Stories from March 2, 2022

Quiet through Friday, then wet and sloppy
Heavy snow still looks likely from western through northern Minnesota this weekend.
Biden visits Twin Ports to tout infrastructure, highlighting Blatnik bridge replacement, and a Corey Hepola launches a third party bid that could spell trouble for the DFL. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Black Americans are now dying from drug overdoses at a higher rate than whites
New research shows drug overdose deaths continue to surge among Black Americans. For the first time since 1999, Black Americans are dying at a higher rate per capita than white Americans.
The state of marijuana in Minnesota
Marijuana has been legal for medical use in Minnesota since 2014. Is it working for people? How has it affected health and wellness in Minnesota? Will recreational usage be legalized soon? What are the factors that contribute to a state legalizing recreational marijuana use? And what are the concerns for a community once that happens?
Bill that bans 'conversion therapy' clears Minn. House committee
DFL lawmakers in the Minnesota House are trying again this year to ban the practice known as conversion therapy, which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation. A House panel advanced the measure, but its prospects look slim in the Senate.
Invasion of Ukraine ripples through the agricultural economy
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created turmoil in farm commodity markets and left farmers, grain traders and agricultural economists trying to predict the effects on the international food system.
Sharon Says So answers questions about Ukraine
Former high school government teacher Sharon McMahon of Duluth helps Instagram followers make sense of the Ukraine crisis.
Fixing law enforcement's PTSD problem
Trauma is widespread and, if left unhealed, it affects decision making on the job.
Tracking sloppy weekend storm system
It looks like a messy March weekend across much of Minnesota.
Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer honors the legacy of renowned visual artist, Jim Denomie. And as the pandemic continues, a new book shows the perspective of local artists during another challenging year.
In light of former WCCO Radio host Cory Hepola’s announcement that he’s governor under the Forward Party of Minnesota, Cathy Wurzer discusses third parties with professor Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School.
Former Kare 11 TV Reporter and WCCO Radio host, Cory Hepola announced his run for governor under the Forward Party of Minnesota. Larry Jacobs joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about Hepola's run for governor, the rise of third parties and what the future holds for them.
Ex-broadcaster Hepola launches 3rd party governor bid
Third party candidates have been factors in tight Minnesota statewide races, but Cory Hepola is seeking the first outsider win since 1998.
Biden touts new money for bridge, road repair in Superior speech
One day after delivering his first State of the Union address, President Joe Biden traveled to the Twin Ports Wednesday to talk about the expected impact of his $1.2 trillion infrastructure spending package on Minnesota, Wisconsin and the nation.
Mild Wednesday, cooler Thursday; Saturday storm set to bring rain, snow
Minnesota temperatures will again be relatively mild: 30s south and 20s north. A Saturday storm looks to be mostly rain for the Twin Cities, but a band of heavy snow may fall on the cold side of this system from west-central to northeastern Minnesota.
Wintry mix early Wednesday; bigger storm Saturday
Temperatures are just below freezing early Wednesday morning. There are scattered light snow showers, mixed with some light freezing rain so watch out for some potential brief slick spots on untreated surfaces. We’ll see highs today above freezing again for the southern half of Minnesota, 20s north.
The president will visit the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Wednesday, where he’s expected to discuss the $1 trillion infrastructure law. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Russians besiege Ukrainian ports as armored column stalls
After seven days of Russian assault, the United Nations refugee agency announced that 1 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion, the swiftest exodus of refugees this century. Moscow’s isolation is deepening, meanwhile. 
She sees life through the lens of books in 'Checkout 19'
The protagonist of Clare-Louise Bennett's novel is a determinedly unfixed and unrooted person who marks time through which writers she has read.
Operators blame pandemic staff shortages for group home closures
Since the start of the year, a raft of Minnesota group homes serving nearly 60 people have closed. Their operators blame pandemic-related labor shortages and the closures are leaving families facing difficult decisions about how to care for their loved ones, and putting renewed focus on higher pay for long-term care workers.
5 takeaways from Biden's State of the Union address
The president painted an optimistic view of life amid the pandemic in front of a much more unified-looking Congress than in past years.
Ukraine war, inflation hurt business outlook in Minnesota, 8 other states
A new monthly survey suggests that worries about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring inflation and rising interest rates combined to undermine the confidence of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states.
Tech's crackdown on Russian propaganda is a geopolitical high-wire act
Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft are taking steps to curb Russian propaganda, but they don't want to be kicked out of the country and limit Russians' access to their platforms.