Stories from April 22, 2022

For Earth Day, University of Minnesota Morris professor collects 'Prayers for a Feverish Planet'
University of Minnesota Morris professor Ann DuHamel put out a call for compositions inspired by climate change. She received more than 170 pieces from musicians in 35 countries and will perform some of them this weekend.
The state Department of Health said the rate of Minnesotans without health insurance coverage declined last year to the lowest level on record. But for Minnesotans of color, the uninsured rate went up. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday, April 22, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Warm Saturday, with scattered showers & t-storms; cooler Sunday
We’ll see our first 70s of 2022 on Saturday. Many areas will also see a few showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, and severe weather is possible. Our temps retreat on Sunday. We have the weekend weather details plus a look at the week ahead.
Climate change drives longer, more intense pollen seasons
Growing seasons are getting longer and plants are emitting more pollen as temperatures and carbon dioxide increase.
For Earth Day, preventing food waste in the kitchen
Mary Schroeder, health and nutrition extension educator at the University of Minnesota, talks about how small steps in the kitchen can reduce food waste and protect the environment.
Coping with skyrocketing new and used car prices
If you’re in the market for a new car, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. At 9 a.m. Monday, guest host Chris Farrell spoke with two experts about what’s happening with the automobile industry and prices.
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rich Stanek and author of 'Democracy Under Fire' Lawrence Jacobs
This week host Mike Mulcahy continues our conversations with Republican candidates for Minnesota governor. Plus, author and University of Minnesota professor Lawrence R. Jacobs joins the program to discuss his new book, “Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History.”
Parishes in Minneapolis, Bucha linked as Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates holiest of days
The Ukrainian Orthodox church in Bucha, Ukraine, where a mass grave held the remains of civilians killed during the Russian invasion, was built with help from a sister church in Minneapolis. Both congregations are marking Orthodox Easter this weekend — and celebrating the endurance of their faith.
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media.
Novelist Don Winslow on going home
Don Winslow is launching another masterful trilogy. This time, he relies on Greek literature to inspire an epic crime saga that follows the journey of a crime family from Rhode Island, where Winslow himself grew up.
Scattered showers, storms Friday; warm Saturday, then chilly again
Mainly cloudy skies with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms Friday will keep temperatures in the 40s and 50s for most, although southwestern Minnesota could be warmer.
South Washington County votes to approve building plan, close Newport Elementary School
Booming enrollment in South Washington County Schools led the district to propose a $462 million facilities plan. At a school board meeting Thursday night, the district also voted to close the district’s smallest and most diverse elementary school. Voters will have the final say in August.
FBI arrests Minnesota man connected with Feeding Our Future investigation
Mohamed Jama Ismail has been charged with one count of passport fraud, following his apprehension by FBI agents Wednesday afternoon at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. Ismail becomes the first person arrested in connection with the ongoing federal investigation into alleged food fraud and the nonprofit Feeding Our Future. The FBI first raided Ismail’s house and seized his passport in January 2022.
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. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, April 22, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Scattered showers, thunder; 70s Saturday
A return to overcast skies with some scattered showers Friday. Temps warm into the 70s for much of Minnesota Saturday with storms possible before cooling down again Sunday.
A man alleged to be among the targets of an investigation into child nutrition program fraud in Minnesota is facing a federal charge of making a false statement on his passport application, according to a court document filed Thursday.
Despite U.S. sanctions, oil traders help Russian oil reach global markets
Russia is still making billions of dollars on oil exports since invading Ukraine. That crude is still flowing abroad thanks in part to a controversial group of oil traders.
Fiala scores 2, playoff-bound Wild beat Canucks 6-3
Kevin Fiala scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-3. 
Grizzlies claw back from 26 down, beat Wolves in Game 3
Desmond Bane made seven 3-pointers and had 26 points and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 26-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95 on Thursday night for a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series. 
Here's why you might still want to wear masks on public transport
Sure, you don't have to wear a mask on airplanes, buses and ride shares anymore, but you still might want to depending on the circumstances. Here's what experts say about the risks.
 State of the State speech gets Capitol homecoming
After two years of remote speeches due to pandemic concerns, Gov. Tim Walz returns Sunday to the Minnesota House for an annual address. The setting itself offers a symbolic message.