Stories from February 10, 2022

Star Tribune editor returning to Louisiana's largest newspaper
The editor of Louisiana’s largest newspaper is retiring, and the new editor is a returning New Orleans native who comes to the job after heading the biggest newspaper in Minnesota. 
Police say they requested no-knock search warrants for a downtown Minneapolis apartment building last week because they feared for their safety. While entering one of the apartments, an officer fatally shot a man. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 10, 2022. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Blizzard warnings northwest, messy clipper overnight
It’s another upside-down temperature night in Minnesota. The warmest temperatures will occur overnight.
Minnesota Senate panel wants audit of Southwest light rail project
A Minnesota Senate committee advanced legislation Thursday to require the legislative auditor to take a close look at the troubled Southwest Corridor line.
Family of Amir Locke calls for ban on no-knock warrants
A partial ban on no-knock warrants is not enough to prevent police from killing innocent people, Amir Locke’s parents said Thursday. But leaders in the Minnesota Legislature say there need to be some cases where such warrants are allowed.
Police reform will get another look by Minneapolis City Council
Council member Elliott Payne wants to create a new department of public safety. But this time, he wants to keep MPD in place and not put the measure to a public vote.
The latest COVID surge is ebbing, but the ongoing lack of trust around public health may bring a future crisis, Michael Osterholm tells MPR News. “A public health mandate only works if people are willing to do it, and what you’re seeing is a general rebellion right now against this.”
Revisiting a conversation with one of The Oregon Trail's creators
Chances are you’ve played the legendary educational computer game “The Oregon Trail,” which turns 50 years old this month and was actually developed right here in Minnesota. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Paul Dillenberger, one of the three co-creators of the original game, to take a look at its history and impact.
Here's why mask mandates are falling across the U.S.
The CDC still recommends masks in indoor settings, with stronger masks such as N95s or KN95s as the best options. State officials say the main reason for easing mandates is the downturn in hospitalizations and infections, even in places that have the most stringent rules. 
Shot of snow coming for Twin Cities afternoon commute
A clipper brings snow to much of Minnesota Thursday. Highest accumulations favor northern Minnesota.
Minnesotans showing strong performance at Olympics
It’s been a busy 24 hours for Minnesota athletes at the Beijing Winter Games. Here’s a look at the results and standings.
Osterholm: COVID conditions better, but virus 'not done with us'
The latest COVID surge is ebbing, but the ongoing lack of trust around public health may bring a future crisis, Michael Osterholm tells MPR News. “A public health mandate only works if people are willing to do it, and what you’re seeing is a general rebellion right now against this.”
Weekend forecast: Cold, with a chance of flakes Saturday evening
Our weekend will feature cold temps and plenty of sunshine. Some spots will see flakes Saturday evening. And we have an update on our Thursday snow potential.
'Open' explores polyamorous relationships through personal experience
“Bustle” editor Rachel Krantz's memoir is a sincere and curious reckoning with the cultural messaging we all receive about gendered expectations and power dynamics in romantic and sexual relationships.
POST board chair: No-knock warrants ‘just need to be banned’
No-knock search warrants are under renewed scrutiny following the fatal police shooting of 22-year-old Amir Locke. The chair of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training says this type of search should be prohibited statewide.
Minneapolis, St. Paul end vaccination-or-test order for bars, eateries
The cities last month began requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter public places serving food and drink. With the current surge waning, the mayors on Thursday rescinded the controversial orders. Public masking mandates remain in place.
A Valentine's Day comedy sketch
Valentine’s Day: It's a celebration of love and happiness — but also a source of pain and yearning. On yet another Feb. 14, producer and comedian Alex Cheng submitted this sketch about the darker side of the holiday.
Snow Thursday afternoon; temps above freezing overnight
Temperatures warm into Thursday evening, moving from mostly single digits and teens to the 30s for the southern half of Minnesota. By early Saturday morning, most of Minnesota will be back below zero.
'Cost of Living' considers the real price of the U.S. health care system
Emily Maloney's essay collection is an indictment of the exorbitant costs of staying alive in America, and the weight of being hounded by a debt that reduces your life to dollars and cents.
U.S. inflation jumped 7.5 percent in the past year, a 40-year high
Inflation soared over the past year at its highest rate in four decades, hammering America’s consumers, wiping out pay raises and reinforcing the Federal Reserve’s decision to begin raising borrowing rates across the economy.
Sabonis' double-double leads Kings past Timberwolves 132-119
Harrison Barnes scored 30 points, Domantas Sabonis had 22 points and 14 rebounds in his Kings debut and Sacramento pulled away late to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-119.
Minneapolis authorities say a school bus driver was shot in the head Wednesday afternoon while on the bus, but that the driver’s wound appeared to be non-life-threatening. Three children apparently younger than 10 were on board but unhurt, according to a city statement. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, February 10, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Snow for the evening commute; above freezing overnight
Despite a cooler start early Thursday, temperatures will rapidly warm late as a clipper system brings snow and above freezing temperatures by evening with the possibility of light rain overnight Thursday night. It will be another windy day as well.
Lieutenant: Officers should have intervened in Floyd killing
Former officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane are charged with failing to provide medical care to George Floyd in May 2020. Thao and Kueng also are charged with failing to intervene with their colleague Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. 
Art Hounds: Take your Valentine to the theater
Bucket Brigade times the end of its 10th anniversary run of “Till Death: A Marriage Musical” to Valentine’s Day. Theatre in the Round stages “Marjorie Prime,” an award-winning play that brings a sci-fi lens to aging and memory. And singer/songwriter John Gorka performs at the State Theatre in Zumbrota.
Scientists seek funding to look for toxic tire chemical in Minnesota waters
Minnesota scientists are seeking funding to investigate if a toxic chemical from tires is harming popular fish species. Researchers in Washington state have linked the recently discovered chemical in rubber tires to the sudden deaths of coho salmon.
U.S. snowboarder Chloe Kim makes history winning second Olympic halfpipe gold
Kim dominated the leaderboard after her stellar first run at the women's snowboard halfpipe event on Thursday, Feb. 10 in Beijing. She's the first woman to win multiple Olympic golds in the halfpipe.