Stories from June 30, 2023

Student loan ruling denies relief to 730,000 Minnesota borrowers
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday striking down President Biden’s student debt forgiveness program means that an estimated 730,000 Minnesotans will not get the financial relief that many had hoped for. The high court ruled 6-3 that the U.S. Department of Education does not have the authority to cancel federal student loans.
Dry, warm weekend; rain chance on July Fourth
Expect very warm weekend temperatures. The heat continues into July Fourth, when some areas could see thunderstorms. We have your holiday weather details, plus a look at the National Weather Service report on the June 24 tornadoes in northwestern Minnesota.
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar says she’s outraged at the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Biden’s plan for student loan debt forgiveness. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
MnDOT eyes autonomous vehicles to close transportation gaps, improve safety
The state has helped fund and oversee three pilot projects to explore how the technology might improve transportation access and safety. And it’s urging developers to conduct their own pilots in the state, where they can navigate winter weather and rural roadways.
Officials express 'cautious optimism' Windom plant will soon reopen
State officials say the new owners are assessing the shuttered HyLife plant and weighing equipment upgrades. Minnesota’s agriculture commissioner says the plant, which employed more than 1,000 people before closing on June 2, could reopen within months.
How the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision could reverberate beyond campus and race
A Minneapolis employment law attorney says Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision opens the door to affirmative action bans beyond school campuses, as well as bans that target gender-based equity programs.
Artist residency program launches in Northwoods
New York artists Brad Kahlhamer and Waverly Bergwin become the inaugural residents of a new artist residency program at Minnesota’s Nemeth Art Center, using the rural setting to create unique works of art for an exhibition in July.
A Brazil court has banned Bolsonaro from running for election until 2030
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been barred from office for eight years for abuse of power, after he made unfounded claims about Brazil’s voting system ahead of last year's election.
What we do — and don't yet — know about the malaria cases in the U.S.
Five local cases of malaria in the U.S. have been reported — mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite bit and infected the individuals. How worried should we be? Is climate change a factor?
Supreme Court to consider whether domestic abusers can own guns
At issue is a 1994 amendment to the Federal Firearms Act that prohibits those who are actively subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms.
June wraps up as one of the driest and warmest in Minnesota history
Thunderstorms and downpours from earlier in the week weren't enough to eliminate drought and quench the state's drying landscape. Meteorologist Mark Seeley spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about the recent hot, dry weather. 
A historical swashbuckler from author David Grann
“The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” is so captivating, it’s already being adapted into a movie by Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese.
Minnesota opens search for marijuana manager
Gov. Tim Walz will pick the first leader of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management. An application process has begun.
Thomson Reuters says it has chosen a new location for its Twin Cities office, after announcing earlier this year it was selling off most of its large corporate campus in Eagan, Minn.
Supreme Court strikes down student loan program
The court unanimously dismissed on standing grounds a challenge to President Biden's groundbreaking plan to forgive some or all federal student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans.
Twin Cities finishing third-hottest June; more heat to start July
The heat of June will overflow into July. Highs will be near or above 90 degrees Friday through Tuesday. The next chance of thunder comes late Monday into Tuesday ahead of a cool front.
Drought across Minnesota continued to deepen over the past week, despite some weekend storms that brought rain to much of the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Hot, dry stretch of weather ahead for Minnesota
Get ready for another stretch of hot, dry weather with 90s returning for many. We’ll remain dry until late Monday or Tuesday.
Traveling over the Fourth of July weekend? So is everyone else
AAA is forecasting record-high travel this weekend, when more than 50 million Americans are expected to get out of town. That could mean clogged roads and snarls at airports.
Minnesota colleges consider future diversity following affirmative action's overturn
After the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of race-conscious college admissions policies, Minnesota higher education institutions say they are just beginning to consider how they may ensure student diversity.