Stories from July 10, 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 an “essential caregiver” to visit them inside their residence and to have physical contact with them. This is an MPR News evening update for Friday, July 10, 2020. Hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Task force designed to guide changes for Minneapolis police
Mayor Jacob Frey said that achieving transformational change will require a team effort and the experts and advocates on the task force will deliver “innovative policies and a wholly-new approach to public safety.”
Pandemic bike boom gives cities permission to green their streets
A survey of residents in six European countries found 75 percent of respondents supported maintaining changes to streets that have allowed for more biking and socially-distant walking during the pandemic.
No easy solutions for tent camps in Minneapolis parks, county official says
Homelessness is driving the growth of tent camps in Minneapolis parks — and COVID-19 is making the situation worse, Hennepin County’s senior administrator of housing stability tells MPR News. The Minneapolis park board says it’ll consider a new resolution next week to reduce the size of the Powderhorn Park encampments — the largest encampments in the city.
Nation's pediatricians walk back support for in-person school
In a new statement made jointly with teachers unions, the American Academy of Pediatrics now says "science and community circumstances must guide decision-making."
Special session, Part 2, planned for Monday
Gov. Tim Walz summoned lawmakers back for a special session that will begin Monday. He said it’s time for a deal on police accountability and public works construction.
Anatomy of a COVID-19 conspiracy theory
Conspiracy theories need just the right ingredients to take off within a population and the coronavirus pandemic has been a breeding ground for them. How fear, wealth and social media all play a role.
It was a hot July week across much of Minnesota, with places as far north as International Falls and Ely reporting temps in the 90s. Then on July 8, several tornadoes tore across portions of western and central Minnesota, injuring two people and leaving one dead.    
More than 20 U.S. states now require face masks in public
An alarming surge in coronavirus cases is forcing more states to require face coverings. Two of the worst-hit states — Florida and Arizona — still don't have statewide mandates.
Some areas could see a Saturday shower or thunderstorm, but Sunday looks dry. We have your weekend forecast, plus an update on the Wednesday tornado in Grant and Otter Tail counties.
State opens long-term care to visits from outside 'essential caregivers' after COVID-19 restrictions
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.
Comet streaking past Earth, providing spectacular show
Comet Neowise swept within Mercury's orbit a week ago. Its close proximity to the sun caused dust and gas to burn off its surface and create an even bigger debris tail. Now the comet is headed our way, with closest approach in two weeks.
After a quiet day Friday, more showers and storms move in for the first half of the weekend.  Temperatures return closer to average after a hotter than normal July so far.
Friday brings sunny skies, warm weather and lower humidity.  However, more showers and storms start to move into western Minnesota by Friday night.
The last session ended with no action on police accountability measures in the wake of George Floyd’s death. MPR News update for July 10, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
AP: After lobbying, Catholic Church won $1.4B in virus aid
The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid, with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups.
Guard mobilized quickly, adjusted on fly for Floyd unrest
More than 7,100 Minnesota National Guard members were pressed into duty for a mission unlike any other in Minneapolis after George Floyd was killed. The Guard’s commander offered an inside look at the mission to state lawmakers Thursday.
Sales boom, factory shutdowns leave bikes in short supply amid pandemic
There’s been a bike boom around the world — including in Minnesota — as people look for ways to get around town, to replace the gym, or just to get out of the house amid the pandemic. And that has contributed to a shortage of bicycles and parts.
#Goyaway: Calls to boycott Goya Foods after CEO praises Trump
President Donald Trump has maintained a tenuous relationship with much of the Hispanic community since his first campaign speech for the presidency, in which he described Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and "criminals."
Police viewed less favorably, but few want to 'defund' them, survey finds
A poll conducted in mid-June found that most respondents thought police officers should be held legally accountable for misconduct. But few respondents favored cutting funding for law enforcement.
As U of M Twin Cities tries test-optional, expert says students will benefit
The decision by the University of Minnesota’s flagship campus to forgo the ACT or SAT in student applications is part of a growing test-optional trend that one expert says is improving access to the nation’s top institutions without compromising academics.
Starbucks says customers must wear masks at its cafes
Several states already require people to wear masks in public spaces like coffee shops to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but many still have no such requirement.