Stories from June 22, 2023

3M to pay more than $10B to settle 'forever chemicals' cases
Maplewood-based 3M on Thursday announced it’s reached a settlement of more than $10 billion to resolve lawsuits over drinking water contaminated by PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals.”
In 'The Fight for Midnight,' a teen boy confronts the abortion debate
Dan Solomon's YA novel ‘The Fight for Midnight’ takes place during former Texas state lawmaker Wendy Davis' filibuster of a bill that would restrict access to abortion. The protagonist is a teen boy.
Federal, state charges filed against driver arrested after high speed crash that killed five and Minnesota’s drought is deepening. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
House opens impeachment probe of Biden after GOP leaders head off push to vote now
A House GOP-passed resolution directs the Homeland Security and Judiciary panels to examine evidence of wrongdoing related to the president's immigration policies. The White House called it a stunt.
Muscular dystrophy patients get first gene therapy
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but limited access to those ages four and five.
A group of young people are suing the state of Montana for their energy policy
A “constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment”. That’s why 16 young people between ages 5 and 22 are suing the state of Montana seeking a transition to a less carbon-intensive energy policy.
Derrick Thompson charged with 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the driver in Friday’s crash that killed five young women in south Minneapolis has been charged with 10 felonies related to the crash. Derrick John Thompson, 27, faces five counts of criminal vehicular homicide and five counts for leaving the scene of the crash.
Native American leaders respond to DOJ report on Minneapolis police
The U.S. Justice Department’s report listing civil rights violations by the Minneapolis police department confirmed what many in the city’s Native American community say they have experienced. The impending consent decree, which could put some legal teeth into policing reform, may help repair relations with Twin Cities BIPOC communities.
Drought deepens in Minnesota
Drought conditions continue to expand across Minnesota, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Update, released Thursday morning. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer speaks with Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay.
Scandia, Minnesota's big plans to rebuild iconic water tower barn
The small town of Scandia, Minnesota recently received money from the state legislature toward reconstructing its iconic water tower barn and creating an arts and cultural heritage center in downtown Scandia. Host Cathy Wurzer speaks with Susan Rodsjo, a founding member of the Scandia Heritage Alliance.
The U.S. Coast Guard says debris field has been found near the Titanic during search for submersible
The U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday that an underwater vessel has located a debris field near the Titanic in the search for a missing submersible with five people aboard, a potential breakthrough in an increasingly urgent around-the-clock effort.
Hot, reduced air quality south; thunder possible north and west
Southern Minnesota will see more 90s Thursday and even Friday while northern and western Minnesota see the chance of showers and thunderstorms. Air quality will remain poor southeast. 
Minneapolis is now “Swiftieapolis.” At least for this weekend. Mayor Jacob Frey declared the temporary name change as the city prepares to welcome crowds of about half a million people attending Twin Cities Pride and Taylor Swift concerts. The city is urging people attending either events to arrive early and consider reserving their parking spaces on apps beforehand. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Wisconsin Assembly passes sweeping bill to overhaul liquor law
The laws governing Wisconsin's multibillion-dollar liquor industry has passed the state Assembly. The bill approved on Wednesday is supported by the smallest craft brewers to the largest national brewers, bar owners and alcohol distributors. 
Ukraine's troops long planned their move on Russian forces. Then came the flood
Soldiers spent months making clandestine trips across Ukraine's Dnipro River to plan the counteroffensive. Instead of facing off against Russian forces, this unit found itself fighting floodwaters.
Ponemah pet clinic part of campaign for more Indigenous veterinarians
Members of Natives in Vet Med volunteered at a pet clinic in Ponemah on the Red Lake Reservation this week. It was an important part of the organization’s campaign to get more Indigenous people working in the veterinary field.
Roe’s end brought big change to Minnesota and its neighbors
The Supreme Court’s decision last June to strike down Roe v. Wade triggered immediate abortion restrictions in many states. A year later, the legal landscape continues to shift. Here’s where things stand currently with Minnesota and other states across the Midwest.
Expanding drought conditions stressing crops in parts of Minnesota
Drought has been a recurring foe for Minnesota farmers over the past few years. But this growing season, the problem has started abnormally early in parts of the state.
Native community leaders want role in changes following feds' condemnation of MPD
The U.S. Justice department report listing civil rights violations by the Minneapolis Police Department confirmed what many in the city’s Native American population say they have experienced and raised some hope for improved treatment. 
Abortion opponents say they’ll work to roll back Minnesota law changes
Minnesota lawmakers removed abortion restrictions this year and guaranteed access to abortion in state law. Groups opposed to abortion say those changes have energized their members and that they’ll mobilize Minnesotans to roll them back.