Stories from March 25, 2020

ICU bed capacity varies widely nationwide. See how your county stacks up
An NPR analysis of the nation's 100,000 ICU beds finds some communities can accommodate far more critically ill patients than others, signaling potential disparities in care in the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 25, 2020. Evening update hosted by Tim Nelson.
Minnesota's stay-at-home order: What you need to know
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state and minimize its impacts, is a dramatic step that requires people to stay home unless absolutely necessary. It expires May 18.
Judge orders environmental review of Dakota Access pipeline
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a full environmental review of the Dakota Access pipeline, nearly three years after it began carrying oil.
Legislative leaders react to Walz ‘stay-at-home’ order
Top Minnesota lawmakers offered competing reviews Wednesday to Gov. Tim Walz’s “stay at home” executive order.
Trump urges swift passage of coronavirus relief bill
President Trump crowed about what he called the success of the response to the crisis and detailed what he said were shipments of ventilators to New York and other deployments of supplies around the country. New York's governor and its mayor, both Democrats, are happy, Trump said.
How the coronavirus will force teaching and learning to change
By order of Gov. Tim Walz, K-12 schools in Minnesota have been closed for a week to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. When school starts up again, education will take place via distance learning. Teachers and administrators have been busy figuring out how that will work.
Walz emergency orders have some questioning whether he has too much power
Even before Wednesday's stay-at-home order, Gov. Tim Walz has been using executive orders to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DFL governor insists his actions are necessary because of the health crisis, but some legislators are wondering why they aren’t involved in the decision making.
Rain showers across southern Minnesota today may mix with snow at times.
 Will the economic stimulus package help you?
Will the trillions of dollars coming from Washington do enough to help individual Americans suffering during the COVID-19 crisis?
Spain's coronavirus death toll soars past China's, trailing only Italy
Spain is now the second European country with a death toll higher than China's. Spain's health ministry says it is buying more than 5 million coronavirus "quick tests" from China.
Twin Cities elder care facility confirms 2 COVID-19 cases
Johanna Shores in Arden Hills says there is also a third resident with respiratory symptoms who is presumed to have the disease but has not been recommended for testing. All are receiving care.
Starting Wednesday morning, nonessential businesses are closed and residents must largely stay home in Wisconsin. That's by order of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
The remainder of the week brings mild temperatures, more clouds and a couple potential rounds of soaking rain.
Spain's coronavirus deaths leap, now second only to Italy
The death toll in Spain from the coronavirus shot up by more than 700 on Wednesday, surpassing China and is now second only to Italy as the pandemic spread rapidly in Europe.
A cold front is bringing cooler temperatures across the entire state, plus areas of snow and rain to central and southern Minnesota.
March 25, 2020: Morning update hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
New York comes alive — literally — in 'The City We Became'
Three-time Hugo Award winner N.K. Jemisin turns her attention to our world in her new book — or at least, a version of our world in which cities can be born in human form to fight evil.
'Buckle it up': Walz orders MN to 'stay at home' to curb virus spread
The order isn’t a complete lockdown and it allows essential activities and services to continue, the governor said. People will be allowed to exercise outdoors and visit the grocery store, for example, with proper social distancing. Walz asked Minnesotans to “buckle it up for a few more weeks.”
‘I don’t have the virus’: Asian Americans in Minnesota confront a COVID-19 backlash
Asian Minnesotans say they’re facing increased hostility amid the COVID-19 crisis. Incidents range from name-calling to other forms of discrimination that appear to blame Asian Americans for the spread of the disease.
I’m Asian American in rural Minnesota and have felt the sting of pandemic-fueled racism
As an MPR News reporter based in southwest Minnesota, it’s my job to tell the stories of the region. But in my small, largely white community, I do worry that some see me as nothing more than an embodiment of COVID-19.
White House, Senate agree to $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package
The deal means Congress could be close to passing a deal and it comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Republicans and Democrats had closed the gap on their differences.
Legislature to meet again under COVID-19 restrictions
As Minnesota lawmakers prepare to vote on additional measures to respond to COVID-19, they know there will be fewer of them at the Capitol and they will be farther apart than usual.
Fitness enthusiasts think outside the gym during coronavirus
As many people are self-isolating or maintaining social distance during the coronavirus outbreak, some are turning to online classes or getting outside to exercise. Fitness centers and workout companies are stepping up the number of online classes and offering some free of charge.
Cook County to second-home owners: Stay away, for now
Cook County commissioners are asking seasonal homeowners to stay away until the threat of the coronavirus passes, citing the remote county’s lack of health care infrastructure and aging population.