Stories from April 4, 2023

Minnesota wild weather: Blizzard warnings, big waves, ice, rain, hail
Our latest weather mess is producing a remarkable array of precipitation types across Minnesota. We’re seeing everything from heavy snow and ice to rain, thunder, hail and even a severe weather risk across Minnesota.
Another major winter storm on the way, with up to 20 inches of snow forecast in northern Minnesota, and postponement of the Twins home opener. Also, opponents rally against the DFL-controlled legislature at the Capitol. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Washington state stockpiles thousands of abortion pills
Democratic state officials say they're ready to dispense thousands of mifepristone doses if access to the pill becomes difficult as a result of a pending federal lawsuit.
Finland joins NATO over Russia's objection
The Nordic nation's decision to join the defense alliance is seen as a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the Stimson Center's Emma Ashford argues it could have downsides for NATO too.
Joe Rainey's avant-garde powwow strikes a chord in the Midwest
Joe Rainey creates a unique fusion of powwow and experimental electronic music. He is from south Minneapolis and is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation. Rainey talked with MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer about his debut album, which has gotten quite the buzz both in the Midwest and nationally.
Undocumented and wondering how to file your taxes? Here’s a guide to filing federal and state taxes
Undocumented workers must apply for a taxpayer identification number that’s used to file federal and state taxes. A local tax preparer says addresses on tax forms are protected from being misused by immigration authorities.
Minnesota DNR says bald eagle pair is still defending site where EagleCam nest fell
The Minnesota DNR says the bald eagle pair is still defending the location where the EagleCam nest fell last weekend, raising hopes they may rebuild nearby. But officials also are looking at several alternative sites.
Autism Acceptance Month gives us a chance to move beyond awareness
April is Autism Acceptance Month. Most of us likely know someone who is on the autism spectrum, so Mayo Clinic family medicine physician Dr. Jay Sheree Allen joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about supporting the people with autism in our lives.
Trump charged with 34 felony counts in hush money scheme
Donald Trump conspired to undermine the 2016 election through a series of hush money payments designed to stifle claims that could be harmful to his candidacy, prosecutors said Tuesday in unsealing a historic 34-count felony indictment against the former president.
In a changing media landscape for LGBTQ publications, Lavender Magazine sticks around
There has been a spike in media publications for and about LGBTQ communities in the past 20 years. Stephen Rocheford knows that well. He is the CEO and president of Lavender, a bi-weekly print and online magazine for Minnesota’s LGBTQ and ally community. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with him about the changing media landscape for LGBTQ publications and what’s new at the magazine.
Rain, wind, snow, ice across Minnesota Tuesday; storms southeast
Snow showers will continue to fill in across central and northern Minnesota Tuesday morning, with rain in southern Minnesota. Wind gusts rise to 35-50 mph, with 60 mph possible along the North Shore. Freezing rain may fall from central Minnesota up through the North Shore.
Finland joins NATO in major blow to Russia over Ukraine war
Finland has joined the NATO military alliance, dealing a major blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a historic realignment of Europe's post-Cold War security landscape triggered by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. 
NHL's Pride nights collide with LGBTQ+ political climate
After six NHL players recently opted out of wearing rainbow-colored jerseys on their teams’ Pride nights for the first time, the league’s commissioner says it is weighing the future of the events.
Minnesota Court of Appeals rejects abortion challenge bid
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected an attempt by the Traverse County prosecutor to appeal a judge’s decision last year that threw out most of the state’s restrictions on abortion as unconstitutional. 
A powerful storm system is bearing down on the region and like last week's, it will include a little bit of everything -- rain, thunder, snow, sleet, ice and high winds. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Kepler, Gallo homer early, unbeaten Twins rout Marlins 11-1
Max Kepler hit a leadoff homer, Joey Gallo added a three-run shot and the Minnesota Twins routed the Miami Marlins 11-1 to remain unbeaten this season. Trevor Larnach also went deep and Tyler Mahle pitched five solid innings for the Twins, who swept their opening series in Kansas City and are 4-0 for the ninth time in franchise history. 
Golden Knights win 4-3 in SO, but Wild clinch playoffs
Pavel Dorofeyev scored twice in regulation, including the tying goal with 34.2 seconds left to send it to overtime and then had one of Vegas’ three scores in the shootout in the Golden Knights’ 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild who earned a postseason berth shortly after the game.
Donald Trump to surrender to history-making criminal charges
An extraordinary moment in U.S. history is scheduled to unfold in a New York City courthouse. Former President Donald Trump will surrender in Manhattan on Tuesday to face criminal charges stemming from 2016 hush money payments.
Duluth apartment-to-hotel conversion rankles residents, city officials
A Duluth developer’s plans to convert the second floor of an apartment building in the Lincoln Park Craft District into a boutique hotel has prompted a public outcry. Residents and city officials say it will cause the loss of badly needed housing units in a complex that was built with the help of a public subsidy.