Stories from March 22, 2023

Appetites: Move over southern food, what is northern food?
Tater tot hotdish? State fair cheese curds? Snickers salad? While these are some Minnesota staples, it’s hard to define what “northern food” is exactly. Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl has been trying to answer this question and explores it in a new article with Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. She spoke with All Things Considered host Tom Crann about it.
Sunnier, milder toward the weekend
An early spring weather pattern emerging for the rest of this week.
U seeks state help with tuition shortfall, potential merger fallout
The University of Minnesota is calling on the Legislature to help it offset a tuition shortfall and potentially buy health facilities it currently operates with Fairview Health Services ahead of a proposed merger with Sanford Health.
The Fed raises interest rates again despite the stress hitting the banking system
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage-point in an effort to curb high inflation. Some had called for the Fed to wait after two recent bank failures.
A big trove of Minneapolis public school data is online, confirming fears of public exposure, and a sex trafficking case that rocked the Minnesota Republican Party is finally on trial. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
A student shot 2 administrators at a Denver high school, police say
Two administrators at Denver's East High School were shot by a male student Wednesday morning, police said. Police were searching for the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Planning your next vacation? Try these Minnesota day trips
Have you been dreaming about your next vacation? There are plenty of day trips and staycations you can take right here in Minnesota. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with two journalists about their favorite hidden gems for travel in and around Minnesota and how to plan a short getaway.
'Reconnecting with the human': Minnesota podcast tackles humanity, womanhood and Islam
As Ramadan approaches, observers ready themselves to pray, reflect and spend time with loved ones. The Digital Sisterhood podcast created in Woodbury, Minn., hopes to do just that.
Residents wonder why Monticello nuclear plant didn't mention radioactive water leak earlier
On Wednesday evening, there will be a public meeting in Monticello on whether to extend the license of the nuclear plant in that city. On March 16, state officials said 400,000 gallons of radioactive water had leaked from a nuclear power plant in the city of Monticello back in November 2022.
Want to find ways to give back, celebrate and build community during Ramadan? Here’s a list of free and ticketed events across Minnesota
Mosques and community groups across Minnesota are hosting several events to celebrate Ramadan, including interfaith dinners and special events for women and girls.
James Beard nominee Karyn Tomlinson tells us what's for lunch
Four chefs and one pastry chef from the Twin Cities have been nominated by the prestigious James Beard “Best Chef Midwest.” Finalists will be announced on March 29. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Karyn Tomlinson, the chef and owner of the St. Paul restaurant, Myriel.
How to recognize and help someone in a mental health crisis
What do you say and what do you do when you witness someone have a mental health crisis right before your eyes? MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with trained professionals about the first actions to take and the words to use in an emergency.
Starbucks workers picket at three locations in Twin Cities
Starbucks coffee shop workers picketed Wednesday at more than 100 stores nationwide, including three in the Twin Cites.
Wednesday night snow tracking south; warmer end to the week
Morning snow showers and freezing drizzle will linger along the North Shore. Skies across Minnesota will remain mostly cloudy. It’ll be breezy with snow showers along the Minnesota-Iowa border overnight into Thursday. Temps will be milder by Friday. 
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
'Like a living scrapbook': 'My Powerful Hair' is a celebration of Native culture
Author Carole Lindstrom follows Caldecott-winning We Are Water Protectors with another children's book featuring Native culture. She says she hopes it helps kids "see themselves in a positive way."
Cloudy, breezy Wednesday with snow showers south Wednesday night
Snow showers will linger in the arrowhead early Wednesday. It will be breezy with west winds 10-20 mph. Highs will range from the 40s southeast to the 20s northwest. More snow showers are possible in south Minnesota Wednesday night.
Boldy's goal with 1.3 left in OT lifts Wild over Devils
Matt Boldy scored on a breakaway with 1.3 seconds left in overtime and Filip Gustavsson made a career-high 47 saves to give the Minnesota Wild a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Fargo-Moorhead drops curbside glass recycling, citing costs
Glass can still be brought to recycling drop off sites in both cities but it will be reused locally rather than being shipped to a Twin Cities recycler. The local recycling company said the change will save money and reduce the carbon footprint for processing glass.