Stories from May 16, 2024

The impact of building codes on climate change
Heating and cooling our homes and buildings in Minnesota contribute about 40 percent of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions. What opportunity exists to reduce our carbon footprint by updating our building codes?
A Texas-based rideshare app has officially launched in Minneapolis. Wridz, pronounced “rides,” already operates in nine other states. It is now in the process of onboarding drivers in Minneapolis. And Republicans in the Minnesota House say they could block key legislation after the DFL House Speaker cut off debate on a bill last night.
Minnesotans honor the state’s Japanese American veterans
Fort Snelling was home to a linguistics school, where about 6,000 people were trained in Japanese language. Those linguists went on to break codes and serve on the front lines, a role military officials said was crucial in bringing the end to the war. 
‘It was shameful:’ Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin on Hinckley-Finlayson graduation controversy
Students say they will continue walkouts and silent protests against a decision by the school board to remove the Ojibwe Honor Song from this year’s graduation ceremony.
The NFL responds after a player urges female college graduates to become homemakers
Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs urged female graduates to embrace the title of “homemaker” in a controversial commencement speech. The NFL says he was speaking “in his personal capacity.”
Tensions flare at Minnesota Capitol as debates stretch on; DFLers say they’ll push ahead with ERA measure
In a sign of growing Capitol frustrations, House Speaker Melissa Hortman called for a snap vote after a long debate. Republicans say the move suppressed their voice. It could spell trouble for an orderly session end.
Birth & Depression: The Unspoken Conversation
This special program looks at the under-recognized public health issue of postpartum depression and the challenge of treatment. We’ll hear first-hand from people who have experienced it. 
Schizophrenia: Finding Home on a Hard Road
This program shares stories about schizophrenia that don’t make the headlines. We’ll hear from people living with this illness and from leading experts about new treatments that make it possible to manage.
Fire threat eases near Canada's oil sands hub, but a long, hot summer looms
The threat of a wildfire near Canada’s oil sands hub of Fort McMurray, Alberta, appeared to be easing Wednesday, a day after thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes in the city of 68,000.
Decreasing clouds Thursday with lingering showers northeast. Warmer days ahead
Clouds and scattered showers will linger Thursday in northeastern Minnesota. The rest of the state will see decreasing cloud cover. Friday and Saturday will see the return of 80s south and west. 
A Minnesota state trooper charged with fatally shooting a motorist last summer has pleaded not guilty to murder, manslaughter and assault charges in Hennepin County District Court. Plus, Minnesota lawmakers have approved a new bill focused on education policy. It passed the House 68-59 and now heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk.
‘I’m glad it’s home’: A family heirloom links back to Bemidji’s founding and Indigenous history
Firearm safety begins with personal responsibility, and over a century ago it wasn’t much different. But a historic moment in time integral to Bemidji’s founding is shedding new light on that importance — connecting the past with the present — while, with old age, bringing one man a better understanding of himself.  
As Trump eyes Minnesota, those nostalgic about his presidency prepare to activate
With a 2020 presidential rematch seemingly set, how will voters confront that familiar choice? MPR News launches an occasional series focusing on how people are arriving at their political decisions.