Stories from April 14, 2023

Montana becomes 1st state to approve a full ban of TikTok
Montana's bill goes farther than bans in nearly half of the states that target devices on state-issued devices. Instead, Montana's legislation makes it illegal for anyone to download TikTok.
Weekend weather: Colder with rain, rain-snow mix Saturday, Sunday
Summery weather is leaving us, with colder temps and blustery winds on tap this weekend. Saturday rain is expected to transition to a rain-snow mix or snow by Sunday. We also have an update on river levels.
The city of St. Paul says it plans to close a major route to and from downtown, as part of its response to the rising Mississippi River. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
One in 18 Minnesota adults experiencing long COVID
This past week President Joe Biden signed into law an official end to the national COVID-19 emergency response. Relatedly, the nation’s official COVID-19 public health emergency is set to expire on May 11.  
Supreme Court keeps FDA abortion pill rules in place for now
The Supreme Court has temporarily kept in place federal rules for use of an abortion drug, while it more fully considers the issues raised in a court challenge. The Biden administration and New York-based drugmaker Danco Laboratories asked the justices to intervene.
As river rises, St. Paul to close stretch of Shepard/Warner Road
The city of St. Paul plans to temporarily close a stretch of Shepard/Warner Road on Sunday, as the adjacent Mississippi River threatens to flood the route to and from downtown.
As flood prep nears completion, Minnesota communities wait for rivers to rise
The forecasts have been heeded, much of the advance work is done — and for communities and residents along rising rivers in Minnesota, it’s now a matter of waiting out the high water.
Responding to a 911 call early Thursday afternoon, police saw four American pit bull terriers attacking the man, 22, outside his home. Police say the incident remains under investigation and it’s too soon to say whether prosecutors will file criminal charges.
Politics Friday: Klobuchar on how the new party dynamic is reshaping Washington
MPR News guest host Brian Bakst talks to Sen. Amy Klobuchar about changes in political party dynamics in Washington, Supreme Court ethics questions and the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Later, a conversation about the future of paid family and medical leave in Minnesota.
Seeing a red flag warning in your weather app? Here's what to do
Red flag warnings mean an increased risk of wildfires in the next 12 to 24 hours, so fire safety is extra important. How do they differ from fire weather watches? And what precautions should you take?
Veterinarian Karen Fine on the special role pets play in our lives
Animal Month continues on Big Books and Bold Ideas. This week, host Kerri Miller talks with veterinarian Karen Fine. Her new book, “The Other Family Doctor,” is a tribute to the furry, fuzzy, feathery and sometimes scaly creatures we include as members of the family.
From record heat to snow? Big changes developing over the weekend
Friday highs will be back into the low 80s from the Twin Cities south and east. Showers will develop in western Minnesota. Showers are possible statewide Friday night into Saturday with snow possible early Sunday.
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.” This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
One last summer-like day south; rain spreads east Friday into Saturday
The Twin Cities and points south and southeast will see another very warm day in the 80s and 70s. Northern and western Minnesota will see increased clouds and scattered showers with highs in the 60s, 50s and 40s northwest. Showers spread statewide overnight Friday night.
Women are earning more money, but they're still picking up a heavier load at home
A new Pew Research Center report finds that in opposite-sex marriages in the U.S., women's financial contributions have grown, but they're still doing a larger share of housework and caregiving.
A lost dog treks 150 miles across Alaskan sea ice before he's reunited with his family
Nanuq, a 1-year-old Australian shepherd, went missing last month while his family was visiting relatives. Except for a swollen leg, with bite marks from a seal or polar bear, Nanuq was in good health.
The pharmaceutical industry urges courts to preserve access to abortion pill
As the debate over mifepristone makes its way to the Supreme Court, the pharmaceutical industry has raised concerns that ruling against the FDA could chill the development of new drugs.
Arts Briefs: Walker Art Center unveils Pacita Abad exhibit
The Walker’s Pacita Abad exhibit, a harpist's collaboration with Yo Yo Ma, Guggenheim Fellowships, and various exhibitions and events. Also, a French film about superheroes and the scary stories they tell.
Rochester schools end week without internet; questions linger about cyber attack
Rochester Public Schools disabled its internet access this week in response to an apparent cyber attack. For students that has meant hot classrooms, lots of pen and paper assignments and even an extra day of Spring Break.
Northwest Minnesota cities add amenities to lure scarce workers
Like the rest of the country, northwest Minnesota has more jobs than workers. Adding to the challenge of recruiting employees is the area's remote location and long winters. Outdoor activities like snowmobiling and fishing are popular and appeal to many potential job seekers.
Minnesota House advances automatic voter registration, donor disclosure requirements
The proposal would set up an automatic voter registration system in the state, let teens pre-register to vote and create penalties for people that harass or intimidate voters. It goes next to the Minnesota Senate.