Stories from July 5, 2023

U.S. is barred from combating disinformation on social media. Here's what it means
Under a judge's new ruling, much of the federal government is now barred from working with social media companies to address removing any content that might contain "protected free speech."
Cooler temps linger through Friday; spotty weekend rain chance
The cool temps of Wednesday will linger another couple of days, then temperatures will rebound slightly this weekend. We take a look at weekend rain chances and we have a recap of the rainfall totals of July 3 and July 4.
Minneapolis police arrested 16 people almost all of them minors, after a night of unruly behavior in city parks that police termed a riot at one point.  This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Chief Justice takes back the reins at the Supreme Court this term
Chief Justice Roberts kept a firm grip on the court. He assigned himself four of the seven most important opinions, including affirmative action, and he won some more nuanced outcomes.
Drug makers sue over Minnesota's new prescription price controls
A federal lawsuit claims Minnesota went too far in trying to put a limit on generic drug price increases. It’s just the latest challenge to bills passed in 2023. 
July gardening tips from expert Meg Cowden
For Minnesota's gardeners, the start of July means that the summer harvest is just getting underway.
Appetites: As temperatures rise, try these no-heat recipes to keep cool
It’s been a scorching summer so it’s no surprise that some are opting to keep the stoves off. But local chef and author Amalia Moreno-Damgaard says it’s still possible to make some delicious dishes without any heat.
Duluth celebrates $8 million grant to rebuild part of Lakewalk
Duluth officials are celebrating a nearly $8.2 million federal grant to rebuild part of the city’s popular Lakewalk pedestrian and bike trail that hugs the Lake Superior shore.
Do you avoid chatting about politics? According to new data, you're not alone
If politics are a subject you avoid as much as possible … you’re not alone. That’s according to a new national survey from APM Research Lab, a division within Minnesota Public Radio and the American Public Media Group.
What would you like to see in a new Minnesota state flag?
Immerse yourself into the world of flag design and how colors and symbols, ideally, represent the people and culture of the state. Also, MPR News asked its readers about their ideal Minnesota state flag and they responded with some good ideas.
After secret documents leak, Pentagon plans tighter controls to protect classified information
The Pentagon on Wednesday announced plans to tighten protection for classified information following the explosive leaks of hundreds of intelligence documents that were accessed through security gaps at a Massachusetts Air National Guard base.
El Niño plus climate change means record-breaking heat
Some of the hottest global weather in recorded history is happening this week. It’s likely that records will continue to fall this year.
Two new feel-good novels about bookstores celebrate the power of reading
Most novels set in bookshops are heartwarming paeans to bonds forged among readers. The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa are no exception.
Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham is on a mission to tackle racial health disparities 
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham. She’s a sociologist, a primary care doctor and has big ideas for improving equity in health care.
Minnesota lawmaker pleads guilty to drunk driving
Minnesota Rep. Matt Grossell has agreed to plead guilty to a driving while intoxicated charge related to a February stop near his home.
A break from the heat; cool Wednesday night
Cooler-than-normal temperatures will prevail for a couple days, something that’s been uncommon lately. Highs will be in the 70s with lows in the 50s and 40s.
Firefighters respond to fire at Hiawatha Ave. grain elevator
The Minneapolis Fire Department was on the scene of a fire at a grain elevator between 37th and 38th Streets at Hiawatha Avenue Wednesday morning.
Cooler Wednesday with dropping dew points; coolest overnight in weeks
Wednesday will be cooler with highs in the 70s south to 60s north. Dew points will continue to fall to September like levels. Wednesday night will see temps dip into the 50s and 40s.
Ransomware criminals are dumping kids' private files online after school hacks
Rich in digitized data, the nation’s public schools are prime targets for far-flung criminal hackers, who are assiduously locating and scooping up sensitive files that not long ago were committed to paper in locked cabinets. Districts are ill-equipped to respond.
Last month, Adam Fravel was charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the death of his ex-partner Madeline Kingsbury. It is alleged that he concealed her dead body with a sheet and wooden debris in a storm drain in rural Minnesota. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. citizenship test changes are coming, raising concerns for those with low English skills
Under the proposed changes, the test would have a new English-speaking section and a new written multiple-choice format in the civics section. Some immigrants and advocates worry the changes will hurt test-takers with lower levels of English proficiency.
U.S. Supreme Court's property forfeiture decision spurs class-action lawsuit in Minnesota
Three law firms have filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of other Minnesotans who, like Geraldine Tyler, lost out on recouping their home’s equity after it was seized for unpaid property taxes.
Hennepin Healthcare makes its case for more equity, inclusion training
The Minneapolis hospital now requires doctors and other health professionals to undergo equity and inclusion training. The program is atypical in the health field, but one that hospital leaders say is crucial in their mission to serve the entire city. Here’s how it works.