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Minneapolis, St. Paul end vaccination-or-test order for bars, eateries
The cities last month began requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter public places serving food and drink. With the current surge waning, the mayors on Thursday rescinded the controversial orders. Public masking mandates remain in place.
Lieutenant: Officers should have intervened in Floyd killing
Former officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane are charged with failing to provide medical care to George Floyd in May 2020. Thao and Kueng also are charged with failing to intervene with their colleague Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. 
Art Hounds: Take your Valentine to the theater
Bucket Brigade times the end of its 10th anniversary run of “Till Death: A Marriage Musical” to Valentine’s Day. Theatre in the Round stages “Marjorie Prime,” an award-winning play that brings a sci-fi lens to aging and memory. And singer/songwriter John Gorka performs at the State Theatre in Zumbrota.
Scientists seek funding to look for toxic tire chemical in Minnesota waters
Minnesota scientists are seeking funding to investigate if a toxic chemical from tires is harming popular fish species. Researchers in Washington state have linked the recently discovered chemical in rubber tires to the sudden deaths of coho salmon.
Frey, experts promise warrant changes in 'weeks, not months'
Minneapolis’ civil rights officials say they will lead an examination of the Police Department’s no-knock warrant policy.
Rochester students left public schools during pandemic, budget hole remains
The district is facing a projected $23 million budget deficit. In part, the financial losses are driven by the loss of students during the pandemic — a phenomenon that's playing out around the state.
Frey talks no-knock warrants, public trust, Amir Locke with MPR News
“Clearly we need full-on culture shift and reform in our (police) department. We don't need an investigation to tell us that,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told All Things Considered host Tom Crann. Here’s the interview.
School bus driver wounded in Minneapolis; 3 kids aboard, none hurt
Minneapolis authorities say a school bus driver was shot in the head Wednesday afternoon while on the bus but that the driver’s wound appeared to be non-life-threatening. Three children apparently younger than 10 were on board but unhurt, according to a city statement.
Latest on COVID in MN: Pandemic path brightens as cases, hospital needs fall
Key metrics tracking the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota continue to show the current surge in retreat, with cases, positive test rates and hospital bed use all falling steadily. Duluth’s mayor says she’ll let her city’s masking order expire on Saturday.