Stories from May 1, 2023

Mosque fire suspect makes a first appearance in federal court in St. Paul and people in southeastern Minnesota remain displaced by flooding, even as waters recede. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Afro Deli owner named national small business owner of the year
Abdirahman Kahin, a native of the east-African nation Djibouti, started with one restaurant near the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus and now has four establishments in the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis names 15-person police oversight board
What makes this board different from any that came before it? MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Rachel Moran, an associate professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Xcel gets $20 million for batteries to store solar, wind power
Breakthrough Energy Catalyst has agreed to commit $20 million in grant funding for the projects. The battery systems will allow Xcel to store renewable energy for later use, when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.
National Poetry Month is officially over, but we couldn’t get too far into May without hearing from one more poet who is a finalist for this year’s Minnesota Book Award.
Feds: Hospitals that denied emergency abortion broke the law
A first-of-its-kind federal investigation has found two hospitals put a pregnant woman's life in jeopardy and violated federal law by refusing to provide an emergency abortion when she experienced premature labor at 17 weeks.
The legacies of Keefer Court, Khyber Pass and immigrant-owned restaurants
Restaurants run by immigrant families keep culture alive through food. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how these family-owned businesses enrich our communities and what we lose when they close.
Continued windy Monday and Tuesday; temperatures on the rise
Windy conditions persist Monday with gusts between 30 and 40 mph. Red flag warnings are posted for northwestern Minnesota and wind advisories for the North Shore. Temperatures will be mainly in the 50s, but 60s and 70s are in sight.
General Mills issues flour recall after salmonella discovery
General Mills is recalling 2-, 5- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024.
Thank YOU, our members and community supporters, for making journalism possible in Minnesota.
A Twin Cities man is in jail today on charges of arson at two Minneapolis mosques Jackie Rahm Little wallegedly started fires at two mosques last week and is also suspected of other crimes. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cool, windy still Monday; temperatures warm up this week
Monday will still be cool and windy. Winds will be northwest 15-30 mph with higher gusts. Temperatures will remain below normal in the low to mid 50s with 40s in northeast Minnesota. Temperatures turn around midweek with 60s and even low 70s possible.
How will we know if the U.S. economy is in a recession?
The government’s report Thursday that the economy grew at a 1.1 percent annual rate last quarter signaled that one of the most-anticipated recessions in recent U.S. history has yet to arrive. 
Buxton homer, Gray's 6 innings push Twins over Royals 8-4
Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run third inning, Sonny Gray kept rolling with six strong innings and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4. Gray allowed one run on five hits while striking out seven batters.
JPMorgan Chase buys troubled First Republic Bank
JPMorgan Chase is buying First Republic Bank's deposits, and a "substantial amount of their assets and certain liabilities," after the troubled bank was placed in the FDIC's receivership overnight.
Will April debates bring May deals? This week at Minnesota Capitol could tell
As lawmakers near their deadline to close out the legislative session, they’ll meet in conference committees this week to try to agree on final versions of budget bills that both chambers can accept.
Proposed shift in funding for older adult services worries rural providers
Rural Minnesota agencies that serve seniors are concerned a revised funding formula will mean fewer dollars to serve growing demand. The Minnesota Board on Aging says the update reflects changing demographics.
Bridge to the spirit realm: Hmong shamanism in Minnesota
As older generations of Hmong people pass away, so do the traditions they brought with them to America. A traditional role in Hmong spirituality may be key to keeping those traditions alive.