Stories from May 8, 2023

Building back north: Meet the people working to change the fortunes of north Minneapolis
A corps of professionals, many of whom are African Americans with ties to north Minneapolis, plans to invest and build in racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods that have long struggled with cycles of economic boom and bust.
A report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has shown that increases in the minimum wage in St. Paul and Minneapolis translated to higher average wages and slightly fewer hours worked. This is the evening MPR News update for Monday, May 8, 2023. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Recent Minneapolis bear sighting is part of larger trend, experts say
A bear was euthanized after it was spotted wandering in a north Minneapolis neighborhood on Sunday, and it’s part of a larger trend of more bear sightings, officials said.
North Dakota governor OKs law to ignore transgender pronouns
Doug Burgum has signed a series of bills this year rolling back the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens in North Dakota. The ACLU says they're unlawful, discriminatory and could endanger young people who can't be safe at home.
Minnesota Senate passes paid family and medical leave program
The plan would set up a payroll tax for workers and employers, and employees could then get partial pay replacement if they got sick or had to care for a loved one.
Judge: Wisconsin fake electors complaint must be reheard
A Wisconsin judge says he will order that the state elections commission reconsider a complaint filed against fake Republican electors who attempted in 2020 to cast the state's electoral ballots for former President Donald Trump.
Farming on the frontlines of the climate crisis
Climate resiliency is top of mind for Minnesota farmers as we head into summer. MPR News host Angela Davis finds out how our state’s agriculture industry is adapting to climate change.
Periodic rain, thunder chances; temps above normal
We have a summerlike pattern in place this week with warm temperatures but also occasionally unstable conditions. Isolated showers and thunder will be possible especially late afternoon and evening with better chances late in the week.
Minnesota Teacher of the Year award goes to St. Paul math teacher
Students and fellow teachers praised Michael Houston for creating a welcoming classroom environment, making math relevant to students, and focusing on mental health. The award offered a bright spot after a difficult year at Harding High School, including a fatal stabbing in the building.
Warm and unsettled week with more rain, thunder chances
Temperatures will be rather June-like and above normal this week. While it will be dry most of the time, there’s the chance of showers and thunder almost every day somewhere in the state as we remain unsettled this week.
Quantrill takes no-hitter into 7th, Guardians blank Twins
Cleveland’s Cal Quantrill had a no-hit bid broken up with two outs in the seventh and combined on a one-hitter, leading the Guardians over the Minnesota Twins 2-0.
A sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot after responding to a call Saturday evening in western Wisconsin. The deputy is the fourth law enforcement officer in the region to be fatally shot while responding to calls in the past month. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Paid family leave today, ‘last chance’ at bonding bill in Senate this week
With two weeks left, the Minnesota Legislature still has to resolve big questions around new taxes and fees, proposals to start up new programs and fund billions of dollars in local projects.
Sauna pronunciation battle boils, but don't sweat it
The Finnish cultural tradition of sauna is enjoying a renaissance in Minnesota and around the country. That’s rekindled a very passionate debate in the North Woods over just how to say the word.
Out-of-control wildfires cause evacuations in western Canada
A provincewide state of emergency was declared in Alberta as more than 110 wildfires burned across the province, while two out-of-control wildfires burned in British Columbia.