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 | 