Stories from May 5, 2023

Weekend weather: Widely scattered showers, some thunderstorms
A slowly moving weather system will bring periods of rain into early next week. Some thunderstorms are likely. It’ll be warmer next week.
Gov. Tim Walz says nurses and health care systems should be able to reach a compromise on a health budget bill at the Capitol. Walz told reporters Friday that pieces of the bill which struck a nerve with Mayo Clinic were still in the works. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday, May 5, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
As Minnesota floodwaters recede, the cleanup of 2023 is underway in riverside communities
After weeks of flooding along many Minnesota rivers, the first days of May have brought reason for optimism. Floodwaters are receding more quickly than anticipated in some communities — allowing cleanup to begin.
Behind the (animal) mask: Liz Sexton elevates papier-mâché to high art 
Liz Sexton creates lifelike papier-mâché animal masks and sculptures for her solo exhibition "Liz Sexton: Out of Water" at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, highlighting environmental issues through her unique art form.
Mayo Clinic pressures lawmakers over health budget bill
Mayo Clinic officials sent emails to Minnesota lawmakers urging them to remove provisions of a large health bill and said they would pull planned investments from the state if they chose to pass them.
Politics Friday: Senate leaders reflect on remaining work before the adjournment deadline
MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to the top leaders in the Minnesota Senate: Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, and Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. 
How dogs become themselves and other wonders of puppyhood
Animal Month on Big Books and Bold Ideas ends with an encore presentation of host Kerri Miller’s conversation with dog researcher Alexandra Horowitz who literally wrote the book on puppies.
Dog Show 101: What's what at the Westminster Kennel Club
To the casual viewer, competing at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show might look as simple as getting a dog, grooming it and leading it around a ring. But there's a lot more to getting to and exhibiting in the United States' most prestigious canine event.
Warm with rain, thunder chances into the weekend
Spotty showers and thunder will be confined to southern Minnesota Friday and become more widespread statewide Friday night into Saturday. Most showers look to be north Sunday with isolated storms late Sunday south.
Unsettled into the weekend with occasional showers, thunder possible
An unsettled stretch develops with some spotty showers across southern Minnesota Friday, expanding north Friday night into Saturday. Temperatures will still be mild in the 60s and even 70s but cooler along the North Shore.
Organizers on Thursday unveiled plans for a new Taste of Minnesota festival to be held in downtown Minneapolis in July. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Correa, Buxton lift Twins over White Sox in 12 innings
Carlos Correa drove in a run during Minnesota’s five-run 12th inning, and he and Byron Buxton homered to lift the Twins over the Chicago White Sox 7-3 Thursday and avoid a three-game sweep.
She ripped up her manicured lawn and challenged the norms of gardening stories
In “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden,” Camille Dungy describes her years-long project to transform her weed-filled, water-hogging, monochromatic lawn into a pollinator's paradise.
Stages of memory: Guthrie Theater celebrates 60 years
The Guthrie Theater is celebrating its 60th anniversary, reflecting on its history and impact on the lives of artists. Established with the vision of producing shows on par with Broadway, the theater has played a significant role in shaping careers and personal connections.
Finnish cultural tradition of sauna gains steam in Minnesota
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, backyard sauna building took off in the state. Now a growing number of self-described “saunapreneurs” in Minnesota are helping take the experience to the masses.