Stories from February 8, 2023

A Hennepin County jury on Wednesday convicted a Twin Cities woman of first-degree premeditated murder in the May 20 shooting death of her young son.
Minnesota saw a sharp spike in food shelf use last year, amid generational inflation and the end of COVID aid, and the COVID mask mandate battle is still going in Minnesota courts. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Food shelf visits leaped last year in Minnesota, advocates say
Food security advocates were at the Capitol pushing for speedy passage of a state emergency food relief bill, with $5 million to feed Minnesotans in need.
Winter Play: Minnesota's newest public bath house
Two Minnesota transplants decided to release the dreariness of winter — with a relaxing dip at the spa.
North Star Journey points to local Black history
MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with MPR News editor Brandt Williams about Black history in the Twin Cities. They share stories from North Star Journey, a celebration of communities in Minnesota and the champions who are doing the work that MPR should be bringing a voice to on the radio.
Voter sign-up bill causes partisan split in MN Legislature
A bill that expands registration options for voters and future voters is exposing party divides over elections. It also would require more campaign spending disclosure.
Lawsuit over Walz pandemic powers will continue
Restrictions imposed by Gov. Tim Walz around COVID-19 have ended, but the Supreme Court has reinstated a case over his use of emergency authority.
Talks over new bill could allow anyone to sign up for MinnesotaCare
Minnesota lawmakers in the House Commerce Committee held a first hearing on a bill that would allow more people to access MinnesotaCare, the state’s insurance program for lower-income residents.
About darn time: Blizzo wins big in MnDOT's 'Name a Snowplow' contest
Blizzo, Clearopathtra, Han Snowlo and five other newly named plows will soon be clearing snow from state highways. The Minnesota Department of Transportation unveiled the winning names Wednesday. Blizzo came in second to “Yer a Blizzard, Harry.”
Near 40 in southern MN, 30s up north; snow showers Thursday, colder Friday
Wednesday will be our warmest day since potentially late November. Look for more sunshine with highs near 40 from the Twin Cities through southeastern Minnesota. Snow showers develop ahead of colder air Thursday.
Minnesota is an attractive target for catalytic converter thieves. A series of proposals to head off their theft and resale is on the move at the Legislature. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Very mild Wednesday with more sunshine; snow showers Thursday then cooler
Look for more sunshine and mild temperatures Wednesday. Highs will range from 30 in northwest Minnesota to around 40 in the southeast. Thursday will bring the next chance of snow showers.
Jokic posts triple-double by halftime, Nuggets rout Wolves
Nikola Jokic posted his 19th triple-double of the season by halftime and the Denver Nuggets rode a 49-point first quarter to a 146-112 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic finished with 20 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds.
5 takeaways from Biden's State of the Union address
The president drew a clear distinction with House Republicans, baiting them into several moments of hectoring, while seemingly getting them to agree to not cut Social Security or Medicare.
Why the EPA puts a higher value on rich lives lost to climate change
There is one number that the Environmental Protection Agency relies on to decide which climate policies to pursue. So why does that number assume the lives of richer people are worth more?
Slow but 'fruitful' negotiations continue in state consent decree of MPD
Officials with the city of Minneapolis say they’re making progress in negotiations with the state that could lead to a consent decree governing the Minneapolis Police Department’s policies and practices.  
Winter Play: Melting the stress of frigid cold at a Minnesota bath house
As winter cold bites deep, MPR News is celebrating the best of the season through a new series called Winter Play. Our staff across the state set out to try a new-to-them winter pastime. MPR News producer Samantha Matsumoto and reporter Simone Cazares visited Watershed Spa in northeast Minneapolis to take a much-needed break from winter. 
Biden says in State of Union that U.S. is ‘unbowed, unbroken’
 President Joe Biden exhorted Republicans over and again Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address meant to reassure a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions.