Stories from May 12, 2022

Thousands of homes and businesses remained without power across southern Minnesota on Thursday in the wake of severe storms that brought damaging winds, flooding rain, hail and one confirmed tornado. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
Overturning Roe v. Wade will harm people of color and burden Minnesota’s health care system, researcher says
Asha Hassan, a reproductive health researcher at the University of Minnesota, says abortion bans disproportionately affect people of color. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, she says, more Black women will die during pregnancy and Minnesota will see a 371 percent increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortions.
Beyond the compost bin: How companies are reducing food waste
An estimated 35 percent — or $408 billion worth — of food in the United States goes to waste, emitting methane and creating inefficiencies in carbon-heavy supply chains.
Hmong queer community: The movement towards acceptance and equity
Dr. Brian V. Xiong, Kevin Xiong, SUNAH, and Xay Yang are breaking barriers as LGBTQ Hmong leaders. They’re working to make the Twin Cities and Hmong community a more welcoming place through their work with the Hmong 18 Council, New Millennium Academy, the arts, and Transforming Generations.
Nari Miller is a senior at Edison High School in Minneapolis, and the first champion of the girl’s 152-pound title.
This is the first image of the black hole at the heart of the Milky Way
"We finally have the first look at our Milky Way black hole, Sagittarius A*," an international team of astrophysicists and researchers from the Event Horizon Telescope team said.
More severe storms possible late Thursday
Morning fog and clouds will clear, allowing it to become hot and humid Thursday. More severe storms are possible Thursday evening into the overnight.
How to get involved in environmental justice efforts in Minnesota
MPR News hosted In Focus: Environmental justice and Minnesota’s climate future on April 27. And our MPR community engagement team held three Story Circles on April 15 on the same topic. We put together a toolkit with stories and resources on environmental justice in Minnesota.
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remained without power across southern Minnesota on Thursday morning, in the wake of severe storms that brought damaging winds, flooding rain, hail and a few reports of tornadoes.
Las Vegas struggles with rising violence in schools
The nation's fifth largest school district has seen a jump in violent incidents since returning from 15 months of virtual-only classes.
Thousands remain without power in wake of Wednesday night's storms
Thousands of homes and businesses remained without power across southern Minnesota on Thursday morning, in the wake of severe storms that brought damaging winds, flooding rain, hail and a few reports of possible tornadoes.
New play draws on experiences of people involved in prison system
The Mixed Blood Theater in Minneapolis is staging “The Labyrinth and the Minotaur: The Incarceration Play Project,” which includes people who’ve lived life on both sides of the bars in Minnesota correctional facilities.
Minnesota hospitals feel the strain as national supply of CT scan dye tightens
High-demand contrast dyes that let doctors better see blood clots and tumors in patients are vital to many hospitals in Minnesota and the U.S. But supplies are tight as overseas makers struggle with COVID. Hospital leaders say they haven’t canceled procedures, but it’s making for some anxious days.
Art Hounds recommend photography on the struggle for racial justice
The Art Hounds suggest a visit to photojournalist KingDemetrius Pendleton’s exhibit “The Movement Never Stops” at Block Portrait Studios in St. Paul. Connect with the healing powers of art and nature in J.G. Everest’s immersive Sound Garden at Riverside Park in Minneapolis. Have a laugh over “Much Ado About Nothing” by Fearless Comedy Productions, in its final weekend at the historic Mounds Theatre.
North Korea confirms 1st COVID outbreak as Kim orders lockdown
While the scale of the outbreak isn't known, it could have serious consequences because the country has a poor health care system and its 26 million people are believed to be mostly unvaccinated.