Good morning. MPR's Paul Huttner is calling today Aug-tember as warmer weather gets us going this morning. Monday is starting off warm for this time of year. Lows in the 50s and 60s are ranging from to about 5 degrees above average in southern Minnesota to over 20 degrees above average in the northwestern corner of the state. Afternoon highs also remain warm, with 70s and a few 80s. More on Updraft
The fight over who will replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsbergis growing in intensity. Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags around the state at half staff through Ginsberg's funera.St. Paul and Minneapolis mayors have declared today Ruth Bader Ginsberg Day. Minnesotans gathered at Boom Island Park last night to honor Ginsberg. Photo journalist Caroline Yang was there and shared these photos of the vigil.
Record daily increase pushes state's case total past 90,000 Minnesota health officials reported more than 2,200 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the weekend — including a single-day record increase of 1,318 cases in Sunday’s report, pushing the state's total past 90,000. Sunday marked the fourth consecutive day that the daily Minnesota Department of Health update included more than 20,000 test results — still a relatively high number even as testing has increased in recent months. But the number of test results reported Sunday dropped by more than 1,000 from the previous day — while the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by nearly 400. That suggests the record high number of new cases isn't just a result of increased testing.
It comes as state officials have been on the lookout for a possible increase in cases tied to Labor Day weekend gatherings two weeks ago — about the length of time when any spread of the coronavirus at those gatherings would start showing up in test results.
The state saw a jump in cases following the July Fourth holiday. Officials also worry about a one-two punch this fall and winter from COVID-19 and the typical flu season. More:The latest on COVID-19 in Minnesota
St. Paul families gain rent relief in pandemic-battered economy A St. Paul housing assistance program started before the coronavirus pandemic is keeping some families in their homes, and officials want to know if it could help in ways that other housing assistance does not.
What to do with ‘46 pounds of zucchini'? First-time gardeners discover canning MPR News reporter Jon Collins discovers a revival in the old-time skill has led to a canning supply shortage in Minnesota and across the country.
Have a good week,
Michael Olson, MPR News,@publicmic | 
