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Stories from February 15, 2022

For the first time, an officer in the George Floyd case takes the stand in his own defense

For the first time, an officer in the George Floyd case takes the stand in his own defense. Also, Minnesota gets a new political map, setting off a surge of local politicking. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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If you're finding this stage of the pandemic especially confusing, you're not alone

If you're finding this stage of the pandemic especially confusing, you're not alone

It's another discombobulating moment in the pandemic, with conflicting signs of where the virus is heading and what people should do about it on a daily basis. If you feel that way, you're not alone.
by Rob Stein

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Biden: Defending Ukraine liberty could cause U.S. economy pain

Biden: Defending Ukraine liberty could cause U.S. economy pain

“The American people understand that defending democracy and liberty is never without cost,” the U.S. president said, adding, “I will not pretend this will be painless.”
by The Associated Press

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New music, upcoming concerts and the popularity of old songs

New music, upcoming concerts and the popularity of old songs

MPR News host Angela Davis discusses the popularity of old music and what that means for the music industry with music journalist David Menconi. And she talks with The Current’s program director Jim McGuinn about what local artists he’s listening to and what concerts and events are coming up in the Twin Cities.
by Angela Davis and Samantha Matsumoto

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Ask a COVID doc: A delay in Pfizer's vaccine for young kids and keeping your family safe

The omicron variant has peaked in Minnesota, but there are still many people across the state getting COVID. And the Pfizer vaccine for kids under the age of five has hit a snag, delaying relief for parents. Dr. Melanie Swift from Mayo Clinic joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer your questions.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes

'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes

When a Stradivarius is stolen just as the Black violinist who owns it steps into the classical spotlight, Ray McMillian must search both inward and outward to find the source of his talent.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Amid rush to Minn. lakes, calls to require boater education get louder

Amid rush to Minn. lakes, calls to require boater education get louder

A sharp interest in boating during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concern over safety and environmental impacts have led to calls for a required education course for adults to operate a boat in Minnesota.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Amir Locke’s funeral set for Thursday

Amir Locke’s funeral set for Thursday

The 22-year-old Black man’s funeral will be Thursday at the Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis, with remarks from Rev. Al Sharpton. Locke was killed by police during a search warrant where he was not named.
by Tim Nelson

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New political district maps shake up Minnesota politics

New political district maps shake up Minnesota politics

New congressional and legislative district maps released by a judicial panel Tuesday set the field for candidates to run on for the next 10 years. Some of the biggest changes in the new map come to Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District.
by Tim Pugmire and David H. Montgomery

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Minnesota's newest agricultural specialty: Crickets?

Minnesota's newest agricultural specialty: Crickets?

Pat and Madeline Revier run Revier Family Farms, a cricket farm in Moorhead, Minn. There, they raise over a million crickets for human and animal consumption.
by Cathy Wurzer

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South winds bring milder air Tuesday; colder Wednesday, Thursday

South winds bring milder air Tuesday; colder Wednesday, Thursday

Blustery south-southeast winds will push temperatures higher Tuesday but also create some snow showers for northern Minnesota, with most places seeing a coating to one-half inch. Colder air returns Wednesday and Thursday.
by Sven Sundgaard

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U.S. to face Slovakia in Olympic men's hockey quarterfinals

U.S. to face Slovakia in Olympic men's hockey quarterfinals

The top-seeded United States will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament at the Beijing Olympics. Slovakia beat Germany 4-0 to knock the defending silver medalists out of the tournament.
by The Associated Press

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For Olympic curling skips, lost voice is occupational hazard

For Olympic curling skips, lost voice is occupational hazard

Tabitha Peterson is fighting a tricky and troublesome injury as she tries to guide the U.S. women’s curling team to the Olympic medal round. The American skip is losing her voice.
by The Associated Press

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Mild, windy Tuesday; snow showers north

Mild, windy Tuesday; snow showers north

The cold, arctic air is still clinging onto far northeastern Minnesota early Tuesday. Temperatures are in the 20s below zero for some spots. Most of us are considerably warmer with teens in the south and a strong southeast wind already blowing at 15-20 mph.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Pandemic challenging disabled students, their families and their schools

Pandemic challenging disabled students, their families and their schools

Life in the pandemic has been challenging for many students, but for disabled students and their families, there is an added, ongoing struggle as they work to ensure they get the services they’re legally entitled to under state and federal law, while mitigating risks of COVID exposure.
by Sarah Gelbard

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George Floyd killing: Defense to call witnesses in federal trial of 3 ex-officers

The prosecution’s case wrapped up Monday afternoon in the trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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George Floyd killing: Emotional testimony as ex-officer takes the stand

George Floyd killing: Emotional testimony as ex-officer takes the stand

Tou Thao, who ran crowd control at the scene of George Floyd’s killing, told a federal jury Tuesday he assumed his fellow officers were attending to Floyd’s medical needs as he focused on keeping back bystanders.
by Jon Collins

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Meet the Duluthians commentating on the Beijing Olympics from half a world away

Meet the Duluthians commentating on the Beijing Olympics from half a world away

Fifteen-hour work days and the trials of watching a video feed from an event more than a dozen time zones away, don’t dampen the excitement and the work ethics of Chad Salmela and Tyler George.
by Dan Kraker

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Senate GOP package pushes to provide curriculum to parents

Senate GOP package pushes to provide curriculum to parents

The bills would require access to class syllabi for parents within the first two weeks of the start of classes and provide all instruction materials without cost to parents who request them for review, among others.
by Mohamed Ibrahim, Associated Press

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