Stories from February 16, 2024

Cube Critics discuss ‘Finding Her Beat’ and ‘Marmalade’; plus an interview with drummer Jennifer Weir
Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss “Finding Her Beat” and “Marmalade”; plus an interview with Jennifer Weir, producer and subject of “Finding Her Beat.”
St. Paul educators have voted to authorize a strike. And Minneapolis city officials say as of Friday, the head of the city's civil rights department is no longer working for the city. In a statement, a city spokesperson said Alberder Gillespie has "concluded her service" with the city of Minneapolis.
Super current El Niño and climate change hit the Galapagos Islands
Locals in the Galapagos say climate change and the current Super El Niño could be affecting the marine life and climate there. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard just returned from the islands on a trip where he got a first-hand look at what’s happening.
State bill would mandate insurance coverage for infertility
The bill would require both private and public state insurance plans to cover a comprehensive range of infertility treatments.
Donald Trump fraud verdict: $364 million penalty in New York civil fraud case
A New York judge ruled Friday against Donald Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what the judge ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated the former president’s wealth.
Friday comes with a slight chance of snow. We warm up this weekend with highs in the 30s and plenty of sunshine. Saturday will be breezy. More sun and warmth greets the area into next week.
St. Paul teachers voted to authorize a strike. Here’s what that means
St. Paul teachers and support staff have voted to authorize a strike. They could set a strike date as soon as next week. As mediation talks continue, here are the basics on where things stand.
Mainly dry weekend weather. Coolest and breeziest day will be Saturday
We aren’t expecting a lot of weather drama this weekend. Temps will rebound a bit and most areas won’t see any new snow. We have the updated snow depth map.
Memorable moments with women of faith
Big Books and Bold Ideas looks back at memorable conversations with women who practice and share their faith through different denominations and in different ways.
Anoka-Hennepin teachers back new 2-year contract
Union leaders in the state’s largest school district said Friday their members formally approved a contract deal struck last month following a marathon mediation session. The agreement includes salary increases of 5 percent in the current school year.
Valentine's Day brought brief return of winter, but another warm wave on the way
While the cold has lingered briefly, retired climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley told MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer he expects temperatures to warm up again over the weekend and stick around for the rest of February.
Target launching new in-house bargain brand Dealworthy
With customers spending less amid inflation, Target is rolling out a new attempt to bump up sales. The Minneapolis-based retailer is launching a new bargain in-house brand called Dealworthy.
Colder Friday, but warming up again over the weekend
It’s a rare colder-than-normal day Friday. Highs will be mostly in the teens with partly cloudy skies. Temperatures warm back up over the course of the weekend. 
The St. Paul teachers union has voted to authorize a strike. The vote gives union leadership the authority to decide to call a strike. And the American Association of School Administrators has named the superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools, Joe Gothard, as its superintendent of the year.
Alexei Navalny, galvanizing opposition leader and Putin’s fiercest foe, died in prison, Russia says
The stunning news — less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power — brought renewed criticism and outrage directed at the Kremlin leader who has cracked down on all opposition at home.
Timberwolves jump out to a 30-point lead over Blazers and finish with a 128-91 victory
The Timberwolves built a 30-point lead after the most lopsided first quarter in the NBA this season. The game wrapped up a five-game road trip for the Timberwolves heading into the All-Star break.
Purdue rallies from 10 down to beat Minnesota 84-76
The Gophers showed they can play with one of the best teams in the country, albeit for one half. But when the 3-point shooting cooled off, so did Minnesota.
For Minnesotans suffering with sickle cell, FDA delivers new hope
Two revolutionary treatments approved recently by the FDA offer a cure for the crippling disease, which largely affects people of African descent. For Minnesotans who’ve worked for years to improve care, there’s new optimism, mixed with realism.
St. Paul's Gothard named national school superintendent of the year
Joe Gothard has led the St. Paul Public Schools since 2017. Before that, he headed the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District. He’s a candidate now for superintendent in his hometown of Madison, Wis.
A major Twin Cities internet provider says that it immediately fixed a problem that led to the inadvertent publication of thousands of its own and business clients’ emails. U.S. Internet said that no credit card or Social Security numbers were made public, and customers of the company’s fiber optic internet service were not affected.
FBI informant charged with lying about Joe and Hunter Biden's ties to Ukrainian energy company
An FBI informant has been charged with lying to authorities about a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company, a claim that is central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress.