MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOLS-STRIKE

In Minneapolis strike, teachers say kids aren’t all right

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Teachers in Minneapolis say they’ve noticed more kids with anxiety and depression. One school counselor says she’s seen more fights and drug use this year. Some kids tell parents they’re frustrated, because learning stops when teachers have to deal with disruptive students in class. Increased mental health services for students is among key issues for striking Minneapolis public school teachers. School Superintendent Ed Graff has acknowledged that kids and teachers need more mental health support. But Graff has said the teachers’ requests would go beyond the district’s budget. The teachers are also seeking higher wages. Wednesday was the second day of their strike.

CLEAN CARS-MINNESOTA

Minnesota Senate GOP bill would block ‘clean cars’ standards

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota Senate committee has advanced a bill that would block the authority of state pollution regulators to adopt “clean car” standards. It passed on a vote of 4-3 Wednesday. Rules established by the agency without the Legislature’s input angered Republicans last summer. The legislation would effectively block “clean car” rules adopted by the Walz administration in July that take effect in 2024. The rules encourage a switchover to electric vehicles in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the worsening impact of climate change.

GEORGE FLOYD-MINNEAPOLIS RESPONSE

Report: Minneapolis didn’t follow protocols in Floyd unrest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A report on how Minneapolis police, fire and other agencies responded to protests that erupted following the killing of George Floyd paints a picture of miscommunication and a lack of planning. The report by the risk management firm Hillard Heintze describes a breakdown of critical communication among government agencies that left first responders with limited guidance. The report released Tuesday says Mayor Jacob Frey failed to implement the city’s emergency protocols in response to the unrest that followed Floyd’s death at the hands of police in May 2020. Frey says in a statement he’s asked city staff to create a plan for implementing the report’s roughly two dozen recommendations.

ELECTION 2022-MINNESOTA-GOVERNOR

GOP candidate Jensen picks ex-Viking Birk as running mate

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen has named former Minnesota Viking and Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk as his running mate. Jensen made the announcement Tuesday night at a rally in Eagan. He’s the first candidate to announce a running mate in the large field of GOP hopefuls seeking to unseat Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Minnesota Democratic Party Chairman Ken Martin accused Jensen of “doubling down on far-right extremism” by selecting Birk, who has opposed same-sex marriage, abortion rights and the Walz administration’s response to COVID-19. Birk spent a decade with the Vikings before joining the Ravens in 2009.

VIKING MISSISSIPPI-WATER DEBUT

Viking Mississippi cruise ship touches water for first time

HOUMA, La. (AP) — A Swiss company’s cruises along the length of the Mississippi River are a step closer to reality — its new 386-passenger ship has touched water for the first time. Viking River Cruises of Basel celebrated the “float out” of the Viking Mississippi on Monday at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Two U.S. companies already offer cruises up and down the river. American Queen Voyages, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has three paddlewheel cruise boats on the river. American Cruise Lines, based in Guilford, Connecticut, has five boats on the Mississippi and plans to launch a sixth late this year. Viking says its ship will make its first voyage in June.

MINNESOTA SCHOOLS-STRIKE

Teachers hit picket lines in Minneapolis as parents worry

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Teachers have hit the picket lines at public schools across Minneapolis, calling their strike a fight to ensure “safe and stable schools” for students and for better wages for the lowest-paid support staff. But many families of the 29,000 students in one of Minnesota’s largest school districts are worried. They fear an extended walkout by the nearly 3,300 teachers could mean a return to the struggles of balancing work and child care they have faced throughout the coronavirus pandemic. No talks are scheduled. And union leaders and school officials made it clear the sides are far apart.

STADIUM INJURY SETTLEMENT

Minneapolis stadium owners settle with injured concert goer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Bank Stadium officials have agreed to pay their share of a $1.2 million settlement to a Wisconsin man whose foot was injured at a Garth Brooks concert in 2019. Tom and Diana Ugoretz, of Marshfield, sued the owner of the Minneapolis stadium, its operators, guilders and security personnel after a large steel hydraulic barrier was lowered onto Tom Ugoretz’s foot outside a gate. He sued for his permanent disability and past and future medical expenses. Diana Ugoretz sought compensation for loss of companionship. The couple’s attorney, Michael Brose, says the settlement includes a confidentiality clause that prohibits the parties from discussing his client’s injuries, the incident or the settlement.

HIGH SCHOOL-WEAPON

Lockdown lifted, no weapon found at Burnsville High School

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Police responding to a report of a weapon at a suburban Minneapolis high school gave the all-clear after a three-hour search found nothing suspicious. A lockdown was put in place at Burnsville High School about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday when the search began. Authorities said no weapon was discovered and there were no injuries. School principal Dave Helke said in mid-afternoon note to parents that students would be released immediately and buses would run their normal routes. All after-school activities were canceled. Burnsville is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Minneapolis.