Stories from March 2, 2023

President Biden will allow Congress to overturn new D.C. crime law
President Biden met privately with Senate Democrats on Thursday and indicated he would not use his veto pen to block congressional action to block a new Washington, D.C., crime law from taking effect.
After five seasons, Lindsay Whalen has stepped down as coach of the Gopher women's basketball team. Whalen’s resignation comes a day after her team lost to Penn State in the first round of the Big 10 tournament. The Gophers were 11 and 19 overall this year, and were 4 and 14 in regular season conference play. University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle said it was a mutually-agreed-upon decision. This is an MPR News evening update for March 2, 2023. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
How young leaders are learning to address 'wicked problems' like the climate crisis  
The climate crisis and economic inequality can keep us up at night. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with Dean Nisha Botchwey of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs about training young leaders to address these intense problems head on.  
As Tennessee, others target drag shows, many wonder: Why?
Across the country, conservative activists and politicians complain that drag contributes to the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children. Several states are considering restrictions, but none has acted as fast as Tennessee to ensure children are not exposed to drag.
Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs to stay open all summer
In recent years, walleye fishing on the popular central Minnesota lake has closed for the first few weeks of July.
Record temperatures and climate change: What's the connection?
Earth’s average temperature is about 1 to 1.5 degree Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times. But averages are made of extremes. So how fast are high temperature records being toppled? What about cold records?
With layoffs, NPR becomes latest media outlet to cut jobs
NPR must lay off 10 percent of its workforce to address an advertising shortfall of about $30 million, CEO John Lansing says. Lansing says marketers are nervous about the economy.
Minnesota catalytic converter theft bill rumbles toward approval
The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill that imposes new criminal penalties and tracking methods around catalytic converter theft. A House vote could send it to Gov. Tim Walz.
Ready to be loved: Blizzo the Lizzo-inspired snowplow debuts
The moment many Minnesotans have been waiting for has finally come: “Blizzo” is officially on the streets. The snowplow was revealed Thursday at the Camden truck station.
Weekend weather: Quiet Saturday; rain-snow chances Sunday
Many of us will see weekend highs in the 30s. Some rain and snow is expected to spread into Minnesota and western Wisconsin as we go through Sunday afternoon and evening.
3-time USA Hockey Olympian Brianna Decker retires
Three-time Olympian Brianna Decker announced her retirement from the United States national hockey team, ending a career in which she ranks third among American women players in world championship tournament points.
A scan discovers a sealed, 30-foot-long hallway inside a Giza pyramid
The corridor is perched above the ancient wonder's main entrance, authorities said. The function of the chamber is unknown, although such corridors often lead to further archaeological discoveries.
Minnesota could legalize physician-assisted suicide
The proposal would allow adults with less than six months to live to get a prescription from their doctor to help them end their life.
3 days of dry weather; rain, snow return Sunday
Thursday will see afternoon high temperatures that will be a few degrees below normal. We should see some sunshine through occasional clouds Thursday into Saturday. Rain and snow returns to Minnesota Sunday and Monday.
Midwest could add more ethanol to gasoline under EPA plan
Gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states beginning in 2024 under a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. 
Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 19, of Minneapolis, admitted in court to shooting and killing 15-year-old Jahmari Rice and wounding another 17-year-old last year outside the South Education Center in Richfield. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cooler Thursday with some sun before warming up again
Behind yesterday’s snow producer, temperatures are cooler Thursday, though only slightly. We’ll see highs range from around 20 in the Red River valley to the low 30s in southeast Minnesota. Look for partly cloudy skies.
What is gender-affirming health care? 'Trans refuge' bill would help kids get it
Minnesota’s Legislature is considering a bill that would make the state a safe haven for transgender youth seeking gender-affirming health care here. But what exactly is the bill seeking to protect?
Microsoft's new AI chatbot has been saying some 'crazy and unhinged things'
After Microsoft's powerful AI chatbot verbally attacked people, and even compared one person to Hitler, the company has decided to rein in the technology until it works out the kinks.
Climate change is fueling more conflict between humans and wildlife
As climate change shifts resources and habitat, humans and wildlife are coming into conflict more often, new research finds. It underscores the need for interventions, the researchers say.
Session fundraising lockdown doesn’t close off all avenues
State lawmakers and their caucuses can’t raise money from certain sources while the Legislature is in session. But lawmakers can — and do — help their parties rake in contributions.
Art Hounds: Galleries at Bloomington's Artistry busy with three shows
The Partly Tame trio performs an eclectic evening concert in St Cloud and an hour-long performance “Once on This Island, Jr.,” makes the Broadway show accessible to younger viewers at Stages Theater.
'I'm really worried about it': As federal emergency food help ends, Minnesotans voice concerns
Emergency federal benefits that help Minnesotans pay for food are set to run out this month. And even with some state funding set to boost food shelves, people who need help and nutrition groups say more needs to be done.
Could allowing more nuclear power help Minnesota’s switch to carbon-free electricity?
Supporters of advanced nuclear technology say it’s smaller, safer and more flexible than the nuclear plants built a half-century ago. But what to do with radioactive waste remains a problem.
'Wild West': Minnesota authorities worry THC edibles market may outrun the law
Demand is high for THC products in Minnesota, yet basic questions around what’s illegal and what happens when the cops get called have largely gone unanswered. A smoke shop transaction that ended with a 70-year-old diabetic in the hospital offers a look at the problem authorities face as the market expands.  
SpaceX launches its 9th crewed mission as it heads to space station
SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA on Thursday, including the first person from the Arab world going up for an extended monthslong stay.
Look up! Venus and Jupiter are going in for a nighttime kiss
The two brightest planets in Earth's night sky are millions of miles apart. But due to an astronomical quirk, they appear to be engaging in a cosmic dance tonight. Now that's a moment of awe.