Health

Health
Walz targets smoking, vaping with higher taxes
Gov. Tim Walz wants to discourage young people from using nicotine by raising taxes, but Republicans in the Legislature say no matter what the aim, they won’t support higher taxes.
Senate OKs fast-track of COVID aid, Harris casts tie-breaker
The Senate early Friday approved a budget resolution that's a key step toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without support from Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Trends steady; vaccination path unclear
After an early-week stumble, vaccination counts in the latest data are better but still not matching levels from last week, suggesting the prior week’s vigorous pace may have been the exception.
Suppliers field growing demand for seeds from pandemic gardeners
Many people stuck at home during the pandemic turned to gardening for the first time. The unexpected spike in demand has seed suppliers struggling to keep up.
Amid huge demand, food shelves urge people to seek help
One of the nation’s largest food banks — Minnesota-based Second Harvest Heartland — says it's seeing huge demand for its services amid the pandemic. And it’s urging people in need to go to a food shelf. 
All the home’s a stage: Far-flung actors, crew unite for Theater Mu’s new show
After months of planning and with pandemic restrictions still in place, Theater Mu in St. Paul will launch its mainstage season on Saturday with a new production merging theater and film — a play that’s designed for, and speaks to, the times we’re living in. 
Johnson & Johnson applies for emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccine
The company's vaccine has shown to be 85 percent effective against severe forms of the disease. Patients will only need to receive one shot instead of two, as with other vaccines already in use in the U.S.