Stories from April 13, 2022

Survivors in tiny Taopi say the town was basically destroyed by EF2 tornado, and Minneapolis says it is starting a search for the next superintendent for the state’s 3rd largest district, still recovering from a bruising strike. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Libraries reexamine their role in communities through pandemic
MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with two Minnesota library leaders about how the pandemic changed the role libraries play in their communities, how they are adapting and what their future role could look like.
The weather has been a main character in the story of the last 24 hours. Paul Huttner has been watching it all unfold. He joined host Cathy Wurzer with the latest on what happened last night and what’s still in store.
Delia Ephron on surviving cancer and the defiance of falling in love in your 70s
In her new memoir “Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life,” Delia Ephron writes about losing her first husband, finding new love, and how surviving cancer has changed her outlook on life.
CDC extends transportation mask mandate until May 3
The Biden administration will continue to require travelers to wear masks on planes and other forms of public transport,.
Twin Cities PBS Data reporter Kyeland Jackson recently did some digging into the federal program, Estate Recovery. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about how the program is impacting some Minnesotans.
Kathy Lantry and Sasha Cotton have been named co-chairs of St. Paul's Police Chief Examining Committee. Lantry joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her new role.
 How caffeine helps us, hurts us and why we crave it
Did you have a cup of coffee to kick start your day? Or drink a Mountain Dew to give you a lift? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about America’s favorite stimulant: caffeine. 
Study: There's still a way to reach global goal on climate change
A new study finds that if the nations of the world live up to their promises, future climate change can be kept to within an international goal set by scientists. But it won't be the safest international goal.
Former Afghanistan ambassador reflects on the evacuation and withdrawal
As the world watches Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, another humanitarian crisis is deepening thousands of miles away in Afghanistan. Minnesota native Ross Wilson, the former acting U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan at the time of the withdrawal, provides more on the situation in Afghanistan.
Brewers hopeful as growler bill gains traction
After years of legislative gridlock, a bill to allow larger craft breweries to sell 64-ounce growlers at their tap rooms has passed out of a House committee. While full passage of the bill is far from guaranteed, some brewers are taking heart.
St. Paul Public Schools will drop mask mandate starting Monday
Effective Monday, St. Paul Public Schools will no longer require masks during times of low to medium community levels of COVID-19 in Ramsey County.
Colder conditions on the backside of the latest spring storm system
Wednesday will be mainly dry in southern Minnesota while northern Minnesota sees rain and snow showers. Expect a seven-day stretch of pretty chilly temperatures. Highs Thursday will not get out of the 30s for most of Minnesota.
Tornado causes major damage in southern Minnesota community
Severe storms — including a tornado touchdown with estimated peak winds of more than 130 mph — wrecked homes and left two people injured late Tuesday in the southern Minnesota community of Taopi. "The whole town is gone, basically," one resident said as he surveyed the damage.
AP source: Women's hockey talks between rivals break down
The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association has decided to break off talks with the rival Premier Hockey Federation, the latest blow in a widening rift between two factions that contend they want to grow the sport in North America.
Falling temperatures Wednesday; rain and snow north
We enter the dry slot of the storm system across southern Minnesota Wednesday while northern Minnesota sees snow in the northwest; rain and snow northeast. Temperatures will drop south.
Officer Zachary Gast shot and killed Kokou Fiafonou during a Dec. 23, 2021 confrontation outside an Austin convenience store. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Inflation adds to voters' frustrations in a key congressional district
President Joe Biden's popularity has crumbled since he first took office. A trip to Michigan's 7th Congressional District — one of the most competitive in the country — is a window into why.
Blizzard conditions close highways across North Dakota
Authorities continued to advise no travel across much of North Dakota on Wednesday, amid an ongoing blizzard that's already dumped more than 18 inches of snow on parts of the region.
Dodgers outlast rain, Twins for 7-2 victory
Trea Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers broke open a tie game with a six-run eighth inning, then waited out the rain to take a 7-2 victory in their series opener against the Minnesota Twins. 
Fiala, Hartman each score twice, Wild tops Oilers 5-1
Kevin Fiala and Ryan Hartman each scored twice, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in a matchup of two of the NHL’s hottest teams. 
Polish, Baltic presidents head to Ukraine in show of support
The presidents of four countries on Russia’s doorstep are heading to Kyiv in a show of support for Ukraine. The visit Wednesday comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to continue his bloody seven-week offensive until its “full completion.” The presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were due to meet the Ukrainian leader. 
The Library of Congress adds 25 titles, including Alicia Keys and Ricky Martin
The Library of Congress adds 25 new recordings to a national registry every year to be preserved for posterity. The 2022 list includes an album by Alicia Keys and historical broadcasts from WNYC.
Why there are growing fears the U.S. is headed to a recession
With inflation at a four-decade high, a growing number of forecasters worry the U.S. economy may be headed to a recession as the Fed gears up to raise interest rates aggressively.
‘American dream’: St. Cloud’s Somali families see homebuying as path to grow wealth, sink roots
Owning a home can be an economic stepping stone in America, but the challenges of buying can be immense, especially for new immigrants. With St. Cloud’s East African population rising rapidly, finding answers is important to the region’s future.