Stories from March 29, 2023

The city of Minneapolis is holding listening sessions starting next month on where to build a future 3rd precinct building in south Minneapolis.   This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Michelle Wiley. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Phillips calls for armed guards in schools after Nashville shooting
In an interview on All Things Considered, Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips recognized he is an outlier among Democrats in calling for armed security at schools ”to provide a modicum of safety to our children.” But he said he is skeptical that much else can be done in the Republican-led House without significant public pressure.
 FDA approves Narcan for over-the-counter sales, here’s what you need to know
In 2021, 1,286 people in Minnesota died from drug overdoses, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, a 20 percent increase from 2020. On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Narcan nasal spray, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, would soon be available over the counter.
Mosquito season is on its way, and it'll likely be worse than the past couple of years
The bouts of drought these last couple of years have caused trouble for mosquitos. But with an snowier than usual winter making way for a wet spring, they’ll be coming back with a vengeance. Here’s how to prepare.
Minnesota schools in line for big funding year
The budget that Minnesota lawmakers are assembling is certain to deliver a giant aid boost to public schools. The question is how the money gets parceled out.
Where should Minneapolis build its new 3rd Precinct building?
Almost three years after abandoning the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd Precinct building, the city of Minneapolis will hold listening sessions to decide whether to keep the building at its former location or construct a new building several blocks away.
Two Harbors council nixes proposed townhomes
The Two Harbors City Council has rejected a concept plan to build high-end townhomes on Lighthouse Point along Lake Superior. The controversial proposal rekindled memories of a fight over a similar development 20 years ago.
Stephanie Burrage to become Minnesota’s first chief equity officer
Burrage is a deputy education commissioner who led a monthslong effort to convene Black leaders in Minnesota to write a state budget that better addresses their priorities.
25 years after Minnesota tornado outbreak, severe weather forecasting has advanced greatly
Wednesday marks 25 years since tornadoes ripped across southern Minnesota, causing major damage in Comfrey, St. Peter and other cities. Since then, forecasting severe weather has advanced significantly.
Following mild weather, spring thunderstorms forecasted to hit this weekend
Along with spring thunderstorms and severe weather on the horizon, MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner gave MPR News host Cathy Wurzer updates on spring flooding risks, snow melt, and warmer temperatures for the week.
Rain, ice, snow, thunder Friday; southern Minnesota may see severe weather
This system will bring a variety of mixed precipitation Thursday and Friday. Different parts of Minnesota will see rain, ice, snow and thunderstorms that could produce severe weather in southern Minnesota Friday.
A barge carrying methanol broke free in the Ohio River
“There is currently zero evidence of a tank breach or any leaks, and air and water monitoring resources are in place,” according to Louisville Metro Emergency Services in Kentucky.
'Face It': A safe space for men and boys to talk openly about mental health
Experts say that many men and boys don’t talk openly about their struggles, and that makes it hard for them to seek help. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two mental health professionals who work closely with men and boys.
Disability advocates have been closely watching the case of Cindy Hagen, who is quadriplegic and has been at Mayo Clinic’s Austin hospital since last summer. They say her case underscores continued challenges in the systems that surround people living with disabilities.
'Steve's Overpopulated One-Man Band' tells stories of life on the Iron Range
Steve Solkela is a master multitasker. He started playing accordion in high school and then kept adding instruments to his repertoire, including a bass drum and a trumpet. Solkela talked with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about playing in sub zero temperatures and writing songs about home.
Cold, sunny Wednesday; rain, snow, thunder Thursday into Friday
Expect cold sunshine Wednesday with well below-normal temperatures. A complex spring storm brings rain, thunder and snow Thursday into early Saturday. Severe storms are possible in far southern Minnesota late Thursday.
Minnesota social justice advocate Victor 'Vic' Rosenthal remembered as a generous mentor, friend
Victor “Vic” Rosenthal was a New York native who found a home in St. Paul, where he worked for racial justice, voting rights, gay marriage, rights for immigrants, affordable housing and other issues. He was 68.
Among the hundreds of volunteers filling sandbags along the banks of the St. Croix River in Stillwater, was at least one who helped save the town from a catastrophic flood in 1965. Others said they just wanted to pitch in. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer Music by Gary Meister.
Cold, bright Wednesday; windy with rain, snow, thunder developing Thursday
Temperatures will be 15 to 25 degrees colder than normal Wednesday with sunshine. Rain, snow and even thunder in far southern Minnesota develops Thursday afternoon; the first of two rounds of wintry precipitation into early Saturday.
At trial, Minnesota says e-cigarette maker Juul targets kids
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison personally opened the state’s lawsuit against Juul Labs and tobacco giant Altria. The state is seeking more than $100 million in damages.
Budding Wild star Boldy more willing to shoot, and it shows
Matt Boldy acknowledged in the aftermath of his second hat trick in five games that the puck these days feels as if it's automatically going in the net each time he shoots it.
Wisconsin school bans Miley Cyrus-Dolly Parton duet from class concert
Administrators at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha stopped a class from performing a Miley Cyrus-Dolly Parton duet promoting LGBTQ acceptance because the song "could be perceived as controversial."
'I want to do my part': Hundreds of Minnesotans volunteer in Stillwater flood effort
Among the hundreds of volunteers filling sandbags along the banks of the St. Croix River in Stillwater, was at least one who helped save the town from a catastrophic flood in 1965. Others said they just wanted to pitch in.
What we know about the deadly shooting at a Nashville elementary school
Authorities released graphic body camera footage showing the fatal confrontation between police and the shooter at the private religious school. Three children and three adults died in the attack.
Minnesota Twins unveil new made-in-Minnesota scoreboard
A massive 178-foot-wide, edgeless high-definition screen now towers over the left field stand. It’s big enough that it feels like players on the screen are an arm's length away, even standing at home plate.