Stories from June 29, 2023

Insanity defense expected in mosque arsons
A man accused of setting fires inside two Minneapolis mosques in April has indicated that he'll assert an insanity defense.
What should students learn about climate change in schools?
As climate science and impacts evolve, how much should students in Minnesota and across the U.S. learn about climate change causes and solutions?
Evening thunderstorm chance; Friday through Sunday mostly quiet, warm
After a Thursday evening thunderstorm chance, most of us will see a quiet and warm stretch of weather Friday through Sunday. An air quality advisory continues into Friday in Wisconsin.
Supreme Court decision on affirmative action will impact Minnesota schools, but how remains to be seen, and opponents file suit to block new law easing restrictions on felon voting. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against affirmative action
On Thursday morning the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Here’s what was in the ruling — and what it means for the future of Minnesota’s students.
Why the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action matters
Only a small portion of U.S. colleges have selective admissions, where race-conscious admissions can make a difference in who gets in. But the impacts of banning affirmative action are far wider.
Minnesota funds pediatric end-of-life care at one of only three children's hospice homes in the country
No family should have to plan for the end of a child's life, but it happens and it is heartbreaking. Minnesota has one of the only children’s hospices in the United States.
16 people are hospitalized after an Amtrak train crashes into a water truck
Amtrak says the Coast Starlight train was carrying 198 passengers and 13 crew when it rammed into a public works truck on a raised gravel crossing. The truck’s driver was taken to a trauma center.
Minneapolis Park Board plans overnight closures of Stone Arch Bridge
The Minneapolis Park Board plans to close the landmark Stone Arch Bridge overnights this weekend through the Fourth of July holiday — though it’s revising those plans in response to pushback from some local residents.
Minnesota felon voting law attracts lawsuit
A conservative voters group says the Legislature lacked authority to give people with felony records their voting rights back before they completed their full sentences.
Rain didn't solve Minnesota's drought; hot weekend ahead
West winds will continue to improve the air quality statewide through the day. Isolated thunderstorms are possible late Thursday afternoon. Temps heat up this weekend.
Wild pick a Minnesota native in first round of NHL Draft
The Minnesota Wild picked a Minnesota native in the first round of the NHL Draft on Wednesday night — and another Minnesotan was selected by Chicago.
Twins manager Baldelli closes clubhouse to keep out reporters after team is swept in 3-game series
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli closed the clubhouse Wednesday to keep out reporters after his team was swept in a three-game series by the Atlanta Braves. Baldelli said the players were having a meeting to sort out what went wrong following a 3-0 loss, the team’s sixth shutout of the season.
Authorities in Rochester say dry weather revealed a vehicle sunk in a drainage pond and police found a body inside.
Voters in Minneapolis are not likely to see a rent control question on the ballot this fall. The city council Wednesday killed the measure while three council members were away to observe the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha. This is an MPR News morning updated, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. commits more lawyers to address Native American disappearances and killings
The U.S. Department of Justice will be funneling more resources toward addressing the alarming rate of disappearances and killings among Native Americans. The agency announced a new outreach program Wednesday. 
Improving air quality Thursday with isolated thunder
Air quality will continue to improve Thursday with a shift in the winds. Highs will be well into the 80s with isolated late afternoon thunder possible, especially north.
Scientists have found signs of a new kind of gravitational wave. It's really big
Scientists say they've found evidence of a very long gravitational wave that could open a window onto supermassive black holes — and perhaps even other extreme, unseen objects in the universe.
Art Hounds: Water, shanties and murals
This week, Art Hounds recommend the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, sea shanty sing-alongs and a festival of murals.
ChangeMakers: Jeong Eun Park’s cabaret troupe is by and for transgender people
Park, 52, has made a career of an unlikely collection of skills: drag and therapy. The Minneapolis-based therapist not only provides relationship and family counseling, but also organizes the performing troupe Transcendence Cabaret.
Minnesota schools just got unprecedented funding. Here’s why they’re still making cuts
Some Minnesota districts are laying off staff, closing schools and enlarging class sizes. A rise in state funding has lessened the need for budget cuts but, in many places, not eliminated them entirely.
It's never too late to become a strong swimmer. Here's how to start
Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming at any age.