Stories from May 9, 2023

'I didn't believe it': Harding High School's Michael Houston on winning teacher of the year
Michael Houston of Harding High School in St. Paul was named the Minnesota Teacher of the Year for 2023. He chairs the math department and has worked at the east side school for 19 years.
Rep. George Santos faces federal criminal charge
Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, has faced controversy, calls for his resignation and probes over his many falsehoods. Now he faces a federal criminal charge.
Funeral services for a western Wisconsin sheriff's deputy killed while on duty are scheduled for Friday in Hudson. Leising was fatally shot Saturday near Glenwood City. This is the MPR News evening update, hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
If you're 40, it's time to start mammograms, according to new guidelines
The influential U.S. Preventive Task Force issue a draft of its new breast cancer screening guidelines. They're now recommending women start younger, amid a rise in breast cancer rates.
Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards accuser $5M
A jury found Donald Trump liable Tuesday for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million in a judgment that could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.
Minnesota lawmakers seek to sharply limit no-knock warrants
Legislation that would significantly restrict the use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement is in the final stage of discussion. The father of Amir Locke implored lawmakers to act.
Minnesota lawmakers approve $1 billion for housing
A bill headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature creates a new rental voucher system, helps first-time homebuyers and builds housing for workers. It includes a quarter percent increase in the sales tax in the metro area.
Winona State president named chancellor of Minnesota State system
Scott Olson was one of two finalists to lead the system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities. Olson will replace Devinder Malhotra, who has served in that role since 2017 and will retire this summer.
Minnesota hospitals put the heat on lawmakers to back away from health care package
Minnesota hospitals and the Mayo Clinic are pressuring lawmakers to back away from two proposals in both the House and Senate versions of a health care package. One provision would create a Health Care Affordability Board that would make recommendations to address rising costs. Another would give nurses more say in hospital staffing levels.
Former Vikings, Cal QB Joe Kapp dies at age 85
After a stellar collegiate career at Cal in the 1950s that was capped by an appearance in the 1959 Rose Bowl, Kapp went on to star in Canada before making it to the NFL. He took over for Fran Tarkenton in Minnesota and led the Vikings to a Super Bowl appearance in the 1969 season.
Advocating for sexual assault survivors
People who have been sexually assaulted are often not believed and their cases are likely not prosecuted. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with author and sexual assault survivor Roxane Gay and Artika Roller, executive director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault about how to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.  
Consistent warm weather provides relief after rainy weeks
Minnesota weather may have finally turned the corner with consistent warm temps. MPR News’ Phil Picardi spoke with retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley to discuss the sunny weather and the forecast ahead.
Afternoon, evening showers Tuesday; thunderstorm possible
We’ll see a mix of clouds and sun Tuesday with another round of possible scattered showers later in the afternoon, evening and overnight. Wednesday will be mostly dry south with showers and storms possible in northern Minnesota.
Continued warm with more shower, thunder chances for some Tuesday
Tuesday will warm again but also continued unsettled in portions of Minnesota. Look for some spotty showers, thunder to redevelop especially in the late afternoon Tuesday across southern Minnesota.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Simulation suggests 2020 census missed many noncitizens
A number of noncitizens appear to have been missed in the 2020 census. That’s according to results from a U.S. Census Bureau simulation that utilized records from government agencies instead of the survey-like responses used in the official once-a-decade tally of every U.S. resident.
What if AI could rebuild the middle class?
We spoke with MIT's David Autor, one of the top labor economists in the world, about how AI could revolutionize the job market.
Here are the winners of the 2023 Pulitzer Prizes
The Associated Press won two awards for its Ukraine coverage, including the prestigious Public Service award. The prize for fiction went to two books: “Demon Copperhead” and “Trust.”
The FDA considers first birth control pill without a prescription
The Food and Drug Administration is weighing whether to allow a birth control pill to be sold over the counter for the first time. An advisory committee opens a two-day hearing Tuesday.
Fox isn't in the apology business. That could cost it a ton of money
Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch will address investors Tuesday. He isn't likely to apologize for the events that led to a $787-million settlement over the broadcasting of election-related falsehoods.
Camp Ripley to test nearby residents’ water for 'forever chemicals'
Officials are asking to test the drinking water of about 30 property owners who live within a quarter-mile of the camp, where foam containing PFAS chemicals was used for testing and training until 2017.
Rare good news for butterflies — but pesticides still a big worry
A widely used class of insecticides is known to harm both native bees and honeybees. But a new University of Minnesota study finds the neonicotinoid insecticides have little effect on adult Monarch butterflies.
Former Hormel CEO Ettinger tops other finalists for interim U president job
Ettinger is expected lead the U on a temporary basis while the Board of Regents searches for a new permanent president. The board sought candidates for interim president who would not seek the position permanently.
'His Name is George Floyd' wins Pulitzer Prize for best nonfiction
The book “His Name is George Floyd” has won a Pulitzer Prize in best general nonfiction. The award was announced Monday. All Things Considered host Tom Crann spoke with one of the authors, Robert Samuels in May 2022.