Stories from April 12, 2023

'We’re doing just fine': Mary Louise Kelly reflects on being a working parent in new book
In a memoir out this week, All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly wrestles with the choices she made as a working parent. She previewed “It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs” it in a recent interview with MPR News.
Hennepin County leaders press lawmakers to spend surplus on public safety
Elected officials in Hennepin County are urging Minnesota lawmakers to spend part of the state's surplus on public safety. Governor Tim Walz has proposed setting aside $550 million for local police and fire departments and other public safety agencies across Minnesota.
Father of missing Winona woman's children denies any role in her March 31 disappearance and floodwaters are starting to rise across the state. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Business booming in NW Minnesota despite tight labor market
Northwestern Minnesota manufacturers are facing worker shortages due to remote locations, relatively small populations and long, cold winters. Successful businesses in this region, though, have figured out a formula to attract and retain employees.
A 38-year-old Sauk Centre, Minn., man is facing a first-degree murder conspiracy charge. He allegedly tried twice to hire a hitman to kill a family member and may have gone through with a payment two years ago.
Fargo-Moorhead well-prepared for spring flooding
The cities of Moorhead and Fargo are preparing for significant spring flooding. Officials are not sure how high the water will get — the late spring melt has delayed the flood and rain is in the forecast this week. But the communities say they are better prepared than at any time in the past.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty discusses reassignment of juvenile case to state attorney general
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty campaigned on a desire to reform the juvenile justice system. Now, four months into the job, her platform is getting its first big test — in the case of two teenagers charged with killing a 23-year-old woman in her Brooklyn Park apartment. She talks about it with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
How Minnesota peer support groups are bolstering mental health
“You are not alone” is a sentiment that has helped some Minnesotans cope with their mental health challenges in peer-to-peer support groups. MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with two Minnesotans who have been to support groups themselves about how they help and what new members can expect.
‘It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore,’ is a series examining the history and present of racism on the north shore for WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais. It recently won the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association award for best radio series.
'What I Eat in a Day' videos show a curated, disordered eating view, says Minnesota nutritionist
“What I Eat in a Day” videos have millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. They can be a window into another person’s fridge and their life. But at times, the videos promote dangerously extreme calorie deficits and prolonged fasting. 
Potential record high temperatures in Minnesota this week — but will the warm weather last?
Minnesota weather has turned summery seemingly overnight. MPR’s Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about this week’s high, possible record breaking temperatures, how long the warmth will last, last frost dates and rising flood risks.
EPA pollution limits aim to boost U.S. electric vehicle sales
The Biden administration is proposing strict new automobile pollution limits that would require as many as two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032.
Record warmth, red flag warnings south; showers Thursday into the weekend
Record warmth and gusty winds Wednesday will create potentially critical fire conditions in southern Minnesota. Highs will be well into the 80s south to just around 50 in far northwestern Minnesota. Showers develop Thursday northwest and spread east by Friday night.
NPR quits Twitter after being labeled as 'state-affiliated media'
NPR's official Twitter feeds have gone silent. The news organization cites the social media platform's decision to question NPR's editorial independence through a series of inaccurate labels.
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin launches run for 3rd term
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is seeking a third term in battleground Wisconsin. Baldwin says in a statement released Wednesday she'll continue to fight for the working class and families struggling with inflation and to oppose Wisconsin’s abortion ban.
The teenager, believed drowned in the St. Croix River, lost his footing and fell off a rock ledge yesterday evening at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Minn. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Near record warmth Wednesday for Twin Cities; rain developing north Thursday
We continue to see warm weather and winds Wednesday. High temperatures for southern Minnesota will be near record levels in the mid-80s. Northern Minnesota highs will range from the 50s to 60s. Showers develop Thursday north and statewide by Friday night.
North Dakota governor signs trans athlete bans into law
North Dakota’s Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has signed two transgender athlete bans into law. Transgender girls and women are now prohibited from joining female sports teams in K-12 and college.
Jets clinch playoff spot with feisty 3-1 win vs. Wild
Mark Scheifele scored his 42nd goal, Connor Hellebuyck made 33 saves and the Winnipeg Jets clinched the last spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Twins beat White Sox 4-3 in 10 innings on throwing error
Hanser Alberto’s throwing error allowed the automatic runner to score from second base and the Minnesota Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 in 10 innings.
Lakers outlast Wolves 108-102 in OT, advance to face Memphis
LeBron James had 30 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the seventh spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a grueling 108-102 overtime victory over the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Judge lectures Fox attorneys over dual roles for Rupert Murdoch
A judge said Fox lawyers previously "represented to him more than once" that Murdoch was not an officer for the cable network. Such information "could have" led him to make different rulings, he said.
A Navy ship named for a Confederate victory now honors a Black Union hero
The Navy has renamed the USS Chancelorsville, a name honoring a Confederate victory, to the USS Robert Smalls, after an enslaved man who escaped the south by stealing a Confederate steamship.
Indus school in northern Minnesota community awaits final decision on closure
A small community nestled near the Canadian border west of International Falls may learn as soon as Wednesday evening if it will lose its school. Supporters say Indus School in Baudette is a vital learning oasis for local families. However, the South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board says it’s losing pupils and money.
MSPIFF 2023: A sampler platter of films from the festival
The Minnapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is back for its 42nd year, showcasing a variety of films from all over the world at The Main theater in Minneapolis. The MPR News arts and culture team offers a sampling of 11 of the films offered.
College is now free for young Minnesotans who were in foster care as teens
For the first time, Minnesota is helping young adults who experienced foster care at any point after turning 13 pay for the full cost of attending public, private and tribal colleges here.