Stories from April 30, 2020

The Bachelor Farmer closes, the latest in a series of restaurant closures due to the coronavirus.
Judge orders Corrections Department to respond to Moose Lake allegations
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in mid-April alleging that the Corrections Department and the Moose Lake prison have failed to implement sufficient measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Acme still offering laughs — quarantine-style
With COVID-19 preventing social gatherings, Acme Comedy Company is offering virtual shows via Zoom.
This time, Pence wears mask as he tours Indiana plant
Vice President Mike Pence has donned a face covering while touring a General Motors/Ventec ventilator production facility in Indiana. He had come under fire Tuesday for failing to wear one at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. 
MN Senate passes GOP tax bill that delays payments
Republicans in the Minnesota Senate, along with five Democrats, passed a $327 million tax relief measure aimed at helping businesses survive COVID-19 closures.
A Mexican 'Lucha Libre' wrestler is sewing masks to fight coronavirus
Hijo del Soberano was already designing “lucha libre” costumes on the side. Since his wrestling venue shut amid Mexico's lockdown, he's turned to making masks. "I just altered my skills a bit," he says.
Daily dose of sweetness: Henry Sibley staffers reveal their 'True Colors'
It’s been a rough time for many teachers and students, particularly seniors, who are experiencing a sudden and unceremonious end to their high school years. Henry Sibley staff wanted to send along some words of encouragement.
I think that most people will enjoy our weekend weather. We have details on the weekend temperatures and the few spots that may see a passing shower.
Biden announces vice presidential search committee
Former Vice President Joe Biden has kicked off the next phase of his campaign, appointing former and current Democratic officials to help him pick a running mate. Biden has said he'll choose a woman.
Parole programs are responding to a number of challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked to Brian Kopperud, Dakota County’s director of community corrections, about how his department is shifting protocols to support clients.
After a quiet Thursday weather, Friday brings another chance for showers and storms. Below average temperatures return next week.
Chef Amy Thielen on cooking comfort food
You might have noticed that flour and eggs can be hard to come by at certain stores. With millions of Americans staying at home, many have turned to stress baking. Chef and author Amy Thielen joined MPR for a conversation about cooking and comfort food.
A staggering toll: 30 million have filed for unemployment
Another 3.8 million people filed claims for unemployment last week, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh on the U.S. job market. That brought the total for the past six weeks to 30.3 million.
Okee Dokee Brothers move up album release to help families ease 'stay-at-home' time
"Songs for Singin'" was originally going to be released in July. But when it became clear families would be cooped up together for a long time, Justin Lansing said they wanted to offer something to help. “If we make this difficult time into something that is actually special, we are going to get through it a lot better,” he said.
His current stay-at-home order expires on Monday. MPR News morning update for April 30, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions — Open Flames & Li Fonte
Pleasant weather prevails for Thursday with lighter winds, dry skies, and abundant sunshine.
A next-generation coronavirus test raises hopes and concerns
An antigen test could be quick, and much simpler and cheaper than the PCR tests now used to spot people infected with the novel coronavirus. But some scientists worry about an antigen test's accuracy.
New Hope nursing home sees 'devastating' 47 deaths from COVID-19
In a statement released Wednesday, St. Therese of New Hope said that since early April, 47 residents of the 258-bed facility have died of the disease caused by the coronavirus.
April 30 update on COVID-19 in MN: 343 dead; Walz tweaks, extends stay-home order
Gov. Tim Walz unveiled a plan Thursday that extends his stay-at-home order and keeps bars and restaurants takeout-only until May 18. It also let retailers and other businesses offer curbside pickup of purchases, a move he said would put up to 30,000 Minnesotans back to work.
Northern Minn. companies step in to help fill PPE shortage
Hospitals and clinics have struggled to get enough personal protective equipment, or PPE, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Duluth, and across the state, local companies have retooled to manufacture masks, face shields, and other equipment to help meet that shortfall.
How does PPE get to Minnesota health workers who need it?
Many hospitals and clinics are struggling to get the personal protective equipment they need to protect health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. MPR News has been digging into the factors driving the shortage, what’s being done about it and the impact it’s having on health care workers. Here’s what we learned.
Walz decision on stay-at-home order due Thursday
Gov. Tim Walz must decide whether to extend limits on nonessential travel and business operations past Sunday night. He’s gradually allowed more exceptions, though he’s taking a longer view on bars and spectator sports.
Art Hounds: Work with your hands to calm your mind
Art Hounds recommend simple arts and crafts to meditate by, South Asian dance classes and the album "From Our World to Yours."
Voices of Vietnam documentary: A Lost Homeland
A documentary about the Vietnamese refugees who fled their country after the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.