MPR News PM Update
May 19, 2020

Summer, already? Temps in the 80s are in sight for tomorrow in Minnesota. It’ll be mostly clear Wednesday with highs in the mid-70s to lower 80s across the state. 


COVID-19 in Minnesota today: 17,029 cases confirmed, 748 deaths; officials to announce plan to reopen bars, restaurants, public venues. Gov. Tim Walz has previously said June 1 is his goal to reopen those establishments as well as salons and barbershops, bowling alleys, theaters and other places of public accommodation. Officials haven’t provided details on their plan to reopen those businesses, but in other states, that’s meant keeping restaurants from filling all their normal tables at the start.

An Ely resident shares her thanks and love in a very sweet way - literally. For several weeks now, Susan Laine has been celebrating essential workers and businesses by spreading her message of love with LovELY cakes. She recently surpassed 85 cakes — and has also branched out to nearby Tower. Read her story and see her sweet, sweet cakes  here on today’s daily dose of sweetness series.

From name-calling to denial of services, many Asian Minnesotans are experiencing racism during the pandemic. Here’s how you can support them and be an ally. We reached out to a historian and community leaders and asked for their advice for non-Asian Americans wanting to be allies to their peers during this difficult time. “We need to support each other in order to move forward together,” U of M Regents professor Erika Lee said during a recent virtual town hall hosted by MPR.  Find their advice and/or watch the town hall here.

In less than 10 minutes, keep up with COVID-19 news you need to know. There is an outpouring of COVID-19 information and news every day, and it can be hard to keep up with it. Subscribe to our daily podcast, Minnesota Today, and stay updated on the pandemic and its impact on your community in just 10 minutes every weekday.

 — Jiwon Choi, MPR News

Turn Up Your Support!
 
Phased reopening plan for bars, eateries to come Wednesday
The newest counts come as officials prepare to unveil a phase-in plan that would let people back into bars, restaurants and other public gathering places. That plan is set to be released Wednesday.

Minnesota's 'stay safe' order: What you need to know
 
Republican Senate candidate sues Walz over COVID-19 restrictions
U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis, a Republican, sued Gov. Tim Walz over the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Lewis argues the curbs violate his right to campaign as he wishes.
 
SPONSOR

 
 
My 'decision to make': Trump defends criticized use of drug
President Trump is emphatically defending himself against criticism from medical experts that his announced use of a malaria drug against the coronavirus could spark wide misuse by Americans. 

Monday: Despite FDA caution, Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive
 
Older Minnesotans sheltering at home need help, volunteers step up
Because the new coronavirus is especially dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, the need for services for those stuck in their homes has increased. Several nonprofits say more volunteers have come forward.

Resources: Ways Minnesotans can help others during pandemic
#MNHelpers: Tell us about someone doing good in your community
 
Sprinklers contain fire in St. Paul high-rise
Hundreds of people were evacuated, but some residents who could not use the stairs were left in place, due to what the building's governing board told residents was serious damage to the elevators.
 
'Kindergartners are huggers': A teacher stays connected in a virtual classroom
Minnesota schools will end the year with students and teachers separated. For many teachers, losing physical contact with students is the hardest part of distance learning. Moorhead kindergarten teacher Karla Brewster talked about maintaining relationships with students in a time of distance learning.

Minnesota schools allowed to reopen for summer: Here's what it means
Sneeze guards, face masks and no cafeteria lunches:  Minn. schools plan ahead for summer and fall
 
Who'll take the tortoise? What happens to classroom pets during the lockdown
A photojournalist checks in on the critters — including Holly the tortoise and Frisky the frog — who have relocated from her son's Brooklyn school during the pandemic.
 

Preference CenterUnsubscribe

This email was sent by: Minnesota Public Radio
480 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN, 55101