Briefs
Minnesota private schools, restaurants among businesses that got federal loans, new records show
The federal government issued more than 98,000 loans to Minnesota businesses and nonprofits through the Paycheck Protection Program, including pricey private schools and a conservative think tank, according to data released Monday. Nonprofits, restaurant corporations, construction companies and churches were among the 13,700 organizations that received loans of at least $150,000. Here are some of […]
Legislature likely coming back, again
The administration of Gov. Tim Walz is deciding on the timing of a special legislative session so that Walz can retain emergency powers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, an administration official said. They could meet early next week. After the state’s Executive Council — comprising the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state […]
Minnesota reports 500 new COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths
More than 37,200 Minnesotans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 1,458 have died, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The figures reported Thursday include 500 new cases and 13 deaths. Approximately 630,427 tests have been completed, an increase of 13,505 from the day before. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, 274 Minnesotans were hospitalized with […]
Parks commissioner: There needs to be a plan before displacing homeless at Powderhorn
A Minneapolis park board commissioner said today he’ll vote against a measure that would evict most of the estimated 600 people living in tents at Powderhorn Park. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will consider eliminating all but 10 tents per city park, so most of the estimated 400 tents pitched in two separate Powderhorn […]
Senate committee to consider hiring legal counsel in lawsuit targeting ‘outdated’ abortion laws
The Senate Rules Committee will convene Thursday to retain legal counsel to participate in a lawsuit in which the state is being sued by reproductive health care advocates challenging several Minnesota abortion laws. The Committee on Rules and Administration will meet remotely at 7 p.m. Thursday to consider hiring the law firm of Saul Ewing […]
Drugmakers sue Minnesota to permanently block insulin-affordability law
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the trade group representing insulin makers, is suing the state of Minnesota over a law set to take effect Wednesday that aims to provide affordable insulin to those who need it. The lawsuit is asking for a permanent injunction. Minnesota elected officials reacted scornfully. State Rep. Mike Howard, DFL-Richfield, […]
Minnesota reports 444 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths
More than 36,300 Minnesotans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 1,441 have died, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The figures reported Tuesday include 444 new cases and 6 deaths. Approximately 605,316 tests have been completed, an increase of 12,361 from the day before. As of 4 p.m. Monday, 270 Minnesotans were hospitalized with […]
Walz considering calling lawmakers back to consider police reforms
Gov. Tim Walz is considering calling another special legislative session on July 10. Walz said he has been talking with lawmakers about a potential special session to focus on potential police reforms and other unfinished work. “All of us understand Minnesota is still the focal point of the need to have trust in our police […]
Goldman Sachs says national face mask mandate could keep economy open, cut infection rates
Gov. Tim Walz said he is considering a statewide mask mandate, and global investment firm Goldman Sachs just gave him a good reason to. Goldman’s chief economist, Jan Hatzius, issued a note to clients examining the impacts of masks on the economy and infection rates, according to reports. “We find that face masks are associated […]
Walz considering a statewide mask mandate
Gov. Tim Walz said today he’s considering a statewide mandate that people wear masks in public to combat COVID-19. He said Republican governors are also exploring the idea. “All these things are difficult decisions to make,” he said. “The best thing we can do is keep social distance, wear the mask, and if you’re sick, […]
Minnesota reports 315 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths
More than 35,800 Minnesotans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 1,435 have died, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The figures reported Monday include 315 new cases and 10 deaths. Approximately 592,955 tests have been completed, an increase of 7,522 from the day before. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, 278 Minnesotans were hospitalized with […]
Roberts sided with liberal justices, overturning Louisiana abortion law
WASHINGTON — In a major victory for reproductive rights, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a controversial Louisiana law that critics said would have severely limited access to abortion in Louisiana and opened the door to further abortion limitations around the country. Enacted in 2014 by the Louisiana state Legislature, the law would have required physicians […]