What's making news in Minneapolis:

Chief Tim Dolan to step down by year's end: Dolan, a North Side native and married father of four who turns 57 next month, has long hinted he would step down when his second three-year term expires. His six years as chief have seen crime levels drop significantly, a trend recorded in other large cities as well but one that was pronounced in Minneapolis. His critics faulted him on his disciplinary record and the city saw expensive payouts in civil cases involving police conduct, including a $2.19 million judgment against two officers who fatally shot an unarmed man. (Matt McKinney)

St. Paul mayor asks senators to keep his city alive: Testifying on the Viking stadium bill, Mayor Chris Coleman said that he supports a Vikings stadium for downtown Minneapolis but that investment there alone would be "a very direct threat to the future vitality of the city of St. Paul." (Rochelle Olson) Meanwhile, the addition of racino to the stadium bill muddies its chances in the Senate. (Mike Kaszuba and Jim Ragsdale)

Joe Senser asked about fatal crash; Amy said no way: Ex-Viking testifies in trial that his wife "was adamant" she wasn't in fatal crash. (Abby Simons)

Board dazed and confused by new school waivers: New system of measurement and labels to sub for No Child Left Behind goals. "I can understand none of it," said board member Hussein Samatar, "This sounds like mumbo-jumbo from the state that does not want to hold schools accountable." (Steve Brandt)

Great chefs: Sameh Wadi is world savvy: Born in Kuwait, Wadi - who runs Saffron restaurant in the Warehouse District with his brother - brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to our Midwestern palates.(Jon Tevlin)