Stories from February 23, 2022

The first day of jury deliberations has ended in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd's civil rights. Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody in May 2020. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 23, 2022. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Prosecutors: Gunfire that killed girl at Minneapolis house meant for 3 on porch
Trinity Ottoson-Smith, 9, was shot while jumping on a trampoline at a friend's home on the city's north side in May 2021. Prosecutors say a 19-year-old was intending to shoot people on a nearby side porch and Trinity was caught in the middle.
Paul Sobocinski is a hog farmer in Wabasso, Minn., and he says he has a solution to the problem many livestock farmers have faced during the pandemic. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about it.
February marks second colder than usual month; more snow Thursday
One (or two, if you’re in central Minnesota) snowfalls are done and — hopefully — cleared away. It will be another cold, subzero night Wednesday, and we have more snow on the way for parts of southern Minnesota on Thursday. Chilly temperatures persist through Friday.
Minn. lawmaker demands data on Line 3 frac-outs
Enbridge says the pipeline’s permits did not require that it maintain or report the data on drilling fluid that state Sen. John Marty is requesting.
The mental health benefits of yoga
Does a good downward dog or warrior pose help you through a hard week? Host Angela Davis talks with a yoga researcher and a yoga instructor about people turning to yoga during the pandemic to relieve stress and find calm.
Ukrainian government and banking websites are hit by cyberattacks
A number of important websites in Ukraine — from those of large banks to the defense ministry — were struck by denial-of-service attacks Wednesday.
Senate DFL leader López Franzen won’t run again; Osmek out too
The top Senate DFLer and the Senate Republican president have decided against reelection bids after being paired with colleagues. It’s the latest fallout from new political maps.
Trial begins for a former officer charged in the raid that killed Breonna Taylor
Brett Hankison fired 10 shots near a side door during the 2020 raid in Louisville, Ky., but none hit Breonna Taylor. Prosecutors say the bullets endangered her neighbors — a couple and their child.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Active cases, ICU needs fall to 6-month lows
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers offer more evidence of a rapidly receding surge, with fewer than 100 patients in ICUs now and active cases below 10,000, the lowest levels for both since August. Pandemic deaths, however, have now topped 12,000.
George Floyd killing: Jury gets case in ex-cops' federal trial
The fate of three ex-Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s constitutional rights is now in the jury’s hands following Tuesday’s closing statements and the judge’s instruction to jurors Wednesday morning.
Legal cannabis parties weigh election year strategy
Minnesota’s two major political parties that support legalizing marijuana face a dilemma this election year: Do they back candidates from other parties who also support legalization or challenge them with their own candidates and risk playing spoiler?
2nd teen charged in probe that led to Amir Locke's death
A second teen has been arrested in the homicide investigation that led police to the Minneapolis apartment where a SWAT team officer fatally shot Amir Locke, a Black 22-year-old man, while executing a search warrant.
Cold, dry air and has settled in behind the biggest snowfall for the Twin Cities in two months. The chill will stick around through Friday. Temperatures return to seasonal norms Saturday. Next week brings more consistently warmer temperatures just in time for March.
Minneapolis, St. Paul teachers could strike starting March 8
Unions representing teachers and school staff in Minneapolis and St. Paul filed paperwork with the state Wednesday triggering a 10-day countdown for potential strikes involving more than 8,000 educators and 62,000 public school students in the two school districts.
Russia evacuating embassy in Ukraine as crisis escalates
Russia began evacuating its embassy in Kyiv, and Ukraine urged its citizens to leave Russia. Those moves come as the region braced for further confrontation Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin received authorization to use military force outside his country.
After a month of testimony, defense attorneys and prosecutors presented their closing arguments on Tuesday in the federal trial of J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao, who are charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights. Jury deliberations are set to begin on Wednesday. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Bitter cold early Wednesday; more light snow possible Thursday
After fresh snow the last couple days, it will be cold the remainder of the week. Highs will only be in the single digits Wednesday. Morning temperatures are starting out subzero statewide with wind chills ranging from 10 to 20 below zero in the south to as cold as 40 below zero in the northwest.
Wisconsin bill makes it felony to threaten, attack health care worker
It would be a felony to physically attack or threaten a health care worker under a bill the Wisconsin Assembly is scheduled to approve Wednesday. The proposal with bipartisan support creates the new felony crime of battery against a person who is a health care provider.
Chabot scores 2, including winner, Senators beat Wild 4-3
Thomas Chabot couldn’t have scripted a better game in hiThomas Chabot scored twice, including the game winner late in the third period, to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
An $80,000 surprise bill points to a loophole in a new law to protect patients
An insurer refused to pay bills related to the premature birth of the Bull family's twins because it said their delivery wasn't an emergency and their stays in the NICU weren't medically necessary.
Wildfires will increase and worsen globally, U.N. warns
The study being released on Wednesday warns of spikes in unhealthy smoke pollution and other problems coming from the increased threat of catastrophic wildfires.
'The Paradox Hotel' is a mashup of sci-fi and crime fiction
Rob Hart delivers a story in which time is broken — and some crucial events that have a huge impact on the present haven't happened yet.
The first step to preparing for surging climate migration? Defining it
Anywhere from tens of millions to a billion people could become climate migrants by 2050, according to a report from the RAND Corporation. The number varies widely depending on the definition used.
Latino art's variety in Minnesota focus of an upcoming book
The book from Afton Press features 12 artists whose work spans the artistic spectrum. The project’s leader included established and emerging artists.
Snowstorm recap; very cold Wednesday
This feels like winter again. At least it’ll warm up this weekend.