Stories from April 18, 2023

The U.S. Border Patrol said agents rescued a group of people from a flooded bog near the Canadian border early Tuesday after they had illegally crossed into the United States.
Fractured rail found after fiery Minnesota derailment
Federal investigators say BNSF railroad is analyzing a section of fractured rail after last month’s fiery derailment that prompted evacuations in southwest Minnesota, but they didn’t say definitively that the broken rail caused the crash.
Twitter removes policy against deadnaming transgender people
Twitter has quietly removed a policy against the “targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals,” raising concerns that the Elon Musk-owned platform is becoming less safe for marginalized groups.
The first wave rolls through southwest Minnesota around and after midnight. Rain and embedded thunder likely arrive in the greater Twin Cities area from around 4 a.m.
No tienes documentos y no sabes cómo declarar tus impuestos?
Los trabajadores indocumentados deben solicitar un número de identificación de contribuyente que se utiliza para declarar impuestos federales y estatales. Un preparador de impuestos local dice que las direcciones en los formularios de impuestos están protegidas contra el uso indebido por parte de las autoridades de inmigración.
Netflix will end its DVD-by-mail service
The DVD service, which still delivers films and TV shows in the red-and-white envelopes that once served as Netflix's emblem, plans to mail its final discs on Sept. 29.
Three state highways and many local roads remain closed Tuesday due to spring flooding across Minnesota. MnDOT says stretches of Highway 60 in Wabasha, Highway 22 near Richmond and Highway 47 north of Saint Francis are closed due to water over the road. And there’s widespread overland flooding is reported in parts of the Red River Valley. This is the afternoon MPR News update. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Damar Hamlin cleared to play, 4 months after cardiac arrest
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin took to the podium and declared he's ready to resume his football career some four months after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on the field during a game.
Fox News settles blockbuster defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems
Fox News has struck a deal averting a trial in the blockbuster defamation suit filed by the election-tech company Dominion Voting Systems over spurious claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Composing a season: Underrepresented composers to be spotlighted at Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra has announced its 2023-24 season with new music director Thomas Søndergård. The upcoming season will include programming for children, spotlighting underrepresented composers and live accompaniment to movies.
A band of showers with possible embedded thunder develops in South Dakota and rolls into Minnesota overnight into Wednesday. Snow comes Thursday to northern Minnesota, with potentially plowable accumulations through Friday.
DFL tax plan in the works includes 'millionaire tax,' shield from social security income
The state legislature is considering a tax bill that could define what you pay for next year. Representatives in the house taxes committee spent the morning hearing from representatives of tribal nations, local governments and advocacy groups on a DFL tax plan.
Medtronic announces plans to reduce global workforce
Medtronic says it’s reducing its global workforce, with layoffs starting Tuesday, amid economic and supply chain headwinds. The company has more than 11,000 employees in Minnesota, and nearly 100,000 worldwide.
What the future could hold if marijuana is legalized in Minnesota
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the future of legalized marijuana in Minnesota could hold, how it would work and what we can learn from other states that have already legalized cannabis. 
After days of outrage over the shooting of a Black teen, officials charge the gunman
Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old high school junior, was shot by a white homeowner after he went to the wrong address to pick up his brothers. The shooter was charged on Monday after criticism over delays.
Geology Professor Jim Cotter schools us on Ely Greenstone
What do you think when you read the term ‘green stone’? Do you think emerald? Or jade? Jim Cotter, professor of Geology at the University of Minnesota Morris, is more likely to think Ely and the region’s greenstone belts.
Flood wall goes up at St. Paul Downtown Airport, some state parks see partial closures
The main runway at the St. Paul Downtown Airport is shutting down temporarily Tuesday to allow crews to install flood barriers to hold back the rising Mississippi River. High rivers have also forced the partial closures in several state parks.
Nice Tuesday before wet weather develops Wednesday into Friday
Tuesday will be the last sunny day for a while. Temperatures will range from 60 degrees south to just 40 in the Arrowhead. Showers and thunderstorms develop late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the first of a few rounds of moisture. Snow will fall Thursday, north.
Black entrepreneurs say Minneapolis 'Wildest Dreams Expo' was bad for business
Dozens of business owners said the expo organized by the city of Minneapolis to celebrate and uplift Black entrepreneurship actually hurt them. They said the poorly attended event cost them money they couldn’t afford to lose, and according to city records, tens of thousands of dollars in contracts flowed to businesses based outside of Minnesota.
Bright sunshine Tuesday; rain, thunder and snow develop Wednesday
Enjoy the lighter winds and sun Tuesday because we won’t see much of either for several days. Highs will range from the near 60s south to the 40s north. Rain, thunder develop early Wednesday with some snow to the north. Moisture lingers into Friday.
AP source: Twins, Pablo López add $73.5M for 4 years
The Minnesota Twins and starting pitcher Pablo López have agreed on a contract that adds $73.5 million over four seasons, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal. 
University of Minnesota Regent Ken Powell announced today he is stepping down as chair of the university’s governing board “to support continuity of leadership” of the 12-member board, which is tasked with replacing outgoing President Joan Gabel. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Jailed U.S. reporter in Russian court to appeal detention
Jailed American journalist Evan Gershkovich has appeared in a Moscow court to appeal his detention on spying charges. His detention is part of a sweeping Kremlin crackdown on dissent amid the war in Ukraine. 
COVID during pregnancy may alter brain development in boys
Boys born to mothers who got COVID-19 while pregnant seem to have a higher risk of subtle developmental delays, including those associated with autism spectrum disorder.
After Minnesota deputy's on-duty killing, law enforcement officials say the hazards are greater
Two of Pope County deputy Josh Owen’s colleagues were also shot but did not suffer serious injuries. They were among seven Minnesota law enforcement officers shot in the line of duty so far this year amid a sharp increase in assaults on police.
Minnesota moves to protect Native children as Supreme Court decision looms
A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court could affect how American Indian children are treated in the foster care system. In response, Minnesota lawmakers took steps this year to strengthen a state law designed to keep Native children connected to their families and communities.
David's Bridal files for bankruptcy for the second time in 5 years
CEO James Marcum said the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted its finances. During that time, the company was still spending on rent on its brick and mortar stores and factories were shut down.
Canada's public broadcaster pauses Twitter after 'government-funded media' label
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation paused its use of Twitter after the social media platform stamped CBC's account with a label the public broadcaster says is intended to undermine its credibility.