Stories from May 18, 2022

One of three former Minneapolis cops still facing George Floyd charges pleads guilty, and lawmakers are wrangling over $1 billion in new school funding. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Nursing home makeover boosts efforts to reduce homelessness
A continuum of amenities, along with support staff on site, aims to help people get their lives back in order and make lasting change.
What Dua Saleh is listening to
Minnesota Now finds out what’s on Dua Saleh’s playlist.
There's an NFT conference in town, but not all Minneapolis artists welcome the trend
Celebrities and artists are in Minneapolis this week for a first-of-its-kind NFT conference. These one-of-a-kind digital artworks have generated both excitement and serious environmental, economic and ethical concerns — something the Minneapolis College of Art and Design recently ran into head on when it tried to offer a class on NFTs
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling that an elderly South Dakota man accused in a 1974 fatal stabbing of a woman from Willmar isn’t competent to stand trial.
Severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. includes Brainerd, Duluth areas
Watch zones include the Brainerd Lakes area, Iron Range cities and Duluth area. It also includes areas along Interstate 35 north of the Twin Cities and much of northwestern Wisconsin.
Thursday's severe weather risk rises; hail, high winds possible
The severe weather risk across southeastern Minnesota has been increased to “enhanced” level for Thursday. Here’s a look at the areas at risk for potential hail, high winds and tornadoes.
Thunderstorm risk followed by a chilly weekend
Thunderstorms will pop up Wednesday in northern and central Minnesota with warmer temperatures statewide. Another risk of thunderstorms develops Thursday with possible severe weather.
George Floyd killing: Ex-cop pleads guilty to aiding, abetting manslaughter
As part of his plea deal, Thomas Lane will have a count of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder dismissed. Lane and ex-Minneapolis cops J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were previously convicted on federal counts of violating Floyd's rights.
Interrogation, uncertainty for soldiers abandoning Mariupol
Russia says that nearly 1,000 Ukrainian troops who doggedly defended a giant steelworks in Mariupol have surrendered. The plant became a symbol of their country’s resistance. Meanwhile, a Russian soldier facing the first war crimes trial since the start of the war pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing a Ukrainian civilian.
U.S. Soccer equalizes pay in milestone with women, men
The U.S. Soccer Federation has reached milestone agreements to pay its men’s and women’s teams equally. That makes the American national governing body the first in the sport to promise both sexes matching money.
The city of Minneapolis will pay $1.5 million to a man who accused police officers of using excessive force during an arrest in 2020. Jaleel Stallings filed a federal lawsuit, after he was acquitted by a jury last year. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Thunderstorm chances then a cool weekend
Scattered thunder showers will pop up Wednesday afternoon in northern and central Minnesota. It will also be warmer Wednesday in the 70s and 60s.
Lynx win first game of season after 0-4 start
After second straight 0-4 start, Minnesota finally gets win, edging Los Angeles in final seconds. The Lynx found a way to turn things around last season and finished with the third-best record in the league. Las Vegas leads the AP WNBA power poll with Washington right behind the Aces. The Lynx are at the bottom of poll.
Kayla McBride scored 24 points in her season debut for Minnesota while Sylvia Fowles and Moriah Jefferson each added 20 points to help the Lynx win their first game of the season with a 87-84 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. 
A's snap out of offensive funk to beat Twins 5-2
Seth Brown hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning, Sean Murphy followed with a two-run single and the Oakland Athletics ended their four-game losing streak against the Twins, beating Minnesota 5-2 on Tuesday night.
Many know how George Floyd died. A new biography reveals how he lived
NPR's Adrian Florido talks with Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa about their new book, “His Name is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice.”
Decades after taking it, feds set to return Minnesota land to Leech Lake band
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will soon get back nearly 12,000 acres wrongfully taken in the ‘40s and ‘50s. As they plan for the land’s future, tribal leaders say their fight has also helped strengthen bonds with the Cass County government.