Stories from April 5, 2020

Temperatures slowly ramp up the next couple of days. Details on that, plus a look at Monday precipitation chances and who may hear thunder Monday night. We also have an update on the flooding that’s taking place along some rivers.
Walz: Staying home is the only vaccine we have right now
Gov. Tim Walz used an unusual State of the State address Sunday evening to try to rally Minnesotans beset by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the sweeping stay-at-home order Walz has issued to try to slow the disease’s spread.
Report: Pentagon knew of possible coronavirus threat for years
An internal report from 2017 warned that a novel respiratory illness was the "most likely and significant threat" in a pandemic and noted likely shortages of masks, beds and ventilators.
State health officials reported Sunday that 29 people in Minnesota have died from COVID-19, up from 24 the previous day. Meanwhile the overall number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 935 on Sunday, up from 865 on Friday. It’s among the largest single-day increases in cases so far in Minnesota. MPR News update for April 5, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson.
Americans brace for 'hardest, saddest' week of their lives
Surgeon General Jerome Adams told "Fox News Sunday" that deaths from the coronavirus would make this moment reminiscent of Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11. New York City saw a glimmer of hope, with daily deaths and ICU admissions falling slightly. Meanwhile, Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest hotspot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy.
Even outside on a trail, 6 feet of distance is necessary
While many parks and trails are open in Minnesota, the DNR says people must follow the governor’s rules on social distancing, stay close to home and avoid crowded parks.
Daily dose of sweetness: After season ends, high school robotics team finds new mission to help the community
“We had so many robotics projects that we still wanted to do,” said Northeast Range junior Oskar Koivisto. “We had a little discussion, and we said, ‘what’s a project that we can (quickly) do that would be good for our robotics team as well as benefit our community?’ “
Doctors, nurses leave homes to protect families from virus
Countless doctors and nurses around the world are choosing to move to hotels, tents, garages and other temporary housing to protect their loved ones — even as they risk exposing themselves to a virus that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, including a number of medical workers.
Gig workers struggle to get financial help during pandemic
Gig companies like Instacart and Uber promise financial assistance to workers affected by the coronavirus. But some workers are finding it hard to get that aid.
In 'Hidden Valley Road,' a family's journey helps shift the science of mental illness
Over the years, six of the Galvins' 12 children were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Robert Kolker, who has a new book on the family, says "there is a lot of hope and inspiration in this story."
It’ll be a sun-splashed Sunday across much of Minnesota plus western Wisconsin. We have details on our mild temperatures and a look ahead to our next chance of rain. We’ll also take a look back at the record-setting snow of April 2018.
How multigenerational families manage 'social distancing' under one roof
There can be emotional and financial strength in a close, multigenerational family, those who live with kids and grandparents say. Now they're finding ways to keep members safe and sane in a pandemic.
April 5 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll now at 29; state releases list of affected long-term care facilities
State health officials reported Sunday that 29 people in Minnesota have died from COVID-19, up from 24 the previous day. Meanwhile the overall number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 935 on Sunday, among the largest single-day increases in cases so far in Minnesota.
Pleasant April weather is on tap for most areas this Sunday. We have details on our temperatures and the areas that may see some precipitation.
Trump calls fired watchdog in impeachment probe a 'disgrace'
Atkinson is at least the seventh intelligence official to be fired, ousted or moved aside since last summer. The intelligence community has been in turmoil because of the constant turnover.
Wisconsin GOP appeals to Supreme Court to block extended voting
Wisconsin Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to block extended absentee voting in Tuesday's primary, despite public health fears about in-person voting amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, and fellow NBA greats Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett headlined a nine-person group announced Saturday as this year’s class of enshrinees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
German, French officials accuse U.S. of diverting medical supplies
Officials in France and Germany have accused the U.S. of intercepting medical supplies as President Trump ordered an American company to stop exports. Governors complain of a "wild west" in bidding.