Stories from May 3, 2023

Federal, local officials announce dozens of indictments in Minneapolis street gang crackdown and Washington stops by the Afro Deli in a tribute to small business. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
El Niño is coming. Here's what that means for weather in the U.S.
Warmer sea waters have many far-ranging effects. In the new pattern, some parts of the U.S. could get relief from drought, while others might see fewer hurricanes.
¿Dónde celebrar Cinco de Mayo en Minnesota?
Te presentamos una lista de eventos por Cinco de Mayo con los que podrás celebrar la victoria de México en la Batalla de Puebla todo el fin de semana en diversas partes de Minnesota.
Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Minnesota
Let’s taco ‘bout a round-up of Cinco de Mayo events happening across Minnesota to celebrate Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla this weekend.
This star ate its own planet. Earth may share the same fate
For the first time, astronomers have caught a star in the act of swallowing a planet, providing a glimpse into how the sun may eventually eat up Earth.
Minnesota-made tofu is cleaner for the planet — and your palate
MinnTofu is interrupting the industrial food system by turning soybeans into tofu locally instead of shipping them to California. And it has the added benefit of producing a cleaner-tasting tofu.
Environmental trust fund extension could come before 2024 voters
Minnesota lawmakers on Wednesday advanced proposals to ask voters to continue earmarking state lottery funds for environment and natural resources projects.
'I believe the American dream': Afro Deli & Grill owner celebrates National Small Business Person of the Year title
When Afro Deli & Grill owner Abdirahman Kahin opened his first restaurant in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood 13 years ago, he never imagined being celebrated as the National Small Business Person of the Year.
Split Rock Lighthouse to honor Gordon Lightfoot with beacon lighting
The beacon at Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore will be lit Wednesday night to honor Gordon Lightfoot, the singer who wrote “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” who died Monday at the age of 84.
The healing benefits of getting outdoors
MPR News Host Angela Davis speaks with two Minnesotans who are helping others experience the joys of the outdoors and the health benefits. 
Warming up Wednesday; April report card: cool, wet
Winds will be much lighter Wednesday with more sunshine. Temperatures will warm well into the 60s and even low 70s with cooler readings along the North Shore. A few showers are possible overnight in northeastern Minnesota.
Minnesota is one step closer to a statewide paid family leave program after House vote, and a Senate tax bill vote turns down GOP demands for full Social Security income tax relief. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Finally, lighter winds and much warmer Wednesday
After several windy days, Wednesday will be calmer with winds at 5-10 mph. High temperatures will be well into the 60s for most with some low 70s west and colder readings near Lake Superior. We’ll be even warmer Thursday.
Benintendi stars as White Sox top Twins 3-2 in 10 innings
Andrew Benintendi robbed Carlos Correa of a homer and hit a game-ending single in the 10th inning, sending the Chicago White Sox to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Schools ended universal free lunch. Now meal debt is soaring
Across the country, schools are reporting rising cafeteria debt, and fewer kids are enrolling in their free and reduced price programs. Many states are moving to make meals free for all kids again.
'Are we worth support?': Rural Minnesota papers face challenges, community loses
A new report on the decline of local newspapers in Minnesota relays a stark message: when a community's newspaper disappears it loses its local autonomy. The Center for Rural Policy and Development will publicly discuss these implications in a statewide webinar Tuesday afternoon.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe seeks to increase number of foster families
The need for foster care comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on a challenge to a federal law that aims to keep Native children within their community and culture. 
 ‘A much more inclusive safety net’: Minnesota House passes paid family leave program
Under the proposal passed by the House, workers and employers would pay into a state fund that works like unemployment insurance to cover partial wages when a worker takes leave to care for a loved one, welcome a child or recover from illness.
U.N. Panel hears Minnesotans' stories of systemic racism in policing and prisons
Two experts from the United Nations Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement (EMLER) were at the Twin Cities Urban League Headquarters in North Minneapolis as part of a fact-gathering tour across the country.