Stories from April 26, 2023

Minnesota sees sharp increase in syphilis cases
Health officials say the infections are detectable and easily treated, making the increase in cases “especially troubling.”
A Minnesota tax forfeiture case goes before the U.S. Supreme Court for a pivotal decision and state officials say immigration could ease Minnesota’s labor woes. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
'Earth is our mother': Minnesota farm addresses climate change by reintroducing bison, Ojibwe horses
It’s a busy time of year for farmers like David Wise, who is juggling quite a few projects, including reintroducing bison and Ojibwe horses to his farm in Northern Minnesota. He is a descendant of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the founder of Native Wise farm, which produces wild rice, maple syrup, CBD and vegetables.
Biden says his own age doesn't register with him as he seeks second term
Joe Biden is 80 years old, and would be 86 by the end of a second term. While many voters see his age as cause for concern, a campaign strategist says there are upsides to his decades of experience.
Rod Adams endured years of hardships because of a marijuana conviction. Now, Minnesota could legalize the drug
The marijuana legalization bill on track for passage in the Legislature includes an expungement process that would make it easier for those in similar circumstances to get jobs and housing.
The Chevy Bolt, GM's popular electric vehicle, is on its way out
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the company would halt production on small EV at the end of the year — shifting the plant in Orion Township, Mich., to make two new electric truck models instead.
A play written more than 2,000 years ago gets a modern, Minnesota twist
A play written by Sophocles about 2,460 years ago forms the basis for a very modern story set in present day Minnesota. Author Anne Burt's novel “The Dig” wrestles with the age-old issues of power and control underlying very modern realities of immigration and urban development in a small fictional Minnesota town named Thebes. MPR News editor Euan Kerr spoke with Burt about reimagining an ancient tragedy for modern times.
House to vote on whether or not MinnesotaCare can offer healthcare to all
The Minnesota House is set to vote April 26 on a sweeping health bill. It’s the chamber’s big health care budget bill and among many of the provisions in it, one includes a public option for MinnesotaCare.
Minnesota Legislature closes in on deal on rebates, Social Security tax break
A newly released Minnesota Senate tax proposal closely aligns with a House plan on rebates and Social Security taxes. The proposal also offers child care tax credits and property tax aids for homeowners affected by rapidly rising property values.
Sneezing and sniffling? Spring allergies are intensifying with climate change
Is pollen turning you into a sneezy, sniffling mess? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how to control seasonal allergies and why they’re getting more intense — and lasting longer — with climate change.
Minnesota Legislature considering 2 gun control proposals
The “red flag law” would allow the temporary confiscation of guns from people judged to be an immediate threat to themselves or others, as well as a proposal for expanded background checks for firearms transfers.
Duluth atwitter as cold snap slows songbird migration
The late April cold forced thousands of migrating dark-eyed juncos, rusty blackbirds and other creatures to temporarily pit-stop in Duluth, creating a bonanza for backyard bird-watching.
A chilly spring week will give way to rain, then warmer weather
MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the worst of the flooding over the week, upcoming rain and warmer weather and how far ice out is progressing on Minnesota lakes.
NAACP sues Minneapolis, alleging covert social media surveillance by cops
The alleged covert use of social media by officers came to light last year as part of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation into the MPD’s practices and culture following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
It's been 75 years since the first commercial television broadcast in Minnesota. Here's how it all got started
When television was a brand new technology, it’s hard to explain the level of curiosity, skepticism and excitement over the hazy black and white images on what was a very small screen. Television is simply part of the fabric of our lives today, but back in the 1940s, television was considered a novelty for most Americans.
Shower chances ahead; cool weather slows lake ice-outs
Clouds increase Wednesday but it will be warmer with highs well into the 50s. Showers move into northwestern Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and spread east. Central and southern Minnesota will see mainly overnight showers with snow possible northeast.
Twin Cities congregations stand together following mosque fire
Fire crews responded to a fire at Masjid Al Rahma mosque on Monday evening, just one day after another fire at the 24 Mall mosque located minutes away.
New study shows surprising connection between deer and earthworms
A new study led by a University of Minnesota graduate student shows that in northern forests, the presence of deer substantially increased the number of invasive earthworms — which can cause severe damage to forest plants and soil.
Big health bill is up for a vote in St. Paul, including a plan for a so-called "public option" for Minnesota Care. Also, House passes human services bill aiming to boost for state’s nursing home workforce. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Warmer Wednesday and Thursday; showers develop late Wednesday into the overnight
Temperatures will be warmer Wednesday with more sun through the morning. Clouds will increase through the afternoon as showers make their way into northern Minnesota late and spread southeast into Wednesday night.
Seguin, Stars take 3-2 series lead with 4-0 win over Wild
Tyler Seguin and Jason Robertson both had a power-play goal and an assist, Roope Hintz had three assists for the second game in a row and the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-0 in Game 5. 
Ryan 1st to 5 wins, Twins beat Yankees 6-2, take season series
Joe Ryan became the first five-game winner in the major leagues this season, Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach hit two-run homers in the sixth inning and the Minnesota Twins beat New York 6-2 to clinch their first season series against the Yankees since 2001.
Nuggets eliminate Wolves 112-109 behind Murray, Jokic
The top-seeded Denver Nuggets eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 112-109 win in Game 5 of their playoff series at Ball Arena on Tuesday night.
Poll: Americans want abortion restrictions, but not as far as red states are going
Respondents say they are mostly supportive of abortion rights, though they want it restricted to three months generally. But, they are also opposed to severe restrictions many Republicans are pushing.
Chief Justice Roberts declines to testify before Senate panel
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing to examine proposals to hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as the rest of the federal judiciary.