MPR News Update

Daily Digest for February 18, 2021

Posted at 6:45 a.m. by Sara Porter
 
Good morning,

Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials set new rules for in-person and hybrid learning models yesterday, along with an expectation that all schools will offer some form of in-person learning by March 8.

Pressed by reporters about whether he would force school districts to reopen buildings by March 8, the governor said the plan depended on partnerships with local officials and that the state would “cross each of those bridges when they come.”

Here's a quick look at what's new in the guidance starting Feb. 22:
  • Rolling starts are no longer required
  • Emphasis on school-level COVID-19 data in decision making
  • Regular COVID-19 testing encouraged for students, families
  • Three feet of distance for younger kids, when possible
  • Six feet of distance for middle, high school students, when possible
  • Schools are required to document lunchroom seating
Read more here.

Republican Doug Wardlow announced Wednesday he's running again for Minnesota attorney general.

The Associated Press reports: " Wardlow is a former state lawmaker who now serves as general counsel for MyPillow, whose founder, Mike Lindell, has spent months spreading misinformation in support of former President Donald Trump's false claims of victory in the presidential race.

Wardlow issued a statement accusing Ellison of politicizing the attorney general's office, allowing crime to skyrocket and doing harm to businesses and employees instead of being their ally."

No Republican has won Minnesota's attorney general's race since 1966. Wardlow lost the 2018 race to Democrat Keith Ellison by about 4 percentage points.

Minnesota lawmakers have given their first-ever endorsement to a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana.

But Senate opposition will likely prevent it from becoming law this year. The bill sets up a regulatory framework for adult use cannabis and establishes taxes, Tim Pugmire reports. Other sections of the bill, such as the expungement of marijuana-related criminal offences will be heard by another House committee during a future hearing.

Got story ideas or a question for MPR News? Let me know. sporter@mpr.org.
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