Stories from March 27, 2023

Recently arrived Ukrainians in Minneapolis head to Mississippi to help tornado victims
Answering the call from small relief organizations in northern Mississippi after a series of tornadoes swept through the area, seven Ukrainians who recently arrived in Minneapolis are heading south.
Final three alleged trafficking victims testify against former GOP operative, Anton Lazzaro
Federal prosecutors are expected to rest their case Tuesday in the sex trafficking trial of Anton “Tony” Lazzaro, 32, a former Minnesota Republican Party operative and top donor who’s charged with paying five minors for sex. On Monday, the final three alleged victims, and the mother of one, testified for the government.
Abby Grossberg, a producer for Tucker Carlson and Maria Bartiromo, alleges Fox News attorneys coerced her to lie under oath in a defamation case against the network. Fox fired her on Friday.
Minnesota suit against e-cigarette maker Juul goes to trial
Attorney General Keith Ellison is slated to lead off opening statements expected for Tuesday in his state's lawsuit against Juul Labs – marking the first time any of the thousands of cases against the e-cigarette maker over its alleged marketing to young people is going to play out in a courtroom.
Next rain-snow chance lurks Thursday into Saturday
Chilled sunshine through Wednesday. Then another rain and snow chance.
Health and environmental advocates Monday urged state lawmakers to pass legislation regulating so-called "forever chemicals."   One bill moving through the Legislature would ban non-essential uses of PFAS in children's products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss and other products.  This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Flood watch silver lining: Slow thaw easing snow melt runoff, so far
The frequent freeze-thaw cycles mean the 2 to 7 inches of water that were trapped in the snow cover are releasing more slowly into area rivers, and that may be slightly easing our significant flood risk this spring.
Lazzaro trial update: Fourth day of sex trafficking case
Testimony resumed Monday morning in the sex trafficking trial of Tony Lazzaro, a former political operative and top donor to the Minnesota Republican Party. Lazzaro is charged with sex trafficking five minors, girls who were 15 and 16 years old. MPR News reporter Matt Sepic has been following the case and he joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Volunteer pilots fly patients seeking abortions to states where it's legal
It can be a lifeline for patients who can't afford the time or costs of driving or flying commercially. It's an example of the unconventional tactics of abortion rights groups in a post-Roe America.
'Forever chemicals' pose serious health risks. Here's what Minnesota can do to address them
Lawmakers and activists gathered Monday morning in support of tougher restrictions on a suite of chemicals known as PFAS, or forever chemicals. This comes days after state agencies asked lawmakers for more than $45 million dollars for cleanup and management of PFAS.
How Minnesota's lack of technology education contributes to tech job gap
Two Minnesota technology experts joined MPR News host Angela Davis to talk about why giant companies are laying off so many workers, and what’s being done to address the gap between open tech jobs and a lack of skilled workers in our state.
Old buildings can carry a lot of meaning for some people. That's why a group in Homer Township near Winona, Minn. is organizing to save their old town hall building. Jeanne Nelson is a retired schoolteacher who lives in Homer. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her efforts and why the building is so special to her.
Train derails in rural North Dakota and spills chemical south of Fargo
Authorities say there is no threat to public safety, and there were no injuries or fire. Over 30 of the 70 cars on the train left the tracks around 11:15 p.m. Sunday, and some of the cars leaked liquid asphalt. But there are no waterways near where the derailment happened.
Jury selection begins in Minnesota lawsuit against e-cigarette company Juul
Jury selection begins in the state of Minnesota’s lawsuit against e-cigarette company Juul and tobacco giant Altria, which used to own part of Juul. Out of dozens of states that sued Juul beginning in 2019, Minnesota is the only one that did not settle.
Police: Nashville shooter bought 7 guns before school attack
Nashville police released video Tuesday from a body-worn camera that shows a team of officers entering and searching an elementary school, then confronting and opening fire on an assailant who had murdered three children and three adults in the latest school shooting to roil the nation.
What we know about the Monticello nuclear plant tritium leak
State and Xcel officials announced earlier this month that 400,000 gallons of water contaminated with tritium leaked from a water pipe between two buildings at the the Monticello nuclear power plant. MPR News asked what questions you have about tritium, water safety and nuclear power. Here’s what we found out.
Below-normal temps, some snow showers; larger system late this week
Below-normal temperatures will continue to prevail this week but so will a slow thaw. Snow showers will bring a coating of snow to central and northern Minnesota Tuesday into Tuesday night. A larger storm could bring more rain and snow Thursday into Saturday.
Fatal crash closes stretch of Highway 62 near Twin Cities airport
One person died in a crash early Monday that prompted a lengthy closure of a stretch of State Highway 62 — the Crosstown — near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Brooklyn Center police say at least six people were wounded when dozens of gunshots were fired in a parking lot Sunday night.
Last week Lazzaro's co-defendant Gisela Castro Medina testified that she and a friend met him on a so-called sugar daddy site, and he later paid her more than $50,000 to use social media to seek out and groom potential sex partners. This is an MPR news morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Quiet start to week; midweek snow chance and possible late week storm
Temperatures will be cooler than normal this week still with a chance of a coating of snow Tuesday night. A more significant system will bring rain and snow to Minnesota late this week.
Don't call them 'witch hunts.' Most Americans say investigations into Trump are fair
The latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll shows that a majority of Americans do not want former President Donald Trump to hold that office again, as his campaign for 2024 is in full swing.
Towns makes 2 late 3-pointers, lifts Wolves over Warriors
Karl-Anthony Towns hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 11 seconds to play after Kyle Anderson stole a pass by Draymond Green, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Golden State Warriors 99-96 to keep things interesting in the wild Western Conference playoff standings.
Tereza Vanisova scored 4:23 into overtime, and the Premier Hockey Federation’s Isobel Cup is heading to Canada for the first time in its eight-year history following the Toronto Six’s 4-3 win over the Minnesota Whitecaps.
Walz family trades Summit Ave. for lakeside home during renovation
When Gov. Tim Walz and his family temporarily relocate during an official residence renovation, they’ll trade St. Paul for a lakeside suburban home — owned by a former Republican Senate candidate.
Legislature sets out to build a budget  — a big one
A slew of bills that would make up the next two-year budget will be released this week. The Legislature will aim to pass initial versions in April and deliver final agreements to Gov. Tim Walz in May.
The FDIC says First Citizens Bank will acquire Silicon Valley Bank
First Citizens will buy Silicon Valley Bank, the tech industry-focused financial institution that collapsed earlier this month, rattling the banking industry and sending shockwaves around the world.
Mississippi and Alabama face a painful recovery after storms and a tornado killed 26
President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for Mississippi. Officials said dozens were injured, while hundreds were displaced. More bad weather is expected in the Southeast into Monday.