Stories from February 22, 2022

Who might benefit from a 4th shot — and who might not
Some countries are moving ahead with plans to offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But studies are raising questions about the potential advantages of this extra booster.
A Robbinsdale district high school joined St. Louis Park High School Wednesday in its decision to cancel future athletic competitions with New Prague High School, after students and coaches allegedly were subjected to racist comments during games there.
Driving remains difficult across much of Minnesota this afternoon amid the ongoing winter storm. Authorities have responded to dozens of crashes and spinouts across the state today. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 22, 2022. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Doctors find limited use for less effective COVID pill
The antiviral pill molnupiravir was authorized and distributed by the government late last year. But it's not doctors' first choice of treatment, except for a narrow slice of patients.
Snowfall lingers into Tuesday night; Wednesday's cold
The heaviest snow is over, but many areas will see periods of snow into Tuesday evening. We have your snow update.
Mayor Carter calls for exemption to St. Paul rent control policy
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says he'd like to see the city's rent control initiative include a 15-year exemption for new housing — and have that exemption be retroactive. Carter also outlined public safety proposal during Tuesday’s State of the City address.
How one MN educator brings Black History Month to the classroom
A school counselor in Minneapolis Public Schools is finding ways to incorporate Black history into his lessons — including a celebration of Juneteenth.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to revisit their indoor masking guidelines this week. Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Melanie Swift joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer your questions.
Ask a COVID doc: Revisiting indoor mask guidelines and community transmission in MN
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to revisit their indoor masking guidelines this week. Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Melanie Swift joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer your questions.
Second winter storm brings widespread snow and wind Tuesday
We are in the thick of the heaviest snow in the Twin Cities midday Tuesday. We’ve seen anywhere from 1 to 4 inches so far with another 2 to 3 on the way before snow slowly tapers Tuesday afternoon. Strong northwest winds are causing blowing and drifting of snow.
Snow and road reports from around Minnesota
Road conditions were improving Wednesday morning across Minnesota, in the wake of a winter storm that brought heavy snow to much of the state on Tuesday.
Murder charge filed in Deshaun Hill killing; motive unclear
The criminal complaint doesn't offer a motive beyond saying Hill and the suspect passed close to one another on a sidewalk, possibly close enough to brush shoulders. A memorial service for Deshaun began after the charges were posted.
Allies join U.S. in imposing sanctions pressure on Russia over Ukraine
The White House had begun referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as an “invasion” after initially hesitating to use the term. That's a red line that President Joe Biden has said would result in the U.S. levying severe sanctions against Moscow.
A jury finds Ahmaud Arbery's 3 killers guilty of federal hate crimes
A jury in Brunswick, Ga., found defendants Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan guilty of hate crimes in the 2020 shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.
From the archives: Marlon James on 'Black Leopard, Red Wolf'
Marlon James will be back talking about his latest novel, “Moon Witch, Spider King,” on Big Books and Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller at noon on Friday. In the meantime, listen to their 2019 conversation at the Fitzgerald Theater.
Closing arguments are expected Tuesday in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
U.S. census director says the bureau needs to reduce chances of meddling after Trump
Newly sworn-in Census Bureau Director Robert Santos told NPR it's important to make sure there are policies in place to better protect the agency from any future political interference.
A storm system coming in behind unseasonably warm weather has led to a chain-reaction crash that shut down part of an interstate in eastern North Dakota amid forecasts for heavy snow in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
George Floyd killing: Jury to get case Wednesday in ex-cops' federal trial
The fate of three ex-Minneapolis police officers federally charged with depriving Floyd of his right to medical care will fall to a jury Wednesday morning following Tuesday’s closing statements from the prosecution and defense.
'Scoundrel' examines how and why a convicted killer went free
Sarah Weinman's book excels as an in-depth exploration of how outside influence and support can affect the criminal justice system — and as the narrative of a con artist who hurt a lot of people.
Canadian lawmakers extend emergency powers act for truck protests
The act allows authorities to declare certain areas as no-go zones. It also allows police to freeze truckers' personal and corporate bank accounts and compel tow truck companies to haul away vehicles.
More widespread snow with second round Tuesday
Heavy snow fell much of the day across a large swath of central Minnesota up to Lake Superior. Many areas saw 6 to 10 inches, with the highest totals near Lake Superior, over a foot. Snow showers will continue north but a second round of snow moves into Minnesota bringing much more widespread accumulation on Tuesday.