Feb. 12, 2021

We're in for another cold, cold weekend. Much of the state is forecast to remain below zero through the weekend with wind chills dropping to 55 below zero at times in northern Minnesota. Find the latest from Updraft.

Citing improvements in case counts and hospitalizations, Gov. Tim Walz eased some COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

The changes include an increased "do not exceed" limit capacities for restaurants, entertainment venues and private gatherings like wedding receptions. Read more in our online guide.

Walz also said he wants all Minnesota students back in classrooms as soon as possible but that he will set no date requiring the return of in-person learning. He said the return needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis and that widespread testing will be a critical part of safely bringing back staff and students.

COVID-19 cases are trending downward despite a slight uptick in known active caseloads. Minnesota Department of Health reports 1,058 new cases of COVID-19. The pace of vaccinations in the state has slowed from last week.

Nineteen people were reported to have died from COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the state's toll to 6,362. The seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths is trending downward, but officials remained concerned about new virus variants arriving in the state.

You can get more of the latest news, in just a few minutes, via the Minnesota Today podcast. — Kathryn Styer Martinez | MPR News

Minneapolis to reopen George Floyd intersection after Chauvin trial

Minneapolis leaders said Friday the city will work closely with residents and businesses to maintain a memorial for Floyd at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, but emphasized that the streets must be reopened and cannot remain an “autonomous zone.”

Water, electric utilities watch unpaid bills pile up during the pandemic

As subzero temperatures persist across Minnesota, utilities are watching unpaid heating bills pile up. Because of the pandemic’s impact on personal finances, most utilities have not disconnected customers for about a year despite unpaid bills. Moorhead officials have a plan to start collecting the mounting customer debt.

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Watch live: Trump lawyers say Democrats urge supporters to 'fight,' too

Lawyers for Donald Trump are making his impeachment defense by accusing Democrats of launching a campaign of “hatred” against the former president and manipulating his words in the lead-up to the deadly siege of the U.S. Capitol. The trial is speeding toward a conclusion, and there could be a vote this weekend — likely for acquittal.

Biden administration aims to close Guantanamo Bay prison

Since 2002, the prison has housed members of Al-Qaida and the Taliban. At its peak, Guantanamo Bay had almost 680 people detained at the installation.

CDC offers clearest guidance yet for reopening schools

The updated guidelines make key changes to earlier language, including a new color-coded chart that divides school reopening options into four zones, based on the level of community transmission.

People with intellectual disabilities often overlooked in pandemic response

Without federal tracking, no one knows how many people in disability group housing have fallen ill or died from the virus. And few states are prioritizing them for vaccination.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with music fit for the Year of the Ox

Friday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Celebrate with songs looking forward to the beginning of spring and all of the new growth and opportunities that come with it.

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