Stories from February 20, 2023

Northshore Mining, shut down since last spring, poised to restart
Cleveland-Cliffs says it is recalling some of the more than 400 workers it laid off last spring, idling one of the Iron Range’s key mining and taconite production operations. 
It’s not all about the weather: Law change to alter budget forecast
A bill now on Gov. Tim Walz’s desk would require the inclusion of inflation estimates in upcoming budget forecasts. That will surely shrink the surplus and mark a decade from practice over the past two decades.
Winter storm warning Tuesday afternoon through Thursday; Over a foot of snow
This will be a memorable winter storm, beginning Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Thursday. There will be a lull in the snow intensity for a few hours on Wednesday, then heavier snow will move in and winds will ramp up.
Minnesota based holocaust survivor, teacher, writer, inventor Fred Amram has died at age 89
On Feb. 12, Minnesota-based inventor, writer, teacher, creativity expert and Jewish holocaust survivor died. Fred Amram was 89 years old. We revisit a story about Fred from 2018 when he reclaimed his German citizenship.
Black women participate in the workforce at much higher rates than most other women, but currently make fifteen percent less money than white women and 40 percent less than white men for doing the same work.
Minneapolis musician Obi Original blends his influences into something new
Using his lived experience as inspiration, Obi Original pays homage to his influences while carving a new path for himself and Ozone Creations.  
St. Paul Councilmember plans community meeting in response to shooting of Yia Xiong
The killing of a Hmong man by police in St. Paul has fueled calls to fire the officers involved and institute police reforms. At a protest over the weekend, Yia Xiong’s family said he had hearing loss and did not speak English, raising concerns about how police interact with people across language barriers and disability.
How 'Collapsing Stars' aligned to create understated, yet captivating, music
Not quite Americana and not quite folk, Collapsing Stars are anchored by Nelson’s guitar and Strycharske’s cello, which seem to sonically support one another without competing. Just as Strycharske’s expansive, gorgeous, and often cinematic playing is about to knock you over, Nelson introduces a melody, warming the cello’s raw power.
Spinal stimulation can improve arm and hand movement years after a stroke
Two stroke patients regained control of a disabled arm and hand after researchers delivered electrical stimulation to their spines, paving the way toward a medical device that could aid movement.
Biden declares 'Kyiv stands' in surprise visit to Ukraine
President Joe Biden paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting what he called “a brutal and unjust war” days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Snow mainly north Monday; high-impact winter storm Tuesday through Thursday
Light snow for mainly northern Minnesota for Monday. Then a high-impact winter storm for most of the state Tuesday through Thursday. Much of central and southern Minnesota likely to get more than a foot of snow.
St. Paul police on Friday released officer body camera footage of officers confronting a man Saturday in an apartment building hallway and shooting him as he came toward them with a knife in hand. The video shows officers responding to the Winslow Commons apartments on Western Avenue S., near West Seventh Street, just before 5 p.m. The complex serves people who are 62 and older or disabled. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Maple Grove high schoolers take action against gender violence
According to a state report, Black women in Minnesota are 2.7 times more likely to be murdered than their white peers, and while Black women make up only 7 percent of the state population, 40 percent of domestic violence victims in Minnesota were Black women.
Capitol cooperation or leverage point? Public works plan tests parties
After failing to pass a construction bill the past two years, Minnesota lawmakers will attempt to get $1.9 billion in projects moving in coming weeks. It will depend on votes from both parties, unlike most measures that have advanced so far.
More than a foot of snow is possible from Tuesday evening into Thursday
Much of southern and central Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin could see a foot or more of snow from Tuesday afternoon into Thursday. We have details on that, plus the Monday batch of snow in northern Minnesota.