Stories from February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019 5:51 PM

Watch: In a post-Parkland America, teens talk about gun culture

Last spring, NPR traveled across the country to speak with teenagers about their many different relationships with guns. "Guns are a big part of our culture in America," says Ashley Courneya from Rochester, Minn.

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February 7, 2019 5:40 PM

Walz forms IT panel to advise on troubled MNLARS system

Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order creating a blue-ribbon council to advise state government on information technology issues, including the troubled MNLARS -- driver licensing and vehicle registration system.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 5:33 PM

Data center smoke causes outage for Wells Fargo customers

Smoke at Wells Fargo's data center in Shoreview, Minn., left some of the bank's customers without access to online or mobile banking as well as other services Thursday.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 5:25 PM

Coroner: Body in burned vehicle is that of Milwaukee woman

A body found inside burned vehicle located north of Chicago has been identified as that of a missing Milwaukee woman, Kathleen Ryan. She previously taught at Stillwater Area High School in Minnesota.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 5:19 PM

From Gucci to Prada, fashion fails evoke racist imagery

Luxury fashion is all about breaking codes, creating a new, irresistible message that captivates consumers. But some of the globe's top brands have raised eyebrows with designs that have racist connotations.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 4:23 PM

Somali refugee wins right to stay, at least for now

Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi came close to being deported. His lawyers say he wouldn't be safe in Somalia.

by Riham Feshir

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February 7, 2019 4:16 PM

'NYT' reporter covering Trump: We've almost 'lost the ability to be shocked'

New York Times journalist Michael Schmidt has helped break major stories concerning special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into connections between President Trump, his associates and Russia.

by Terry Gross

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February 7, 2019 3:49 PM

In Cuba, climate change means harsher hurricanes and tough coffee growing

MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner visited Cuba last week and got a lesson on how climate change is affecting the country.

by Paul Huttner

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February 7, 2019 3:14 PM

Beat the cold at its own game: Build a snow fort

It's prime snow fort building time in most places across Minnesota. Here are a few different proven approaches.

by Matt Mikus

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February 7, 2019 3:10 PM

How did the police know you were near a crime scene? Google told them

Police are increasingly using judge-approved "reverse location" search warrants to find cellphones near crime scenes. Civil liberties experts worry it's a digital dragnet ripe for abuse. Authorities say it's an important new crime fighting tool.

by Tony Webster

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February 7, 2019 3:08 PM

Attorney General nominee William Barr gets nod from key Senate committee

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Thursday to recommend that the full chamber confirm President Trump's choice to take over the leadership of the Justice Department.

by Carrie Johnson

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February 7, 2019 2:33 PM

Baseball Hall of Famer, pioneering manager Frank Robinson dies at 83

An MVP with Cincinnati and Baltimore, Robinson cemented his legacy when he became Cleveland's manager in 1975. The Reds, Orioles and Indians retired his No. 20 and honored him with statues at their stadiums.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 2:25 PM

Shopko announces more store closures; 15 Minnesota locations now on list

Shopko says it's closing another 139 stores as the retail chain goes through bankruptcy.

by MPR News Staff

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February 7, 2019 1:17 PM

Man charged in shooting of school bus driver on I-35W

Kenneth Lilly, 31, faces attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault charges stemming from a confrontation near the Interstate 35W-Interstate 94 interchange.

by Tim Nelson and Matt Sepic

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February 7, 2019 1:03 PM

Lawmakers again propose removing barriers to harassment cases

Supporters say eliminating what's called the "severe or pervasive" legal standard for sexual harassment cases will guarantee more victims have their day in court, but opponents worry it would go too far.

by Briana Bierschbach

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February 7, 2019 12:40 PM

Would diet drugs make mosquitoes less hungry for human blood?

What if human diet drugs curb the appetite of bloodthirsty mosquitoes? That's the question a new study set out to investigate.

by Thomas Lewton

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February 7, 2019 11:35 AM

Snow blitz snarls roads; subzero cold next

Cold next.

by Paul Huttner

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February 7, 2019 11:30 AM

Little interest in returning of Minnesota land to Canada

Finally there's something most people agree on. The Northwest Angle belongs to Minnesota.

by Cody Nelson

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February 7, 2019 10:33 AM

30 years since a broken-up band topped the charts

At the time, "When I'm With You" was already six years old, and Sheriff had broken up -- but radio stations started playing it again.

by Cathy Wurzer

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February 7, 2019 9:50 AM

BB&T and SunTrust to merge, forming 6th-largest bank in the U.S.

