Stories from April 4, 2022

Big tax cuts are in the table for Minnesotans as Legislature moves toward session endgame, and one of the state’s most outspoken prosecutors died of cancer Sunday, just months before his planned retirement. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
New Minnesota moose survey finds stable counts, reasons for optimism
The number of northern Minnesota moose is the highest since 2011, when the population was midway through a steep decline, according to DNR estimates from its annual January survey. However, the population is still nearly half of what it was at its 2006 peak.
This is Andy Luger's first full week on the job as US Attorney for Minnesota, but it's a position he's familiar with. This is the second time Lugar has been the top-ranking federal law enforcement official for Minnesota. He served under former President Barack Obama. A US Attorney, Lugar is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district. He oversaw a number of high profile and controversial cases in his first tenure. His work led to the conviction of nine young East African men for attempting to join ISIS. He made the decision to not to file charges against the Minneapolis police officers who killed Jamar Clark. And he lead the prosecution of the man who killed Jacob Wetterling. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger joined host Cathy Wurzer for a conversation about his new role.
Financial education in Minnesota schools could help reduce economic disparities
Some Minnesota lawmakers say it’s time to mandate financial literacy education as a requirement to graduate from high school. They say ensuring all young Minnesota are taught personal finance is critical to helping address persistent economic disparities. Mark Zdechlik has the latest in our series North Star Journey, about the history and culture of Minnesota communities.
Avian flu continues to spread to more Minnesota poultry flocks
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health on Tuesday reported the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state is now affecting a total of 15 poultry flocks — up from seven last Friday.
Mosques and Islamic Community Centers throughout the Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester are inviting their neighbors of all faith backgrounds for a traditional Ramadan Iftar throughout the month. Organizer Imam Asad Zaman joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the program, Taking Heart.
Andrew Luger was sworn in as U.S. attorney for Minnesota on March 30. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about what he plans to accomplish during his second term.
Efforts to ban books jumped an 'unprecedented' four-fold in 2021, ALA report says
The American Library Association says libraries faced the highest number of book challenges since they started tracking in 2000. Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer topped their list of most challenged books.
A little afternoon sun Monday; more rain Tuesday
Enjoy one dry day Monday with decreasing clouds. High temperatures will mainly be in the 40s statewide. Rain showers develop west Tuesday morning and spread east by afternoon in the east with a rain/snow mix in northern Minnesota.
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput dies at age 66
Orput had served as the east metro county's top prosecutor since 2011. He announced in January that he would not seek reelection to a fourth term this year.
Orput’s office issued a statement Sunday saying he died at home, surrounded by family. Additional information is set to be released Monday. Orput had served as the east metro county's top prosecutor since 2011. He announced in January that he would not seek re-election this year. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, April 4, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A dry Monday before more rain and snow Tuesday
Clouds will slowly decrease during the day Monday with highs in the 40s to near 50 across the state. The next system brings rain already Tuesday in the first of two midweek rounds of moisture.
A jury will decide if the Parkland gunman gets the death penalty
Four years after he killed 17 people and wounded 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Nikolas Cruz goes on trial. He's already pleaded guilty and hopes to avoid the death penalty.
What we know so far about the deadly mass shooting in Sacramento
Law enforcement are still searching for multiple shooters responsible for killing six and wounding another 12 in the worst mass shooting in Sacramento history.
Russia faces growing outrage amid new evidence of atrocities
Russia is facing a fresh wave of condemnation after evidence emerged of what appeared to be deliberate killings of civilians in Ukraine. Some Western leaders called for further sanctions in response to the alleged atrocities, even as Moscow continued to press its offensive in the country’s east.
Eriksson Ek sets career high in goals, Wild top Capitals 5-1
Joel Eriksson Ek scored his career-best 20th and 21st goals of the season and added an assist, and the Minnesota Wild found the net on their first two shots on goal and cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. 
Henderson's scoring outburst lifts Gamecocks to title
Destanni Henderson scored a career-high 26 points to lead South Carolina to a 64-49 victory over UConn in the national championship game. On a night when the Gamecocks' height advantage helped them dominate the game inside, the smallest player on the court did the most damage on the scoreboard.
2022 Grammy Awards: The full list of nominees and winners
Every nominee and winner from all 86 categories presented at the 2022 Grammy Awards, presented on Sunday, April 3 in Las Vegas.
Bueckers can't do it all as UConn comes up short for title
The Connecticut Huskies had to lean on Paige Bueckers as hard as they could against South Carolina in the NCAA championship game. She might have been enough against any other team in the country. UConn came up short in a 64-49 defeat by the Gamecocks despite another all-out effort by the sophomore star.
Plenty of money, but how much will to get a surplus deal?
The big policy and spending plans that signal each party’s election-year priorities are rolling out at the state Capitol. They’re going to be quite different in the Minnesota House and Senate.
Financial education in Minnesota schools could help reduce economic disparities
Where did you learn about managing money, if you learned at all? Some Minnesota lawmakers say it’s time to mandate financial literacy education as a requirement to graduate from high school. They say ensuring all young Minnesota are taught personal finance is critical to helping address persistent economic disparities.
Learning from Minnesota businesses that thrived during the pandemic
Many small businesses closed or barely survived during the COVID-19 pandemic. But plenty of businesses got started, and some grew. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with economics contributor Chris Farrell and business owners about the small businesses that pulled ahead during the last two years.