Stories from April 21, 2022

Scattered showers and t-storms at times on Friday and Saturday
We’re expecting 50s again on Friday, and we’ll also have shower and thunderstorm chances. Saturday will be the warmest day of the weekend, with thunderstorm chances continuing.
Duluth police say five deaths are a murder suicide, greatest toll in decades. Also, pending evictions are up sharply as state rental assistance dries up, prompting demands for more. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Battle over CDC's powers goes far beyond travel mask mandate
A federal judge's decision to strike down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mask mandate for travelers is only the latest in a series of challenges that seek to rein in the agency.
Hazel Belvo on why stamps are a good way to celebrate the work of George Morrison
Friday, April 22, the U.S. Postal Service will honor George Morrison by releasing stamps featuring his work. Morrison is one of the nation’s greatest modernist artists and founding figure of Native American modernism. Hazel Belvo was married to George Morrison. She is a painter based both in Minneapolis and Grand-Marais and she speaks with Cathy Wurzer about Morrison's life, work and love of stamps.
Community leaders share concerns with lawmakers during API Day at the Capitol
The Capitol Rotunda was filled with people Thursday to kick off an advocacy day of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. Civic, business and other community leaders came to press state lawmakers on their concerns.
Duluth police: Man killed aunt, uncle, 2 kids before killing self
Officials believe Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad, 29, was responsible for the killings of four family members at the home, where a family dog was also killed. No motive was given.
New book by Paul Douglas breaks down climate science for children
The new book “A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet” was written by long time Twin Cities meteorologist, broadcaster and entrepreneur Paul Douglas. He talks with Cathy Wurzer about writing a book to help young people understand climate change so they can get active on the issue.
UMN expert gives drought outlook for Minnesota's spring and summer months
With this wet and chilly spring, it may be hard to remember the dry drought-ridden summer of last year. But as farmers and gardeners prepare for the growing season, many are wondering about the drought outlook for the coming months. Jeffrey Strock, is a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Southwest Research and Outreach Center. He talks with Cathy Wurzer about the drought outlook for spring and summer, drought trends connected to climate change and strategies to keep moisture in the soil.
As the rain and snow continue through is chilly spring, it may be hard to remember the dry drought-ridden summer of last year. But as farmers and gardeners prepare for the growing season, many are wondering about the drought outlook for the coming months.
Meet the Candidates: Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Gazelka
Republican senator and former Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is running for Minnesota governor. During his conversation on Politics Friday, Gazelka discussed his disapproval of Gov. Tim Walz’s use of emergency powers, improving public safety and how he might go about cutting spending if elected.
Why your USPS mail package delivery is about to get slower
Starting next month, more than 30% of first-class packages will be considered on time if they arrive within four or five days, as the Postal Service eases its standards for delivery times.
Little Earth patrols work to fill safety gap after breach in trust
Little Earth community members were hit by foam rounds and chemical munitions even though they were given permission to be on the streets during the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Many are trying to rebuild a better relationship with police.
Meet the Candidates: Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls
Former business executive and Army veteran Kendall Qualls is running for Minnesota governor. During his conversation on Politics Friday, Qualls discussed the need for increased law enforcement in the state and voter ID laws.
Meet the Candidates: Republican gubernatorial candidate Michelle Benson
State Sen. Michelle Benson is running for Minnesota governor. During her conversation on Politics Friday, Benson stressed the importance of reducing costs to counter inflation, having education funding follow children to the schools of the family’s choice, and voting security.
Some sun Thursday; showers possible Friday; 70s Saturday
The southern half of Minnesota will see more sun than clouds Thursday while northern Minnesota will be cloudier. Temperatures will reflect this divide with 50s south and 40s north.
Gov. Tim Walz says he will not call a special session if legislators fail to get their work done on time. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, April 21, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A brighter Thursday before warmer, more unsettled weather
Much more sunshine will grace Minnesota Thursday along with warmer temperatures for most. Temperatures continue to warm into Saturday but we’ll also have the chance of a few storms.
Polish women band together to give Ukrainian women car rides to safe refuge
Spooked by reports that traffickers are waiting at the Ukraine-Poland border, a Polish woman started an all-women car service to drive Ukrainian refugee women and children to homes or shelters.
New research confirms old theory: Wolves really do prefer old and sick moose
Michigan Tech scientists found Isle Royale wolves show a definite preference for old moose and those with osteoarthritis. Researchers say it helps in keeping moose populations healthy on the big Lake Superior island.
Putin tries to claim Mariupol win but won't storm holdout
Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to claim victory in the strategic port of Mariupol on Thursday, even as he ordered his troops not to storm the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance.
Art Hounds: Art studios open for spring visitors and a musical stages in a car dealership
The weather may be more like winter, but one spring art tour commences this weekend in the Driftless Region with the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour. In Zumbrota, Art Hounds recommend the book launch-concert for Becky Schlegel’s “The Lullaby Collection.” And, Minneapolis Musical Theater stages “Hands on a Hardbody,” about vying to win a new truck, at a Roseville auto dealer.
Gaza violence intensifies as Jerusalem clashes resume
Israel's air force and Palestinian militants traded fire across the Gaza frontier early Thursday as clashes erupted again at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site.
Macron attacks Le Pen on Russia, Muslim headscarf ban pledge
French President Emmanuel Macron tore into his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in a debate for her ties to Russia and wanting to strip Muslim women of their right to cover their heads in public.
Wildfires are increasingly contributing to unhealthy air
The rising number of fires hamper decades of environmental efforts, and over 40 percent of Americans — more than 137 million people — live in places with poor air quality, a new report says.
The DOJ will appeal the recent mask ruling by a federal judge
This decision to appeal comes just two days after U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled against the federal mask mandate.