Chauvin pleads guilty to federal civil rights charges

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers TOP STORIES - Chauvin pleads guilty to federal civil rights charges: Derek Chauvin reversed his initial pleas and [pleaded guilty to civil rights violations in two federal cases]( Wednesday morning in St. Paul, ending a bitter and winding legal chapter for the former Minneapolis police officer whose killing of George Floyd in May 2020 touched off a global uprising. The government is recommending a 300-month sentence, shorter than the life sentence he previously faced. He would serve the sentence concurrently with his state sentence, and in a federal prison, under the plea agreement. - Wild weather brings warmth, chances for severe storms: [Minnesota's theater of seasons will be on full display Wednesday]( with everything from record warmth and the potential for severe weather to heavy rainfall, fierce winds and even a little bit of snow, all within a few hours. - Minnesota's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 10,000: [Minnesota surpassed 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths](, a grim reminder that 2021 has defied hopes and has been as deadly numerically as 2020, when the pandemic emerged. - Potter was not justified in using deadly force, expert testifies: A national expert in policing testified Wednesday in former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter's manslaughter trial that [she was not justified in using deadly force when she shot Daunte Wright]( during a traffic stop in April. University of South Caroline School of Law Prof. Seth Stoughton did agree with Potter's defense on one its key points when he said, "I think the evidence that I reviewed is that she intended to use the Taser instead of a firearm." - Proposed pay raise for U president draws scrutiny: A proposed pay raise for University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel is [reigniting debate over how much college administrators should be compensated]( and being criticized for coming after employee furloughs, sports program cuts and a tuition hike. Under the proposal, Gabel's combined salary and benefits would total $1 million in the next fiscal year. - Duluth cop who dragged handcuffed man through skywalk is back on patrol: A Duluth police officer who dragged a handcuffed man through the city's skywalk in 2017 is back on patrol duty. The police department [posted a picture of Adam Huot on social media this week](, as he shoveled the steps of a resident following a medical call. It ignited dozens of comments between its various platforms, both critical and supportive. - Redevelopment plan for former Minneapolis Kmart site to begin early next year: The city of Minneapolis is moving forward with its years-long goal to revitalize the intersection of Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue, though [demolition of the old Kmart building is at least two years away.]( - Pharmaceutical group appeals to undo new insulin safety net program: The fate of Minnesota's insulin safety net program was debated in federal appeals court on Wednesday, as [pharmaceutical manufacturers seek to undo a 2020 state law]( that provides the life-saving drug in emergency situations to people who can't afford it. - As holiday deliveries peak, carriers and trucks fill Minnesota neighborhoods: Parcel carriers are in the middle of their busiest week, and today is considered [the last day to make Christmas orders by regular delivery.]( WATCH THIS NBA player makes it right after knocking over opposing fan's drink: [A nice gesture by the Warriors' Gary Payton II]( for this Pacers fan. Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](. TRENDING - "Bachelorette" Michelle Young sends home "Minnesota Joe," picks her final two: After weeks of dates in Minnesota, the show moved to Mexico, [where Young had overnight dates — so-called "fantasy suites" — with the three finalists](. - Mr. Paul's Po' Boys and Jams brings stuffed sandwiches to Edina: On the menu are [sandwiches built inside French baguettes the size of a man's forearm]( brought in from St. Paul's Trung Nam bakery. Fillings run the gamut from classic crawfish and oysters breaded in a snappy cornmeal crust to meaty muffulettas and peanut butter and jelly. There's also a handful of New Orleans-inspired sides, snacks and desserts. - Ready to dance on a frozen lake? It's just one event at expanded Great Northern Fest. During an 11-day stretch from Jan. 27 to Feb. 6, [the winter festival will celebrate the state's cold climate and diverse cultures]( with more than 50 talks and screenings, art installations and performances, some staged on frozen lakes and along sacred rivers. SPORTS ROUNDUP - Should the Vikings trade Cousins and draft a QB in the first round? Win or lose this season (but particularly lose), [the Vikings have a big decision to make on Cousins.]( - Resilient and respected, Spencer Alvarez finds his way from Columbia Heights to U: The tight end is believed to be [the first Columbia Heights athlete to join a Big Ten football program]( since 1985 graduate Bill Anderson, who played for Iowa. - Gophers-Tommies men's hockey game set for Jan. 2: St. Thomas is in its first season as a Division I program and [will take on the Gophers in an exhibition game]( when both teams emerge from winter break. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](. WORTH A CLICK A suburban Nashville block used to be for first-time home buyers. Then global investors bought in. "The venture, Progress Residential, acquires as many as 2,000 houses a month through the use of a computerized property-search algorithm and swift all-cash offers. ... But according to previously undisclosed documents and dozens of interviews with renters and former employees, Progress Residential has been ringing up substantial profits for wealthy investors around the world while outbidding middle-class home buyers and subjecting tenants to what they allege are unfair rent hikes, shoddy maintenance and excessive fees," [the Washington Post reports.]( FROM THE ARCHIVES Dec. 15, 2020: Eleanor Nervig, 12, practiced her jumps while skating on Lake Nokomis. 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