Stories from April 19, 2020

Our winds will really crank up on Monday, and there’ll be some scattered showers and possibly a few thunderstorms. Some spots in northern Minnesota may even see some snowflakes. Details on that, plus a look at our midweek warmth.
North Dakota researchers look for ways drones can help in a pandemic
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, researchers in Grand Forks are testing drones as a way to check people’s temperatures from a distance, quickly sanitize playgrounds, and deliver medical supplies.
On 25th anniversary of Oklahoma City bombing, officials find lessons for today
"If you are not hearing those echoes again in our current political discourse, I ask you to listen harder," Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. "We all have an obligation to speak up and to reject words of dehumanization, words that divide us, words that cast others as our enemy."
Betsey Johnson talks fashion, love and motherhood in self-titled memoir
The designer who has been pushing fashion boundaries for decades reveals more about the woman behind the brand — the whimsy and fun, but also difficult times, from relationships to health challenges.
Gunman kills 16 in rampage, deadliest in Canadian history
A gunman disguised as a police officer went on a rampage across the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, shooting people in their homes and setting fires, leaving 16 people dead Sunday, in the deadliest such attack in the country’s history. Officials said the suspected shooter was also dead.
Minnesota health officials announced Sunday that 13 more people in the state have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 134. Meanwhile, authorities in Minnesota and surrounding states were tracking several outbreaks of COVID-19. MPR News update for April 19, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
White House defends testing capacity as governors ask for more
At a briefing of his task force Sunday, President Trump said his administration would have a call with governors and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday to discuss how to increase coronavirus testing capacity in states.
Minneapolis police arrest suspect in multiple rapes spanning years
Police arrested an Anoka County man Friday on suspicion of raping multiple women in Minneapolis, dating back to at least 2015. Most of those assaults occurred in the Marcy-Holmes and Dinkytown neighborhoods.
Daily dose of sweetness: Brainerd arts group distributes 'creativity kits' to local kids
“We already have pictures from some of the kids who have created art with the materials that were in the bags, and seeing their little smiling faces pays for the entire cost of putting them together,” said Crossing Arts Alliance’s Lisa Jordan.
Evolving coronavirus aid package offers billions for hospitals, testing
The Trump administration and Congress are nearing an agreement as early as Sunday on an aid package of up to $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money and add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
April 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll rises to 134
Minnesota health officials announced Sunday that 13 more people in the state have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 134. Meanwhile, 143 new confirmed cases were reported Sunday — the third consecutive day with at least 140 new cases.
Most of us will enjoy plenty of sunshine this Sunday, and it’ll be a breezy day. We have details on the stronger winds that you can expect on Monday and who may see some Monday rain showers and snow showers. We also look at the remainder of the coming week as well as which months are windiest in the Twin Cities.
You’ll need the sunglasses today, and a jacket will feel good too. We have your Sunday forecast details.
How to help the people who (used to) help you
Social distancing has people doing more of their own cooking and cleaning and getting family to cut their hair. That's left domestic workers, waiters, hair stylists and many others out of work.
Week in review: Minnesota's top stories and looking ahead
In this new feature, we pulled together the top headlines from last week so you can stay up-to-date during the pandemic. And we offer up what you can expect in the coming week.
Minneapolis police said officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation just before 2 a.m. on the 1100 block of Irving Avenue North. While officers were on the way to the scene, 911 callers reported a shooting.
One person is dead and another injured after a shooting Saturday on St. Paul's east side.