COUNTY CONNECTIONS: COVID-19 and the 2021 County Budget

The trend toward virtual meetings, which had been moving slowly for years, took a giant leap, pushed by COVID and improvements in technology. All departments made significant cuts to their 2021 travel budgets, and that trend will likely continue in future budgets. By Cook County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers from Cook County MN - January 22, 2021 Read More »

A tale of two dentists: Why some providers are getting vaccinated and some aren’t

Doctors, eye doctors, retail pharmacists and others who were in line to get inoculated next say they remain confused about when and how they will get their shots. By Catharine Richert of Minnesota Public Radio News - January 21, 2021 Read More »

Updated Minnesota COVID-19 testing guidance focuses on children, college students

As students of all ages return to classrooms, state implores more testing. From the Minnesota Department of Health - January 21, 2021 Read More »

Couple gives $50 to every Lunds & Byerlys employee in northeast Minneapolis

Bakery and deli manager James Thompson estimates that the couple spent $4,450 giving back to the essential workers who are keeping their shelves filled. By Emily Haavik of KARE 11 News - January 21, 2021 Read More »

Video: Minnesota lawmakers aim to streamline voting

Minnesotans have the highest voter turnout rate in the nation in 2020, but DFL legislators say too many are still left on the sidelines of democracy. By John Croman of KARE 11 News - January 21, 2021 Read More »

After fall COVID-19 spike, Minnesota’s Unemployment Rate at 4.4% in December

Fall COVID-19 spikes effect December employment, rate ticks down as people leave labor force; Minnesota loses jobs for second month. From the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - January 21, 2021 Read More »

MPCA: Just 1 coffee cup of ice melt needed for every 20 feet of drive-way

The MPCA is asking Minnesotans to go easy on the salt because of its effect on lakes and streams. Minnesotans put down 445,000 tons of chloride containing salt each year. By Rob Olson of KMSP-TV Fox 9 News - January 21, 2021 Read More »