Stories from March 23, 2023

First March without 50 degrees in 22 years?
The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota have a shot at 50 degrees next week. Models also suggest another weather system that may bring another rain-snow mix toward the middle of next week.
A woman who admitted recruiting and grooming high school girls for a one-time Minnesota Republican Party operative is testifying against him at his trial today. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Here's the flood forecast for Minnesota's river basins
There are growing signs that major and potentially damaging flooding could be headed for parts of Minnesota, with historic levels of water sitting on the landscape in the form of snow.
Online communities can help with loneliness — to a point
A new episode from APM's mental health initiative “Call to Mind" explores how loneliness affects mental and physical health, and how meeting an online community offline can help.
NPR cancels 4 podcasts amid major layoffs
NPR moved this week to cut 10 percent of its staff and stop production of a handful of podcasts, including Invisibilia, Louder Than a Riot and Rough Translation.
Hyundai and Kia recall 571,000 vehicles due to fire risk, urge owners to park outside
Hyundai and Kia are telling the owners of more than 571,000 SUVs and minivans in the U.S. to park them outdoors because the tow hitch harnesses can catch fire while they are parked or being driven.
Woman testifies Anton Lazzaro gave her cash, gifts when she brought teens to him
A woman who admitted recruiting and grooming high school girls for a one-time Minnesota Republican Party operative said in trial testimony Thursday that Anton “Tony” Lazzaro gave her cash and expensive gifts in exchange for finding younger sex partners.
Climate change could shift maple syrup season
Spring has officially begun, which means maple syrup season is in full swing. But a sugarmaker at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum says the beginning and end of the season has fluctuated quite a bit as the climate changes.
Gun bills move past prior chokepoint in Minnesota Senate
For the first time in years, legislation to restrict guns has cleared a key Minnesota Senate committee. It’s just a first step because it’s unclear if the slim DFL Senate majority backs the bills. 
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 March 29. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Ann Ahmed, chef and owner of the restaurants Khâluna, Lat14 Asian Eatery and Lemongrass.
Growth amid 'ambiguous loss': How the pandemic has changed us
The pandemic has made it common for people to have endured extraordinarily difficult circumstances and lost something or someone dear to them. Without any sense of closure, that can be hard to deal with.
Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm reflects on three years of COVID-19 and looks toward the future
Three years ago, Gov. Tim Walz called for Minnesotans to “shelter in place” because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan was to flatten the curve, or decrease the number of people who were infected all at once so hospitals and ICUs were not totally overwhelmed. Today, there have been more than 1.7 million documented cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota.
30 invasive carp caught in Mississippi near Winona, largest upstream haul
Invasive carp compete with native species and pose a threat to Minnesota’s rivers and lakes. DNR officials said Thursday that while there’s no “silver bullet” remedy, they’re using “proven methods” to minimize the risk of spread.
Weekend weather: Dry in many areas; near-normal temps
We don’t expect much weather drama in Minnesota or western Wisconsin this weekend. We have your weekend weather details.
Suspect in Denver's East High School shooting is dead, authorities confirm
A 17-year-old student who shot two administrators at East High School on Wednesday has been found dead in a nearby county, local authorities said. One victim remains in critical condition.
Cooler-than-normal Thursday; warmer weather approaching
Thursday will again be below normal but with more sunshine, especially up north. Friday should be closer to normal temperatures. There are signs of warmer readings late next week.
Towns scores 22 in return as Timberwolves rally past Hawks
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 22 points in his long-awaited return from a strained right calf and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Atlanta Hawks 125-124. 
An alleged victim of top Minnesota Republican Party donor Tony Lazzaro testified in federal court Wednesday that Lazzaro paid her for sex after connecting with her on social media. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Decreasing clouds, still cooler than normal Thursday; warmer Friday
Thursday will bring decreasing clouds but still cooler than normal temperatures ranging from the upper 20s northwest to 40 in the southeast. Winds will be lighter. Expect a boost in temperatures Friday into the weekend.
5 planets could be visible in the night sky next week
On Monday and Tuesday, you may be able to catch a glimpse of Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Mars all at once.
Art Hounds: Grand Rapids show celebrates ‘keystone’ creatures in our environment
The “Keystone Characters” created by Layl McDill range in size from massive and tiny in her exhibit at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids. Plus, two Twin Cities dance theater companies have shows. Collide Theatrical Dance Company’s “SKOL!” tells the story of a female Viking warrior, and Out on a Limb Dance Theater Company and School perform a new adaptation of Dr. Dolittle.
Ahead of potentially historic flooding, here's what to know (and do) to prepare
The spring flooding season is on its way in Minnesota and could include major water level rises along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Here’s how to prepare — and help — if and when the water rises.
Scientists think they know why interstellar object 'Oumuamua moved so strangely
A strange comet-like object discovered over five years ago was the first known visitor from another solar system. Its movement was so odd that scientists struggled to explain it, until now.
Building off history: UMN symposium showcases queer culture through bandana art
The University of Minnesota is hosting a Queer and Trans Ecologies Symposium beginning March 23 and ending March 25. It will include panels and discussions, as well as showcase the national touring Queer Ecology Hanky Project.
Testimony begins in sex trafficking trial of GOP fundraiser, Anton Lazzaro
An alleged victim of top Minnesota Republican Party donor Tony Lazzaro testified in federal court Wednesday that Lazzaro paid her for sex after connecting with her on social media.