MPR News PM Update
March 9, 2020

Warmth in the 40s coming back tomorrow, with some rain and snow. This week started with a bit colder temps than the weekend, but the mild spring weather returns to Minnesota mid-week. Tuesday highs will range from the upper 20s in northern Minnesota to mid-40s in the southern half. Rain and snow are likely in the afternoon across western Minnesota. 

Today on COVID-19 in Minnesota: Bill to set aside state money for coronavirus response on fast track at the CapitolThe bill would free up about $25 million for the Minnesota Department of Health to pay staff, buy lab equipment, acquire protective gear and take other steps to head off a more-serious spread of the virus. The final version of the bill is expected to be approved in the House Monday afternoon and signed by Gov. Tim Walz early this week. 

It’s Election Day in Minnesota tomorrow -- no kidding, hundreds of townships across the state to hold Township Day. On Tuesday, many of the state's 1,781 townships will host elections and decide their tax levels for the next year. How does the process work and why does it even matter? Here’s a brief guide on Minnesota’s Township Election Day

Your hand sanitizer may not work for coronavirus. Here’s what you should check when buying one. Some hand sanitizer products don’t have the minimum alcohol amount -- 60 percent alcohol -- recommended by the CDC to be effective, ProPublica reports. Does your hand sanitizer label say less than 60 percent alcohol content or non-alcohol, listing benzalkonium chloride or other non-alcohol stuff as an active ingredient? Chances are that sanitizer hasn’t been helping much.

How has COVID-19 impacted your daily life and work? Have you decided to cancel travel plans? Are you going out less? Have you discussed with your coworkers/employees/employer about what happens if there is an outbreak? Share your story with us here.
— Jiwon Choi and Sara Porter, MPR News
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Dow drops 7.8 percent as free-fall in oil, virus fears slam markets
The sharp drops triggered the first automatic halts in trading in two decades. U.S. stocks are now down 19 percent from the peak they reached last month.
 
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Minneapolis report: Residents want to drive less
According to a draft report released Monday, 50 percent of people surveyed say they usually drive. But they indicated they'd like to be able to walk or ride their bikes more often.
 
Minneapolis to keep control of Upper Harbor land as it pursues development
The city still hopes to transform the old Mississippi River barge terminal into a mix of parks, housing and business, with a music venue. But in a victory for neighborhood advocates, it is reversing course on plans to sell land to developers.
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Wells Fargo officials resign days before they were set to testify before Congress
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A review of the three most recent available years of DNR enforcement records show conservation officers opt to educate rather than cite offenders about two-thirds of the time, issuing warnings instead of the citations that come along with fines and paperwork — and that’s fine with agency leaders.
 
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Though COVID-19 has captured the headlines, influenza places a huge burden on the health care system. This year's flu shot provides good protection, the CDC says, so do get one if you haven't already.

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