Stories from May 13, 2019

On Mother's Day in Puerto Rico, hope to visit a mother's grave turns to anguish
The municipal cemetery in Lares, Puerto Rico, has been closed since Hurricane Maria hit. Residents flocked to visit when a portion of the cemetery was opened for Mother's Day, but many were unable to reach their loved ones' graves.
Minnesota joins multistate lawsuit against generic drugmakers over prices
Attorney General Keith Ellison said Monday the state is joining dozens of other states in suing generic drug manufacturers. It alleges that nearly two dozen drug companies reached tacit agreements to push prices higher together to increase revenue for what was supposed to be cheaper prescription drugs.
Capitol budget talks break down
DFL Gov. Tim Walz and top legislative leaders traded some offers Monday aimed at resolving their budget impasse. But they failed to make any meaningful progress and remain far apart on spending and taxes. 
Escalating US-China trade war sends stocks plunging
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 500 points Monday as investors sought shelter from an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has surgery for broken hip
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter broke his hip Monday at his Georgia home, underwent successful surgery and was recovering comfortably, a spokesperson for the Carter Center said.
Authorities are investigating a residence in the Emily area after a man suffered an explosives-related hand injury.
An incident report from the Minneapolis Fire Department released Monday said the man used a lighter to ignite his clothing while inside the vehicle, and suffered burns across his torso.
Noor trial evidence can be viewed, judge says
The judge who presided over the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor says the public can view evidence presented at his trial. But she's not yet decided whether to allow copies to be made.
Actress Jenifer Lewis spoke to host Angela Davis about her life with bipolar disorder.
Temps ramp up, we could hit 80 on Thursday; soggy Saturday?
It’s starting to feel like spring again, with highs well into the 60s. A few spots in western Minnesota even topped out in the 70s Monday afternoon.  Temperatures will continue to ramp up in most areas for a few more days.  I think you’ll like the details! Temperature trends Tuesday highs should reach the lower…
Ingram is just 20 years old — and while there aren't that many musicians his age who play the blues, he became hooked on after seeing a PBS documentary about Muddy Waters.
Two popular Twin Cities bike trails to shut down for years
Two popular Twin Cities bike trails will shut down Monday so work can begin on a new light rail line. Do you know a good alternative loop?
Legendary actress and singer Doris Day dead at 97
The Doris Day Animal Foundation confirmed Day died early Monday at her Carmel Valley, Calif., home. The foundation said she was surrounded by close friends.
Minnesota lawmakers have one week left -- and a lot to do
By midnight next Monday, the Legislature must find agreement on a new two-year state budget and much more if they want to avoid another special session.
Lindsey Vonn memoir 'Rise: My Story' coming next year
The retired alpine skiing champion will describe her "epic journey" from childhood in Minnesota to international fame; her achievements, including 82 World Cup wins and three Olympic medals; and the injuries ranging from fractures near her left knee joint to a broken arm, that made her decide to quit.
A bill advanced in the House Monday that would authorize sharing state tax data with the Federal Reserve Bank for a study of minimum wage ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
We gossip about 52 minutes a day. That may not be as toxic as it sounds
Gossip has a bad rap. Sure, it can be catty and mean, but research is turning up ways it helps groups build cohesion -- and can nudge some individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Sweden to reopen rape case against WikiLeaks' Assange
Sweden's deputy director of public prosecutions told a news conference in Stockholm that "there is still a probable cause to suspect that Assange committed a rape." She added: "It is my assessment that a new questioning of Assange is required."
Trade row deepens as China ups tariffs on $60B in U.S. goods
The Finance Ministry said Monday the new penalty duties of 5 percent to 25 percent on hundreds of U.S. products including batteries, spinach and coffee will take effect June 1.
Maybe there was a time when a guy could dress up like a clown and hand out candy to kids to celebrate his birthday, but those days are long gone.
To Warren Mackenzie, the best pot was one people used
Minnesota's prized ceramics artist, who died at New Year's, believed in the beauty of functionality.
A warm and unsettled week coming our way
A weak trough of low pressure will kick off scattered spring showers and thunderstorms Monday night and again on Tuesday. Wednesday should play out to be mostly dry and even a little warmer than normal for mid May.
Why do some children survive the very worst life can throw at them and some don't? Quite often, it's one person who gives a damn.
With a week to go in the legislative session, leaders have yet to agree on spending and taxes.
Here are the stories, topics, and guests you'll hear today on MPR News.
Journalist Cokie Roberts on social responsibility
Emmy Award-winning journalist and commentator Cokie Roberts speaks about the ways we can contribute to making America -- and the world -- a better place.
Memorial weekend road trip guide
Where should you go this Memorial weekend? We have suggestions.