Stories from September 14, 2022

Why are Minnesota congressional members being called out for potential conflicts of interest?
The New York Times reported that three Minnesota members of Congress had potential conflicts over trading stocks, bonds and other financial assets. Host Cathy Wurzer spoke on the issue with the University of Minnesota’s Larry Jacobs.
My Pillow CEO is drawn further into election intrigue as FBI stops him in Mankato, and rail traffic is already slowing in Minnesota ahead of a threatened nationwide railworker strike. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Appetites: Connecting culture and cuisine for Hispanic Heritage Month
To kick off this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, Amalia Moreno-Damgaard joined Appetites to talk about the connection between culture and cuisine and share a spicy rabbit stew recipe from her latest book, “Amalia’s Mesoamerican Table".
What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine boosters
Updated vaccine boosters for COVID-19 are rolling out across Minnesota. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two infectious disease doctors about the boosters, managing COVID as we head into fall and why this year’s flu season could be a doozy. 
Fungal pathogen affecting apple trees found in Minnesota for first time
A fungal pathogen that can cause defoliation of apple and crabapple trees has been found in Minnesota for the first time. Agriculture officials say they’re “cautiously optimistic” that it will not significantly affect apple production in the state.
Their town now freed from Russian occupation, Ukrainians feel shock and joy
Ukrainian forces liberated the town of Balakliia in a swift counteroffensive against Russia in the east, where retreating Russian troops left behind tanks, captives and an untold number of casualties.
Minnesota Now for Sept. 14, 2022
Three Minnesota members of Congress are being called out for stock trades, we get the back story on what's going on. We remember a true leader and hero from East Grand Forks Minnesota who passed away this week, Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner has a deep dive into what's happening with our weather and a reporter with the Rainy Lake Gazette talks about her top stories and this weekend a handful of media personalities are being inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting hall of fame — including the wonderful Freddie Bell.
Freddie Bell and Cathy Wurzer talk about entering the hall of fame
On Sept. 17, six media personalities are being inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame — including MPR’s Cathy Wurzer and KMOJ’s Freddie Bell. The two talk about their path, their craft and what this honor means to them both.
Laurel Beager is editor of the Rainy Lake Gazette in International Falls. A lot of news there has been about the historic flooding on Rainy Lake. But Laurel has also been following a quieter story about how the town is trying to find solutions for working class families who are struggling to afford food. She talks with Host Cathy Wurzer about the situation.
Smokey Skies, Drought and Warming Temps - Weather News from Paul Huttner
If you like cool nights and warm days - you are loving this weather right now! MPR’s Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner talks with Cathy Wurzer about what’s happening in our weather world.
Remembering Lynn Stauss — a heroic leader through unimaginable disaster
The former mayor of East Grand Forks, Lynn Stauss, died this week. On April 19, 1997, Strauss led the city through historic flooding and a fire. Current East Grand Forks mayor Steve Gander talked with Cathy Wurzer about Stauss and his legacy.
Minnesota commuters may be affected by possible national railroad strike
Railroads had already started to curtail shipments of hazardous materials and refrigerated products as of Wednesday ahead of Friday's strike deadline. A work stoppage would also affect passenger rail service — including Metro Transit's Northstar Commuter Rail.
In Focus: How to make outdoor recreation welcoming for all 
Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities than their white peers. During this In Focus discussion from the Minnesota State Fair, host Twila Dang discusses the so-called nature gap and what to do about it, with outdoor equity experts Anthony Taylor and Asha Shoffner.
A woman walked into a North Dakota bar carrying a raccoon, leading health officials to warn those who had contact with the animal about possible rabies exposure. 
Very warm Wednesday with more smoke, rain develops Thursday north
It’s another hazy day with smoke filling the skies of Minnesota again. High temperatures will again be warm in the low to mid-80s south to near 70 north. Showers develop late Wednesday night into Thursday north.
An Iowa teenager who killed her accused rapist is sentenced and ordered to pay $150K
Teenage human trafficking victim Pieper Lewis was sentenced to five years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $150,000 to the man's family. She had pled guilty earlier to charges in his death.
Thousands of Minnesota nurses are in the third and final day of a strike affecting more than a dozen hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports. The union and hospital management remain at odds over pay and staffing concerns. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Twins' bid for combo no-hitter ends with 1 out in 9th vs KC
Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3.
Warm, hazy Wednesday with rain developing north Thursday
We’ll have another very warm day Wednesday with mainly sunny, hazy skies. Highs will be in the 80s south and upper 60s, 70s north. Showers develop late Wednesday night in northern Minnesota.
On final day of strike, Minnesota nurses wonder what's next
Thousands of Minnesota nurses are in the third and final day of a strike affecting more than a dozen hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports. The union and hospital management remain at odds over pay and staffing concerns.
MyPillow exec Lindell says FBI agents seized his cellphone
MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell says federal agents have seized his cellphone. He says they also questioned him Tuesday about a Colorado clerk who has been charged in what prosecutors say was a “deceptive scheme” to breach voting system technology used across the country.
Rondo’s ‘lady of line dance’ keeps community moving
For Tina Jackson, teaching soul line dancing is how she gives back to her community. Her childhood mentors helped Jackson get started as a teacher and over the years she has built a community of dancers from everywhere she goes. 
How a freight train strike could throw your plans to travel by train off track
Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday if negotiators don't stop a looming strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike quickly, but a brief shutdown hurts the economy.
This map can tell you when fall foliage is peaking in 2022
Aspen, maple and other trees are about to turn vivid shades of gold, orange and crimson — but when? It depends on a range of factors, from drought to local temperatures.
The first abortion ban passed after Roe takes effect Thursday in Indiana
Thursday, nearly all abortions must cease in Indiana after state lawmakers passed a full ban in August. Since Dobbs, Indiana has been a destination for those in surrounding states seeking abortions.