Parents weigh in as Minnesota's Universal Free Meal Program turns 2
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota started a universal free meals program for school children.
Dr. Michael Osterholm reflects on COVID-19 outbreak: 5 years later
Dr. Michael Osterholm is a world-renowned epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota. He sounded the warning alarms in January 2020 about the dangers of COVID-19 and recalls he was initially met with some opposition from colleagues.
First Minnesota COVID case detected 5 years ago today
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected in Minnesota on March 6, 2020, marking the start of the state's public health response to a virus that killed millions of people worldwide and upended many aspects of society.
Gov. Walz signed ‘stay at home' order 4 years ago Monday: COVID-19
All people within the State of Minnesota were, "ordered to stay at home or in their place of residence"
Children and long COVID-19: M Health Fairview opens clinic to treat symptoms
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a Twin Cities hospital system saw a rise in patients suffering from symptoms similar to long COVID-19, such as brain fog, extreme fatigue and headaches.
COVID-19 death rates higher for ‘critical’ occupations, new study shows
The new University of Minnesota study looked COVID-19 deaths by occupation, finding which workers faced the greatest risk from the virus. The study also pointed out failures in Minnesota's rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Minnesota governor had authority to impose mask mandate, Appeals Court says
Gov. Tim Walz had the legal authority to mandate face masks when he declared a public health emergency in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday.
Minnesotans to get final round of pandemic food benefits for children
As the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 wraps up, eligible Minnesota families with children will soon receive what's expected to be the last round of food benefits.
Audit finds issues with Minnesota COVID-19 pandemic spending
Auditors examining nearly $400 million in pandemic spending in Minnesota found several instances in which state agencies exceeded their emergency authority or failed to properly document purchases or track supplies, according to a report released Thursday by the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
Final emergency SNAP benefits going out in March
The temporary emergency SNAP benefits that helped low-income people buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic are ending in March.
Minnesota closing state-run COVID-19 testing sites
The state of Minnesota is closing its four remaining state-run COVID-19 testing sites this week.
Mall of America COVID-19 vaccination site closing on Friday
The Minnesota Department of Health is shutting down its COVID-19 vaccination site at the Mall of America in Bloomington on Friday, Dec. 30.
Frontline worker pay: Nearly 1 million payments sent to Minnesotans
Minnesota labor officials on Monday said nearly 1 million bonus checks have been sent to eligible frontline workers.
Have you gotten your updated COVID booster? State data shows likely not
Fall is in full swing now, and doctors say it's time for people to roll up their sleeves and get the updated COVID-19 booster shot.
Minnesota frontline worker payments of nearly $500 start going out this week
More than 1 million Minnesota workers will get bonus payments of nearly $500 starting this week, a thank-you gift from the state that arrives more than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Minnesota's COVID-19 grants invited fraud, but none found, audit finds
An audit of $200 million in grants doled out to health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic found weaknesses in Minnesota's processes but identified no waste or fraud.
Feeding Our Future: 47 people charged in $250M fraud scheme
The founder of Feeding Our Future and 46 others have been charged in what federal officials are calling the largest pandemic fraud in the country.
Minnesota opens appointments for younger children to get COVID-19 vaccine
The state of Minnesota is making appointments available for children ages six months to 5 years old to get COVID-19 vaccines, after the CDC gave final approval for that age group last week.