Good morning. It’s a grim subject line for more grim coronavirus news. Stay home and stay safe. Here’s what you need to know going into the weekend.
Some rain, and higher temps. Twin Cities highs in the mid-50s with rain likely later at night as temps drop to the lower 40s. Statewide, highs range from the 40s in the northwest to mid-50s in the southeast. Some rain, maybe snow, likely in the southern and central parts of the state.More on Updraft. | Forecast What’s on the radio today “I’m sorry to say we know we’ll be reporting more deaths in the days to come.” That was Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm’s message to Minnesotans as officials reported a second death from COVID-19 and the largest single-day increase in confirmed cases since the pandemic arrived. Minnesota’s stay-home order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday. That means only leave the house when absolutely necessary. If you have questions on the specifics, visit this article for all the answers. Losing the senses of smell and taste may be a COVID-19 symptom. Despite plenty of anecdotal cases of this happening to people infected with the coronavirus, scientists aren’t sure yet. Loss of smell and taste aren’t considered symptoms, but doctors want to know more. The Minnesota Legislature has passed a $330 million coronavirus rescue plan. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the bipartisan measure soon. What it’ll do, according to reporter Brian Bakst: “$200 million will be put into a fund that Walz’s administration will control and parcel out. The Legislature built in some oversight on bigger expenses. Some of the spending that Walz had requested, including emergency checks to people on public assistance programs, didn’t make the cut. But there are sizable chunks of aid to child care centers, tribal governments, distressed businesses and food shelves and homeless shelters. Minnesotans will get more latitude when applying for driver’s licenses, including the Real ID.” More legislative action on COVID-19 is yet to come, top lawmakers say. And if you’re wondering about school closures, we have some answers. Reporter Elizabeth Shockman has an FAQ on where things stand currently.
— Cody Nelson and the rest of the MPR Newsroom Want this in your inbox every morning? Subscribe to the MPR News Update here. | 
