D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: An unexpected recess
The COVID-19 pandemic in D.C.; Hagedorn on climate change; and more.
Politics & Policy
National
How Minnesota’s congressional offices are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic
Offices have reduced staff, encouraged telework and are conducting meetings by phone.
Health
Hennepin, Ramsey counties approve funding to establish quarantine sites for vulnerable residents
Hennepin County is preparing to negotiate leases with existing buildings to set up isolation rooms for some residents who show signs of COVID-19.
National
Rep. Jim Hagedorn doesn’t believe in man-made climate change. In his district, the climate’s changing anyway
Between rising rivers and flooded farm fields, residents of the First District are feeling the effects of a changing climate.
State Government
Hours after a frantic finish, the Minnesota Legislature shuts down
At least for now. A resolution adopted in the early morning Tuesday said lawmakers would reconvene April 14.
Health
How local health officials across Minnesota are dealing with COVID-19
Though the state of Minnesota is leading the response effort, it’s local officials throughout the state who are responsible for implementing the directives for containing the coronavirus.
Economy
What workers need to know about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 emergency
Waiting periods are waived; people lacking child care may qualify; caps lifted for business owners; and more.
State Government
For now, you can still go for a walk in the woods, says Minnesota DNR
The DNR said Monday it will keep its parks, recreation areas, campgrounds and other public lands open for the time being.
State Government
Walz orders bars and restaurants closed as part of latest effort to slow spread of COVID-19
The latest executive order came just a few hours after the Minnesota Legislature outlined how they would mostly vacate the capitol after getting a few critical things done to respond to COVID-19.
Metro
Minneapolis and St. Paul declare states of emergency over COVID-19
Minneapolis announced limitations on bars, restaurants and coffee shops. In St. Paul, parks and libraries closed.
Eric Black Ink
Trump’s thoughts on taking responsibility — in 2013
Seven years ago Donald Trump tweeted: “Leadership: Whatever happens, you’re responsible. If it doesn’t happen, you’re responsible.”
State Government
Walz orders all Minnesota schools to close for 8 days; 35 cases of COVID-19 now confirmed
The closure is meant to give districts time to figure out what instruction will look like for the rest of the school year.
State Government
Walz declares state of emergency for Minnesota, urges canceling or postponing all large events
The governor also asked the state Legislature to pass a set of emergency bills related to the outbreak, including help to speed up testing for the virus and modifying unemployment insurance for those impacted by quarantines and closures.
