Stories from May 4, 2022

Suit challenging Minnesota’s abortion restrictions delayed
A lawsuit challenging Minnesota’s restrictions on abortions that was set to go to trial next month has been delayed indefinitely, under an order from the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
There's still plenty of potential politicking for abortion rights in Minnesota as Roe may end, and the state wants a deal for oversight of Minneapolis police before Labor Day. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Table is set for end-of-session debate over tax cuts
The Minnesota House passed a tax plan Wednesday that’s built around targeted credits and refunds rather than an income-tax rate cut favored by the Senate.
U.S. quietly expands asylum limits while preparing to end them
The Biden administration has begun expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans to Mexico under pandemic-related powers to deny migrants a chance to seek asylum, expanding use of the rule even as it publicly says it has been trying to unwind it, officials said Wednesday.
Flood fight continues in parts of NW Minnesota, NE North Dakota
North Dakota National Guard helicopter crews have been airlifting one-ton sandbags to shore up a dam in danger of failing, as rivers across the region remain in flood stage from snowmelt and heavy rain in recent weeks.
Warming trend: 70s and 80s ahead next week
A string of warmer days ahead next week.
With abortion in jeopardy, minority women have most to lose
A draft Supreme Court opinion suggesting the right to abortion will be overturned is highlighting the risk to Black and Hispanic women. Associated Press research shows that if the Court allows states to ban abortions, minority women will bear the brunt of it.
St. Paul taps Axtell deputy as interim police chief
Mayor Melvin Carter on Wednesday named Deputy Chief Jeremy Ellison, a longtime veteran of the force, to run the department while the city searches for a permanent chief to replace the retiring Todd Axtell.
The state of childbirth under a pandemic and uncertainty over reproductive health care
On Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with health care experts about how the pandemic has shaped pregnancy and childbirth. They’ll also discuss new research in racial health disparities, how racism contributes to poorer health and how anticipated restrictions in abortion care could affect reproductive health outcomes.
A nice Wednesday with a continued heating trend
A very nice Wednesday with sunshine through high clouds and more widespread 60s and 50s across Minnesota. Showers brush southern Minnesota Thursday into Friday.
The European Union’s chief executive has called on the 27-nation bloc to ban oil imports from Russia in a sixth package of sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
The growing possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court will upend decades of precedent around abortion law has invigorated a political struggle about what comes next just months before the midterm elections. A leaked draft of an opinion that overturns the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion doesn’t mean a final Supreme Court ruling will go that far. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Warmer Wednesday; taste of summer next week?
A chilly start early Wednesday will lead to a mild afternoon thanks to sunshine, filtered through high clouds.
NASA is bringing rocks back from Mars, but what if those samples contain alien life?
NASA and the European Space Agency are gearing up to bring home a pristine sample of Martian rock. But given the small chance of life on the red planet, they have to grapple with safety questions.
Jeffers HR carries streaking Twins past Orioles 7-2
Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the sixth inning and the surging Minnesota Twins defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-2 for their fourth straight victory. 
Draft Supreme Court opinion on abortion raises election stakes
Minnesota is a state where abortion rights would remain on firmer legal ground if the United States Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade. November’s election will determine if that changes.
New Bemidji State degree draws on Indigenous practices to teach 21st century sustainability
BSU students can now earn a full degree in Indigenous Sustainability Studies that builds on traditional philosophies and practices while also studying the mainstream sustainability techniques.
CDC reiterates its recommendation for masks on planes and trains
U.S. health officials on Tuesday restated their recommendation that Americans wear masks on planes, trains and buses, despite a court ruling last month that struck down a national mask mandate on public transportation.