Stories from May 4, 2023

Consistently warmer next week
Warmer weather looks more persistent next week.
First bison babies arrive at Minneopa State Park
The first two bison babies of the year were born Tuesday at Minneopa State Park in Mankato.
Mayor Frey's state of the city: Minneapolis 'is coming back’
The mayor highlighted public and private efforts to revitalize underdeveloped corridors of the city, to increase the supply of affordable housing and he touted dropping violent crime as evidence that Minneapolis is rebounding. 
State takes action against HealthPartners, says it hasn't been complying with mental health parity laws and Cleveland Cliffs gets new mineral leases on the Iron Range. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Duluth's Kara Goucher: 'I got to grow up seeing how running could bring a community together.'
Kara Goucher is known as much for her elite athleticism as she is for holding powerful people to account in the sports world. She spoke with MPR News host Emily Bright.
Clean energy will require more power lines, but who should get to build them?
With more and more clean energy being produced, the need is growing for transmission lines to deliver all that energy to people. And the debate about who will get to build these lines is heating up with billions of dollars on the line.
 Anti-overdose drug naloxone could soon be standard in Minnesota schools
Minnesota schools could soon be required to have naloxone — the overdose reversing drug — in their buildings. The state would pay for it, although there is also a  proposal pending to have the federal government cover some costs.
Q&A: Playwright Itamar Moses discusses his adaptation of 'An American Tail'
The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis premieres Itamar Moses' adaptation of “An American Tail,” a story of immigration and community organizing, which explores Jewish resilience and the paradoxical way in which the very specific can feel universal.
Feds digging deeper into past of man indicted in Minneapolis mosque arsons
Jackie Rahm Little pleaded not guilty to charges of arson and damage to religious property. Investigators are looking now into Little’s possible motivations and reviewing similar attacks to see if he might be connected, the U.S. attorney for Minnesota said Thursday.
Advocates prepare day of action to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous relatives and Black women
As part of a national awareness day Friday, advocates will gather in Bemidji, Duluth and on the Capitol lawn. MPR News Host Emily Bright talked with Nicole Matthews, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition, which is organizing the event in St. Paul.
A playwright and a rabbi on the effect of explicitly Jewish characters in children's stories
In the 1986 animated children’s movie “An American Tail,” the Mousekewicz family, who are mice, flee religious persecution in Russia and come to America. It's a story of immigration and community organizing — and it's now a timely new musical playing at the Minnesota Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis.
Opportunities and hope behind bars
People who are incarcerated are less likely to return to jail or prison if they have access to education and arts programs. MPR News host Angela Davis highlights Minnesota programs bringing education, the arts and hope to people behind bars.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office says a home in Otsego, Minn., exploded on Thursday morning. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Spring's back on track: Very warm Thursday; weekend shower chances
Thursday will be our warmest day yet with highs in the mid-70s across southern Minnesota. The chance of showers increases into Friday and the weekend for much of the state. After a pause, signs of spring are rapidly progressing again.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents is meeting today to select finalists for an interim president. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
This May the Fourth, Carrie Fisher gets Walk of Fame star
Carrie Fisher is receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a May the Fourth tribute to one of the “Star Wars” franchise’s most beloved characters.
Keynan Middleton, Eloy Jiménez help White Sox beat Twins 6-4
Eloy Jiménez hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning and the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4 for their third straight victory. Luis Robert Jr. homered as Chicago secured its first series win of the season.
Even warmer Thursday; somewhat unsettled Friday into the weekend
Thursday will be warm with 70s across southern Minnesota and 60s north. The North Shore will continue to be cooler. Shower chances increase on and off Thursday night into the weekend.
Biden administration warns consumers to avoid medical credit cards
Americans paid an estimated $1 billion in interest on medical debt in just three years, a federal agency finds. This includes use of credit cards often pitched in doctors' and dentists' offices.
Alleged members of Minneapolis gangs face charges
Dozens of alleged members and associates of Minneapolis street gangs are facing charges as part of a wide-ranging anti-violence effort by local and federal law enforcement.