Stories from April 23, 2020

Video: 6 tips for staying safe while grocery shopping
Coronavirus got you nervous about grocery shopping? We talked to scientists for their advice about how to stay safe at the store — and when handling food back home.
Online severe weather spotter training opportunities
Another effect of the coronavirus pandemic is the move to online severe weather spotter training classes.
Congress passes latest economic relief package to confront coronavirus
It is the fourth measure approved by Congress in less than two months to combat the pandemic. This one, totaling $484 billion, will supply fresh funding to a new small business lending program.
Gov. Walz weighs in on the chances of a State Fair this year. MPR News evening update for April 23, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Tim Nelson.
How a drop in oil prices today could fuel tomorrow's energy transition
Demand for oil will increase when stay-at-home orders are lifted. But the oil industry may be slow to meet that demand, sending oil prices soaring — along with consumers’ interest in alternatives.
Even knowing the risks, some counties want tourists back
The governor’s response to COVID-19 has brought the tourism industry close to disaster, some officials say.
Jungle Theater’s Rasmussen makes a big — and bittersweet — move
One of the Twin Cities’ leading theater directors is moving on. Sarah Rasmussen, artistic director of The Jungle Theater in Minneapolis, is headed to New Jersey to lead the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton.
Photos: Emergency vehicles honor health care workers and fallen paramedic
Police cars, motorcycles, firetrucks and ambulances flooded downtown Minneapolis Thursday afternoon to honor health care workers and Hennepin County EMS paramedic Karl Meek, who died Tuesday.
President Trump says distancing guidelines may need to be extended
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday all the countermeasures and precautions to slow the spread of the virus are working. If they keep up, "by early summer we could be in a much better place as a nation," Pence said.
April showers favor the southern half of Minnesota through Friday. There are signs the season’s warmest air mass so far may arrive late next week.
Trauma on the pandemic's front line leaves health workers reeling
Hospital workers face stresses right now that can compare to fighting a war, and recent research suggests medical staff could be among the hardest hit by the mental health effects of the pandemic.
GOP lawmakers irked by DFL vote by mail strategy
A Minnesota House panel advanced an elections bill Thursday without Republican support. GOP lawmakers are worried about a replacement bill coming next week that would expand mail-in voting. 
Elizabeth Warren's oldest brother dies of coronavirus
 The oldest brother of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Donald Reed Herring, has died from the coronavirus, the Massachusetts senator said Thursday.
Our weekend weather will be generally pleasant. Some of us may see an April shower, but most of our weekend hours will be dry. We have the weekend forecast details, plus a look at Twin Cities weather extremes for this time of year.
'I just can't do this.' Harried parents forgo home school
The frustration of parents is mounting as more families across the U.S. enter their second or even third week of total distance learning. And some say it will be their last.
MN U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn on small business, agriculture relief
Lawmakers in the U.S. House are back in Washington this morning. They are set to vote on the next round of stimulus funding. The package would replenish an aid program for small businesses and includes more money for hospitals and testing.  
Residents on the North Shore say they have been seeing large crowds at popular state parks and recreation areas. That comes despite Governor Tim Walz's stay-at-home order and Cook County’s no-travel advisory, both of which are aimed at restricting unnecessary visitors.
Virus researchers cast doubt on theory of coronavirus lab accident
The Trump administration is investigating the theory that the virus leaked from a lab. Scientists who work with viruses say that's virtually impossible and point to transmission from an animal.
Temperatures will stay closer to average headed into the weekend, with another round of light rain on the way Thursday into Friday.
Climate change threatens Great Lakes shoreline with erosion
Climate change is increasing erosion on what’s known as the nation’s “third coast” — the Great Lakes shoreline. And that’s threatening beaches, parks and other recreation areas used by people from cities across the region. 
26 million jobs lost in just 5 weeks
The number of people forced out of work during the coronavirus lockdown keeps soaring. Last week, 4.4 million people filed for jobless benefits, boosting the total since last month to 26 million.
Most of the state sees the return of temperatures that are closer to average on Thursday, along with chances for light rain and isolated thunderstorms.
At least 6 dead as storms hit Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana
Severe weather was moving through Mississippi and Alabama early Thursday after apparent tornadoes tore through parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, where six deaths included a trailer factory worker whose body was found a quarter mile from his workplace.
For April, 3 romances that provide delicious escapes
Nothing guarantees a happy escape like a romance novel, and escape has never been more necessary — so for April we've got three reads packed with humor and heartache to savor while you stay inside.
April 23 update on COVID-19 in MN: 200 dead; more firms to reopen; State Fair doubts
As many as 100,000 manufacturing, industrial and office workers could be back on the job as soon as Monday, but public school buildings will stay closed — and there is serious doubt about this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Those were the key takeaways Thursday from Gov. Tim Walz.
Art Hounds: Portraits of essential workers
Plus, Art Hounds recommend Benjamin Percy's "Wolverine" podcast and a streamed performance of "Booth's Ghost."
Minnesota's expanded testing plan: What you need to know
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced a statewide testing strategy Wednesday that he says is critical to reopening the state and protecting its most vulnerable.
Patients weigh seeking care for conditions other than COVID-19
Thousands of Minnesotans have delayed surgeries and procedures because of COVID-19’s toll on the hospital system. But health officials are reminding Minnesotans they shouldn’t feel afraid to seek medical care.
Community alliance reassembles to battle COVID-19 fallout in north Minneapolis
The pandemic poses different challenges than the devastating tornado that inspired the formation of the Northside Community Response Team in 2011. African American community leaders say the crisis has forced them to figure out new ways of keeping their community connected, safe and healthy.
Learning from Lincoln: Leadership in a time of crisis
An Aspen Institute program talks about another president who led during a time of national crisis — Abraham Lincoln. Two historians discuss the leadership lessons we could learn from President Lincoln.