Stories from March 3, 2023

Scientists find signs of horse riding in ancient human remains
Researchers have found evidence of horseback riding in skeletal remains of people who lived about 5,000 years ago, adding to a body of research on when people first started using horses to get around.
Minneapolis asks for $45 million to address public housing backlog
Minneapolis officials say the money is part of a larger effort they announced Friday to bolster public and affordable housing by collaborating with other local governments and private partners.  
Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill Friday that will let those convicted of a felony vote while they're on probation or parole. Dozens of people affected by the former restriction stood with the governor as he voiced his support for the proposal. This is an MPR News evening update for March 2, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Weekend weather: Highs in the 30s; rain-snow Sunday afternoon
We’ll see some areas of fog Saturday morning, but the rest of Saturday looks fairly nice. Many areas will have periods of snow or a rain-snow mix Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. We have the weekend forecast details, plus a look at Minnesota snow depths.
Appetites: Eric Pham of the Quang Restaurant legacy forges his own path
Eric Pham’s mother Khue Pham and her relatives were the family behind Quang, a Vietnamese restaurant that's become an institution in Minneapolis. Now, he’s looking to forge his own way by building on their legacy.
Yosemite National Park, blanketed by snow, is closed temporarily
The park has been closed since Saturday as park crews work to restore critical services. Meanwhile, more heavy snow is forecast to fall over the park this weekend.
Voting rights restored to 50,000 under new Minnesota law
Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill Friday that allows convicted felons in Minnesota to vote once they are out of prison, regardless of whether they are still on probation.
School cybersecurity expert weighs in: What’s happening in Minneapolis?
An “encryption virus” in Minnesota’s third largest district has wiped out after-school activities for days and raised concerns about hacking and compromised data. A cyber security expert weighs in on what families and staff should do to protect themselves.
'Deja vu all over': Two Harbors fights again over Lighthouse Point development
It’s been twenty years since residents of the small North Shore town waged a battle over a plan to build homes next to its historic lighthouse along the shore of Lake Superior. Some are again raising concerns about a new proposed development.
U.S. to focus bison restoration on expanding tribal herds
U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says her agency will work to restore more large bison herds to Native American lands. Haaland is expected to issue an order Friday for government workers to tap into Indigenous knowledge in their efforts to conserve bison. 
Weekend's milder; wintry mix Sunday; many states saw a wet winter
Enjoy a couple more dry days with milder high temperatures, in the 30s for Friday into the weekend. The next storm system brings rain and snow Sunday into Monday with accumulations possible.
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. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Milder again Friday into the weekend; rain, snow Sunday and Monday
After a briefly cooler day Thursday, milder readings are back Friday into the weekend with lots of highs in the 30s to near 40. A mix of rain and snow develops Sunday into Monday with the next storm system.
FDA has new leverage over companies looking for a quicker drug approval
The Food and Drug Administration has new tools to hold drug companies accountable for promises they make about medications. But the agency has yet to show its hand in using this new power.
Nice Ride shuts down pioneering Minneapolis bike share program
When Nice Ride launched in 2010, Minneapolis was one of only two American cities to have public bike sharing. The program helped pioneer the concept of micromobility, which has evolved to include electric scooters and e-bikes. But without a corporate sponsor, Nice Ride is shutting down.