A frigid Friday. Freezing rain is likely in the Twin Cities with highs in the mid-30s and 10 to 15 mph winds. Statewide highs rain from 20s in the northwest to mid-30s to lower 40s in the southeast. Freezing rain is likely and some spots could see up to 2 inches of snow. More on Updraft. | Forecast

What’s on the radio today

Some Minnesota health plans are waiving in-network consumer expenses for COVID-19 treatment. Participating plans include Blue Cross, Health Partners and Medica, according to Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. "If you get sick with COVID-19, your focus should only be on getting better and recovering,” he said “You shouldn't have to worry about getting a bill that could ruin you financially, especially during this difficult time.” The changes last through May, at least. 

The latest coronavirus numbers as of Thursday: 

• 742 positive cases via 22,394 tests

• 18 deaths

• 75 people in the hospital; 38 in intensive care units

• 373 patients recovered

• 47 is the median case age

• 25-98 is the age range for cases requiring intensive care

• 31 percent of cases caused by community transmission

The first week of distance learning was a little bumpy. Elizabeth Shockman reports : “As hundreds of thousands of Minnesota students attempted to learn from home this week, the experiment was punctuated by widespread technology failures, overwhelmed parents and deepening inequities.”

Virtual class is likely all students will get this year, though. “The chance of being able to gather back at school is relatively slim,” Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday, calling it a “heartbreaking” situation, especially for the 2020 graduating class. 

Parents, looking for some community during this tough time? Join our Facebook group, Raising Kids in Minnesota.

Here’s another dose of sweetness to leave you with. This one comes from Nancy Yang: Hospitals all across the country are restricting visitors right now because of the coronavirus pandemic. But some kind folks are making sure patients who are alone don't feel like they are alone. ‘A group today dropped off hand-made get well cards for any patients who need a lift,’ tweeted former Pioneer Press journalist-turned-nurse John Welsh.” Read on here.

— Cody Nelson 

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