Stories from September 22, 2022

Minneapolis officials announce new public safety plan, details to come
The effort will include law enforcement partners from around the region including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the state Department of Public Safety and federal agencies.
Drought slowly expanding in Minnesota
Serious rainfall deficits especially from the Twin Cities westward.
The heartbreak and cost of losing a baby in America
Even after their babies died, hospital bills kept coming. These parents of fragile, very sick infants faced exorbitant bills — though they had insurance. "The process was just so heartless," one says.
Gov. Tim Walz said his administration deserves praise, not criticism for its role in the alleged fraud involving hundreds of millions in federal relief money that was intended to feed Minnesota children. Walz said officials at the Minnesota Department of Education tried to stop money from going to the group Feeding Our Future, but had to continue the payments when the group sued and won. This is the afternoon MPR News update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Walz defends state role in Feeding Our Future scandal
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday said the state had raised concerns about Feeding Our Future, the nonprofit at the center of an alleged fraud ring early and called for the investigation of a judge that required the state to restart payments to the nonprofit.
How climate change intensifies extreme weather
How did climate change supercharge climate extremes in the summer of 2022? Climate scientist Kevin Trenberth joined Climate Cast to explain the extreme events we saw.
The state of the unions
What's behind the spike in union membership — the highest in 14 years — and what does it mean for the future of work? Professor William Jones of the University of Minnesota joined All Things Considered to discuss the surge in union activity.
The Lake Street Taco Tour returns
After a five year break, the self-guided tour of the corridor’s taco establishments returns to help revitalize businesses still struggling to recover from the last two and a half years of economic challenges.
Adair Mosley’s vision for racial equity in Minnesota
Adair Mosley opened a grocery store and launched a scholarship program while he led the Minneapolis nonprofit Pillsbury United Communities. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Adair about his bold ideas for building racial equity as he steps into a new role as the next CEO of the African American Leadership Forum. 
One woman's mission to turn out the Native vote in Minnesota's midterm elections
Early voting in this year's midterm election begins Friday, Sept. 23. After a surge in voter turnout among Indigenous Minnesotans in 2020, guest host Melissa Townsend talks with Nancy Beaulieu her outlook on turn out for this election.
State officials: One person likely behind hoax school shooting calls in Minnesota
State public safety officials now say there were at least 15 “swatting incidents” across Minnesota on Wednesday, in which schools were targeted by a series of hoax calls claiming there was a shooting or someone with a gun. Investigators believe a single person made the calls.
How Rochester's public library is erasing the stigma attached to asking for help
Public librarians are asked to do a lot more than check out books and guide visitors through the Dewey Decimal System. Social worker Allison Carpenter was hired to support library patrons who need more help than librarians can provide.
A woman who brought a wild raccoon into a North Dakota bar, which prompted state health officials to issue a warning about potential rabies exposure, is facing criminal charges.
Below-normal temps Thursday; rain showers Friday
Expect lighter winds and an even cooler day Thursday. Highs will range from the low 60s south to 50s north but with lots of sunshine. Scattered rain showers develop for Friday into Friday night.
Law enforcement said schools across Minnesota were the subject of calls alleging an active shooter or shooting Wednesday. The calls were believed to be “swatting,” which is when someone calls police to report a fake emergency at a real address. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Tom Crann. Music by Gary Meister.
A cool, sunny Thursday; showers Friday
Winds have subsided but it’s even cooler early Thursday. We’ll have lots of sunshine but highs will only be in the low to mid-60s south and 50s north. Scattered showers develop Friday.
Home prices see biggest drop in 9 years, thanks to higher mortgage rates
The super-heated housing market is cooling off. Home prices have fallen about 6 percent since their peak in June. The pace of sales also fell for the seventh straight month.
Lindell sues to recover cellphone seized by FBI agents
MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell has sued the Department of Justice and the FBI to demand the return of a cellphone seized from him at a fast food restaurant in Minnesota last week. Agents apparently seized it as part of an investigation into an alleged scheme to breach voting system technology.
St. Paul City Council approves changes to rent control ordinance
St. Paul City Council members Wednesday approved a series of changes to the city's rent control ordinance, but opponents to the changes say it will disproportionately affect people of color and those living on a fixed income.
6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Mexico, 1 dead
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 has caused buildings to sway in Mexico’s capital and left at least one person dead. The earthquake struck early Thursday, just three days after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook western and central Mexico, killing two people.
Please don't cook chicken in NyQuil, the FDA asks TikTok users
The challenge, which originated in part from a 2017 Twitter joke, is the subject of an FDA warning about unhealthy cooking challenges from TikTok.
Art Hounds: Iranian music lights up the Ordway and Lanesboro's history in three plays
Art Hounds recommend the music of The Ensemble Aras in a concert featuring Minnesota musicians. Lanesboro’s History Alive! stages a combination pop-up play and walking tour, and a Minneapolis book launch features well-known authors and a comedian.
Ducks offer clues to avian influenza risk
The deadly avian influenza virus is once again showing up on Minnesota poultry farms. There's concern the fall waterfowl migration might bring a resurgence of the virus that killed millions of turkeys and chickens in the spring. There's a nationwide effort to monitor the virus in wild waterfowl, including here in Minnesota.
Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court justice, will speak with the House Jan. 6 panel
The committee asked to interview Thomas on her communications with a lawyer pushing for then-Vice President Pence to block the Electoral College count of the 2020 election results.