Stories from April 13, 2023

Temps dip Friday, dive over the weekend; Sunday snowflakes possible
Our summery weather continued on Thursday. Now temps will back off a bit on Friday and then plunge this weekend. We have your weekend forecast update plus a look at river levels.
Minneapolis pays millions in claims against Derek Chauvin, for incidents before George Floyd murder, and clears the way for first-in-the-nation Muslim calls to prayer regulations. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Florida GOP passes 6-week abortion ban, DeSantis supports
The Republican-dominated Florida Legislature on Thursday approved a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, a proposal supported by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis as he prepares for an expected presidential run.
Girls on the Run gives free gear to young girls to empower them through exercise
If you’re a runner or know someone who is, you know it’s a lot less enjoyable without the right gear. The Minnesota chapter of Girls on the Run is outfitting more than a thousand girls around the state with shoes, pants and sports hijabs so they can be ready to hit the trails.
'Thank You, Stranger': Just when she was about to quit med school to care for her newborn, a professor made all the difference
Connie Dale was in her third year of medical school when she gave birth to her first child. Going straight back to school with a newborn at home wasn’t easy for many reasons, but one simple act of kindness kept her going.
Unexpected heat is leading to faster snow melt. Here's the flood outlook for Minnesota
Several roads in Big Stone and Stevens Counties have been washed out because of high water. For a better picture of what to expect, hydrologist Craig Schmidt joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
MSP International Film Festival: Not sure what to watch? Here are MPR's picks
The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival begins April 13 and runs through April 27 and the Main Cinema in Minneapolis. With nearly 200 films, there’s something for everybody. MPR News arts reporters Jacob Aloi and Alex Cipolle joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the films they’ve seen.
Minneapolis pays $9 million to settle Chauvin excessive force suits
John Pope and Zoya Code sued the city last year, alleging Derek Chauvin kneeled on their necks in separate incidents in 2017. Chauvin killed George Floyd in 2020 using a similar restraint. Chief Brian O’Hara said Chauvin’s badge number has been “destroyed.”
Biden moves to expand DACA recipients' access to government-funded health insurance
The Department of Health and Human Services will propose an amended definition of "lawful presence" to include recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the White House said.
Hundreds of thousands of dimes stolen from parked truck
En route to Florida, a truck containing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of dimes was broken into while parked overnight at a Philadelphia store. The thieves apparently made off with at least $100,000.
This week's sports news: Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins, oh my!
Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about sports updates for the week, including news on the Twins, Timerwolves drama and Gopher women’s tennis.
'Sioux Chef' Sean Sherman makes Time’s list of 100 most influential people
The Twin Cities-based Indigenous food advocate and restaurateur won praise from the magazine for his work around Native food and cooking, calling him “a powerful force of good in the culinary world and beyond.”
Education bill could fund grants to help schools fight cyberattacks
The most recent cyberattack closed Rochester’s public schools for a day. And in February, Minneapolis schools closed for similar reasons too. Many school’s are being targeted because of the vast amount of data in their computer systems.
Reimagining education: How leaders are upping equity and support
Schools can’t do it all when it comes to educating our kids. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of two groups working to reimagine education, advance equity and support teachers. 
'Harry Potter' books will be adapted into a decade-long TV series
Each season will be based on one book in the beloved series by controversial author J.K. Rowling, and the cast will be different from the films. Some fans are unhappy about Rowling's involvement.
More record warmth Thursday; red flag warnings south, showers north
More records will fall Thursday in the April heat wave. Temperatures will be back in the mid to upper 80s across southern Minnesota. Northern Minnesota sees clouds and scattered showers along with cooler temps. Expect rain, snow and colder temperatures for the weekend.
After calls to resign, Feinstein seeks Judiciary replacement
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California is asking to be temporarily replaced on the Judiciary Committee while she recovers from a case of shingles. Her announcement Wednesday came after two House Democrats called on her to resign because of her extended absence from Washington.
Fallen Wisconsin police officers remembered at candlelight vigil
A large crowd gathered as the sun set Wednesday evening in Cameron, Wis., for a candlelight vigil in memory of two police officers fatally shot during a traffic stop last weekend.
It’s another unseasonably hot day in Minnesota, and rapidly melting snow is flooding roads in the western part of the state. Meanwhile, flood preparations continue in Stillwater and several teens have been swept away by high waters. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
More summer-like warmth; some showers northwest Thursday
We’ve got more summer-like temperatures for southern Minnesota through Friday. Meanwhile, northwest Minnesota will see cooler temperatures set in and some showers start to develop. The chance expands statewide by Friday night.
Judge rebukes Fox attorneys ahead of defamation trial: 'Omission is a lie'
Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric M. Davis says he will appoint an outside attorney to investigate whether Fox News attorneys withheld key evidence in weeks leading up to defamation trial.
Twins' Farmer struck by pitch, gets stitches and teeth reset
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kyle Farmer was hit in the face by a 92 mph fastball from Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito. The pitch from Giolito ran inside and knocked Farmer to the dirt in the fourth inning.
It cost $22 billion to rescue two failed banks. Now the question is who will pay
Regulators need to decide how to recover the cost of rescuing Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank – and community banks across the country are warning they should not be on the hook.
Panel explains pivotal role of birchbark canoes in connecting cultures 
The American Craft Council is hosting a free online panel discussion Thursday exploring the historical and cultural importance of traditional watercraft. “Woven Through Water: How Boatbuilding Connects Communities and Cultures” looks at the contributions of Native people in transporting goods and fueling America’s early economy.  
‘It’s a struggle right now’: Nursing homes press Minnesota lawmakers for help
The pandemic, inflation and the state’s broader workforce shortage have caused a unique strain for nursing homes around the state. And they say they need urgent financial help from the state to stay afloat.