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Stories from April 17, 2020

Ignoring social distancing, protesters call on governor to reopen the economy

Walz has said he wants to see 5,000 tests per day, as part of an effort to reopen some businesses in the coming weeks. MPR News morning update for April 15, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

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`LIBERATE!': Trump pushes states to lift virus restrictions

`LIBERATE!': Trump pushes states to lift virus restrictions

“LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” “LIBERATE VIRGINIA,” the president said in a tweet-storm in which he also lashed out at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for criticizing the federal response. Cuomo “should spend more time `doing' and less time `complaining,'” the president said.
by The Associated Press

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Trump defends testing capacity despite experts' warnings

Trump defends testing capacity despite experts' warnings

President Trump on Friday said states are well equipped to adequately test for COVID-19, a position that has been contradicted by state leaders and health care experts.
by Alana Wise

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Weekend warming trend: Back to the 60s

Weekend warming trend: Back to the 60s

Our weather pattern across Minnesota transitions toward the milder in the next week.
by Paul Huttner

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A primer on protective masks

A primer on protective masks

In an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, lots of people are busy making masks. 3M is trying to keep up with the demand for the N95 respirator mask. The University of Minnesota is designing and planning to manufacture an alternative to the N95. And ordinary citizens are making their own homemade masks.
by Jim Bickal and Angela Davis

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The power of music during challenging times

The power of music during challenging times

Music is one tool people are using to connect during social distancing. We explore the power of music and talk with listeners to create the ultimate playlist.
by Kerri Miller, Marcheta Fornoff and Breann Schossow

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Giving, saving, bills: How Minnesotans are spending their stimulus checks

Giving, saving, bills: How Minnesotans are spending their stimulus checks

MPR News asked Minnesotans what they’re going to do with their federal coronavirus stimulus money, and you responded in droves — we received well over 100 replies to queries on our website and on Twitter.
by Mark Zdechlik

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A guide to things to do at home this weekend

A guide to things to do at home this weekend

After you’ve enjoyed this nice weekend weather, we’ve got some suggestions on movies, podcasts and activities you can do while staying at home or social distancing.
by Matt Mikus

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Weekend forecast: warmest temps on Saturday, with shower chances to the north

Our temperatures will continue to trend upward on Saturday, then retreat a bit on Sunday. We have details on who may see some Saturday showers. The snow and cold index for our 2019-2020 “winter” edged upward with last Sunday’s snow, we have the update.
by Ron Trenda

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Walz OKs golfing, boating at safe distance

Walz OKs golfing, boating at safe distance

With the weather warming and pressure rising to allow more outdoor activities, Gov. Tim Walz Friday eased back on the state’s COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions to let Minnesotans go golfing and hit the lakes — starting this weekend.
by MPR News Staff

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COVID-19 cases confirmed at SW Minn. pork processing plant

COVID-19 cases confirmed at SW Minn. pork processing plant

The JBS Pork processing plant is Worthington’s largest employer, with a workforce of more than 2,000. State officials said that at least seven people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are associated with the plant.
by MPRNews Staff and Hannah Yang

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Policast: Looking for ways to restart the economy

Looking for ways to restart the economy; a possible testing plan; beer and wine takeout and a caution about reopening too soon
by Mike Mulcahy

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Daily dose of sweetness: 'Let me send you happy mail!'

Daily dose of sweetness: 'Let me send you happy mail!'

One Minneapolis woman is trying to help fight the loneliness brought on the coronavirus pandemic, particularly for people who live by themselves. Maia Roppo is sending cards to people to let them know that they're not alone — and she'd love to send you one, too.
by Nancy Yang

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MN joining 6 other Midwest states to coordinate on restarting economies

The pact is similar to agreements recently announced by states on the east and west coasts. MPR News morning update for April 17, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

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Mild and pleasant weather for Friday

Under mostly sunny skies, temperatures will continue to rise on Friday.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Singing surgeon: Mayo's Dr. Elvis cuts EP to aid COVID-19 fund

Singing surgeon: Mayo's Dr. Elvis cuts EP to aid COVID-19 fund

Two years after becoming an unlikely singing sensation, the 34-year-old doctor with a golden voice is releasing his first-ever EP on Friday and all the proceeds will be donated to The Center of Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Response Fund.
by The Associated Press

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April 17 update on COVID-19 in MN: Deaths rise to 111; Walz eases some outdoor curbs

April 17 update on COVID-19 in MN: Deaths rise to 111; Walz eases some outdoor curbs

Gov. Walz mixed optimism with vigilance Friday, urging Minnesotans to enjoy more outdoor activities but warning against a false sense of security about the disease as he confirmed new cases tied to a massive pork processing plant in Worthington.
by MPR News Staff

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Did gender keep Democratic women from winning the primary?

Did gender keep Democratic women from winning the primary?

Elizabeth Warren says she would serve as Joe Biden's running mate. Whether gender blocked her own path to the nomination is a key question for many Democrats — and a complicated one.
by Danielle Kurtzleben

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Leading in pandemic becomes part of audition for Biden's running mate

Leading in pandemic becomes part of audition for Biden's running mate

As Biden begins the process of choosing a running mate, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has become an unexpected part of the audition. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been praising the former vice president on television and Twitter as she unveils a plan to fight the coronavirus in rural America.
by The Associated Press

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Big data drives Minnesota's COVID-19 response. Take a look under the hood.

Big data drives Minnesota's COVID-19 response. Take a look under the hood.

The model predicts the demand for ICU beds and the number of people who might die from the disease. With so much unknown about COVID-19, it uses estimates about how quickly it might spread and how deadly it is to make their predictions.
by David H. Montgomery

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