Stories from March 21, 2023

Snow up north, rain for the Twin Cities overnight
A weather system brings a mixed bag of rain and snow to Minnesota overnight.
Authorities investigate possible blown signal, serious crash by light rail train in Minneapolis and the legislature has its final financial figures for the next state budget, with billions more planned for schools. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Promising end to gridlock, DFL leaders agree on budget outline
Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders agreed on the broad parameters of how legislative committees would spend tens of billions on health care, education, public safety and more. Now lawmakers will map out the specifics of a two-year budget.
Walmart to shutter Brooklyn Center location
A spokesperson said in an email it was an underperforming location and did not meet financial expectations.
City of St. Paul, unions reach tentative deal to avert strike
The city of St. Paul said Tuesday it has reached a tentative contract deal with three unions representing nearly 300 city workers, averting a potential strike.
Rebroadcast: A DNA test might reveal a life-changing family secret
The results of a home DNA test might reveal answers you didn't know you were looking for. In this rebroadcast, MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with a writer who discovered her previously unknown biological father through a home DNA test and a family therapist about how to process big family secrets that may change your life.   
One dead, one arrested after shooting in Howard Lake
One person is dead and another is in custody after a shooting Monday in Howard Lake, Minn.
James Beard nominee Yia Vang tells us what's for lunch
Four chefs and one pastry chef from the Twin Cities have been nominated by the prestigious James Beard foundation for “Best Chef Midwest.” We spoke with chef Yia Vang, founder and owner of Union Hmong Kitchen and the pop up Hmong noodle spot, Slurp.
Rain south, snow north late Tuesday into Tuesday night
Our first full day of spring will bring rain to southern Minnesota late Tuesday and snow north. It will also be blustery and cloudy ahead of the precipitation with another round possible south Wednesday night.
Legacy grant lifts Duluth Black nonprofit, launches creative space Studio X
Imagine you're retiring from your job, and your employer says, “Here's $100,000 to give to any local organization you want.” In Duluth, that scenario led to the creation of Studio X.
Tony Lazzaro faces federal charges of sex trafficking minors. Prosecutors say Lazzaro served teenage girls alcohol at his luxury apartment, then gave them cash and expensive gifts in exchange for sex. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Clouds thicken up, winds increase as next wintry storm develops late Tuesday
Winds increase Tuesday as our next system brings rain and snow to Minnesota late in the day. Snowfall will be confined to mainly the northern half of the state overnight Tuesday night with another round of moisture for southern Minnesota Wednesday night.
New Gophers coach Plitzuweit has core freshmen 4 staying put
The four Minnesota freshmen recruited by Lindsay Whalen all decided their loyalty to the home-state program was stronger than the disappointment of seeing her depart. 
Wolves overcome Randle's 57 points, beat Knicks 140-134
Julius Randle scored 57 points to tie the third-highest game in Knicks history, but the Minnesota Timberwolves rode a sizzling start and a steady finish to beat New York 140-134. 
5 ways the banking turmoil could affect you
These are top questions about the impact of recent banking turmoil on regular people, small businesses and the economy.
Medicaid renewals are starting. Those who don't reenroll could get kicked off
With a pandemic-era rule expiring this month, people on Medicaid will have to re-qualify to keep their coverage. Language barriers, housing instability and computer literacy could stand in their way.