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.
Usher’s Super Bowl performance renews interest in Twin Cities roller skating
There are few roller rinks left in Minnesota, which is why Twin Cities Skaters sets up pop-up rinks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. An organizer shares tips for getting rolling for the first time.
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.
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.
After months of speculation, Sen. Joe Manchin will not run for president in 2024
After speculation the powerful centrist Democrat would run third-party, Manchin announced Friday he would not be running for president in the 2024 election. But he did not endorse a candidate.
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.
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.
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.
Eyes on the road: Automated speed cameras get a fresh look as traffic deaths mount
New laws will allow automated speed cameras in places where they've long been banned. Advocates say they can save lives, but critics argue they're a financial burden on those least able to pay.
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.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa breaks NCAA women's career scoring record with 35-foot 3-pointer
Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA women's career scoring record, making a 3-pointer from about 35 feet in the first quarter for No. 4 Iowa against Michigan on Thursday night.
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.