Stories from February 8, 2022

Charges have been filed in the St. Paul murder case that led cops to Amir Locke shooting. Lock’s cousin, a 17-year-old, was arrested in Winona yesterday for the January killing. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Omicron continues pain for event businesses in MN, still not back to normal
The live event and hospitality industries have been hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. But they say they have been, for the most part, left out of the financial aid many others have received.
House Democrats say they will work to limit no-knock warrants
In the wake of the police killing of Amir Locke, Democrats in the Minnesota House say they will propose legislation sharply limiting the use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement officers.
A doctor answers questions about COVID-19 immunity, additional boosters and more
What do we know about the sister variant of omicron? Does someone recovered from COVID-19 have immunity for 90 days? Will we have to get another booster? These questions and more, answered by Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Melanie Swift.
Is the worst of winter's cold behind us?
Fewer subzero temperatures and more frequent thaws are ahead for Minnesota.
Biden: Child credit money is available via tax returns
The Biden administration wants families with children to know that there is roughly $193 billion waiting for them — all they need to do is file their taxes to claim it.
How evictions can have lasting impacts on health, housing and poverty
Evictions have increased in Minnesota since the moratorium began to phase out in 2021. That can have yearslong repercussions on people’s mental and physical health, educational outcomes and more. Host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the lasting impacts of evictions.
Even divorce might not free you from your ex's student loan debt
A short-lived program in the early 2000s allowed married couples to consolidate their student loans for a lower interest rate. Now, with no legal way to separate the loans, some want changes.
Why buying a car is still such a miserable experience right now
Car buyers today continue to face fewer choices and much higher prices — and cheap vehicles are especially hard to find. It's not just that there are fewer cars; the ones being made are fancier, too.
Locke killing: Teen charged in St. Paul shooting tied to no-knock warrant
A 17-year-old is facing murder charges connected to a Jan. 10 fatal shooting in St. Paul. The investigation of that case led to the no-knock police entry last week in Minneapolis where an officer killed Amir Locke. The 17-year-old is Locke's cousin, documents say.
Mild workweek weather: 30s and 40s, chance of snow and rain
Minnesota sees its warmest day in three weeks, with highs in the 30s across most of Minnesota Tuesday afternoon with highs near 50 in the southwest. Expect a snow coating Tuesday night in northern Minnesota with an evening sprinkle or flurry in the Twin Cities.
'The Power of the Dog' and 'Dune' nab the most 2022 Oscar nominations
Jane Campion's and Denis Villeneuve's films got the highest amount of nominations, 12 and 10 each. “Drive My Car,” from Japan, got nominated for both Best Picture and Best International Feature.
The move follows the police killing of Amir Locke during a SWAT team raid at a Minneapolis apartment last week. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Soaring to 40 degrees Tuesday, mild through Friday
Temperatures warm up to near 40 degrees in the Twin Cities and across much of southern Minnesota on Tuesday. High temperatures Tuesday afternoon will warm up above freezing all the way to the international border. Parts of southwest Minnesota will even reach 50.
Diplomatic shuttle: Macron in Kyiv after Putin talks
Diplomatic efforts to defuse the tensions around Ukraine continued on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron arriving in Kyiv the day after hours of talks with the Russian leader in Moscow yielded no apparent breakthroughs.
Paying bills or buying masks: Simple living with COVID is hitting some Americans hard
As the human toll of the coronavirus continues to mount, so does the cost that comes from living during a pandemic. For some, it means choosing between paying bills or buying masks just to stay safe.
Testimony: If cops did CPR soon after Floyd stopped breathing, survival more likely
Prosecutors have tried to demonstrate to jurors that the three former Minneapolis police ignored their training and department policies when they assisted officer Derek Chauvin in restraining George Floyd. Defense attorneys have questioned whether Minneapolis training adequately prepared the officers to intervene.
MN farmers warned to prepare for deadly avian influenza
Minnesota is the leading producer of turkeys in the country, producing more than 40 million birds a year. Millions of poultry on Minnesota farms died as the result of an influenza outbreak in 2015.
Governors in 4 states plan for end to school mask mandates
The decisions in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon were announced Monday as state and local governments grapple with which COVID-19 restrictions to jettison and which ones to keep in place. 
Minneapolis council questions Frey on 'no-knock' warrants policy
Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that his prior policy ended the practice of police entering unannounced, yet admitted it was not a total ban.
Activist DeRay Mckesson to help with the no-knock policy in Minneapolis
Civil rights activist and podcast host DeRay Mckesson is credited with helping a number of states and localities pass laws banning no-knock warrants. He’s been enlisted by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s administration to work on public safety policy.