Stories from February 24, 2024

Putin remains defiant as ever 2 years into Russia's war in Ukraine
The Russian leader had a busy week, one that saw him exude confidence about Russia's military and economic resilience as Ukraine has increasingly struggled on the battlefield.
Weekend warmth lingers into Monday; flakes possible Tuesday
Above-normal temps return Saturday afternoon and then linger through Monday. We have details on that, plus a chance of flakes on Tuesday.
40s return Saturday afternoon, with 50s in SW Minnesota
Many areas will reach the 40s Saturday afternoon and our winds will pick up a bit. It’ll be a dry day across most of Minnesota.
How Portugal eased its opioid epidemic, while U.S. drug deaths skyrocketed
Portugal cut drug deaths by 80%, using free health care and addiction treatment. The U.S., meanwhile, focused on drug busts and tough crime laws. Overdose deaths keep rising catastrophically.
Ramsey Justice Department celebrates 10 years of helping veterans reach sobriety
The Ramsey County Veterans Treatment Court is designed with help from social workers, prosecutors and judges to hold people accountable while also understanding the particular mental health challenges veterans face.
N.Y.'s crusading attorney general wins again with NRA verdict, Trump judgment
New York Attorney General Letitia James has built a reputation targeting powerful national figures. Critics say her lawsuits are politically motivated, but she keeps winning in court.
A Hennepin County judge ruled Friday that because of changes in the law, a Minneapolis man sent to prison for life as a teenager for his role in a double homicide is now eligible for parole.