Stories from December 28, 2022

Ex-Minneapolis cop charged with beating man during 2020 unrest
The Minnesota Attorney General's office on Wednesday charged a former Minneapolis police officer for allegedly punching and kicking a man who'd surrendered after shooting at police in self-defense in the days after George Floyd’s murder.
Mild temps continue; wintry mix Thursday
Wednesday’s mild temperatures will continue for much of the next week. Areas of snow and a wintry mix likely on Thursday. A stronger, soggy storm is likely early next week.
The Mall of America says it's instituting new security measures after a deadly shooting inside the mall last week.  This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
Twin Cities 'grime-core' performer Riotgrrrldarko lives up to her name
Bray’Jana Coleman, also known as Riotgrrrldarko, is a Minneapolis lady rager, mother of two, doula, friend and local icon. Although Riotgrrrldarko has only been making music for a couple of years, she already has a devoted fan base in the Twin Cities.
Judge orders another long prison term in Gov. Whitmer plot
A Delaware trucker described as an architect of the conspiracy to kidnap Michigan's governor has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison. The sentence announced Wednesday is the longest yet given to anyone convicted in the plot.
COVID-19 isn't done with us yet, U's Osterholm warns
COVID-19 cases are exploding in China while U.S. health officials worry holiday gatherings may reignite the virus here. Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday to lay out the current state of the pandemic.
Top 89 of 2022: Top Minnesota songs and albums
Here are The Current staff’s picks for the top Minnesota singles and albums of 2022.
Rosebud, S.D., residents work to keep each other warm during recovery efforts
Rosebud Tribal members are still digging out from a winter storm that struck the region a week ago. Some are hauling wood to keep community members warm while truck drivers deliver propane to residents.
Mild weather continues; wintry mix possible late Wednesday, Thursday
Wednesday will be mild with 30s nearly statewide. The next round of moisture will be a wintry mix of freezing drizzle, light rain and snow late Wednesday into Thursday evening.
Banned Books: Author Jerry Craft on telling stories all kids can identify with
Jerry Craft published the Newbury award-winning graphic novel New Kid in 2019. The novel focuses on the experience of being Black and the "new kid" at a predominantly white school.
After running and winning on a message of protecting democracy, DFL lawmakers are set to move ahead on a set of proposals to restore voting rights to those who’ve been convicted of a felony and served out their prison sentence, expand access to mail voting and automatically register young Minnesotans to vote. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Even warmer Wednesday with a wintry mix developing in some places
Much of Minnesota will be above freezing Wednesday. Freezing drizzle and light rain will be possible north with a wintry mix possible Wednesday night into Thursday across portions of the state.
Jets suffer third straight loss, lose 4-1 to Wild
Jared Spurgeon, Mats Zuccarello and Frederick Gaudreau each had a goal and assist in the Minnesota Wild’s 4-1 victory Tuesday that handed the Winnipeg Jets their first three-game losing streak of the season.
It's not too late to get a COVID booster — especially for older adults
Public health officials want more Americans to get the latest COVID vaccine booster. Only 35 percent of people over 65 have gotten the shot, though 75 percent of COVID deaths are among people in this age group.
Musicians use rhythm and harmony to heal America's toxic divide
These days, as polarization reaches deep into American life, some musicians are trying to stay out of the fray and use their music to bridge divides.
A midnight ‘bobber drop’ and 10 other unique New Year’s Eve parties
Move over, New York. A St. Paul bar plans to welcome the new year by dropping a giant fishing bobber when the clock strikes midnight Saturday. From bobbers to 1920s glam and disco, here are the top New Year’s Eve events across the state.
Democrats see ‘mandate’ to rewrite election laws
After running and winning on a message of protecting democracy, DFL lawmakers are set to move ahead on a set of proposals to restore voting rights to those who’ve been convicted of a felony and served out their prison sentence, expand access to mail voting and automatically register young Minnesotans to vote.
Supreme Court allows border restrictions for asylum-seekers to continue for now
The justices agreed to decide in its February argument session whether 19 states that oppose the Title 42 policy should be allowed to intervene in defense of the restrictions in the lower courts.
The blizzard is just one reason behind the operational meltdown at Southwest Airlines
Southwest isn't the only airline experiencing delays and cancellations, but it is by far the worst-hit, with about 5,500 of its flights canceled across the country in the last two days.