Stories from April 6, 2023

How reframing mass shootings as suicide could help prevent them
St. Paul researchers are beginning to frame mass shootings through a newer lens called “deaths of despair” that looks at them as suicides. And it’s because of this that they warn against having armed guards in schools.
Warmest air mass in 5 months heading for Minnesota
A major pattern change will bring springlike weather to Minnesota over the next week.
Dog adoption centers close due to possible canine influenza
Animal Humane Society's dog adoption centers in Golden Valley, Woodbury and Coon Rapids are temporarily closing for three to four weeks out of concerns for canine influenza.
New health commissioner looks to advance health equity in Minnesota
Dr. Brooke Cunningham was appointed in January as the new commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health, replacing Jan Malcolm. Previously, Cunningham was assistant commissioner of healthy equity. All Things Considered checked in with Cunningham about her vision for the department as it emerges from a public health emergency.
Asphalt plant ready to help crews fill potholes as St. Paul residents report much more damage
St. Paul streets are failing at a faster rate than city maintenance workers can keep up with, city officials said as they announced the official opening Thursday of its asphalt plant. And they warned the long-awaited repairs will take longer.
Minnesota poultry producers are bracing for another year of avian influenza. Last year 110 flocks were affected. The first case this year was reported this week. This is the evening MPR News update for April 6, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
What to know as the Tennessee House votes on expelling 3 Democrats
Republicans say the trio's protest over gun laws amounted to an insurrection. Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson face a disciplinary measure used only twice since the 1800s.
Minnesota sports update: The Loons and the Twins are back
Minnesota Now sports experts Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk all things Gopher Hockey, the Wild, the Twins, the Timberwolves and Minnesota United.
Clarence Thomas and the billionaire
For over 20 years, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been treated to luxury vacations by billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow.
 Women are moving into sports leadership jobs
Women athletes are gaining respect on the court and on the field. And, now women also are a growing presence in front office jobs in professional sports. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three women in top jobs at the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Aurora about how the front office is changing.
Reward offered for information in 'suspicious' disappearance of Winona woman
Winona police continue to ask the public for help in the search for 26-year-old Madeline “Maddi” Kingsbury, and her family is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
Clouds, snow showers north, sunshine south Thursday; warmer weekend
Snow showers linger in northeastern Minnesota Thursday with cold air lingering statewide. Southern Minnesota will see sun while clouds hang on north. Temperatures begin a rapid warmup Friday into the weekend.
Southdale Center mall locked down Wednesday, no one hurt in apparent shooting
Edina police say the Southdale Center mall was put into lockdown for about an hour Wednesday night after reports of gunfire. Officials did not locate anyone physically injured at the scene or in local hospitals.
There's pushback from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office offering plea deals to two teens suspected of killing a 23-year-old woman. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Chilly, windy Thursday but warming up quickly into the weekend
Thursday will still be cold with lingering clouds and morning snow showers in northeast Minnesota. Expect sunshine south but still chilly. It’ll be windy through the morning statewide before a rapid warmup this weekend. 
Centralized league is solution to closing women's hockey gap
Czech Republic coach Carla MacLeod says the solution to closing the gap in competition in women's hockey between the rest of the world and the United States and Canada comes with forming a centralized league where the top players can call home.
De La Cruz single, Luzardo's 10 Ks lift Marlins over Twins
Bryan De La Cruz hit a go-ahead single in the eighth, Jorge Soler homered twice and Jesús Luzardo fanned 10 to lift the Miami Marlins over the Minnesota Twins 5-2 on Wednesday.
U.S. beats Japan 7-1 to open women’s world hockey championship
Alex Carpenter scored twice and the United States beat Japan 7-1 on Wednesday to open group play in the women’s world hockey championship. Also in Group A, Ann-Renee Desbiens made 11 saves and two-time defending champion Canada beat Switzerland 4-0 in the night game.
Airline passengers could be in for a rougher ride, thanks to climate change
Research in recent years has pointed to more incidents of clear-air turbulence in the jet stream brought on by rising temperatures. Airline crews and passengers are feeling the effects firsthand.
Minnesota may soon OK free menstrual products in schools. These teens led the way
High school students pressed lawmakers for years to act, detailing the practical indignities of dealing with periods at school. With a bill poised to pass the Legislature this year, the teens say they’ve learned lessons on power, persistence and making change.
Art Hounds: Minnesota's Cultural Centre of Bird Island brings art to rural areas
Bradley Donner's exhibit “Wild Art,” features paintings of wildlife. Singer/songwriter Dan Rodriguez performs in Excelsior. Artist Sadie Ward's exhibition, “Midwest Women,” uses bras in portraits of famous women.
A 'new normal': Health officials, poultry farmers brace for likely return of avian flu
Avian influenza has returned to Minnesota after a brief break. A new outbreak of the virus was reported this week in a backyard flock in southern Minnesota. The virus caused 110 outbreaks in poultry flocks across Minnesota last year and caused the deaths of numerous wild raptors and waterfowl. Here’s what experts tracking the virus are expecting this year.