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Stories from March 17, 2020

Pair charged in '09 cold case that left Minnesota mom dead

Pair charged in '09 cold case that left Minnesota mom dead

A former MMA fighter accused in two Texas slayings is one of two people charged in the death of a woman who was abducted from a Minnesota domestic violence shelter 11 years ago, authorities said Monday.
by The Associated Press

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Judge backs Minnesota's Twin Metals mine in lease dispute

Judge backs Minnesota's Twin Metals mine in lease dispute

A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project's federal mineral rights leases.
by The Associated Press

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An interview with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

The governor sits down with MPR News editor Mike Mulcahy as the coronavirus crisis picks up in the state. Recorded March 17, 2020.
by Mike Mulcahy

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Doctors cancelling routine visits, elective procedures to limit spread of coronavirus

Doctors cancelling routine visits, elective procedures to limit spread of coronavirus

Like most doctors’ offices right now, things are changing rapidly in Dr. Jon Hallberg’s downtown Minneapolis clinic. But we did connect via phone, and he says the biggest thing right now is prioritizing who he and his colleagues see.
by Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg

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North Dakota confirms two new cases of COVID-19

North Dakota confirms two new cases of COVID-19

North Dakota officials confirmed two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to three.
by Dan Gunderson

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Minnesota tightens criteria for COVID-19 testing

Minnesota tightens criteria for COVID-19 testing

State health officials Tuesday said the move will allow them to focus on highest-priority patients: Health care workers, patients already being hospitalized and those who live in what the department calls “congregate living” situations, such as long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
by Catharine Richert

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Minnesota unemployment office receiving 2,000 applications an hour

Minnesota unemployment office receiving 2,000 applications an hour

An executive order temporarily closing or limiting some Minnesota businesses is expected to trigger the largest unemployment payout in state history. The commissioner handling that effort spoke with MPR News’ All Things Considered host Tom Crann.
by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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DFL moves to online party conventions

DFL moves to online party conventions

After initially delaying regional conventions because of COVID-19, the state DFL Party has decided to use online balloting instead of in-person gatherings.
by David H. Montgomery

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Walleye fishing catch-and-release only again on Mille Lacs, closed entirely in July

Walleye fishing catch-and-release only again on Mille Lacs, closed entirely in July

The restrictions are due in part to a record ice fishing season on the lake this winter. Poor ice conditions on other lakes meant increased traffic on Mille Lacs, resulting in what the DNR called the "highest fishing pressure there in 30 years." Anglers harvested almost 30,000 pounds, leaving only 57,000 pounds available.
by MPR News Staff

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Minn. state parks, trails stay open amid COVID-19 pandemic

Minn. state parks, trails stay open amid COVID-19 pandemic

State parks and trails will remain open for now, the Department of Natural Resources says, but park offices and visitor centers will close during the coronavirus outbreak.
by Cody Nelson

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Walz gets some legislative pushback on closure order

Walz gets some legislative pushback on closure order

Some Republican lawmakers are questioning whether Gov. Tim Walz went too far in ordering bars, restaurants and other businesses to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
by Tim Pugmire

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U.S. stocks jump as White House plans $1 trillion stimulus

U.S. stocks jump as White House plans $1 trillion stimulus

In a rebound from its record plunge, the Dow gained more than 1,000 points as the White House planned a massive stimulus package and the Fed set up a new loan program to boost the economy.
by Avie Schneider

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Coronavirus and the U.S. health care system challenges

Coronavirus and the U.S. health care system challenges

As cases of COVID-19 increase, some health experts and agencies are concerned about whether hospitals in the United States are prepared for an increase of patients. We talk with two doctors about health system preparedness and the role of social distancing.
by Kerri Miller, Marcheta Fornoff and Breann Schossow

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Poll: Nearly 1 in 5 households have lost work because of pandemic

Poll: Nearly 1 in 5 households have lost work because of pandemic

Nearly 20% of U.S. households have experienced either a layoff or a reduction in work hours because of the coronavirus, according to a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll.
by Camila Domonoske

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Mall of America closes due to COVID-19 concerns

Mall of America closes due to COVID-19 concerns

The Mall of America will close temporarily beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday until at least March 31.
by MPR News Staff

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Coronavirus cases are surging in several states. Here's how yours is doing

Coronavirus cases are surging in several states. Here's how yours is doing

Cases of COVID-19 have appeared throughout the country, but certain areas have been hit harder than others. Find out how many cases and deaths have been reported in each state.
by NPR Staff

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Brady leaving Patriots, says 'football journey' is elsewhere

Brady leaving Patriots, says 'football journey' is elsewhere

"I don't know what my football future holds, but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and my career," he wrote on social media. "Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for out incredible TEAM experiences."

