Stories from March 8, 2023

Gov. Tim Walz preempts the Legislature with an executive order on transgender medical care, and the Guthrie rolls out a new season including Shakespeare’s monumental History cycle. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
One-sided parking ban in St. Paul planned until April 15
Starting at 8 a.m. Friday, parking is prohibited on the south and east sides of most residential streets until April 15. The rule does not apply to arterial routes.
Where there's gender equality, people tend to live longer
Researchers used data from more than 150 countries to connect gender equality and life expectancy. They hope their findings can help policymakers set priorities in public health and other areas.
Walz moves to protect those seeking gender-affirming care
The governor signed an order to protect people seeking gender-affirming care after a handful of states have limited it and as others have sought to ban the care altogether.
We spoke to two guests confronting obstacles in the way of immigrant and refugee women taking care of their mental health.
A late-week winter storm across Minnesota is on the way
A winter weather advisory is in effect for northern Minnesota Wednesday and come Thursday, a winter storm watch will blanket central and southern Minnesota.
After hacker group posts Minneapolis school data online, residents have questions
The fallout continues in a cyber attack that has affected the IT for Minneapolis Public Schools and apparently exposed student and staff data, including email and home addresses.
Ukraine Defiant: A Russian art museum grapples with a Russian war 
The Museum of Russian Art offers a pair of exhibits responding to the war in Ukraine, one by Ukrainian-American artist Elena Kalman, the other from a Soviet-era Russian artist who foresaw an apocalyptic future for his country.
Minnesota Wild host Pride Night, but without Pride jerseys during warmups
The sports news website The Athletic reported the team had been scheduled to wear Pride jerseys during pregame warmups Tuesday in a show of support for LGBTQ people as the team had done in March 2022 for its first Pride Night.
Seeking Connection
The special explores the relationship between loneliness, mental health and the power of social connections.    
Scattered snow showers Wednesday; main snow late Thursday, more Saturday
An area of scattered snow showers will spread east Wednesday with relatively light accumulations. Heavier snow develops Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. We have more snow late Saturday.
Authorities have identified the three people found fatally shot in their Chisago County home on Sunday and say a person of interest in the case also was found dead.
Marina fire heavily damages two boats in Inver Grove Heights 
Fire officials in Inver Grove Heights say fire damaged two boats docked at a Mississippi River marina on Tuesday night — and a firefighter had to be pulled out of the river after falling into the icy water. 
Amid a large spike in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday announced that he’s investigating the automakers to determine if they ran afoul of state consumer protection and public nuisance laws by not including industry-standard anti-theft technology in their cars and SUVs. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
'The Angel Maker' is a thrilling question mark all the way to the end
In Alex North's skilled hands, this narrative that juggles so many elements becomes a very cohesive, enthralling ride into some of the darkest corners of extreme religiousness and human nature.
Snow showers expand east Wednesday; significant snow develops late Thursday
The first wave of less significant, scattered snow showers will expand east Wednesday across Minnesota. The potential heavier snowfall develops late Thursday through Thursday night. More snow is possible Saturday night.
Lives of Hastings’ first Black residents source of inspiration for descendants
The first Black families who settled, worked and started businesses in Hastings, Minn., are an example of the city’s rich Black history. Many were barbers, farmers and mill workers. This history also exemplifies the triumph — not just the trauma — residents experienced.
Dayton calls Sanford, Fairview merger a 'betrayal’ unless U of M control stays in state
Former governors Mark Dayton and Tim Pawlenty told a state Senate hearing they had deep concerns about the University of Minnesota’s medical center in the hands of a company based outside the state.
Will attack of Minneapolis trans woman be charged as a hate crime? What to know
Every state has different laws, statutes and processes related to hate or bias-motivated crimes. Here’s a primer on what we have in Minnesota, as well as an explanation of other potential means of justice for the victim and for trans communities in general.
Despite McConnell's rebuke, McCarthy defends Jan. 6 tape release to Fox News
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell joined U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger in slamming Tucker Carlson's Jan. 6 program. Carlson began a two-part show series on the insurrection Monday night.
2 surviving Americans who were kidnapped in Mexico are back in the U.S.
The State Department said the victims, who were found alive after days in captivity, are back on U.S. soil. Officials said they are in the process of returning the remains of two others to the U.S.
BCA investigating death of man found dead in lake after police pursuit
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Tuesday it's investigating the death of Khalil Ahmad Azad, who was found dead in Crystal Lake following a police pursuit last summer.
Ellison investigates Kia, Hyundai amid spate of social media-inspired thefts
Amid a large spike in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday announced that he’s investigating the automakers to determine if they ran afoul of state consumer protection and public nuisance laws by not including industry-standard anti-theft technology in their cars and SUVs.
Weeks after St. Paul police shot and killed Yia Xiong, community members ask for more action
In February, 65-year-old Yia Xiong was shot and killed by officers of the St. Paul Police Department. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter met with Xiong’s family and members of the Hmong community Tuesday.