Stories from March 24, 2022

Trump files lawsuit against Clinton, Democrats for Russia claims
It alleges that Trump, as a result of defendants' actions, has sustained losses of at least $24 million "and continuing to accrue, as well as the loss of existing and future business opportunities."
Reporter describes an astounding amount of military hardware going in to help Ukraine
Time reporter Simon Shuster recently returned from the Ukrainian-Polish border. Watching as U.S. planes brought in loads of weapons, he felt like he was standing on the brink of something massive.
The end of the Minneapolis teachers strike may be in sight and the Minneapolis city council put aside calls to reject a largely status-quo contract with the city’s police union in the wake of the death of George Floyd. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Lawmakers push to redesign Minnesota state flag and seal
Minnesota lawmakers are resurrecting an effort to redesign the state's flag and seal, which proponents say are indistinct compared with other U.S. states and feature imagery that is offensive to Native Americans.
Minnesota House Democrats beef up plan to fight rising crime
The Minnesota House Democratic majority beefed up its public safety package with $50 million more. The extra money, on top of the Democrats’ earlier $100 million proposal, would go mostly toward grants to the 20 cities and 20 counties with the highest crime rates, or the fastest-growing rates. They could use it to finance “innovative public safety solutions.”
A man from Minnesota and two other Muslim Americans have filed a lawsuit alleging that U.S. border officers questioned them about their religious beliefs in violation of their constitutional rights when they returned from international travel.
Minneapolis City Council approves police contract
Council members who opposed the deal say it failed to include provisions designed to better discipline officers or encourage more accountability.
Senate confirms Luger as U.S. attorney for Minnesota
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Andrew Luger as the next U.S. attorney for Minnesota — returning him to the role he previously held during the Obama administration.
Weekend weather: Chilly, strongest winds on Saturday
Our weekend temperatures will be chilly, but we’ll have some sunshine. The highest weekend wind gusts will be on Saturday.
Minnesota Zoo tiger dies unexpectedly during medical exam 
The Minnesota Zoo says its 12-year-old male Amur tiger named Putin died Wednesday, after going into cardiac failure as veterinary staff were conducting what they called a routine preventative health exam.
One month of war has displaced more than half of Ukrainian children
More than 4.3 million children have fled their homes in the month since Russia invaded Ukraine, according to UNICEF. It warns that consequences could last for generations to come.
Unemployment rate falls, labor market tightens
Wages are climbing as unemployment drops and labor force participation rises. But inflation persists and employers are competing for increasingly hard to find workers.
District officials, union leaders say deal close to end Minneapolis teachers strike
Officials with Minneapolis Public Schools said the district expects to have a deal with its teachers’ union by late Thursday night or early Friday morning. If an agreement is reached, students would go back to school on Monday.
3 nonfiction translations to read this spring
It's been rare for non-academic nonfiction to be translated into English — but that's beginning to change. These three books may be academic in the depth of their inquiries — but not in style.
More rain, snow on Friday; weekend looks chilly
Clouds will decrease from north to south Thursday with temperatures near normal — 40s south, 30s north. A clipper brings more precipitation late Thursday night into Friday with a cold weekend behind it. March may be heading out like a lion.
The U.S. will take in up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war
The United States will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and other displaced people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, a senior administration official told reporters traveling with President Joe Biden.
Correa promises 'championship culture' for luckless Twins
Carlos Correa has declared the postseason “his time,” and the Minnesota Twins hope all that October experience can turn around the fortunes of the franchise.
Sensing an opening, Gov. Tim Walz is revving up his push for paid family and medical leave. But getting to a deal could still prove challenging. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, March 24, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Cool still Thursday; more rain/snow Friday
Our storm system of the last couple days will slowly pull away through the day Thursday. It will take with it any leftover rain/snow showers and the clouds from north to south by the end of the day. Another rain/snow chance arrives Friday.
Suns rally past Timberwolves 125-116
Deandre Ayton scored a career-high 35 points and had 14 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns surged past trash-talking Minnesota 125-116.
Ukrainian president to press Biden, NATO for more support
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy has called on people worldwide to gather in public to show support for his embattled country as he prepared to address U.S. President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders gathered in Brussels on the one-month anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Takeaways: Civil rights, Trump close out Jackson hearing
The fourth and final day of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings wrapped up with outside experts testifying. The American Bar Association’s standing committee on the federal judiciary has afforded Jackson its highest rating, “well qualified.” Skeptics say Jackson's views on crime and policing are “outside the mainstream.”
Evidence grows that vaccines lower the risk of getting long COVID
Though findings are preliminary, many studies suggest that vaccinated people have good protection against the condition, although just how much is still up for debate.
Artists craft new ways to teach Indigenous languages
Minnesota artists say learning and writing in Indigenous language sparks their own creativity. They are building on a revitalization effort.
North Korea fires suspected long-range missile toward sea
Experts say the North's fast pace in testing activity shows its dual goal of advancing its weaponry and applying pressure on Washington over a deepening freeze in nuclear negotiations.