Health
The daily coronavirus update: 35 more deaths, a single-day record
The health commissioner also specifically addressed those protesting the death of George Floyd, encouraging social distancing and the use of face masks.
Peter Callaghan
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State Government
Despite fears, most renters in Minnesota have been paying on time
Though landlords and housing advocates continue to fear ‘train wreck’ for tenants without rental assistance deal by the Minnesota Legislature.
Health
The daily coronavirus update: Some hospitals nearing ICU capacity; health plans extend copay waiver
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 18 more deaths from COVID-19 and 645 new cases of the disease.
State Government
Is the requirement for restaurant reservations in Minnesota part of the state’s contact tracing efforts?
Walz and his commissioners have offered different explanations for new rules affecting restaurants and salons, part of the state’s latest effort to open the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
State Government
New order allows Minnesota churches to hold in-person services at 25 percent capacity
Gov. Tim Walz announced that starting Wednesday churches that follow social distancing guidelines will be able to hold services — as long as the gatherings don’t exceed 25 percent of a building’s capacity.
Health
The daily coronavirus update: 32 more deaths; Minneapolis to require face masks inside public settings
The 32 deaths reported by the Minnesota Department of Health Thursday represents the highest one-day death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic so far. MDH also reported an additional 530 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Minnesota.
Health
The daily coronavirus update: 29 more deaths; Walz announces plans to reopen outdoor dining, salons
The Department of Health also said Wednesday there have been 17,670 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, up 641 from Tuesday’s count.
State Government
Why the Minnesota Legislature couldn’t get a deal done on rental assistance. Or affordable housing.
And how one proposal — linking the two issues to regulatory reform — may offer a possible preview of a deal to be had when the Legislature convenes for a special session.
State Government
Minnesota’s 2020 legislative session was defined by what got pushed aside to respond to COVID-19
A look at all the people, issues and customs that got forgotten, left behind or disappeared during one of the most unique legislative sessions in Minnesota history.
Health
‘We’re just in the second inning’: Kashkari, Osterholm offer bleak assessment of what is yet to be wrought by COVID-19
One day after Minnesota moved to further ease restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19, two Minnesota thought leaders — Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and Michael Osterholm, director of the U of M’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy — had gloomy news for what is yet to come from the pandemic.
State Government
The Minnesota Legislature really wants a say in how the state distributes federal COVID-19 money — even if Walz doesn’t have to listen
The problem: Even if the administration prefers to work with the Legislature, lawmakers know the governor can act without legislative authority.
State Government
Walz to let Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expire, extends state of emergency another 30 days
In a televised speech Wednesday, the governor said he is still keeping bars, restaurants, gyms and salons closed, though his administration is developing plans for those businesses to reopen by June 1.
State Government
Walz not ruling out imposing universal vote-by-mail for 2020 elections
Under his state of emergency powers declared in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz could potentially order the state to move to an all vote-by-mail election.
Politics & Policy
Why a plan to expand contact tracing in Minnesota is getting pushback at the Legislature
A plan to expand the number of contact tracers tracking coronavirus cases in Minnesota has become a flashpoint in the increasingly partisan debate over Minnesota’s response to the pandemic.
State Government
Bipartisan bill addressing prescription drug price transparency goes to Gov. Walz
The bill requires pharmaceutical companies to report to the state when pricing for certain prescription drugs exceeds increases outlined in the bill. The bill also requires the Minnesota Department of Health to post the information on a public website.
State Government
The partisan divide at the Minnesota Capitol now extends to mask-wearing
Mask-wearing at the statehouse has become a partisan preference, with DFLers far more likely to wear face coverings than Republicans.
State Government
Minnesota Senate passes 2020 election bill: more money for no-excuse absentee balloting, but no all vote-by-mail
The main provision of the bill expands the voluntary use of no-excuse absentee voting in a year when — due to fears over COVID-19 — the staffing of regular polling is expected to be difficult.
State Government
What to know about the plan to massively expand contact tracing in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Department of Health wants to hire as many as 4,000 contact tracers as part of a massive effort to identify and isolate those who have COVID-19 — and those who’ve been in contact with the infected.
State Government
Minnesota projects $2.42 billion budget deficit in wake of COVID-19
The emergency budget forecast — based on skimpy data and educated guesses on what the fallout from COVID-19 is doing to state finances — was released Tuesday by Minnesota’s office of Management and Budget and projects a $2.42 billion shortfall.
State Government
What to expect from the last two weeks of Minnesota’s 2020 Legislature
What the end — at least when it comes to this year’s session of the Minnesota Legislature — looks like.
