Stories from April 6, 2020

A warm front may trigger a few scattered thunderstorms overnight. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal severe risk for central Minnesota.
The Thread: Lawrence Wright’s 'The End of October'
As we continue our look at books to comfort and entertain during this period of social distancing, MPR News host Kerri Miller previews one of her most anticipated reads for spring and summer 2020: a soon-to-be-published novel about a pandemic.
Trump touts end of dispute with 3M over protective masks
President Trump said that the “3M saga ends very happily. We’re very proud to be dealing now with 3M.” The president said that the Minnesota-based company agreed to deliver an additional “55.5 million high-quality facemasks each month.”
Nursing homes on the front line of limiting coronavirus spread among Minnesotans
More than half of the Minnesotans who died from the respiratory illness lived in group care facilities. As of Monday, there are 90 residents and 36 staff in long-term care facilities with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Seventeen people in long-term care settings have died from COVID-19.
On coronavirus, Trump walks a tightrope between grim warnings and offering hope
President Trump said "we certainly want to try" to lift restrictions on life in the U.S. by April 30 but he made no definitive commitment during his Monday briefing. Vice President Mike Pence said during the news conference that a federal disaster declaration will likely be issued for Minnesota by the end of the day.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to intensive care
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to the intensive care unit of a London hospital after his coronavirus symptoms worsened. Johnson’s office says Johnson is conscious and does not require ventilation at the moment.
Some auto insurers are sending refunds to customers as crash rate falls
The pandemic is keeping cars parked, which means fewer crashes — and big savings for auto insurers. Allstate and American Family Insurance have decided to return that extra cash to customers.
Is anyone hiring? Are there loan opportunities for small business owners? Is another round of stimulus checks coming? MPR’s senior economics contributor Chris Farrell joins the program to answer these questions and more.
What we know now about the novel coronavirus
What is the latest information on the science of the new coronavirus? We talk to two researchers to get answers and take your questions.
British Open canceled until '21 as golf schedule reworked
The British Open will not be played this year for the first time since 1945, with the R&A choosing to play golf's oldest championship next year at Royal St. George's and move the 150th Open at St. Andrews to 2022.
Monday and Tuesday stay mild and bring chances for showers and possibly storms, then colder air returns the second half of the week.
Andy Slavitt, who led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services during the Obama administration, recently launched a podcast about the COVID-19 pandemic called “In the Bubble.”
Tens of thousands of health workers have answered New York’s call for help as the city’s hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed, with medical staff falling sick. Elizabeth Shafer, of South St. Paul, is one of the many nurses who put their lives on hold to offer a hand.
Daily dose of sweetness: Mpls. neighbors stay connected with social distance singalongs
Inspired by videos of quarantined Italians singing and playing music, Minnesotans are stepping out their doors to lift up their voices as a way to maintain connectivity while under Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order.
Wisconsin moves forward with election despite virus concerns
Voters in Wisconsin are likely to face a choice Tuesday of participating in a presidential primary election or heeding warnings from public health officials to stay away from large crowds during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter to President Trump, Walz asked for federal support for the state's public health and safety response to the coronavirus pandemic. MPR News morning update for April 6, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
Tiger at NYC's Bronx Zoo tests positive for coronavirus
The 4-year-old Malayan tiger named Nadia — and six other tigers and lions that have also fallen ill — are believed to have been infected by a zoo employee who wasn't yet showing symptoms, the zoo said.
An inmate has collapsed and died while showering at the prison, Minnesota corrections officials said Sunday. Authorities said the man had complained of heartburn to fellow inmates before he entered the shower and collapsed.
April 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: 30 dead, 57 in ICU, Walz eyes extending restrictions
As the count of cases, hospitalizations and deaths rose, Gov. Tim Walz said Monday afternoon that he's assessing his two-week stay-at-home order “sector-by-sector,” but he strongly indicated some restrictions will stay in place past Friday.
Minnesota bracing for possible budget deficit because of COVID-19
A simulation comparing now to the prior recession shows concern of a multi-billion dollar tax drop. The state’s finance agency plans to accelerate the next economic forecast to judge how bad things are and to free up use of reserves.
 Is it safe — and ethical — to send your child to day care?
Parents of Minnesota’s littlest learners are facing a dilemma: Do they continue sending their kids to child care during the COVID-19 pandemic? Minnesota’s stay-at-home order does not prohibit families from taking their kids to day care, but officials note that the goal is to keep providers open specifically for the children of emergency workers.
Minn. nonprofits serving people with disabilities hustle to stay connected
Arts organizations that offer day programs to keep their clients with disabilities engaged have had to shutter their physical classrooms and spaces. But they’re working to find creative ways to reach out to their clients while fighting to keep their businesses alive.