host Cathy Wurzer speaks with activist and attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong regarding the outlook on the results of the federal probe into the city of Minneapolis’ policing practices.
Feds slam Minneapolis Police Department over years of racism, excessive force
MPD’s culture and practices created “systemic problems” that made possible the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, the newly released U.S. Justice Department report concludes. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland described the findings as “heartbreaking.”
Sunny Friday; some weekend rain is possible; analysis of the unusually warm period
Friday will be mostly sunny and hazy with smoke aloft. Showers and some thunder become possible in western Minnesota Friday night into Saturday with that chance moving east Saturday evening into Sunday.
Warmer, mostly sunny Friday; increasing shower chance this weekend
After a blast of cool air Thursday, temperatures will be warmer Friday with sunshine. The chance of showers increases from west to east through the weekend, but rainfall amounts will be limited east.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland is scheduled to be in Minneapolis Friday to announce the results of an extensive investigation into the city's police department — particularly officers’ use of force. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Attorney General Garland to reveal investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland is scheduled to be in Minneapolis Friday to announce the results of an extensive investigation into the city's police department — particularly officers’ use of force.
Thousands of Minnesota students compete in Alexandria for target shooting as sport gains popularity
Clay target shooting is a rapidly growing high school sport in Minnesota. Thousands of Minnesota high school students are in Alexandria, Minn., this week for what organizers say is the largest clay target shooting competition in the country.
Pfizer warns of a looming penicillin supply shortage
The shortage comes as there has been a steady increase in rates of syphilis since 2000. Inventory can start depleting as early as this month, Pfizer said.
Wildfire prompts temporary closure of part of the Boundary Waters
Part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is being temporarily closed to visitors, as crews continue to battle a wildfire amid ongoing elevated fire danger in the region.
MLB teams welcome LGBTQ+ fans with Pride Nights but not one has seen an active player come out
Almost 80 years after Jackie Robinson broke the majors’ color barrier, the dueling expressions of LGBTQ+ support and pop-up opposition recalled the question of when the big leagues might welcome their first active openly gay player.