Stories from May 2, 2023

3M tells state and local officials to expect 1,100 job cuts in Minnesota as it restructures, and the criminal cases stemming from the death of George Floyd are finally all decided. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it
Lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.
Minnesota small business report: Thief River Falls
Small businesses are critical to the health of local communities. Perhaps that is especially true in rural areas where many main streets struggle to stay in business. MPR News’ Senior Economics Contributor Chris Farrell knows that well. And over the next few months, he'll join us to talk about the small businesses that power Minnesota.
Cap-strapped Wild sign Marcus Johansson to 2-year, $4M deal
The Minnesota Wild have signed right wing Marcus Johansson to a two-year, $4 million contract to secure a key player who was set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Loneliness is an epidemic in America. A Mayo physician explains how to keep your mental health in check with loneliness on the rise
On Tuesday, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness as an epidemic in the country. The Surgeon General issued an advisory laying out the medical and mental consequences of being lonely and he outlined a series of actions that Americans can take to address the growing issue.
United Nations human rights experts join Minneapolis leaders to talk policing and prison
A United Nations effort created after the murder of George Floyd arrived in Minneapolis Tuesday. Three human rights experts appointed by the UN spent the morning hearing from people affected by systemic racism in policing and prisons.
3M announces plans to cut 1,100 jobs at Maplewood headquarters
Minnesota-based 3M says its plans to cut thousands of jobs worldwide will include about 1,100 employees at its Maplewood headquarters.
Staff member seriously injured in assault at MSOP in Moose Lake
State officials say a staff member at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake was seriously injured Monday in an “unprovoked attack” by a client.
Fire danger with dry, gusty winds Tuesday; much warmer days ahead
Critical fire weather conditions are possible Tuesday afternoon as humidity drops and winds continue to be high. Temperatures will range from near 60 south to the 40s near the North Shore. Temperatures will be even warmer in the days ahead.
Walz proposes spending for repairs, upgrades to Minnesota fish hatcheries
Gov. Tim Walz visited a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fish hatchery in St. Paul on Monday to advocate for more money for modernizing the state’s fish hatcheries.
Thao found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd
Tou Thao was the Minneapolis police officer who kept bystanders at bay while officer Derek Chauvin kept Floyd pinned to the ground, killing him. The aiding manslaughter conviction means the state will drop the harsher charge against Thao, aiding and abetting murder. 
Windy Tuesday, lots of sun; temps rise; fire warnings up
We’ll have yet another windy day Tuesday but it will be mostly sunny. Highs will range from the upper 40s in the Arrowhead to near 60 in the Twin Cities and parts of southwest Minnesota. Wednesday will bring warmer temperatures with 60s and even low 70s in southern and western Minnesota.
West St. Paul City Council Member Robyn Gulley is joining the 12-member panel that governs the U along with former Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler and Mary Turner, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association. Regent Tadd Johnson was re-appointed. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Legislature chooses three new U of M regents ahead of leadership decisions
West St. Paul City Council Member Robyn Gulley is joining the 12-member panel that governs the U along with former Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler and Mary Turner, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association. Regent Tadd Johnson was re-appointed.
Senators to hear testimony on Supreme Court ethics
There will, however, be nobody there representing the central players in the current drama over high court ethics — no member of the court.
Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian folk legend, dies at 84
The Canadian singer-songwriter wrote classics like "If You Could Read My Mind," "Early Morning Rain" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
Why viral reservoirs are a prime suspect for long COVID sleuths
Scientists are turning up more evidence that some people may harbor a viral reservoir in the wake of COVID-19. What could that tell us about long COVID?
Would red flag gun laws make Minnesota safer? Experts say more research needed
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow guns to be temporarily taken away from people who pose a risk to themselves or others. But there’s not a lot of evidence about whether red flag laws actually reduce gun deaths.
Writers Guild of America goes on strike
Members of the Writers Guild of America are asking for a larger piece of the streaming platforms' pie. The WGA said picketing would begin Tuesday afternoon.
Here are all the best looks from the Met Gala 2023
The annual Met Gala fundraiser pays tribute to designer Karl Lagerfeld, who has a controversial legacy in the fashion industry.