Stories from April 5, 2019

'Our country is full': Trump says migrants straining system
President Trump on Friday insisted the U.S. immigration system was overburdened and illegal crossings must be stopped as he inspected a refurbished section of fencing at the Mexican border.
Photos: Fans flock to Final Four festivities
Crowds descended into downtown Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium as the Final Four kicked off with activities Friday.
Judge argues only jurors should see graphic video of Ruszczyk's death
The judge in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor argued to keep from public view video showing shooting victim Justine Ruszczyk's final moments, where she's said to be taking her final breaths.
Pipeline opponents ask judge to strike down Trump's permit
Opponents of the long-stalled Keystone XL oil pipeline asked a federal court Friday in a lawsuit to declare President Trump acted illegally when he issued a new permit for the project in a bid to get around an earlier court ruling.
'Grace and power' on full display in this new story collection
Bookseller Abbey Paxton recommends a short story collection by a debut author whose work "will linger with you for a long time."
Filings: Bill Cosby agrees to settle 7 defamation cases
Bill Cosby has agreed to settle lawsuits filed by seven women who say he defamed them when he accused them of lying about sexual misconduct allegations, according to court documents filed Friday in Massachusetts.
Trump sidelines immigration nominee for 'tougher direction'
Longtime border official Ron Vitiello appeared to be cruising toward confirmation. The president on Friday confirmed he had pulled the nomination, even as he called Vitiello a "good man."
Ex-convict charged with pretending to be long-missing boy
A 23-year-old ex-convict accused of pulling a cruel hoax by pretending to be a long-missing Illinois boy was charged Friday with making false statements to federal authorities.
Walz signals willingness to deal on transportation
In an interview on MPR News, Gov. Tim Walz said he's open to negotiate on his plan to raise the gas tax by 20 cents per gallon. He also said the legislative session should end on time.
Parents want to remove what they feel are unnecessary obstacles from their children's path. They don't realize those obstacles build the fortitude their children will need to succeed later in life.
Trump administration's census citizenship question plans halted by third judge
Plans to use the 2020 census to ask about U.S. citizenship status suffered another major blow. A ruling in Maryland joins earlier rulings in New York and California blocking the citizenship question.
President Trump says there is a crisis at the border between the United States and Mexico. How do residents describe what is happening there?
Police say a Minneapolis officer was assaulted by a man he was trying to arrest.
According to retired University of Minnesota meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley, a prolonged dry spell and frequent freezing temperatures at night have helped keep many rivers at manageable levels.
Big-ticket acts like Katy Perry, the Jonas Brothers and the Chainsmokers will all perform free shows at the Minneapolis Armory, and there will be unticketed outdoor performances and events all weekend on the Nicollet Mall.
Pete Buttigieg explains his agenda for black voters
The 2020 Democratic candidate and mayor of a majority-white Indiana city has gone on urban radio and addressed a major civil rights group, where he had to address why he once said "all lives matter."
U.S. jobs rebound to solid growth: Unemployment holds at 3.8 percent
Employers added 196,000 jobs in March, bouncing back from February's weak growth, the Labor Department said Friday. The jobless rate was unchanged at nearly 50-year lows.
Ted Cruz sues Federal Election Commission
The Texas GOP senator says donors should be able to cover his campaign loans after an election. Anti-corruption advocates warn against a loophole for wealthy contributors to influence new lawmakers.
Alumni describe what it means to see their teams in Final Four
Twin Cities-based alumni from Auburn University, Michigan State, Texas Tech and the University of Virginia talk about their schools, traditions, cheers and histories.
The difference between my generation and Tyra Gibeau's is that when I was in high school, few people thought the cool kids were the 'band kids.' That's all changed now and all for the good.
Anonymous letter writing flags an unvaccinated neighbor
There's little scientific question that vaccinating your kids is in their best interest and the best interest of everyone with whom they contact. But the anonymous letter-writing is its own disease.
Even when college is free, it can be hard for adults to stay in school
Tennessee Reconnect has helped thousands of adults afford a college education, but for many older students, the financial support may not be enough to get them to the finish line.
Mild weekend temps with showers at times; April snow revisited
On Saturday, the southern third of Minnesota should top 60, with 50s in central Minnesota and 40s far north. Twin Cities metro area highs are projected to reach the upper 60s Monday, followed by upper 50s Tuesday, 50 Wednesday and mid 40s Thursday.
Final Four presents opportunity for pop-up entrepreneurs
Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is the epicenter of fan festivities for the 2019 NCAA Final Four this weekend -- something 50 small business owners are taking advantage of to show off their work during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Twin Cities shops, workplaces go dog-friendly, but not everyone digs it
Retailers and companies that have gone dog-friendly say the move has helped recruit workers and lure new customers. They also acknowledge it's opened the door to some messy situations.
Rochester basketball phenom weighing offers from top programs
As he watches the Final Four this weekend, senior Matthew Hurt has a dazzling roster of 21 college basketball programs wooing him to join their ranks this fall.
Final Four coach: ‘Watch how women lead’
Forget Minneapolis. For the true role that college sports can play in society, and an actual intellectual exercise, you'll have to go to Tampa, Fla.
Gisele was born premature in 2016; she weighed only 2 pounds. That's what happens when your mother uses heroin, cocaine and methadone during pregnancy.
Here are the stories, topics, and guests you'll hear today on MPR News.
Politics with Amy Walter on Takeaway Friday
Redistricting is the topic on "Politics with Amy Walter" on the Friday Takeaway.
States move to legalize CBD to end confusion over U.S. rules
CBD oil-infused gummy bears, lattes and other food, drinks and dietary supplements are selling quickly even though the U.S. government says they're illegal and local authorities have forced some retailers to pull products.
Judge orders mental health tests for accused mosque shooter
A New Zealand judge on Friday ordered that the man accused of killing 50 people at two Christchurch mosques undergo two mental health assessments to determine if he's fit to stand trial.