Stories from February 25, 2022

Warmer this weekend; breezy on Saturday
Saturday will bring us warmer temps, but it’ll be breezy by afternoon. Temps and winds retreat a bit on Sunday.
Members of the state’s Ukrainian American community and others gathered Thursday evening outside Saint Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minneapolis, to show support for Ukraine as it battles the ongoing attacks by Russia. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 25, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
After the verdict in the civil rights trial of three former Mpls. police officers
Three fired Minneapolis police officers were found guilty on all counts Thursday of violating George Floyd's civil rights. MPR News host Angela Davis discusses the verdict, the ramifications and what comes next.
Minnesota public school enrollment dips; private school student counts rise
Although this year’s public school declines are not as severe as the year before, they will still affect district budgets. Nonpublic schools saw a 5.8 percent enrollment increase from the prior school year, the Minnesota Department of Education said.
Feeding Our Future dissolves amid FBI fraud investigation
Feeding Our Future’s executive director said in a statement that the group's board voted Wednesday to dissolve "in light of negative media reports and frozen assets."
CDC: Many healthy Americans can take a break from masks
U.S. officials say most Americans live in places where healthy people can safely take a break from wearing masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday outlined a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 is easing its grip.
Fresh off State of the Union address, Biden travels to WI
According to the White House, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will stop in Superior, Wis., on Wednesday to discuss how the $1 trillion infrastructure law will improve the state’s roads and bridges, among other things, and create jobs. 
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Surge receding; hospital needs, new cases fall
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers offer more evidence of a pandemic surge in retreat, with fewer than 600 patients in the hospital now and new daily cases trending at a six-month low.
'Race because you love to race': Jessie Diggins reflects on recent Olympic trip
After a historic performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympic games, Minnesota’s Jessie Diggins became the most decorated cross country skier in U.S. Olympic history. And she’s already back on the road, competing in the World Cup level races in Finland.
Marlon James on the power of witches and women
Marlon James discusses the much-anticipated second novel in his “Dark Sky” trilogy with host Kerri Miller. They talk about the power of witches, the shape-shifting nature of truth and how James learned to write women.
 Some House DFLers pitch summer gas tax holiday
Five Democrats in the Minnesota House want to give Minnesota drivers a break from the state gasoline tax this summer. House Republicans say it’s a ploy to win votes before the fall election.
Milder temps move in for the weekend, stay through next week
Another cold morning leads to another chilly day Friday. Highs Saturday will be in the 30s in southern Minnesota, with 20s north. Sunday will be a little cooler. Expect temps well into the 30s next week with a couple of days at 40 degrees or higher in the southern half of Minnesota.
Photos: Minnesotans gather to support Ukraine
Members of Minnesota's Ukrainian American community and their supporters gathered Thursday evening outside St. Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minneapolis to show support for Ukraine as it battles the ongoing attacks by Russia.
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. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, February 25, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Chilly Friday; milder weekend and next week
After a fresh 1 to 2 inches of snow Thursday, it’s a chilly morning again Friday. Temperatures remain above zero from the Twin Cities south and east but most of Minnesota is below zero again with 30s below zero again in northeast Minnesota. Highs will once again remain cold, in the teens mainly.
In Ukraine, the road to war was paved by the failure of diplomacy
The invasion of Ukraine occurred despite weeks of diplomatic efforts, including calls between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin and European leaders' visits to Putin in Moscow.
Ukraine's capital under threat as Russia presses invasion
The invasion of a democratic country has fueled fears of wider war in Europe and triggered international efforts to make Russia stop. Amid growing casualties from the deadly warfare the Kremlin said Russia was ready to talk but it appeared to be an effort to squeeze concessions from Ukraine. 
'Very Funny Ladies' sketches out the history of women cartoonists at 'The New Yorker'
Liza Donnelly has had a long career writing and drawing cartoons for The New Yorker. In her latest book, she continues her examination of the history of women cartoonists and the storied magazine.
Meet Virginia, a birth simulator aimed at preserving rural obstetrics
Having a baby in rural Minnesota is getting harder. In the last two decades, at least 13 counties lost all labor and delivery services, leaving some women to drive long distances to give birth. But a new birth simulator aims to preserve birth services in remote parts of the state.
The 'Winter Grab' delves into Lake Superior's seasonal secrets
Scientists have a pretty good understanding of what goes on in the Great Lakes during the summer. But they don't know nearly as much about Lake Superior and the other lakes during winter. And that’s where what they called the “Winter Grab" comes in.
DNA evidence shows Hank the Tank didn't work alone
Evidence shows that giant bear is getting a bad rap. And local officials say they're getting so many calls about him that it's affecting their ability to take emergency calls.
CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Warmer temps this weekend; spring flooding outlook updated
Our Thursday evening snow will be followed by chilly Friday temps. Much milder weather is on tap for the weekend. We also have the updated spring flooding outlooks.