COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

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Meet the Minneapolis ‘violence interrupters’
The city has employed community members to head off conflicts before they turn deadly. The anti-violence program is being rolled out at a time when shootings in Minneapolis are at a five-year high.
Americans are dying in the pandemic at rates far higher than in other countries
Per capita deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 and other causes are 85 percent higher than in countries like Germany and Israel. "The United States really has done remarkably badly," a study author says.
Retiree checks to rise 1.3% in 2021 amid coronavirus fallout
Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3 percent cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for older people. Government estimates released Tuesday show the increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker. 
'This is an opportunity': Fareed Zakaria on 'Lessons For A Post-Pandemic World'
The CNN host and author says COVID-19 has widened the inequality gap. "The most important piece of what the federal government can do is to stabilize these people's lives with direct aid," he says.
 Walz: Loosening restrictions about 'striking a balance' between data, follow-through
On Monday, the state confirmed more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the fifth straight day. The spike comes as state officials relax some restrictions, including visits to nursing homes.
Minnesota to allow more visits to nursing homes, long-term care facilities
More people soon will be able to visit loved ones in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The Minnesota Department of Health says the changes are set to go into effect on Saturday.