Stories from January 19, 2022

Who are the 3 officers on trial in George Floyd's death?
Thomas Lane and J. Kueng were the first officers to respond to a report that Floyd had tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill, and they helped Derek Chauvin restrain Floyd. Tou Thao, the second-most senior officer on the scene, held back a group of bystanders shouting at the officers to get off Floyd.
Supreme Court allows Jan. 6 committee to get Trump documents
In a rebuff to former President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court is allowing the release of presidential documents sought by the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.
State sues COVID testing operation and Vikings are weighing a diverse pool for their general manager job. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
17 hospitals had no room for this COVID patient. He later died waiting for dialysis
A beloved pizzeria owner in Brimfield, Mass., had COVID-19 and needed dialysis, but it wasn't available at the hospital where he died. The health system is "breaking down," a hospital CEO says.
5 winter camping tips to get you out and about in the snow
Interested in winter camping? Check out these tips from Kurt Mead, an interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore, and avid outdoorswoman Miah Ulysse.
Formula shortages stressing out some Minnesota parents
The shortages, caused by pandemic-related supply chain problems, are not widespread. But for some parents, the search to find formula can mean multiple trips to stores.
Minn. AG Ellison sues COVID testing operation over flawed results
Minnesota’s attorney general sued two Illinois-based testing companies, claiming they issued false results or withheld data all together from people trying to determine their COVID-19 status.
June 13 date set for state trial for 3 cops in Floyd's death
A state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd has been rescheduled for June 13, after both the defense and prosecutors requested a postponement.
Opinion: 5 steps we must take to vaccinate the world's vulnerable — and end the pandemic
Three doctors present their proposal to get vaccines to everyone in the world. "We already have the resources, knowledge and systems," they write. Global leaders just have to make it happen.
How to strengthen your relationship during the pandemic
MPR News guest host Twila Dang talks with a relationships and dating writer and a marriage and family therapist about navigating love and strengthening our relationships during the pandemic.
As omicron continues to race through Minnesota, we all have questions about how to stay safe and what comes next. Dr. Melanie Swift of Mayo Clinic joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer more listener questions about the pandemic.
Bright side: Minnesota rapidly gaining daylight now
Daylight is rapidly increasing now in Minnesota. Soon it will be light until 6 p.m. on clear evenings.
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen on diet and exercise in the new year
Many of us greet the new year with a resolution to eat healthier and get more active. Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen told host Cathy Wurzer that the key to making that work is to think long term.
Co-op to receive power from largest wind farm in ND
A Minnesota-based cooperative plans to receive power from what is expected to be the largest stand-alone wind farm in North Dakota.
The big picture: A conversation about the future of work
This week, as we step into a new year, we’re looking to the future of big issues in America. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer talked with Minneapolis futurist Jack Uldrich about the future of work.
A doctor answers questions on COVID tests, future variants and more
As omicron continues to race through Minnesota, we all have questions about how to stay safe and what comes next. Dr. Melanie Swift of Mayo Clinic answered our Minnesota Now audience questions about the pandemic.
Nationwide study will examine the effects of regenerative agriculture
An ambitious new study aims to track the effects of regenerative agriculture on 1,000 farms across the country. Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming practices focusing on soil health and enhanced biodiversity.
'Manifesto' is a story of dreams made real by never giving up
One of the foremost writers of the age, Bernardine Evaristo unwinds her career and life — giving us a nonfiction bildungsroman that is a towering monument to the creative life of Black women.
Arctic air arrives, subzero wind chills into Friday
The next two weeks deliver multiple shots of subzero arctic air into the Upper Midwest. The first shot came in with shocking speed. Temperatures could reach minus 30 in northern Minnesota Thursday morning.
Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks starting next week
The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to Americans starting next week. The step comes after federal officials emphasized the masks' better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings.
Marking the end of his first year in office with a wide-ranging formal press conference, President Joe Biden said it had been "a year of challenges, but also a year of enormous progress," citing statistics on vaccinations, job creation and cuts to child poverty.
The package of public construction projects is the opening bid in a regular-session debate over infrastructure. It faces a tough sell in the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Optum again a big revenue driver for UnitedHealth in 2021
UnitedHealth Group posted strong fourth-quarter earnings led by double-digit growth in its Optum division. The largest U.S. health insurer posted fourth quarter net income Wednesday of $4.07 billion, or $4.26.
Towns' three-point play helps Wolves edge Knicks 112-110
Karl-Anthony Towns converted a go-ahead three-point play with 29 seconds leftt and the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the New York Knicks 112-110. 
A push to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks gains momentum
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., doesn't trade stocks, but thinks lawmakers should be able to pick individual stocks. The top House Republican backs a new ban amid a bipartisan push for reform.
Some rural co-ops embrace renewable energy, keep rates flat
Although rural co-ops in the past have depended heavily on electricity generated by fossil fuels, some are now embracing renewable energy, driven by the falling cost of wind and solar as well as the demands of their green-minded members.
Inflation fears are sparking a big drop in markets. Here are 3 things to know
Bond and stock markets have tumbled this year as inflation continues to surge. The Federal Reserve has already indicated it will need to raise interest rates. The question is: Will that be enough?