Stories from July 12, 2023

So your tween wants a smartphone? Read this first
When's the right time to start your child with a phone? Is 12 too young? Here's what a professional screen time consultant tells parents about the risks kids face online.
Why inflation is losing its punch — and why things could get even better
Annual inflation fell to 3 percent in June, the lowest since March 2021. That probably won't stop the Federal Reserve from raising rates again, but this month's expected hike could be the last.
A Minneapolis man faces sentencing in October after a judge in Washington found him guilty of crimes including assaulting police during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Sarah Thamer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Judge convicts Minneapolis man of attacking cops during Capitol seige
A federal judge Wednesday found Brian Christopher Mock guilty of assaulting police and other crimes during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors said video showed Mock shoving two police officers to the ground and kicking one of them.
Future of Us: Deprived of social connections during the pandemic, teens learned to prioritize their mental health
What does a pandemic and a racial reckoning mean for the generation that came of age during it? Licensed therapist and author Shani Tran says that, while it has taken a toll on Gen Z’s mental health, it’s also equipped them with the emotional tools they’ll need to thrive.
St. Luke’s plan to merge with Aspirus Health is the latest for Minnesota health care 
Duluth-based St. Luke’s plans to merge with Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system that operates in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The new system will contain 19 hospitals, 130 outpatient locations and nearly 14,000 staff.
Future of Us: Forced to downsize their funerals, Hmong families returned to their roots
COVID-19 hit Hmong Minnesotans especially hard. Of COVID-related deaths among Asian Minnesotans in 2020, nearly half were Hmong. The loss came in the midst of pandemic restrictions that forced many families to downsize their normally large and lavish funerals. As they did so, Hmong healer Xifu Yaj Ceeb Vaj says some found an opportunity to reground themselves in their culture's spiritual traditions.
A lost world comes alive in 'Through the Groves,' a memoir of pre-Disney Florida
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Hull grew up in the rural interior of Central Florida during the 1960s and '70s. Her memoir evokes a land of perfect citrus, and the cruel costs of its harvest.
The 2023 Emmy nominations are in: What's old, what's new and what's next?
The old guard was out in force: 27 nods for “Succession,” 23 for “The White Lotus” and 21 for “Ted Lasso.” But there's a healthy mix of new shows, too, including “The Last of Us,” “Jury Duty” and “The Bear.”
Loneliness and isolation are an epidemic, according to the Surgeon General in a widely talked about recent report. So that leads to the question: How do you expand your social circle? Where on earth do you make new friends?
Harvard study calls on Minneapolis to create new model for safety and wellness services
The Public Health and Safety Committee of the Minneapolis City Council is looking at a new report Wednesday afternoon. It’s a blueprint to help the city transform public safety.
Minnesota finance boss to step down
Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter plans to depart the role in mid-August. A statement from the Walz administration says deputy commissioner Erin Campbell has been selected to replace him.
Iowa's new abortion ban is challenged in court, a day after it was passed by GOP lawmakers
A legal challenge was filed Wednesday to block Iowa's new legislation banning most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, launching what will likely be a lengthy and emotional court battle just hours after the Legislature's late-night vote.
Thrifting 101: Your guide to finding quality pieces
Shopping secondhand is a good way to be more sustainable, explore your personal style or score a deal. We have tips from some diehard thrifters so you can find those hidden gems.
Ex-Minneapolis cop gets 9 months for killing driver in high-speed crash
Then-officer Brian Cummings was chasing a stolen Kia along Lyndale Avenue North at speeds near 100 miles per hour in July 2021 when he crashed into Leneal Frazier's Jeep. Cummings had an “inordinate need for speed” one prosecutor said Wednesday.
Coping with a future of smoky skies and poor air quality
Minnesota has experienced its worst air quality on record this year. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what creates polluted air, why we may see more with climate change and how to cope with it.
Spotty thunderstorms possible Wednesday; warmer Thursday
An area of rain will continue to drift across southern Minnesota. More spotty showers and storms are possible in central Minnesota Wednesday afternoon. Thursday will be warmer.
Minneapolis leaders have unveiled a new community safety plan that lays out a roadmap for public safety that goes beyond policing. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Spotty showers Wednesday; more spotty chances ahead
Showers will drift across southern Minnesota Wednesday morning with more showers possible in central Minnesota midday and afternoon. Temperatures will be warmer Thursday and Friday.
8 mistakes to avoid if you're going out in the heat
You can still enjoy the outdoors this summer despite the scorching weather, if you're smart about it. Here's what to watch out for and how to stay safe.
It's back-to-school shopping time, and everyone wants a bargain
Spending on back-to-school supplies is predicted to decline this year, for the first time since 2014. With inflation top of mind, parents and teachers are looking for ways to save money.
'The uniqueness of who we are': Minnesota’s Asian American art renaissance
The Asian American Renaissance (AAR), a significant pan-Asian arts organization in Minnesota that operated from 1992 to 2005, played an essential role in supporting Asian American artists and promoting social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the community despite its closure.
Two firms want to bring high tech jobs to north Minneapolis
Two CEOs with strong ties to north Minneapolis have plans to expand their companies in a section of the city that has long been in need of well-paying jobs.  
Hastings natives create graphic novel from difficult hometown history
A difficult chapter of Minnesota history is now being told in a graphic novel. “Hate Stings” lays out what happened to the author’s African American family in 1800s Hastings. Visitors at the recent Minnesota Con in Minneapolis got a preview.
Minneapolis unveils 'audacious' community safety plan
Minneapolis leaders unveiled a new community safety plan Tuesday afternoon that lays out a roadmap for public safety that goes beyond policing. But it doesn’t have a set budget.