Judge Says Rest Stops Should Stay Closed

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota judge says state-run highway rest stops that were closed in the July 1 shutdown should remain closed because they're not a core function of government.

Ramsey County Judge Kathleen Gearin made the ruling Monday, agreeing with a special master who was appointed to review funding requests amid the government closure.

The Minnesota Trucking Association had argued the rest stops should be open to make sure truckers get the amount of rest required by law.

Special master Kathleen Blatz acknowledged that the shutdown adversely affects commercial truck drivers but said rest stops still can't be considered a core function of government.

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