Stories from March 25, 2024

Storm continues; wind-driven snow Tuesday morning for Twin Cities
Our record March storm is not over yet. Snow continues in central and northern Minnesota. Rain will change to snow on Tuesday morning in the Twin Cities.
Child abuse images get Pine City man 29-year sentence
In court documents, prosecutors wrote that Caleb Vincent McLaughlin, 27, lied about his age and used multiple social media platforms to contact hundreds of girls between the ages of 11 and 17 and “used this scheme to successfully groom and rape minor victims for years.”
The winter storm has transitioned to rain in southern Minnesota. But it still feels very wintry up north. Minnesotans should prepare for the possibility of an icy commute as the weather gets colder. Also, Minnesota lawmakers plan to put forward $109 million to help counties repay people whose property was forfeited then sold due to unpaid taxes. The move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Hennepin County violated a woman’s rights when it sold her property for more than she owed in taxes and kept the windfall. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Finally, snow! Minnesota’s north country celebrates March storm
The biggest winter storm of the season slammed the Brainerd Lakes area, Duluth and the North Shore of Lake Superior. Heavy snow closed schools and caused dangerous travel conditions. It also provided a last dose of winter fun that many people had longed for.
What to know about the Moscow concert attack and what’s next in the case
Russia is still reeling from Friday's attack. Authorities have confirmed at least 137 dead. Suspects, some showing signs of torture, have been charged. Here are other key developments.
Israel cancels high-level talks in Washington after cease-fire vote clears the U.N.
The Security Council voted 14-0 in favor of a resolution demanding a cease-fire through the end of Ramadan in two weeks. The United States abstained from the vote, allowing the measure to pass.
Staying safe while shoveling wet, heavy snow
The combination of cold weather and strenuous exercise puts extra strain on your heart and can trigger a heart attack.
Minnesota lawmakers could OK $109 million for property owners over sales of forfeited parcels
Minnesota lawmakers are planning to set aside money to pay for a legal settlement over property forfeitures. A $109 million line item was part of a broader budget framework approved by legislative leaders last week.
Meet the people moving to Minnesota
Explore Minnesota’s new advertising campaign is trying to lure new residents from other states. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what’s drawing people to Minnesota — from job seekers to climate refugees to people attracted to the state's more liberal laws and policies.
Messy storm continues into Tuesday. More snow and rain on the way
Snow has turned to rain in southern Minnesota as warmer air is drawn into the storm. Expect periods of rain Monday from the Twin Cities to the south. Heavy snow will continue in northern Minnesota and the North Shore. 
Schools have canceled or delayed classes across the region Monday as Minnesota deals with a spring snow storm. And a federal grand jury has indicted a second man on human smuggling charges after a family of four from India was found frozen to death two years ago while trying to cross into Minnesota from Canada.
Kevin Hart takes home his Mark Twain Prize for American humor
Kevin Hart received the 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center Sunday night. Fellow comedians Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and Chelsea Handler were there to roast him.
What one horticulturist has to say about pesticide residue on produce
It can be confusing for shoppers to wade through the bounty of information about the differences between organic and conventional produce. An expert clears the air on some common questions.
Monday storm updates: Rain and slush in southern Minnesota; snow continues north
Snow changed over to rain in the Twin Cities early Monday morning leaving a slushy, slippery mess on streets and sidewalks. To the north, snow continued to fall — with more than a foot in some locations by midday.
This week, Walz heads to Owatonna for on-the-road State of State speech
Gov. Tim Walz’s speech at a high school in Owatonna is not the first time he’s given the speech away from the Capitol, but it’s the first one he’ll be off campus with an audience.
Snow day: School and college cancellations, delays across Minnesota on Monday
A winter storm continues to affect the region. Dozens of school districts and colleges across Minnesota and in neighboring states have canceled classes, moved to online learning or opted to start classes two hours late on Monday.