Stories from July 21, 2023

Amid a record heat wave, Texas construction workers lose their right to rest breaks
In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law undoing local protections that ensured breaks for laborers who spend their days in scorching heat. The law takes effect Sept. 1.
The city of Minneapolis said other cities — including Denver, Detroit, San Francisco and Seattle — as well as the state of Oregon have already taken similar actions. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Regina Medina. Music by Gary Meister.
Isolated thunderstorms today and Saturday
Scattered thunderstorms will produce some locally beneficial downpours today and Saturday.
Minneapolis mayor says police will look the other way on some psychedelic drugs
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Friday signed an executive order directing the city’s police department and other agencies to deprioritize investigating or arresting people for using certain psychoactive plants, such as psilocybin mushrooms.
In 'Shy,' a troubled teenage boy gets a last chance
Readers made Max Porter’s novel “Grief is the Thing with Feathers” a huge best-seller. His latest book, equally magical, tells the story of one wild night in the life of a disaffected boy who tries to escape from the Last Chance School.
These farmworkers thought a new overtime law would help them. Now, they want it gone
Washington state is among a handful of states with new laws granting farmworkers the right to earn time-and-a-half for overtime work. But for many workers, things haven't turned out as expected.
Minnesota DNR's potential park rule changes get pushback from fungi foragers
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is revamping its rules for its parks and trails for the first time in more than 15 years. And while they say it's mostly to comply with new state laws and account for newer activities like geocaching, one big change could complicate forays for foragers and morel hunters.
Dive in: 'Do Tell' and 'The Stolen Coast' are perfect summer escapes
Lindsay Lynch's luscious debut, Do Tell, is set in Hollywood's Golden Age. Dwyer Murphy's The Stolen Coast is a moody tale of a lawyer who makes his money ferrying people on the run into new lives.
Fargo shooting updates: Suspect had search history of mass shooting events
Law enforcement has released more information about the gunman in last week’s shooting in Fargo, N.D., that killed officer Jake Wallin and injured two other officers and a bystander.
Spotty rain chances; major heat wave developing next week
Friday and Saturday afternoons will yield a few spotty showers or storms. A potentially major heat wave develops for all of next week.
Trump classified documents trial in Florida to begin in May 2024
Former President Donald Trump faces 37 counts over allegations of withholding classified and top-secret documents. His lawyers wanted the trial delayed until after the 2024 presidential election.
Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96
Tony Bennett, the eminent stylist and last of the great saloon singers whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decadeslong career, has died at 96.
NFL owners unanimously OK the Commanders sale to Josh Harris; Dan Snyder fined $60M on the way out
NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. The deal is for a North American professional sports record of $6.05 billion.
Few spotty showers Friday and Saturday afternoon; very hot next week
We’ll have a few spotty afternoon showers and isolated thunder Friday afternoon and late Saturday. Beyond that, it will be hot and dry as a heat wave develops next week.
The White House and big tech companies release commitments on managing AI
Seven tech companies, including Google, Meta and OpenAI, have voluntarily made commitments on developing and managing artificial intelligence. But there isn't much accountability in the process.
'Hi, Doc!' DM'ing the doctor could cost you (or your insurance plan)
Virtual access to doctors is a huge plus for patients. But it's a lot of new work for physicians. And the health care business model hasn't caught up with this new reality.
Top Minneapolis public safety official concedes much left to be done as he leaves after just a year and Minnesota will bury a native son as Fargo police officer killed last week is laid to rest this weekend. This is a morning update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
What to know about the 'Barbenheimer' double feature frenzy
After months of inescapable marketing, viral memes and crossover merch, two of the year's most anticipated movies hit theaters on Friday. Here's why so many people want to see both — and how to prep.
Program partners with schools to help reduce number of homeless families in Hennepin County
Studies show students who experience homelessness or housing instability are more likely to be chronically absent and less likely to complete high school and continue in their education. Now — a local program is aiming to find permanent solutions to the problems families experiencing homelessness may face.
MPCA: American Crystal Sugar Company didn't follow wastewater rules
A major sugar and agricultural company based in Moorhead, Minn., has been fined for wastewater quality violations involving fecal matter and other pollutants.