April 14, 2020

Finally time to say bye to snow? Sunny skies will return Wednesday, after the long-lingering snow showers from the weekend. Temperatures also will get back to average by Saturday when the highs will hover around 60 degrees in the Twin Cities. (Spoiler alert: We may see temps in the 70s next week!)

COVID-19 in Minnesota today: Death toll now 79, number of hospitalized cases jumped by 20. One key indicator — the number of people needing intensive care — remained stable at 75, one up from Sunday. Total cases since the pandemic began ticked up to 1,695 with about 54 percent recovered to the point they no longer need to be isolated.

Stay up to date on Minnesota’s COVID-19 news - in 10 mins. Having trouble keeping up with the latest COVID-19 news? In under 10 minutes every weekday, the Minnesota Today podcast delivers the most important stories from around the state. Subscribe today and get the latest news on your schedule.

Can people with COVID-19 show no symptoms at all? Who are those silent spreaders? For those who tested positive without symptoms, follow-up exams confirmed that about 25 percent continued to show no signs, according to WHO. Silent spreaders can be divided into three categories: asymptomatic, presymptomatic and very mildly symptomatic. So far, they have made up a sliver of the total number of people who've tested positive. And the affected individuals seem to skew young.

Obama endorses Biden for president. Former President Barack Obama on Tuesday officially endorsed his former Vice President Joe Biden, a day after Biden earned an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Obama framed his endorsement by talking about the leadership he says is required to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Does Trump have authority to reopen states? Not really, experts say. "When somebody's the president of the United States, the authority is total," President Trump said on Monday. Trump said there were "numerous provisions" in the Constitution that give him that power, but he didn't name any. But his assertion is simply without merit or grounding in the Constitution, legal experts say.

Have you or a loved one had to delay an important surgery because of the COVID-19 pandemic? How has this impacted your life? Share your experience with us here and help inform our journalism.

— Jiwon Choi, MPR News

In Minnesota, job losses falling hard on people of color

The latest numbers come a day after Gov. Tim Walz signaled the state planned to move into a more aggressive posture to test for COVID-19 and trace and isolate those infected. Walz is briefing reporters now.

States unite on reopening economies: ' Science – not politics – will guide' decisions
Minnesota State Arts Board: The agency changes grant process at a troubled time

As unity wanes, Minnesota lawmakers advance new COVID-19 bill

The Minnesota Legislature muscles through additional bills to respond to COVID-19, but the harmony seen earlier in the state’s fight with the coronavirus pandemic has eroded.

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Watch: Coronavirus task force holds briefing following flap over governors power

President Trump and the coronavirus response task force have scheduled a briefing at which he could unveil his new advisers — amidst a feud with governors. Watch it live here.

A month after emergency declaration, Trump's promises largely unfulfilled

On March 13, President Trump promised to mobilize private and public resources to respond to the coronavirus. NPR followed up on each promise and found little action had been taken.

Closed schools in Minnesota begin to lay off, furlough staff

Districts have let go or furloughed dozens of educators and staff who worked in early childhood, after-school care and other fee-based programs.

COVID-19: Hard questions, real answers on credit cards, unemployment and your finances

COVID-19 has introduced new financial challenges and exacerbated others for millions of Americans. During a recent national call-in special, two personal finance experts gave advice on everything from mortgage payments to unemployment to stimulus checks.

How to: Get your $1,200 emergency payment faster
COVID-19: Hard questions, real answers with WABE
Listen: Hard questions, real answers with Mayo Clinic

How Minnesotans keep in touch, from a distance

The ways Minnesotans are staying in touch with their loved ones amid the coronavirus pandemic run the gamut of emotions. Here are some stories from people in the MPR News audience about how they’re communicating in a time of social distancing.

Zoom virtual backgrounds: 15 photos to show your love for Minnesota
In Minneapolis: Neighbors stay connected with social distance singalongs

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