Stories from August 16, 2023

Ruling deals blow to access to abortion pill mifepristone — but nothing changes yet
A federal appeals court would restrict the use of mifepristone, a pill used in medication abortions. But previous action by the Supreme Court means the status quo holds for now.
Review: 'Shane' at the Guthrie: Unsettling the settlers
The Guthrie's adaptation of “Shane” reimagines the classic Western, confronting settler-colonial myths with new character perspectives, resulting in an engaging but unresolved examination of American West violence.
Brainerd lifts boil water advisory
The city of Brainerd announced Wednesday afternoon that it has lifted the boil water advisory that had been in effect for nearly a week.
Feds charge 14 more members of Minneapolis street gangs; cops say arrests are curbing violence, and state pollution control agency says air quality late this week may be worst since 2021. This is an evening update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Feds charge another 14 people in Minneapolis gang crackdown
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against an additional 14 alleged members of Minneapolis street gangs. The new criminal complaints follow similar charges brought in May against 45 suspected members of the Highs and Bloods.
Some abortion drug restrictions are upheld by an appeals court in a case bound for the Supreme Court
New restrictions on access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would be imposed under a federal appeals court ruling issued Wednesday, but the Supreme Court will have the final say.
Cannabis on the go: Red Lake Nation to offer mobile dispensary
Two weeks after becoming the first recreational cannabis dispensary in Minnesota to open its doors for business, the Red Lake Nation in northwestern Minnesota said it’s working on a mobile dispensary, which will resemble a food truck.
Walz says tax rebates will help with back to school shopping
The governor promoted rebates arriving in Minnesotan’s bank accounts this week as a back-to-school stimulus. And he responded to complaints from Republican leaders that the $260 rebates were much less than the DFLer promised last year on the campaign trail.
3 reasons Trump's latest charges could be hard for him to shake
The former president has been charged four separate times in just over four months. But the latest indictment stands out in terms of its scope, evidence and location.
Art Hounds: Murals, molten metal and memories
This week’s Art Hounds recommend the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival, Caponi Art Park’s “Hot Art” event, and the Kate Nobbe exhibition in Minneapolis’ North Loop.
Indigenous history is one of the newest requirements in Minnesota classrooms
Minnesota teachers renewing their K-12 license are now being required to include training on Indigenous history as part of their requirements to teach within the state of Minnesota, as well as having it built-into the curriculum.
Surviving the silent killer of kidney disease 
Kidney disease is often called a silent killer because there are no symptoms until it’s life threatening. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a doctor about prevention and treatment, and a Minnesotan who lived through four kidney transplants.
Strong storms possible late Wednesday; cooler Thursday with wildfire smoke returning
Wednesday will be hot and windy with storms developing late in the day ahead of a cool front. Behind that front it will be a comfortable Thursday, but wildfire smoke from Canada could also blanket the state.
Lyft, Uber say they'll stop rideshares if Minneapolis passes ordinance
Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber are threatening to pull service out of Minneapolis if the city passes an ordinance Thursday that gives drivers more protections and higher pay.
Windy, hot Wednesday with storms later; air quality alert north
It will be hot and windy Wednesday ahead of a cool front that’ll touch off storms late in the day. Some of those storms could be severe. It’ll be cooler Thursday before heating up again.
Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber are threatening to pull service out of Minneapolis if the city passes an ordinance this week that gives drivers more protections and higher pay. And in waves, the Department of Revenue will begin distributing one-time rebates this week to taxpayers who qualified based on 2021 income. The payments amount to $260 per person and up to $1,300 for a household. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Target sales ebb in Q2 and it cuts outlook for the year citing inflation and a culture war dustup
Target has reported weaker-than-expected sales for its the fiscal second quarter. The retailer's results were hit by headwinds including inflation and the widely publicized negative reaction by some customers to its Pride merchandise.
Maui's cultural landmarks burned, but all is not lost
Balancing sadness for the losses with hope about what's been saved, heritage workers are in the early stages of planning recovery and restoration efforts.
After Maui's deadly fires, one doctor hits the road to help those in need
The death toll from Maui's fires has surpassed 100. Many more were injured. Others fled without their prescription drugs. Getting victims the care they need has been tough. One doctor is stepping up.
Concordia College plants its first Indigenous medicinal herb garden
On a sweltering mid-summer afternoon, a “rainbow tribe” of about a dozen people planted ceremonial tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass, sage and more. Anyone is welcome to take it.
Environmental activists rally against Hennepin Energy Recovery Center trash incinerator
Environmental justice groups in Minneapolis want to end trash burning in Minneapolis. They spoke Tuesday at a Hennepin County Board meeting and afterwards at a rally against the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, or HERC.