Stories from March 15, 2023

Minn. investigators allege Madelia meatpacking plant employed young workers in dangerous jobs
Minnesota authorities have filed a temporary restraining order against a southwest Minnesota meat processor for allegedly employing children as young as 13 to operate meat grinders, ovens and a forklift.
Worst of Thursday's storm north of Twin Cities
The heaviest snow will fall across northeast Minnesota, including the Duluth area and North Shore. Winter storm warnings have been issued for most of northeastern Minnesota. Most of central and southern Minnesota is under a winter weather advisory Thursday into Friday morning.
Auditor's report finds profound problems with Southwest Light Rail construction project, and cameras are going to start showing up in more Minnesota Court rooms. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant funeral details released
The family of Vikings coach Bud Grant say he will be mourned in a private service Saturday with a public service in the coming months at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Park Square Theatre cancels remaining season
Citing fiscal problems and the pandemic, St. Paul’s Park Square Theatre has suspended the remaining season following their current production, “The Revolutionists.”
Grandson of Iditarod co-founder wins Alaska sled dog race
Ryan Redington has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which his grandfather helped co-found. Redington's dog team pulled him down Nome's main street shortly after noon on Tuesday, sliding him under the iconic burled arch finish line.
How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (deliciously) in the kitchen
With rain and snow in the forecast, maybe you're looking for a quieter way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year. James Beard Award-winner and cookbook author Beth Dooley is here with some ideas.
Met Council to vote on security guards at Metro Transit stations
The Met Council will vote Wednesday evening on a contract with a security company to place guards at six bus and light rail stations. Metro Transit announced on Tuesday it will close the shelter at the Uptown Transit Station in Minneapolis until it has security there.
‘I barely use any fuel': Lots of choices, lots of demand for EVs
As policy makers wrestle with how to build out a charging network for electric cars, EVs are growing in popularity. In fact, some models are hard to find in Minnesota right now.  
Two Minnesota children's book authors on getting and giving a sense of belonging
Growing up is tough enough, but even more so when you feel like you don’t fit in. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two Minnesotans of color about their paths to knowing and loving themselves and how to teach that to kids. They’ve both written children’s books to help other kids feel like they belong and that they have a voice. 
 Minnesota courts to allow broader use of cameras in cases
More audio and visual coverage of court cases will be allowed under an order from Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea.
Auditor's report finds Southwest Light Rail project has governance issues
A new report on the Southwest Light Rail project has identified a host of governance issues, and suggests that the Minnesota Legislature fundamentally reorganize how such major transit projects are planned, paid for and built.
Thousands of Minnesotans work jobs that pay significantly below minimum wage, in many cases less than four dollars an hour. These subminimum wages are legal if the employee has a disability and if the employer is certified.
Mild Wednesday before the next winter storm moves in Thursday
Temperatures will be warmer Wednesday ahead of our next winter storm. Rain and snow will develop for northern Minnesota Wednesday night and southern Minnesota early Thursday into Friday. A winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday.
The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled
Retail sales dipped 0.4 percent in February after a surprise start-of-the-year surge that appeared at odds with the Federal Reserve's goal of cooling down the economy.
Bally Sports owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, such as the Bally Sports North network in Minnesota that broadcasts Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx and Wild games, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, said Tuesday she underwent successful surgery after being diagnosed with cancer. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Tom Crann. Music by Gary Meister.
Warmer Wednesday with rain and snow on the way Wednesday night into Thursday
Temperatures warm up Wednesday with many places seeing highs in the 40s. The first round of moisture brings rain and snow to northern Minnesota Wednesday night with rain and snow spreading across southern Minnesota Thursday.
So you began your event with an indigenous land acknowledgement. Now what?
Statements recognizing indigenous rights to territories seized by colonial powers may be well-meaning. But some indigenous leaders fear these acknowledgments may become routine and performative.
The artist’s guide to the galaxy: Michael Engebretson explores space and autism 
Michael Engebretson creates fantastical paintings of transdimensional spaceships and other science fiction themes. He says these are informed by his experiences with autism, which allow him to experience the world — and solutions for the world’s problems — in ways others may not.
Prior Lake High students find voice, power in wake of Twin Cities racial turmoil
The police killings of George Floyd in 2020 and Daunte Wright in 2021 galvanized students of color at schools across Minnesota. Young leaders have emerged and forced hard conversations to the surface around race and equity. At Prior Lake, students say they see progress, but it comes slowly.