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Stories from September 1, 2020

FEMA says it will stop paying for cloth face masks for schools

FEMA says it will stop paying for cloth face masks for schools

The federal agency has reimbursed states for protective equipment and disinfection throughout the pandemic. Now state officials are wondering where they will find funding to reopen schools safely.
by Laurel Wamsley

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COVID-19 unemployment aid on the way, but not for long

COVID-19 unemployment aid is on the way, but not for long, say state officials. The Lost Wages Assistance program will likely last only a few weeks, even as the state’s key hospitality industry shuts down for winter. This is an MPR News evening update for Tuesday, September 1st, 2020, hosted by Tim Nelson and Myah Christenson. Music by Gary Meister.

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State aims for quick turnaround on $300 unemployment boost

State aims for quick turnaround on $300 unemployment boost

After securing federal approval for enhanced benefits over the weekend, Minnesota’s unemployment officials hope to quickly dispatch the extra $300 in weekly aid to qualified recipients.
by Brian Bakst

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U of M students to face curbs, curfews as they return to campus quarters

U of M students to face curbs, curfews as they return to campus quarters

The plan confines students living on the U of M’s Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester campuses mostly to their residence halls or university-owned apartments for 10 days, except for work, eating or attending any in-person classes.
by Tim Nelson

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Court blocks release of Trump tax returns amid latest appeal

Court blocks release of Trump tax returns amid latest appeal

A federal appeals court on Tuesday blocked a New York prosecutor from obtaining Donald Trump’s tax returns while the president’s lawyers continue to fight a subpoena seeking the records. The three-judge panel ruled after hearing brief arguments from both sides. 
by The Associated Press

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Judge allows Minnesota wineries to use out-of-state grapes

Judge allows Minnesota wineries to use out-of-state grapes

A federal judge has struck down a Minnesota law that required wineries in the state to use mostly Minnesota-grown grapes, in a ruling that could have implications for other states.
by The Associated Press

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Survey: Midwest economy improves despite pandemic, derecho

The rural economy in Middle America showed improvement in August, despite the effects of a global pandemic and a rare devastating wind storm earlier in the month, according to a monthly survey of nine Midwest and Plains states released Tuesday.
by The Associated Press

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Cut off by Canada, Northwest Angle's pandemic-era lifeline rests on one man's boat

Cut off by Canada, Northwest Angle's pandemic-era lifeline rests on one man's boat

Border closures with Canada nearly shut down the economy of the Northwest Angle, that isolated triangle of land at the very top of Minnesota. But thanks to Gregg Hennum, who runs a water taxi that brings visitors by boat, it’s still chugging along.
by John Enger

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Fact check: Trump tweets distort truth on National Guard

Fact check: Trump tweets distort truth on National Guard

President Trump omits the fact that he is largely a bystander in National Guard deployments: National Guard units in each state answer to the governor and sometimes state legislatures, not to the president.
by The Associated Press

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How the pandemic is squeezing women out of their jobs — maybe for good

How the pandemic is squeezing women out of their jobs — maybe for good

In most recessions, it’s the men who lose the jobs. Not so with the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment is highest among women, and it could take decades for women to make up what was lost.
by Catharine Richert and Kelly Gordon

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The payroll tax delay is here, but so is confusion about it

The payroll tax delay is here, but so is confusion about it

Some employees will soon see a boost in take-home pay. The Trump administration has given employers the option to stop collecting payroll taxes. But workers may have to repay the money next year.
by Scott Horsley

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Deputies shoot and kill Black man in south LA, sparking protest

Deputies shoot and kill Black man in south LA, sparking protest

Homicide detectives are investigating Monday's shooting, which officials say happened after sheriff's deputies tried to stop the man, identified as Dijon Kizzee, while he was riding a bike.
by Bill Chappell

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Typical temperatures to start September

Most of Minnesota stays dry Tuesday, but both the southern and northern borders do see chances for rain.
by Nicole Mitchell

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State health officials: virus spreading at an 'alarming' rate

After weeks of sharpening their messages of personal responsibility, state public health leaders sounded an alarm Monday that Minnesota is headed for serious trouble unless more Minnesotans start doing the right things, including wearing masks and socially distancing even at meetups with friends and family. This is a MPR News morning update for Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Can I use a face shield instead of a mask?

Can I use a face shield instead of a mask?

Health officials don't recommend the clear plastic barriers as a substitute for masks because of the lack of research on whether they keep an infected person from spreading viral droplets to others. However, those who want extra protection may want to wear a face shield in addition to a mask.
by The Associated Press

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Tensions high as Donald Trump visits Kenosha

Tensions high as Donald Trump visits Kenosha

President Donald Trump dove into the latest eruption in the nation’s reckoning over racial injustice with a trip Tuesday to Kenosha, Wis., over the objections of local leaders.

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Sept. 1 update on COVID-19 in MN: Total cases top 76K; walking 'the edge of a cliff'

Sept. 1 update on COVID-19 in MN: Total cases top 76K; walking 'the edge of a cliff'

The newest numbers come a day after the state health commissioner warned backyard events and other informal get-togethers are driving the current spread, and if Minnesotans don’t alter their behavior “what comes next is going to be worse.”
by MPR News Staff

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Remote learning's distractions put extra pressure on students with ADHD

Remote learning's distractions put extra pressure on students with ADHD

With less structure and supervision than is typically provided inside a classroom, remote classes lean hard on already stressed parents to help students with ADHD stay focused and engaged.
by Jon Hamilton

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The pandemic emptied buildings, but for how long?

As commercial real estate continues to lie vacant around the U.S., it may contribute to a vicious economic cycle that reshapes New York and other cities.
by Ryan Kailath

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NPR Special Report: "The Summer of Racial Reckoning: Part 2"

NPR Special Report: "The Summer of Racial Reckoning: Part 2"

NPR Special Report: “The Summer of Racial Reckoning.” Part 2.

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Trump defends Kenosha shooting suspect

Trump defends Kenosha shooting suspect

The president on Monday painted the accused 17-year-old Kenosha shooter's actions as possible self-defense, saying, without evidence, that the teenager "probably would have been killed."
by Alana Wise

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United, Delta, American dropping change fees for domestic flights

United, Delta, American dropping change fees for domestic flights

United's CEO says the change was a top request from customers. Delta and American followed suit after United's announcement. Airlines are trying to coax wary customers to return amid the pandemic.
by Merrit Kennedy

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