Stories from June 27, 2023

Prosecutors allege in a criminal complaint that on Feb. 16, a worker at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport who was about to use an employee restroom on the lower level of the E concourse spotted a cell phone under the stall he was about to use.
Wildfire smoke thickens; severe storms possible Wednesday
Canadian wildfire smoke has been thickening from Wisconsin into Minnesota. Scattered thunderstorms will cross northern and central Minnesota to round out Tuesday. Showers and numerous thunderstorms are likely Tuesday night and Wednesday.
To save Jewish culture, American Jews turned to summer camp
The roots of summer sleep-away camps that revolve around Jewish identity go back to efforts to keep Jewish culture alive after World War II.
Investigation details troubles with Minneapolis Black expo, lack of planning
A report released Tuesday found that most of money spent to celebrate local Black businesses went to companies based outside of Minnesota. The report uncovered peculiarities with dozens of invoices submitted by vendors who organized or provided services to the “I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams” expo.
A mental health check in with MPR News
Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, listen back to a conversation hosted by MPR News’ Angela Davis about the first actions to take and the words to use to help someone in a mental health emergency.
Choosing death on one's own terms
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer speaks with end-of-life doula Wendy Longacre Brown about her mother’s life and death. Her mother, Cheryl Hauser, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019 and publicly discussed a specific exit strategy known as V-SED. It was a decision that resulted in Hauser’s recent passing.
The city of St. Cloud is asking the Legislature for financial help to revitalize its downtown. At a summit in December, a national expert recommended reducing surface parking lots, increasing housing and making the downtown more walkable and connected. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Formerly incarcerated Minnesotans can soon vote. Meet someone working to register them
On Saturday, an estimated 55,000 Minnesotans with a felony on their records with be eligible to vote in any local, state or federal election. MPR New host Cathy Wurzer speaks with Antonio Williams, who is working on getting formerly incarcerated Minnesotans registered to vote.
Leon Belmont: queer and trans Minneapolis history in 1880
From our Minnesota Now and Then series, MPR News producer Britt Aamodt has the story from the history books about a transgender Minneapolitan who landed in the center of a media frenzy in 1880.
Minnesota native competes on Hulu's 'Secret Chef'
Josh Walbolt is a private chef in New Jersey who grew up in Elk River, Minn. He competed against nine other contestants on the new reality show.
How Supreme Court redistricting ruling affects Minnesota law
The Supreme Court issued a major ruling Tuesday that rejects a legal theory that could have reshaped federal elections in this country. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer speaks about the case with Jason Marisam, an associate professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul.
Minnesota sets record for most air quality alerts in a season
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a record 23rd air quality alert of the year Tuesday morning, as yet another round of smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts across southern and eastern parts of the state.
Lunds & Byerlys reaches agreement with workers, averting strike
Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 accused the grocery chain Lunds & Byerlys of unfair labor practices amid contract negotiations.
Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of 'Wheel of Fortune'
"I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," Ryan Seacrest said.
State signals no independent probe for Minneapolis crash that killed 5
The Council on American Islamic Relations-Minnesota and the families of the young women killed had sought a probe independent of state agencies to examine several issues, including the actions of a state trooper who had spotted the SUV ahead of the crash.
The Supreme Court has rejected the independent state legislature theory
The court rules that state constitutions can protect voting rights in federal elections and state courts can enforce those provisions, a key opinion that should safeguard 2024 election integrity.
Air quality alert Tuesday and Wednesday; chance of midweek storms
Minnesota’s up to 23 air quality alerts this year, a new record. The state typically averages two or three annually. Temperatures will be warmer Tuesday with spotty thunderstorms to the north. Wednesday will bring a statewide chance of storms.
Renters have rights. Here's what to know
Does your landlord have to fix that leak? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you live in one of the nearly 44.1 million renter households in the U.S., here's how to spot rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease.
The University of Minnesota’s board of regents approved the tuition increase as part of their new $4.5 billion budget. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Warmer; spotty storms possible up north Tuesday, statewide by Wednesday
After a couple of modestly cooler days, temperatures will be back above normal, well into the 80s for most of the state. Northern Minnesota will see some afternoon spotty storms with a statewide chance Wednesday.
Ozuna, Acuña hit homers to back Strider's 10 strikeouts as Braves top Twins 4-1
Marcell Ozuna hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh, Spencer Strider allowed three hits in seven innings while striking out 10 and the Atlanta Braves beat the Minnesota 4-1 in the Twins’ first visit to Atlanta in seven years. 
The hospital bills didn't find her, but a lawsuit did — plus interest
After emergency gallbladder surgery, a Tennessee woman said she spent months without a permanent mailing address and never got a bill from the hospital. She ended up in court a few years later.
Biden kept Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. This is who pays the price
Dan Digre makes loudspeakers in Minnesota. But he's importing more of them from China than he used to, thanks to unintended consequences from Trump-era tariffs that President Biden has kept in place.
Nonprofit fills invisible need for disadvantaged kids in Minnesota: new underwear
When people donate items to help children in need, they typically collect food, school supplies and shoes and coats. Underwear is rarely on that list. An organization called Undies for Everyone is bringing its kids’ underwear campaign to Minnesota.