Stories from March 25, 2022

Ukraine reports 300 dead in airstrike on Mariupol theater
Ukrainian authorities say about 300 people were killed in the Russian airstrike last week that blasted open a Mariupol theater. That would make it the war’s deadliest known attack on civilians yet. 
Minneapolis teachers continue to picket Friday as they await details of a tentative agreement their union reached with the district to end a more than two week strike. This is the MPR News evening update for Friday, March 25, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Feds drop appeal in Sjodin killing, still seek death penalty
Federal prosecutors have dropped their appeal of a judge's decision to overturn the death sentence for a Minnesota man convicted in the 2003 kidnapping and killing of Dru Sjodin — but they say they still intend to seek the death penalty when he is resentenced.
Cube Critics make their Academy Award predictions
The 94th Academy Awards are this Sunday on ABC. The Cube Critics talk about their favorites of the nominees, and make their predictions for the winners.
 Do the Academy Awards still matter?
Last year, the viewership for the Academy Awards declined to the lowest in history. That decline in viewership – coupled with controversies around diversity and inclusion – has led some critics to question whether awards shows like the Oscars are still relevant. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two entertainment journalists about the future of awards shows like the Oscars, and what they’re expecting to see when they tune in on Sunday.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hospital needs falling rapidly
COVID-19 conditions continue to ease in Minnesota, with a little more than 200 patients in the hospital now and known, active cases falling significantly since the start of March.
Weekend weather: Chilly temps; winds will be strongest on Saturday
Brighter weather is expected Saturday and Sunday but it’ll be chilly. We have your weekend forecast details, plus an updated snow cover map for northern Minnesota.
Mesha Maren on the oft-misunderstood complexity of the southern border
Mesha Maren’s new novel examines the misperceptions that endure about the U.S.-Mexico border, as it follows an earnest but naïve couple who moves to the El Paso region and must grapple with a mysterious disappearance.
Why is my energy bill so high?
Researchers predict that consumer prices will rise by 7% in 2022. What does 7% look like at the gas pump or the grocery store? What determines consumer prices? How is the supply chain involved? And, can anything be done about it? On Monday host Angela Davis spoke with two economists about consumer prices, inflation and coping with your bills.
New campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park set to open June 1
The opening date has now been set for a long-awaited new state park campground on Minnesota's North Shore. The 46-site Shipwreck Creek campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park will open on June 1.
School's off? Brains On!
Molly Bloom has been on a road trip and she is ready to update curious kids and their parents about what she and the Brains On! crew have seen on a seriously epic adventure.
Windy with snow showers Friday; another storm next week
A fast moving clipper is bringing some scattered rain and snow showers to much of Minnesota Friday along with high winds. A cold weekend will settle in behind it all with another storm possible next week.
U.S., EU announce new partnership to undercut Russian energy
The United States and the European Union have announced a new partnership to reduce the continent's reliance on Russian energy. The White House is billing it as the start of a years-long effort to further isolate Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Moisture Friday; windy and another storm next week?
A clipper is bringing a return to rain and snow showers Friday (though less significant than midweek). Most snowfall will be in northeast Minnesota. Gusty winds bring colder air in behind it for the weekend.
The Minneapolis Public Schools and its educators' union say they've reached a tentative contract agreement to end the strike that's kept thousands of students out of school for more than two weeks. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, March 25, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
The case of the $489,000 air ambulance ride
Diagnosed with aggressive leukemia while on a trip to Wyoming, a man thought his insurance would cover an air ambulance ride home to North Carolina. Instead, he got hit with an astronomical bill.
Biden to visit Poland, a complex ally on Ukraine's doorstep
President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland as his final stop in Europe this week offers a chance to underscore the U.S. commitment to protect a key NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep. But Poland is a complicated ally.
Eriksson Ek scores in overtime, Wild beat Canucks 3-2
Joel Eriksson Ek scored 31 seconds into overtime, Cam Talbot made 26 saves and the Minnesota Wild kept rolling with a 3-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks.
Deal reached to end Minneapolis teachers strike; classes expected to restart Tuesday
The tentative agreement includes higher pay for some of the lowest paid educators. School will resume Tuesday if the contract is ratified by union members this weekend.
The U.S. men's team inches closer to World Cup qualification
The U.S. and Mexico finish in an intense scoreless draw played before a half-capacity stadium due to sanctions imposed over fans' anti-gay slurs.
Bill would toughen penalties for water violators
The measure is a response to aquifer breaches during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline last year, which leaked millions of gallons of groundwater.
Welcome to the wedding boom. How couples are handling the busiest season in 40 years
Weddings postponed due to COVID-19 are back on, creating a blockbuster year of celebrations. It brings both joy and new challenges to couples as well as caterers, DJs, photographers and more.