Stories from March 9, 2023

DFL Party shelves mid-session fundraiser that drew questions
The state party’s fundraiser would have featured top DFL lawmakers, who would be personally barred from raising the type of contributions the party was soliciting. A bill to change state law is already circulating.
Minnesota has regained nearly all of its pre-pandemic employment, and catalytic converter theft legislation is on the way to the desk of governor Tim Walz. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Poor sleep hurts Black health, Minnesota researchers say
Research connects poor sleep to obesity, hypertension and even death. Scientists at the University of Minnesota are exploring how sleeping problems perpetuate health disparities.
Minneapolis City Council OKs new police department jobs
The Minneapolis City Council Thursday approved the creation of two new appointed positions in the Minneapolis Police Department. It’s part of Chief Brian O’Hara’s plan to reorganize the department, partly in preparation for an expected federal consent decree. 
Spring flood risk rises to 'well above average' after heavy snow season
Frequent snow and high water content are boosting flood risk across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Thursday’s updated spring flood outlook suggests people near vulnerable flood zones should prepare for the possibility of moderate to major flooding this spring.
Thank You, Stranger: 'When I needed help, I got help from you.'
Imagine you are in a tough spot and someone goes out of their way to help. But you miss your chance to show your appreciation. That is almost what happened to Perry Schussler.
Black railworkers were instrumental in the early 1900s. A new exhibit tells their stories
The people who helped not only build the railroads but attended to the needs of passengers were Black. The Minnesota Transportation Museum is telling that story with a new exhibit opening in March.
Weekend weather: Snow Saturday; highs in the 30s
We’re in a snowy weather pattern. Our snowy streak continues on Saturday, with patchy areas of snow also possible on Sunday.
Yeti recalls coolers and gear cases due to magnet ingestion hazard
The main pockets of the recalled products have magnet-lined closures, which "can fail and release the magnets." Swallowing magnets can cause serious injury and even death.
Rebroadcast: The history of tipping, and how it’s changing
How do you decide how much to tip? More restaurants are getting rid of the practice. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the history of tipping in the United States, and the push for higher wages for service workers.
'In the Dark' podcast acquired by Condé Nast
The award-winning investigative podcast “In the Dark” has been acquired by Condé Nast Entertainment.
Politics Friday: Women take charge at the Capitol
MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with leaders of the Minnesota House and Senate about what’s been accomplished so far and what to expect in the weeks ahead. 
Snowfall picks up Thursday afternoon into the overnight; more snow Saturday
Snowfall intensity will increase into Thursday night. The most significant accumulations will be across far southeastern Minnesota where 4 to 7 inches could fall. Another round of snow accumulation moves across the state late Saturday.
Boil water order lifted in Minnesota city after water main breaks repaired
The days-long saga included workers battling subzero temperatures to repair the breaks, distribution of drinking water from city offices, and Stephen-Argyle Central High School students helping out by placing straw bales to insulate temporary water lines.
The corrections officers suffered injuries in separate incidents at two Minnesota prisons this week. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Wild beat Jets 4-2, extend points streak to 11 games
Marc-Andre Fleury made 46 saves and the Minnesota Wild extended their points streak to 11 games with a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Marcus Foligno had a goal and assist, and Frederick Gaudreau, Ryan Hartman and Mason Shaw also scored for the Wild. 
Rochester's newly shuttered Diversity Council used money for other nonprofits to secure loan
In the months leading up to its demise, the Diversity Council in Rochester used all of its assets — including money held for smaller nonprofits — as collateral against a loan in hopes of fixing its financial woes. Now those assets are frozen after the Diversity Council closed and is unable to pay back the loan. 
Art Hounds: Art about shifting friendships, changing times
“Wish You Were Here” brings an improv comedy approach to grief and friendship at Strike Theater in Minneapolis starting this weekend. In JuCoby Johnson's new play "5," at the Jungle Theater, on two friends in a neighborhood changing around them. Plus, Spring Grove artist Joleen Emery folds and cuts old book pages into meticulous new creations.
Deadly Russian missile barrage slams targets across Ukraine
Russia unleashed deadly rocket attacks that hit critical infrastructure and residential buildings in 10 regions of Ukraine, the country's president said Thursday.
GOP leader Mitch McConnell is hospitalized after fall, his spokesman says
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized for treatment, a spokesman for the senator said. McConnell had been attending a private dinner.
Seven Minnesota prison guards hurt this week in separate incidents
Seven corrections officers suffered injuries in separate incidents this week at Oak Park Heights and Stillwater. Those prisons are on lockdown at least through the weekend.
Congress overturns D.C. crime bill with President Biden's help
The Senate approved a GOP-led joint resolution that would overrule the Washington, D.C., city council's recent legislation to rewrite the criminal code for the nation's capital.