Stories from May 3, 2022

Senate Republicans zero in on the abortion decision leak, not its impact
Top GOP lawmakers emphasized the unprecedented nature of the unauthorized disclosure of the high court's draft ruling on an abortion case instead of the possible impact on women or on the midterms.
Abortion rights supporters and opponents brace for a post-Roe Minnesota, and the EPA recommends revoking a PolyMet copper nickel mining permit. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
In wake of draft ruling overturning Roe, Minnesota groups prepare for a battle
Word that the Supreme Court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade provoked a range of responses Tuesday in Minnesota, where abortion remains legal — and is likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Finally, spring: Highs in the 60s this week, 70s to 80s next week
Cue the May flowers. Forecast models are brewing a gradual warmup this week across Minnesota, and the outlook favors warmer-than-average temperatures across our region early next week.
Minneapolis-based author Kelly Barnhill is now releasing two new books - one for young adults and another for adults called '“When Women were Dragons.” Barnhill sat down with MPR editor Euan Kerr to talk about her new work.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a serious strain on healthcare systems across Minnesota. From hospitals to ambulances - staff, resources and care were stretched so thin. Kelly Asche is a research associate with the Center for Rural Policy and Development. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the impact.
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen on navigating a changing world during the pandemic
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen is a physician at Mayo Clinic and host of the podcast Millennial Health. She joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about some tools people can use to navigate a changing world during the pandemic.
From the archives: Ecologist Suzanne Simard on understanding the wisdom of forests
This Friday, Kerri Miller will look back at some fantastic science-themed conversations she’s had on Big Books and Bold Ideas. To whet your appetite, here’s yet another science-based discussion. In this one, Miller talks to ecologist Suzanne Simard about the wisdom of the forest.
Minnesota's Black farmers working to reconnect to land
African American farmers in Minnesota are trying to connect with their agricultural roots, and at the same time, build a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts confirmed that a draft memo has leaked indicating that the court intends to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Dr. Jill Hasday joined host Cathy Wurzer to explain what this potential ruling could mean for Minnesota.
Chris Swanson has been mayor since 2017, but in recent months, his role in multiple projects and proposed business ventures – including an underwater hotel in Lake Superior – has raised questions about his use of public office.
7 primary contests to watch Tuesday in Ohio and Indiana
Tuesday's top race is in Ohio, where voters are set to pick nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat. Redistricting has also affected some of the state's closely watched House races.
Here are the key primary election results from Ohio
Voters head to the polls Tuesday for statewide primaries in Ohio and Indiana. In Ohio, an open Senate contest has top billing.
Sunny, warmer Tuesday; dry weather will ease Red River levels
Increasing amounts of sun Tuesday will push temperatures nearly 10 degrees warmer than Monday. Dry weather for most and a warming trend continues this week.
Minnesota elected officials respond to draft Supreme Court ruling on Roe
Monday night's news of a leaked draft Supreme Court opinion, suggesting a majority of justices are poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, drew quick, sharp criticism from Democratic elected officials in Minnesota and a generally muted response from Republicans.
In a first of its kind three day public hearing this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hearing testimony to determine whether the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine would violate the water quality standards of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation lies downstream of the proposed project.  This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Correa's tiebreaking single gives Twins 10th win in 11 games
Chris Paddack pitched effectively into the sixth, Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking single and the Minnesota Twins got their 10th win in 11 games with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Skies trending brighter; temperatures heating up
Tuesday will bring more sunshine than the last several days as clouds decrease. Highs will be mainly well into the 50s with a few low 60s. We continue the warming trend into the weekend.
Fargo-Moorhead flood control project advances amid worker shortage
The pace of work on the $3 billion Red River Diversion will increase this year as earthmovers start to carve out a 30-mile-long channel to divert floodwater around Fargo-Moorhead. The multi-year project will need hundreds of workers, and filling those jobs might be a challenge in an already tight labor market.
EPA recommends Army Corps not reissue PolyMet water permit
While only a recommendation, the move by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could deal a potentially severe blow to the controversial $1 billion mine proposed near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes in northeastern Minnesota.
Hmong health leaders stepped up as COVID ravaged community
COVID tore through Minnesota’s Hmong community in 2020. Today, the disease is mostly in check, with people of Asian ancestry boasting the state’s highest vaccination rate. What changed? Observers say a growing generation of young Hmong doctors, nurses and public health leaders recognized the threat and helped guide people to science-based answers.
Chief Justice Roberts orders an investigation into the leak
President Joe Biden has blasted what he calls a “radical” leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. Earlier, Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the leaked draft and said he had ordered an investigation into what he called an “egregious breach of trust.”