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July 12, 2020
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Photo of Itasca State Park Courtesy Andrew Krueger
State opens long-term care to visits from outside 'essential caregivers' after COVID-19 restrictions
July 11, 2020
For the first time since mid-March, outsiders will be allowed into Minnesota’s long-term care homes to visit residents.
The Minnesota Department of Health put out new guidance Friday that allows residents to designate one person, identified as an “essential caregiver,” to visit inside the residence and to have physical contact with them.
The guidance indicates those caregivers would likely be family members or “other, close outside caregivers.”
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Let MPR be the soundtrack to your adventure!
July 11, 2020
Listener support for MPR comes from across the state to bring all Minnesotans the news, music, and conversations you rely on!
Donate before July 12 at $15 per month or make a one-time gift of $180 and select the Minnesota State Parks Year-Round Permit as our thanks to you.
You make the difference. Let MPR be the soundtrack to your summer outdoors--and support free and independent radio. Give today!
Half of fired Minnesota police officers get their jobs back through arbitration
July 10, 2020
The fate of arbitration is set to play out at the state Capitol in the coming weeks, as lawmakers convene for a special session where they’re expected to consider this and other measures to increase police accountability in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
- More Police in misconduct cases stay on force through arbitration
- Mayors Change Minnesota law, don't let fired cops return to work
- Minneapolis police union open to community demands But Kroll staying put
'You’re going to kill me, man': Transcripts of police videos reveal Floyd's final moments
July 10, 2020
The Minneapolis officer who pressed his knee against George Floyd's neck before he died told him, “it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk” after Floyd pleaded for air around 20 times. That's according to transcripts of body camera video recordings made public Wednesday.
- Floyd killing Former officer seeks dismissal of charges
Some COVID-19 tests come with a bill. Here’s how to avoid one
July 9, 2020
State officials have said repeatedly that COVID-19 testing is free, and that anyone who needs to get tested can get it. But on the ground, that isn’t how it’s worked out for some people.
- Wrongly billed Early coronavirus testing restrictions led to some big ER bills
- Coronavirus tests Insurers may only pay when they're 'medically necessary'
- From March Minn. health plans say they will cover costs of COVID-19 tests
Judge rejects Dakota Access request for emergency order
July 9, 2020
A federal judge rejected a request for an emergency order to delay the process of shutting down the Dakota Access pipeline while attorneys appeal a ruling to shutter the pipeline during the course of an environmental review.
- Monday Judge orders Dakota Access pipeline shut down pending review
Rochester, Mankato to require masks indoors in fight against COVID-19
July 8, 2020
The southern Minnesota cities of Rochester and Mankato approved new mandates Monday that will require people to wear face masks indoors out in public, in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Earlier In Rochester, a debate over mandatory masks in Med City
- Map Where are face masks required in Minnesota?
Valerie Castile: Change in driver's manual makes traffic stops safer when motorists carry guns
July 8, 2020
Motorists and police will have new guidance that may help avoid deadly shootings like the one that killed Philando Castile four years ago Monday.
- In 2016 Black drivers bear brunt of citations from routine stops by St. Anthony PD
- More The driving life and death of Philando Castile
- Castile stopped 52 times by police Was it racial profiling?
As state continues to reopen, some office workers fear COVID-19 exposure, retaliation
July 7, 2020
Employment lawyers in Minnesota say they're hearing from workers who say they have been retaliated against for raising safety concerns about workplace conditions — or who have hesitated to speak up because they fear retaliation.
- 4 things to know about your rights As more people return to work