Stories from April 21, 2023

Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill for now
The Supreme Court on Friday preserved women's access to a drug used in the most common method of abortion, rejecting lower-court restrictions while a lawsuit continues.
Visitation and funeral services for Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen take place this evening and Saturday morning. Owen was fatally shot last Saturday while responding to a domestic violence call in Cyrus, Minn. This is an MPR News evening update for April 21, 2023, hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
U.S. says it 'infiltrated' the Sinaloa drug cartel in the fight against fentanyl
In sweeping indictments, the Justice Department targeted two dozen operatives in the Chapitos network of the Sinaloa cartel. But many drug policy experts say this won't slow fentanyl deaths.
Walz family could move into U president’s house instead of suburb
Temporary housing plans for Gov. Tim Walz and his family during a Governor’s Residence renovation are shifting. The state is ready to sign a lease with the University of Minnesota for use of Eastcliff – at a fraction of the price of a Sunfish Lake house that was originally to serve as a temporary home for the first family.
Chilly weekend; Update on our rising river levels
Some of us will see flakes at times Friday night and early Saturday. We have an update on that, plus when you can expect milder temps to return. We also have an update on rising river levels.
This year's Eid al-Fitr arrives with several firsts
Today marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr for many Minnesotans. And this year, there were some notable differences. Many school districts gave students the day off for the first time, while a special service was offered for new arrivals from Afghanistan.
Riverside residents watch, wait for floodwaters to recede
For most Minnesotans, spring flooding doesn’t directly affect their lives. Levees and other flood protection measures have drastically reduced the damage and disruption. But for others, when the water gets as high as it has this year, it forces them to change the way they live.
Record Store Day 2023 events in the Twin Cities and around Minnesota
Record Store Day’s vinyl exclusives routinely get all the headlines, but the day is truly about celebrating — and preserving — our beloved local record shops while bringing together the community of dedicated music fans who support them.
Minnesota Senate passes transgender protections, abortion 'refuge' bills
As states around the country have banned or limited access to abortion and gender-affirming care for transgender people, Minnesota Democrats said the state should become a “refuge” for people traveling here for care and providers who treat them. They also voted to ban what's called conversion therapy for youth and vulnerable adults.
Encore presentation: Science journalist Ed Yong on how animals sense the world
Animal Month on Big Books and Bold Ideas wouldn’t be complete without an encore presentation of a conversation host Kerri Miller had last year with award-winning science journalist Ed Yong. His book, “An Immense World,” looks at how different animals see the world, based on their unique sensory abilities.
Snow and rain conclude a week of already heavy precipitation
With recent floods across the state and rain topping off the week, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer catches up with retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley to discuss the wet weather and what lies ahead.
Cold, breezy with scattered snow and rain showers Friday
Snow and rain showers will continue to rotate around a slow moving low across northern Minnesota. Temperatures will remain cold in the 30s and low 40s with blustery northwest winds at 10-20 mph. The chill persists into the weekend.
Understanding police mental health following traumatic incidents
When an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty, it can have a large effect on others in law enforcement that is not immediately evident. The recent death of Pope County Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen has prompted this discussion.
Recent rain pushing back river flood crests in Minnesota
The National Weather Service says the heavy rain that's fallen over the past few days across southern and central Minnesota is not helping problems with flooding.
Think you're tired? This animal goes for months with only two hours of sleep a day
Scientists have learned that northern elephant seals — massive creatures found along the Pacific Coast of North America — cobble together a couple hours of sleep using underwater power naps.
Loons fall from the sky in Wisconsin; late April cold snap to blame
A mix of cold air and moisture in the Upper Midwest is causing ice to form on the wings of some loons in flight, leading to crash landings known as “loon fallout.” While it hasn’t been reported in Minnesota, conditions for the state bird could be treacherous this weekend.
The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents homed in on a process for naming an interim president for the university. This is an MPR News morning updated, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota could soon join these other states in protecting transgender care this year
In 2023, a record number of states have passed rules or legislation to eliminate youth gender-affirming care, but a record number of states have also moved to protect care for trans youth and adults.
Arts Briefs: Printmaking guru bids adieu
In this week’s arts briefs: Cole Rogers retires from Highpoint Center; Candy Box Dance Festival; Black millionaire, arts patron, died; Minnesota author publishes new fantasy novel, Record Store Day; virtual meeting for artists with disabilities: Absolute Bleeding Edge: breathing through a saxophone.
This family moved to Minnesota to access gender-affirming care. More might soon
Wes Samuelson and his 11-year-old child Liz moved to Duluth from Wyoming in 2020 after they could not get access to gender-affirming care. “The reality is trans health care saves lives,” Samuelson said.
The Prairie Chicken Society: Celebrating and protecting a prairie icon
The Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society celebrates 50 years of working to protect the iconic prairie species. Once abundant, the prairie chicken is now mostly found in a small area of western Minnesota.