Stories from April 14, 2022

Maplewood police release video after handcuffing children including boy, 10
Maplewood police on Wednesday released body camera video showing officers handcuffing four children between the ages of 10 and 16 while they were investigating a call about gunshots. The children’s parents are demanding an apology from police and are seeking changes to the way officers handle encounters with minors.
Minnesota's economy is booming, with the lowest unemployment since 1999, and Taopi is cleaning up a day after a tornado destroyed almost half the houses in town. This is an evening update from MPR New, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Bald eagles around the U.S. are contracting the bird flu
At least three bald eagles who contracted bird flu are dead. The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota says it has been taking in one to three birds of different species a day, with many severely ill and suffering from seizures.
In a D.C. jail, Jan. 6 defendants awaiting trial are forming bitter factions
Allegations of bullying and intimidation as well as complaints about the distribution of more than a million dollars in donated funds have led to bitter conflict among Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants.
St. Cloud effort aims to help Somali residents pursue homeownership
MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn reports on efforts to help Somali residents in St. Cloud address barriers to home ownership as part of the North Star Journey series.
Book author Chad Montrie on racism in Minnesota
In his forthcoming book, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, history professor Chad Montrie traces how racism has shaped Minnesota.
A Russian woman is jailed for replacing store price tags with anti-war messages
Artist Aleksandra Skochilenko reportedly swapped in a tag at a St. Petersburg supermarket with a note about the bombing of a Mariupol art school. Her lawyer said a shopper reported her to the police.
Meet three Republican candidates for Minnesota governor
A month before the Republican convention, MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with three of the Republicans who hope to challenge Gov. Tim Walz: Sen. Paul Gazelka, former business executive Kendall Qualls and Sen. Michelle Benson. Plus a conversation with NPR Senior Political Editor Domenico Montanaro.
Mahnomen County authorities release dashcam video of shooting after pursuit
State investigators are probing the March 13 incident in which a Mahnomen County sheriff's deputy shot and wounded a woman. The county sheriff said he released the video in response to posts on social media accusing the deputy of attempted murder.
Weekend weather: Cold, bright Saturday; rain-snow chances Sunday
Cold weather will linger through the weekend. We have your weekend forecast details, plus an update on our Thursday winds and snow showers.
A month out, no GOP candidate has lock on endorsement for governor
In a month delegates to the Republican state convention will vote to endorse a candidate to take on DFL Gov. Tim Walz. And right now no candidate has enough support to win the nod on the first ballot.
Cleanup continues in Taopi, Minn., after EF2 tornado devastated community
Cleanup continued Thursday in the southern Minnesota community of Taopi, after an EF2 tornado caused significant damage Tuesday. "The support from all the surrounding communities is unbelievable,” one resident said.
Spiraling snow showers, high winds sweep across Minnesota
Thursday brings a return of more clouds and even higher winds. We’ll also see snow showers spread out across much of central and northern Minnesota with temperatures well below normal.
U.S. jobless claims rise but remain near a half-century low
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits ticked up last week but remained at a historically low level, reflecting a robust U.S. labor market with near record-high job openings and few layoffs.
Battle over carbon capture as tool to fight climate change
Last year, Congress pledged $3.5 billion to carbon capture and sequestration projects around the United States, which has been called the largest federal investment ever by advocates for the technology. But environmental justice advocates and residents of legacy pollution communities are wary of the technology, with many calling it a “false solution.”
Olympic gymnasts face outsized expectations at NCAAs
Olympic champion Sunisa Lee as well as gold medalist Jade Carey and silver medalists Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum are all college freshmen who have qualified for NCAA finals. None of them are locks, however, to capture an NCAA title.
Former Hennepin County Sheriff and current Republican gubernatorial contender Rich Stanek was hospitalized after a crash in Wright County on Tuesday night.
The parents of four children handcuffed and made to wait in squad cars this week say they want an apology from Maplewood police. Police say officers acted professionally after a report of gunfire. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, April 14, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Kershaw pulled after 7 with perfect game; Dodgers top Twins
Clayton Kershaw took a perfect game through seven innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in his season debut before being pulled. Kershaw dominated the Minnesota Twins with 13 strikeouts in 21 batters in a 7-0 victory.
Clouds, snow showers and gusty winds settle in
Thursday brings colder temperatures and higher winds. We’ll also have snow showers spread from northwest to southeast with additional accumulation across northern Minnesota.
Ukraine says it damaged Russian flagship, crew evacuates
Ukrainian forces said they struck and seriously damaged the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, dealing a potentially major setback to Moscow's forces as they try to regroup for a renewed offensive in eastern Ukraine after retreating from much of the north, including the capital.
How rising temperatures would bring on a longer, more intense allergy season
As the climate warms, plants would bloom earlier in the spring, overlap with other species and even start growing in new locations. That's bad news for people with pollen allergies.
Starbucks workers win streak of union elections, with no sign of slowing
Once seen as among the most generous of employers, Starbucks is now grappling with disillusionment among its workers. Since December, 20 stores have unionized with more filing for elections every day.
Art Hounds: Creative work abounds this spring
The University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA class of ‘22 take to the stage after a pandemic hiatus with the farce “The School for Lies.” Cecilia Rolando’s bright paintings light up the walls at the Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. in Ely. And it’s the final weekend for the new, intergenerational play “The Family Line” from Stage North at the Capri Theater.
'Taste like home': Food program offers free, culturally specific meals for people in need
Minnesota Central Kitchen is a program of Second Harvest Heartland. Currently, the kitchen works with more than 100 partners — including restaurants, community distribution partners and culinary workers.
Art Hounds: Creative work abounds this spring
Art Hounds see two plays in Minneapolis, and colorful visual art in Ely