The new bank is set to have its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Both of the banks are calling it a "merger of equals," but the deal is weighted toward BB&T, whose CEO will be in charge.

by Bill Chappell

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February 7, 2019 8:20 AM

Art Hounds: Re-imagining Greek myths and legends in theater

Plus, Ely celebrates winter with ten days of art and fun.

by Marianne Combs

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February 7, 2019 8:03 AM

State tax officials hope more people will take advantage of free filing

Revenue officials are encouraging Minnesotans eligible for free electronic filing to take advantage of it.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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February 7, 2019 7:33 AM

Gwen Walz lends support to felon voting rights push

Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz spoke at a Minnesota Second Chance Coalition rally Thursday in support of legislation to restore felon voting rights.

by Tim Pugmire

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February 7, 2019 6:58 AM

Interracial couples and disability-friendly emojis coming soon to smartphones

More skin tones, more kinds of bodies, and an emoji to symbolize menstruation are included in the new update. Also, a flamingo.

by Matthew S. Schwartz

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February 7, 2019 6:07 AM

Is fear driving sales of dicamba-proof soybeans?

Some farmers say they're buying a popular new soybean seed partly because they're afraid of crop damage from herbicide drift. A new lawsuit claims the seed maker is violating antitrust laws.

by Dan Charles

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February 7, 2019 5:24 AM

2018 was Earth's fourth-hottest year on record, scientists say

The last five years are also the five hottest years on record for average global temperature, according to scientists from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

by Christopher Joyce

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February 7, 2019 5:16 AM

Russian official: Another nuclear pact with U.S. in trouble

Another U.S.-Russian nuclear pact is in danger following the U.S. move to withdraw from a Cold War-era arms control treaty, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday.

by Associated Press

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February 7, 2019 5:08 AM

House Democrats divided on strategy to force release of Trump's tax returns

Some Democrats are pressing to move now to force the administration to hand over the president's tax returns, but others say Robert Mueller's probe should take priority over Congress' review.

by Kelsey Snell

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February 7, 2019 5:02 AM

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez releases Green New Deal outline

The plan is massively ambitious and faces political blockades. Proponents believe it's what's necessary to start saving the world from the threat of climate change and to reshape the U.S. economy.

by Danielle Kurtzleben

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February 7, 2019 4:00 AM

Walz aims for 'resets, fresh starts' at gridlock-prone Capitol

A newcomer to the Minnesota Capitol, Gov. Tim Walz promises a fresh start with state lawmakers.

by Brian Bakst

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February 7, 2019 4:00 AM

ChangeMakers: Artiera Evans inspires young minds

Artiera Evans, 31, is a third-grade teacher at Emerson Spanish Immersion Learning Center in Minneapolis, who was recognized for helping one student in particular.

by Christine T. Nguyen

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February 7, 2019 3:26 AM

Wind and snow slow commutes; colder Thursday night, Friday

Plan on a slow afternoon-evening commute. Whiteout conditions are expected in portions of western and south-central Minnesota Thursday into this evening.

by Ron Trenda

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February 7, 2019 12:52 AM

Snow and blowing snow slow down our commutes

Snow will be with us most of Thursday, tapering off in the evening. Blowing snow will reduce visibility. Here’s a summary: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential snow pattern Thursday into the evening: Projected snow amounts are highest to the east: The Twin Cities metro area is…

by Ron Trenda

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February 7, 2019 12:41 AM

Daily Digest: Walz tries new approach

Walz, Klobuchar and more in a Thursday roundup of political news.

by Mike Mulcahy

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February 7, 2019 12:00 AM

'Brave, Not Perfect' speaks to the scarcity of women in tech

In a new book, Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code joins a chorus of voices warning of devastating consequences if girls don't partake in tech -- and suggesting girls should be encouraged to take risks.

by Jasmine Garsd

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February 7, 2019 12:00 AM

In 'Spirit of Science Fiction,' seeds of a great career

Roberto Bolano's early novel, about the adventures of two young Chilean writers fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship, reads like a dress rehearsal for his masterwork "The Savage Detectives."

by Lily Meyer

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February 7, 2019 12:00 AM

Legislative leaders discuss key issues facing the state

Legislative leaders Melissa Hortman and Paul Gazelka discuss the key issues facing Minnesota.

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February 6, 2019 11:57 PM

What’s on MPR News – 2/7/19

Here are the stories, topics, and guests you'll hear today on MPR News.

by Bob Collins

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February 6, 2019 9:00 PM

Protests move to Alabama's Capitol after officer cleared in shooting death

On Thanksgiving night, Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. was shot and killed by a police officer responding to gunfire in the mall. Protesters are angry at a new report that exonerates the officer.

by Miranda Fulmore

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February 6, 2019 8:30 PM

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau aims to roll back rule for payday lending

The rule would have protected borrowers from ballooning loans with giant interest rates. Now, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposes ripping the rule's teeth out.

by Daniella Cheslow

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February 6, 2019 7:31 PM

With anti-abortion push, Trump woos evangelicals again

With a fierce denunciation of late-term abortions, President Trump is making a move to re-energize evangelical voters whose support will be vital in heading off any possible 2020 primary challenge.

by Associated Press

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February 6, 2019 7:24 PM

San Francisco police release sketch of "Doodler' killer

More than 40 years after a serial killer dubbed the "Doodler" terrorized San Francisco's gay community, police released a sketch Wednesday of what the man might look like today.