Stories from April 18, 2022

Clearing, cold Monday night; rain Wednesday
Clouds and blustery winds will decrease through the evening and overnight but that will also lead to a chilly night. Tuesday will bring sun the first half of the day before clouds increase.
The Mississippi is now one of America's most endangered rivers. Also, COVID is creeping back up in Minnesota — not alarmingly yet, but health officials say it bears watching. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Noor Kids is working to make children and their families excited about Ramadan. It hopes to engage young people in important religious and cultural traditions.
Winter really hangs on up north
A windy remainder of Monday with clearing skies west to east. It’ll be cold overnight Monday night. Expect brighter skies and warmer temperatures Tuesday.
Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm joins host Cathy Wurzer to explain the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Twin Cities.
 Talking affordable housing with Chris Coleman
Former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has been leading Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for almost four years. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with Coleman about housing, the pandemic and racial equity.
Tornado cleanup continues in Taopi, Minn.; residents expected to rebuild
Cleanup continues in Taopi, near the Iowa border, after a tornado last week destroyed nearly half the homes in the community. Officials said 10 of the town's 24 homes are total losses.
Quite a run: St. Cloud woman lauded 50 years after her historic Boston Marathon
Val Rogosheske ran the race in 1972, the first year organizers began admitting women. She’s running the race on Monday with her two daughters.
Plentiful precipitation has North Shore waterfalls roaring
Spring storms bringing snow and rain may be disappointing to some Minnesotans who like to get outdoors. But for those who are drawn to the state's waterfalls, the precipitation is adding to an already spectacular show.
Alex Jones' Infowars files for bankruptcy protection
Infowars filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the website’s founder and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones faces defamation lawsuits over his comments that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. 
Wet but warmer later this week
Expect rainy weather during the week, but temperatures Wednesday should top 50 degrees in the southern half of the state. By the weekend, it will be well into the 60s with the year’s first 70-degree reading possible Saturday.
Work resumes on major freeway project in downtown St. Paul
A major disruption for Twin Cities drivers returns Monday, as work resumes on a multi-year project involving Interstates 94 and 35E in downtown St. Paul.
Val Rogosheske was among the first women to participate in the Boston Marathon back in 1972. Monday’s race marks the 50th anniversary of her historic race, and this year, Rogosheske is running with her two daughters. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, April 18, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Congress seeks compromise to boost computer chip industry
A global computer chip shortage has made it harder for consumers to get their hands on cars, computers and other modern-day necessities. Congress is looking to boost chip manufacturing and research in the United States with billions of federal dollars.
Cold start, warm end to the week ahead
There will be some lingering morning snow showers in eastern Minnesota Monday and it will still be frigid into Tuesday, but warmer air and more rain are in sight.
Sarah Palin is attempting a comeback in Alaska, but her star has dimmed at home
The former GOP vice presidential candidate resigned as Alaska governor in 2009. Even around her hometown of Wasilla, many Republicans soured as she gained a national following as a culture warrior.
U.S., S. Korea urge North's return to talks after missile tests
The U.S. special envoy for North Korea says Washington and Seoul have agreed on the need for a strong response to Pyongyang’s recent spate of missile tests, though they remain open to dialogue with the country.
Wacha, Story provide spark in new home, Sox beat Twins 8-1
Michael Wacha pitched five shutout innings in his Fenway Park debut with Boston and Trevor Story drove in his first two runs in his new home, leading the Red Sox to an 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Spurgeon scores in OT, Wild beat Sharks to take playoff spot
Jared Spurgeon scored his second goal of the game 1:05 into overtime to send the Minnesota Wild to the playoffs with a 5-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
Speaking of genocide, Biden escalates the war of words over Ukraine
The concept and practice of the U.S. government deciding what to recognize as a genocide is profoundly political, both in contemporary and historical cases.
Money to nonprofits a key difference on public safety legislation
There are big differences in the public safety plans that lawmakers are considering at the Minnesota Capitol this session. For one, Gov. Tim Walz and the House Democrats want to fund nonprofit community groups that are fighting crime. Republicans in the Senate don’t support that approach. 
Love in a cornhusk: Tamales ritual makes family out of friends 
Tamales are delicious, but are hard work to make, particularly on your own. Food writer Mecca Bos tells us about how the creation of this iconic dish helped one first-generation Mexican American create a community while also providing a link with his distant family.
The FDA is investigating Lucky Charms after reports of illness
The Food and Drug Administration said it's gotten over 100 complaints linked to the General Mills cereal this year. General Mills said its own investigation hasn't found evidence of consumer illness.