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Sunshine Tuesday before rain and snow return

Enjoy the sunshine and mild weather on Tuesday, because more rain, snow and even ice are on the way!
by Nicole Mitchell

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'Later' takes us to 1990s Provincetown, as hope for AIDS treatment rises

'Later' takes us to 1990s Provincetown, as hope for AIDS treatment rises

As we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic, Paul Lisicky's memoir is deeply affecting; we can recall the terror and frustration when no treatment or prevention was available for AIDS and HIV.
by Martha Anne Toll

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Commissioner Paul Schnell: Prisons, jails preparing for 'high likelihood' of COVID-19 cases

Jails and prisons across the state are among the places most vulnerable to outbreaks of disease. That’s because inmates are often housed in close quarters where practicing basic hygiene can be difficult.
by Phil Picardi

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White House seeks $850B economic stimulus amid virus crisis

White House seeks $850B economic stimulus amid virus crisis

The White House is proposing a roughly $850 billion emergency stimulus to address the economic cost of the new coronavirus. The request will be outlined to Senate Republicans Tuesday and will aim to provide relief for small businesses and the airline industry and include a massive tax cut for wage-earners.
by The Associated Press

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Tuesday brings sunshine before the next storm

Tuesday will be pleasant with temperatures at or slightly above average for most of the state and brings plentiful sunshine.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Walz signs $200 million emergency COVID-19 funding bill

Walz signs $200 million emergency COVID-19 funding bill

The bill gives the Minnesota Department of Health $150 million to make grants to providers for costs related to the pandemic. An additional $50 million will go to the public health response contingency account.
by MPR News Staff

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AP source: Bills to land WR Diggs in trade with Vikings

AP source: Bills to land WR Diggs in trade with Vikings

Buffalo is set to acquire the big-play receiver and a seventh-round draft pick from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for four draft picks, a person with direct knowledge of the move confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday night.
by The Associated Press

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Restaurants cut to take-out only

Industry leaders say the restrictions are damaging, but necessary amid the coronavirus pandemic. The latest on COVID-19 for March 17, 2020, hosted by Phil Picardi.

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How to be alone, but not lonely, despite the coronavirus

How to be alone, but not lonely, despite the coronavirus

As "social distancing" becomes common practice because of the new coronavirus, people are finding ways to stay connected and fight isolation.
by Sarah McCammon

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'Every step you take is prayer': As coronavirus spreads, women lead virtual dance for healing

'Every step you take is prayer': As coronavirus spreads, women lead virtual dance for healing

As the world continues to grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19, a group of Indigenous women gathered over the weekend — separately — to dance for healing. The dance they shared has its roots in another global pandemic, a century ago.
by Dan Kraker

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Minnesota hospitals plan for 'stages' of COVID-19 patients, warn of a possible surge

Minnesota hospitals plan for 'stages' of COVID-19 patients, warn of a possible surge

The state's hospital systems are preparing for what they know will be a difficult test from the novel coronavirus. Hospital leaders say they anticipate a lot of need, but are worried about a surge in COVID-19 patients that could tax the equipment they need to do their jobs safely.
by Peter Cox

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Myth-busting: You won’t get COVID-19 from your tap water

Myth-busting: You won’t get COVID-19 from your tap water

As concern grows over the spread of COVID-19, many people across Minnesota and the U.S. have been stocking up on items like food, cleaning supplies and bottled water. But why water? We asked some experts about water and COVID-19, and here’s what we learned.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Two former CIA women tell their spy stories

Two former CIA women tell their spy stories

People who worked for the Central Intelligence Agency used to be mostly all men. But Jonna Mendez spent nearly three decades there and served as the CIA's head of disguise. You'll hear her story this hour, along with former CIA undercover agent Amaryllis Fox.

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Biden wins Washington primary, capturing 5 out of 6 states

Biden wins Washington primary, capturing 5 out of 6 states

After nearly a week of counting votes, the former vice president on Monday held onto a small lead over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that turned out to be insurmountable.
by The Associated Press

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MLB delays opening day to mid-May at earliest due to virus

MLB delays opening day to mid-May at earliest due to virus

Major League Baseball has pushed back opening day until mid-May at the earliest because of the coronavirus. The move came Monday after the federal government recommended restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
by The Associated Press

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Trampled by Turtles singer releases his first solo album — at least under his own name

Trampled by Turtles singer releases his first solo album — at least under his own name

After almost 20 years leading the Duluth-based bluegrass rock band Trampled by Turtles, singer and guitarist Dave Simonett just released what could be — depending on how you look at it — his first or his third solo album. Simonett's latest collection "Red Tail" is much lighter and more open to interpretation than two he issued as Dead Man Winter.
by Euan Kerr

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