Stories from April 19, 2023

Rain, thunder, ice, snow through Thursday
Our next storm rolls in through Thursday into Friday.
Gov. Tim Walz will offer his address tonight on the State of the State -- besides soggy. Also, more details emerge on fatal shooting of Pope County deputy last weekend. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
BCA provides new details in killing of Pope County deputy; suspect ID'd
Bryan Nygard, 34, of Cyrus, Minn., pulled a gun on officers trying to arrest him for suspected domestic violence. The gunfire killed Pope County deputy Josh Owen. The return fire killed Nygard, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Wednesday.
 'Won’t let it go to waste’: Walz uses State of State to call for another Minnesota miracle
The governor delivered his fifth State of the State address — and his first in his second term — to call on lawmakers to pass gun control laws and pass a $72 billion budget.
Next storm brings more rain south and heavy snow and ice north
It’s awkward to talk about “winter” storms as we move deeper into spring, but winter best describes the type of weather that will occur across the Northland Thursday and Friday.
Listen to the second episode of the North Shore's 'It Happens Here' podcast
We continue to air the podcast by our friends at WTIP North Shore Community Radio called “It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore.” It recently won first place for best radio series from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association. In the second episode, producers Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm take us to Isle Royal on Lake Superior.
Rising rivers prompt more road, park closures around Minnesota
Rising water is prompting more road and park closures along Minnesota rivers. The St. Croix River was poised to reach major flood stage Wednesday in Stillwater, Minn. The Mississippi River is forecast to reach major flood stage in the coming days at St. Paul, Red Wing and Winona, Minn.
State lawmakers hash out higher education budget
State lawmakers are expected to hash out the details of a higher education funding bill this week. The DFL budget has increased funding for state colleges and universities by $650 million. But the chambers of the legislature disagree on how to use that money.
Minnesota House votes to ban recreational wolf hunting
After a lively and sometimes contentious debate, the Minnesota House this week passed a bill banning recreational hunting and trapping of wolves should they be removed from federal protection. Action is still needed in the Senate for the bill to become law.
Americans die younger than others in wealthy nations. What can we do about it?
A recent report by the CDC found that American life expectancy is the lowest it’s been in two decades. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three experts about the decline in life expectancy and what solutions we have to help us live longer, healthier lives.
Waves of moisture into Friday; snow for northern Minnesota
The first of multiple rounds of precipitation is moving across the region. We’ll see somewhat of a midday break before more showers develop in southern Minnesota and fill in, moving north. A wintry mix will become mostly snow in northern Minnesota Thursday.
More spring rain, thunder and snow on the horizon in Minnesota
Rain and snow are in the forecast across the state. Paul Huttner joined MPR News guest host Emily Bright to talk about the latest timing, rain totals, and thunder predictions for the next storm. They also talked about the flood forecast and severe weather awareness week.
Area codes? Minnesota soon will have one more: 924
Residents of southern Minnesota will soon have a second area code option, in addition to the longstanding 507. It’ll be the state’s first new area code in more than two decades.
'Biting the Hand': Korean American author calls for weaponizing invisibility
Korean American author Julia Lee pulls no punches about the experience of being Asian in the U.S. today, in her memoir “Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America.”
Como Zoo cougar is navigating a new world — without eyes 
A cougar at the St. Paul zoo lost his eyesight due to a genetic condition. To prevent further pain and irritation, zookeepers decided to remove his eyes. They say he’s successfully navigating his habitat — and serving as an animal ambassador in new ways.
The Supreme Court ponders when a threat is really a 'true threat'
The court hears arguments Wednesday in a case that looks at whether the prosecution has to show that the defendant frightened his target intentionally.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Tone set for Wild-Stars series after long, exhausting Game 1
The first-round series between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild is off to an already exhausting and rugged start. It was expected to be a hard-hitting and closely contested best-of-seven series between the Central Division rivals.
Red Sox top Twins 5-4 in 10 on Verdugo's unusual hit
Alex Verdugo singled home the winning run with two outs in the 10th inning on a fly ball that barely stayed fair at Fenway Park, giving the Boston Red Sox a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins in a bizarre finish.
Nuggets out to avoid letdown following blowout of T-Wolves
It might be the Minnesota Timberwolves who want to forget Denver's stifling defense in the opener of their playoff series, but it was the Nuggets on Tuesday who picked apart the game film from their 109-80 blowout of the Wolves in Game 1.
Difference makers: 8 Minnesota students helping transform their communities
The 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer set off a movement of student-led protests and calls for change. Nearly three years later, many of these young Minnesotans are still working to shape the state’s future.
Difference Maker Naciima Mohamed: ‘I really do want to see my school be successful’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Difference maker Aisha Abdulwali:  ‘Make sure your concerns are heard’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Difference maker Landon Nelson: ‘Start treating people how you want people to treat you’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Difference maker Asha Mohamed: ‘I'm never uncomfortable about a conversation with race’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Difference maker Calvin Zimmerman: ‘If we start now we can see big change’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Difference maker Deepti Pillai: ‘The way change happens is conversations’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
'A phenomenon': A new book features contemporary Latin artists in Minnesota 
William “Billy” Gustavo Franklin has edited a book titled “Latin Art in Minnesota: Conversations and What’s Next,” featuring 12 Minnesota artists with Central and South American roots. The book explores their art, personal journeys and conversations about identity, aiming to bridge gaps and inspire a wider audience to appreciate Latino art. 
Difference maker Jerome Richardson: ‘We’ve become the first responders'
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
A shared fast, a shared feast: Ramadan's lessons in unity
During Ramadan, Minnesota's Muslim community participates in diverse Iftar meals that foster unity among the Muslim community — and beyond. The practice offers opportunities for spiritual reflection, hospitality and interfaith work, highlighting Islam's rich cultural diversity in America.
Difference maker Aaliyah Murray: ‘Let’s put kids to work’
MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman talked to eight Minnesota student activists about their work. In this series, MPR News introduces you to the students, their activism and how they're shaping the state.
Update: Ongoing standoff came after man abducted son in March
Mankato police asked residents in the Hilltop Lane/Hoffman Road area to shelter in place about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday due to “shots fired.”