Stories from February 10, 2023

Students are carving out careers in music in Red Wing
The city of Red Wing, Minn., which hosts the Big Turn Music Fest each February, is also home to a nationally esteemed musical instrument repair and building program. Students from around the country — and the world — follow their passion at Minnesota State College Southeast.
Mild weekend temps; chilly Thursday, Friday next week
Milder temps are on tap for the weekend. We have details on that, plus a look at the week ahead.
St. Paul police say a 15-year-old student has died in a stabbing at Harding High School on the city's East Side. A 16-year-old suspect - also a student at the school - is in custody. This is an MPR News Evening update hosted by Jacob Aloi.
Metrics show less COVID, but we want to hear your experience
The metrics this week don’t show much change in COVID activity compared to the last few weeks. Anecdotally, however, the APM Research Lab has been hearing about more cases than any time in the recent past. And, COVID-19 levels in wastewater — a potential early warning tool — are up across much of the state. So, we’re curious, have you been hearing about more COVID cases in your network of late?
Racial equity funds spurred by murder of George Floyd bear fruit
After the police murder of George Floyd, foundations and corporations pledged millions to spur economic development in Black communities and rebuild Lake Street. This year, about $100 million-worth of projects funded by those initiatives will open or break ground, according to Star Tribune reporter Dee DePass.
Four children from separate households whose parents work at the Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka County were identified with elevated levels of lead, the Minnesota Department of Health said Friday, adding it was concerned other kids may have been unknowingly exposed. 
Aldi's exit shakes north Minneapolis, widens worries over food insecurity
Many residents in north Minneapolis were stunned this week when Aldi announced its north side store will close Sunday. This comes as Walgreens announced it too would shutter a north side store, making it harder for residents to access affordable fresh food and other vital products.
Stabbing at St. Paul's Harding High leaves boy, 15, dead; 16-year-old in custody
The school went into lockdown just before noon Friday. Police say the victim as well as the alleged assailant, were Harding students. Authorities say they’re still trying to understand what led to the stabbing.
Best-selling authors on Big Books and Bold Ideas
This week on Big Books and Bold Ideas, we revisit three conversations MPR News host Kerri Miller had with young authors who hit the big time with their novels.
U recommends returning Cloquet Forestry Center land to Fond du Lac Band
Entirely within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac reservation, it has served as the primary research and education forest for the University of Minnesota since 1909.
Two injured in shooting at Uptown Minneapolis restaurant
Minneapolis police are investigating after someone shot and wounded two men inside an Uptown restaurant on Thursday.
Rep. Angie Craig told police she fought off an attacker using hot coffee
Rep. Craig, D-Minn., is bruised but otherwise OK after a man attacked her Thursday. Her suspected assailant, now in custody, did not appear to have political motivations.
Cooler Friday; 30s to 40 for the weekend; storm chance next week
Friday will be cooler, but near normal with sunshine and lighter winds. Temps climb back into the 30s and 40s this weekend into the middle of next week. A storm system could affect Minnesota midweek next week.
3 books in translation that have received acclaim in their original languages
On a Woman's Madness and Forbidden Notebook have been highly lauded in their original languages for decades but, like the more recent Black Foam, inaccessible to English readers — until now.
Gun safety bills gain in Minnesota amid Democratic control
Gun safety bills are advancing at the Minnesota Legislature. They're backed by Democrats who are hoping their new control of both chambers will help them pass proposals that Republicans were able to block in recent years.
The state would pick up the tab for most student meals under a bill passed by the Minnesota House and not far from Senate action. It would cover a daily breakfast and lunch regardless of family income. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.  
Cooler Friday with sunshine returning; thaw resumes this weekend
It’s a cold morning Friday but we’ll warm to near normal temperatures, in the 20s statewide. We’ll see the return of sunshine and lighter winds too. Mild temps are back this weekend.
Man convicted in St. Paul bar shootout that killed 1
A man involved in a gunfight at a crowded bar that left one person dead and more than a dozen wounded in St. Paul was convicted Thursday of eight counts of attempted murder.
Russia is draining a massive Ukrainian reservoir, endangering a nuclear plant
Satellite data show water levels plummeting at the massive Kakhovka Reservoir. The reservoir supplies drinking water, irrigates vast tracts of farmland, and cools Europe's largest nuclear plant.
6 major takeaways from the ATF's first report in 20 years on U.S. gun crime
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a major report that details how stolen guns and emerging technology like "ghost guns" play a factor in gun violence in the U.S.
Winter Play: Behind the scenes, capturing the moment
When 10 different reporters set out to try new-to-them winter activities, how do you begin to plan visual coverage for their stories? If you’re the photographer assigned to the project, you might just find yourself trying a new activity or two. 
‘Rusty’ batteries could hold key to Minnesota's carbon-free power future
Two Minnesota utilities plan to install iron-air battery storage systems as they transition to clean energy sources. The batteries are made of iron, an element that’s abundant around the world — including in Minnesota.
As hunger rises in Minnesota, House passes school meals for all bill
The state would pick up the tab for most student meals under a bill passed by the Minnesota House and not far from Senate action. It would cover a daily breakfast and lunch regardless of family income.