Stories from April 10, 2020

MPR News evening update for April 10, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Nina Moini.
Native Americans put digital spin on traditions amid virus
Native Americans across the U.S. are organizing online and social-distancing powwows and posting videos of dances as a way to offer hope and spiritual support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sioux Falls, S.D. officials respond to Smithfield pork plant outbreak
The Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls will close for three days this weekend after becoming a cluster of coronavirus transmission. Health officials say about 80 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The union representing those workers says that number is closer to 120.
Hospitals cut pay, furlough workers to ease COVID-19 financial blow
Across the state, hospitals are making cost-cutting measures to shoulder the blow of a temporary ban on elective surgeries and procedures. Together, hospitals are predicting a $3 billion loss over the next three months.
Local nonprofits get COVID-19 financial support
US Bank is funding nonprofits around the country to the tune of $30 million so the organizations can continue to pay their operating costs. And the company isn’t the only one stepping up to make sure nonprofits and smaller businesses stay afloat.
Winona woman, 104, may be nation's oldest COVID-19 survivor
Vera Mueller was diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 25, two days after her birthday, according to her son, Bob Mueller.
Mayo Clinic announces sweeping pay cuts, furloughs
The changes come in response to halting elective surgeries and procedures, which Mayo officials say are predicted to result in a $3 billion loss by the end of the year.
Zencast: Zen meditation and the North Shore
Follow along to a simple guided meditation lead by secular mindfulness and Minnesota Zen Meditation Center teacher Ben Connelly, accompanied by scenes from Minnesota’s North Shore.
Renovation during isolation
Anecdotal reports suggest millions of Americans are tackling home renovations now that they are stuck there. Got a question about how to proceed with your project? We’ve got answers.
Friday will be comfortable with milder temperatures and more sunshine. Then a strong storm brings a wintry mix and much colder weather by Sunday.
5 easy art projects to enjoy during social distancing
Sarah Urist Green, creator of PBS' “The Art Assignment,” walks through five fun art projects that don't require fancy supplies or talent to create and enjoy.
Coronavirus may reshape who votes and how in the 2020 election
This week's primary in Wisconsin, which produced long lines of voters waiting in protective gear to cast their ballots, is a dire warning of what could lie ahead.
Friday will be one of the more pleasant days in the week ahead, with dry skies, seasonable temperatures and a decent amount of sunshine.
Racial slurs and swastikas fuel civil rights pressure on Zoom
Civil rights groups warn that white nationalists and others are using the video-meeting platform Zoom to target people based on their race, sexuality and religion.
Joe Biden's next big decision: Choosing a running mate
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee expects to name a committee to vet potential running mates next week, according to three Democrats with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. Biden has already committed to picking a woman.
The model has been a key tool for Minnesota officials responding to the pandemic. MPR News morning update for April 10, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
In 'How Much Of These Hills Is Gold,' this land is not your land
C Pam Zhang's debut novel follows a brother and sister, children of Chinese laborers, as the search the dusty hills of Gold Rush-era California for a place to bury their father's body.
April 10 update on COVID-19 in MN: 57 dead; possible only 1 percent of cases found
As deaths and cases continued to climb, health officials on Friday made it clear that the 1,336 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Minnesota might reflect as little as 1 percent of all the cases in the state right now.
Grocery stores step up safety measures amid COVID-19 outbreak
Grocery workers have a very important — and risky — job these days. And employers are stepping up efforts to try to protect them.
Short on cash? Here's some advice for families stretching their budgets
Many people who have lost jobs during the pandemic are still awaiting unemployment checks and are figuring out which bills to prioritize. Experts share unusual advice for these unusual times.
Elizabeth's more serious sister Mary takes the spotlight in 'The Other Bennet Sister'
Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice” follows Elizabeth Bennet's effort to marry. Now, Janice Hadlow has made the least of the sisters in that story, Mary, the star of her own novel of self-discovery.
St. Louis Park church uses 'buddy system' so older members may worship
In addition to putting services on web conference, many older members of the around 80-person congregation at Peace Presbyterian receive worship through an older technology — the telephone.