Stories from February 14, 2022

Roller coaster temperature week ahead
Get ready for more temperature roller coaster rides in the coming week.
A Mayo doctor warns lawmakers of long-haul COVID's health, economic toll
Some 2.2 million Americans may be unable to return to work because of long-haul COVID-19 symptoms, according to a Mayo Clinic expert. He warned state lawmakers to prepare for workplace disruptions and to support greater collaboration across health systems to improve research and access to care for long COVID.
Two of Minnesota's biggest school districts are heading toward a possible work stoppage, and Republicans float a parents bill of rights for public schools. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
MN Senate passes $2.7 billion bill to refill unemployment fund
A fast-tracked bill to prevent business tax increases by refilling the state’s COVID-19-drained unemployment insurance trust fund cleared the Senate Monday, but Democrats still want it linked to bonuses for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ukraine-Russia crisis: What to know as diplomacy steps up
Diplomatic efforts to head off what U.S. officials have warned could be an imminent Russian attack on Ukraine entered a new round on Monday. Here’s a look at what is happening where and why.
As the pandemic gathered steam in 2020, the food bank based in Fargo, N.D., experienced record demand, providing food for 17.7 million meals for nearly 146,000 people. 
The medical examiner says 34-year-old Stephen Christ Poissant, of Brainerd, died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during an encounter in Eden Valley early Saturday. ​
Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years
In tree ring records dating back to 800 A.D., the only multidecade drought that came close to today's was in the 1500s. Researchers say climate change is a factor and the U.S. must plan for less water.
MN Senate approves $1 million for ad campaign to recruit cops
The Minnesota Senate passed legislation that would spend $1 million on an effort to address the state’s shortage of law enforcement officers.
As state medical boards try to stamp out COVID misinformation, some in GOP push back
State medical boards have an obligation to investigate complaints about doctors, such as those who spread COVID misinformation. But in Tennessee and other states, lawmakers are saying “not so fast.”
Boosting the number of women anglers in Minnesota
Women Anglers of Minnesota hope to increase the number of women in Minnesota with fishing licenses in part through interactive events.
It hit 43 below up north. Here's why that's good for our trees.
Temperatures at 40 below zero up north and negative 20 around the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota produce high tree pest mortality rates.
Prosecutors look to wrap their case in trial of 3 officers connected to George Floyd's murder
The defense will then have its turn in the trial, which is in its fourth week. MPR News reporter Jon Collins has been covering the trial and joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about what to expect next.
U.S. women will face Canada in the Olympic hockey gold medal match
The U.S. women's ice hockey team defeated Finland 4-1 on Monday. The U.S. team will go up against its longtime rival, Canada, in the gold medal game later this week.
Rising health needs drive U's new effort to draw Native students to medical school
University of Minnesota Medical School leaders in Duluth say their new effort to boost the number of Native physicians and other health care workers is crucial to meeting a yawning need in an era of COVID-19 and other concerns.
It's not just home prices. Rents rise sharply across the U.S.
Renting a place to live is getting a lot more expensive, according to a survey that tracks rental listings across the biggest 50 U.S. cities.
 Meet the new dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Nisha Botchwey
Botchwey is the first Black woman and immigrant to lead the school. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke to Botchwey about her journey to America, her passion for social justice and the future of the Humphrey School.
Bright, chilly sunshine Monday; warmer Tuesday
Minnesota sees high temperatures Monday afternoon in the teens in the south and single digits north, about 10 degrees below normal. Tuesday highs will reach the low 30s in much of southern Minnesota with upper teens to 20s up north. Weather-wise, it’ll be a quiet week.
Ivan Reitman, the influential filmmaker and producer behind many of the most beloved comedies of the late 20th century, from “Animal House” to “Ghostbusters,” has died. He was 75.
Why some still believe the flat Earth conspiracy
The global pandemic launched a number of conspiracy theories, like the Bill Gates microchips and the cabal that created the vaccines for world domination. But it also resurrected a belief among some that the Earth is flat. Kerri Miller brings you a story of a flat-earther who tried to prove a flat planet.
The once-a-decade redrawing of political maps comes to a conclusion this week as a special court panel gets set to issue new legislative and congressional boundaries. The Legislature failed to get maps done. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, February 14, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
German leader in Ukraine as fears of Russian invasion grow
More NATO troops headed to Eastern Europe and some nations worked to move their citizens and diplomats out of Ukraine on Monday, as Germany’s chancellor made a last-ditch attempt to head off a feared Russian invasion that some warn could be just days away.
A cool Monday; milder Tuesday
Skies are clearing in the wake of Sunday evening’s snowfall. We picked up about one inch (officially 1.1 inches in the Twin Cities). Watch for some slick areas as temperatures are still pretty cold; mainly single digits.
George Floyd killing: Prosecution rests in federal trial of 3 ex-officers
Darnella Frazier, who was a teenager when she recorded Floyd's death while he was in the custody of Minneapolis police officers in 2020, was the last witness for the government in the federal trial.
Edwards' milestone game leads Timberwolves over Pacers
Anthony Edwards celebrated a milestone Sunday by scoring 37 points and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 129-120 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva cleared to keep competing at Beijing Olympics
The International Olympic Committee says it will abide by a decision that 15-year-old Kamila Valieva be allowed to skate in Beijing but if she wins "no medal ceremony will take place."
‘High-drama’ release of political maps to define Capitol week
The once-a-decade redrawing of political maps comes to a conclusion this week as a special court panel issues new legislative and congressional boundaries. The Legislature failed to get maps done.
U.S. women make monobob history at the 2022 Winter Olympics
This is gold medalist Kaillie Humphries first medal for the U.S. The champion previously won gold and bronze medals for her home country of Canada.
Eminem takes a knee during the Super Bowl halftime show
The rapper took a knee for about 50 seconds during the star-studded halftime performance. It came during a set from some of hip-hop's biggest stars.
Sunday evening snow; cool and bright on Monday
Most of us will see some Sunday evening snow, then we’ll have quiet weather on Monday. We have your forecast details for the week ahead.