Redistricting may have to wait this time. The AP reports: "The U.S. Census Bureau needs more time to wrap up the once-a-decade count because of the coronavirus, opening the possibility of delays in drawing new legislative districts that could help determine what political party is in power, what laws pass or fail and whether communities of color get a voice in their states."
The White House is changing its tone on COVID-19. More from the AP: "After two months of frantic response to the coronavirus, the White House is planning to shift President Trump’s public focus to the burgeoning efforts aimed at easing the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. Days after he publicly mused that scientists should explore the injection of toxic disinfectants as a potential virus cure, Trump has now rejected the utility of his daily task force briefings , where he has time and again clashed with scientific experts. Trump’s aides are aiming to move the president onto more familiar — and safer, they hope — ground: talking up the economy, in tighter controlled settings. It’s a political imperative as allies have seen an erosion in support for the president."
Minnesota DFLers are taking their convention online. From our COVID-19 coverage over the weekend: "A statement says it's the first time a convention has not met in person in its 76-year history. The convention was scheduled for May 30 and 31. Instead, the party will use a remote balloting system to choose candidates. DFL Party Chair Ken Martin said the move was made to protect people from COVID-19. Minnesota’s Republican Party on Tuesday also announced that the party won’t hold an in-person state convention next month due to the coronavirus situation."
Coronavirus cases are spiking inside a Minnesota boot camp. Also from our weekend coverage: "On Wednesday, the Corrections Department reported 15 cases at the Challenge Incarceration Program in it's Willow River facility in northeastern Minnesota . On Friday, the number of confirmed cases jumped to 40; seven others are presumed to have it. And there are 12 tests still pending. That means about one-third of all the residents at Willow River — about 140 inmates — have COVID-19. And nearly all the 43 cases reported in Pine County are at the Corrections Department campus, which hosts a program for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse histories."
