Stories from February 2, 2022

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the death of a man shot by Minneapolis police during a confrontation in the city’s downtown this morning. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 2, 2022. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
The 2022 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon — covering 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage — is officially over. Musher Colleen Wallin, who came in third place (just ahead of her son, who finished fourth), told host Cathy Wurzer why it was one of her most memorable races ever.
For Colleen Wallin, the grueling, 300-mile Beargrease sled dog race is a family affair
The 2022 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon — covering 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage — is officially over. Musher Colleen Wallin, who came in third place, told host Cathy Wurzer why it was one of her most memorable races ever.
So you've got COVID. Here's what to do
Omicron is still spreading and it's crazy contagious. Experts share seven steps to deal with an infection, protect your household from getting sick and stay sane in the process.
Reporter Tim Nelson on fatal police shooting of a man in Mpls. while on duty
Wednesday morning, police killed a man in downtown Minneapolis while serving warrants related to a St. Paul homicide. MPR News reporter Tim Nelson who covers the story brings host Cathy Wurzer updates from a press conference with city officials about the incident.
Richfield shooting prompts lawmakers to pledge cooperation on public safety
Minnesota state government leaders say this week's fatal shooting outside of a Richfield school was a tragedy and further reason to make public safety a top priority for the 2022 legislative session. But the divided Legislature has competing proposals.
What is COVID immunity, and how do you know if you have it?
Many people hope they’re now “immune” to COVID-19 through either vaccination or recovering from a COVID-19 infection. But what does immunity mean? MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with an immunologist and an infectious disease doctor about the complicated ways our bodies mount a defense against the virus.
How do school closures affect kids' mental health?
Almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re starting to learn more about the toll distance learning takes on kids' mental health. To talk about findings from a new study review in JAMA Pediatrics, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen.
Updates on the shooting outside a Richfield school from reporter Matt Sepic
On Tuesday a 15-year-old student was killed in a shooting outside a Richfield, Minn., alternative school. Matt Sepic joined host Cathy Wurzer with the latest details from city officials Wednesday morning.
Federal trial delayed as one of the three ex-cops tests positive for COVID
The federal trial in St. Paul of three former Minneapolis police officers was interrupted on Wednesday morning after the judge overseeing the case announced that one of the defendants had tested positive for COVID-19. The three are charged in federal court with violating George Floyd’s civil rights.
Minneapolis police kill man while serving search warrant
Minneapolis SWAT officers serving a warrant Wednesday morning connected to a St. Paul homicide encountered a man with a handgun as they entered a downtown apartment. An officer shot and killed him, the city’s interim police chief said.
Hennepin sheriff says he won't seek reelection following drunken crash
Sheriff David Hutchinson was facing calls from Gov. Tim Walz and others to resign after driving drunk at high speeds and crashing his official SUV in December.
Biden sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension
President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Poland and Germany this week and sending part of an infantry Stryker squadron of roughly 1,000 troops based in Germany to Romania.
Feeding Our Future director blames education department for food aid probe
Aimee Bock blames a feud with the Minnesota Department of Education for a federal probe into alleged misuse of food aid. Her lawyer says documents seized by the FBI will prove her point and predicts she won’t be charged.
Colder Wednesday night before warming up this weekend
Highs Wednesday will only be in the single digits in the southeast part of the state, including the Twin Cities, but stay subzero for most of western and northern Minnesota. Saturday brings a return to 30s in southern Minnesota and 20s in northern Minnesota.
'The Family Chao' is a riveting story of identity and belonging
There are notable parallels to “The Brothers Karamazov” in Lan Samantha Chang's new novel about three brothers and the contentious relationship between them and their domineering father.
Washington's NFL team unveils new name as Commanders
Washington’s NFL team is now known as the Commanders. The new name was unveiled 18 months after the once-storied franchise dropped its old moniker following decades of criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans and under fresh pressure from sponsors.
As Russia tensions boil, U.S. farmer remains jailed in Ukraine
An American farmer is jailed in Ukraine on charges he attempted to assassinate a former business partner who is now a government minister. The family of Kurt Groszhans says the charges are bogus and designed to stifle his claims of corruption.
Richfield police say one student has died and another was critically injured after a shooting outside the city’s South Education Center Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say two suspects are in custody. This is an MPR news morning update for Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Ex-Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores accuses NFL of racial discrimination in lawsuit
Flores alleges that the league is "managed much like a plantation" charging that its 32 owners, none of whom are Black, profit from the labor of its players, 70 percent of whom are African American.
Doctor expected to testify in trial of 3 cops in Floyd death
A medical doctor from out-of-state was expected to be among the government's next witnesses as testimony continues in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s rights.
A frigid couple days, then rapid weekend warming
A frigid air mass and a biting wind will greet you outside early Wednesday. Temperatures are back below zero. Temperatures in the minus 20s are prevalent in northwest Minnesota while the southeastern corner is hanging on to readings barely above zero.
When can babies and kids under age 5 get their shots? Here's the timeline
The first big hurdle was crossed when Pfizer shared its clinical trial data with the FDA. Now there are five more steps get through before this vulnerable population can finally be vaccinated.
Jensen tops GOP straw poll, and 2021 fundraising
Former state Sen. Scott Jensen bested a field of half a dozen Republicans running for governor in a straw poll of precinct caucus-goers Tuesday night. He also raised more money than his GOP rivals in 2021. 
Feds' contract with Pfizer for Paxlovid has some surprises
NPR has obtained the government's $5.3 billion contract for the first 10 million courses of Paxlovid, an antiviral pill for COVID-19. Here's what's in it.
Millions stockpiled for Minnesota's 2022 election fight
DFL Gov. Tim Walz has a big fundraising edge over his GOP rivals going at the start of this election year, according to newly filed reports. Attorney General Keith Ellison is in a much tighter fundraising race.
Even if he gets sick, don't serve Aron Woldeslassie soup
MPR News producer and comedian Aron Woldeslassie recently came down with what was thankfully a mild case of COVID-19. But he had to deal with an unexpected issue: an overabundance of soup served by concerned loved ones.
Why Du Nord's founder says 2020 and 2021 were both the worst and best years of his life
Du Nord Social Spirits in south Minneapolis was the first licensed Black-owned distillery in the United States. Chris Montana, Du Nord’s co-founder and CEO, joined host Cathy Wurzer for a conversation about his story, the story of Du Nord and why he created a foundation in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.