Stories from May 1, 2020

Pandemic aggravates Minnesota care center staffing shortages
Staffing has become such a challenge at some Minnesota care facilities due to the coronavirus outbreak that a few aren't sure how they're going to get through the weekend, the head of an industry group said Friday.
Bachelor Farmer closure shakes weary restaurant industry
Fine dining restaurants and those with multiple locations seem to be taking the biggest hit, as Minnesota’s stay-at-home order heads into a seventh week.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said one man was killed and a Willmar police officer was seriously injured after an incident early Friday, though the cause of the man's death wasn't immediately clear.
Ice out reaches Ely
Ice out is progressing through northern Minnesota.
Covid-19 tests accelerates in Minnesota. MPR News evening update for May 1, 2020. Hosted by Nina Moini and Britta Greene.
How are you keeping your kids busy?
We asked listeners how they’ve been keeping their kids busy through the pandemic. Here’s what some of you told us.
Dispute over taxes complicates state COVID-19 response
The DFL House and Republican Senate are taking distinctly different approaches to the COVID-19 crisis in the final two weeks of the legislative session.
A potent warm front brings 80s to southwest Minnesota Friday. temperatures will run 30 degrees cooler next week.
How to decide your post-high school plans during a pandemic
National Decision Day for many high school seniors has been a momentous occasion, but the coronavirus pandemic has upended those plans. Would you commit to a college or university if you can't physically attend?
'I will never lie to you': Trump's new press secretary revives briefing
Kayleigh McEnany did something on Friday that her predecessor at the White House never once did: she briefed reporters from behind the lectern in the cramped confines of the James S. Brady briefing room.
The road to reopening
As the country looks to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, how can we balance public health with economic viability?
Looking forward to our first weekend of May? The weekend weather won’t interfere with your outdoor plans. We have all the details.
St. Paul advocates move online to help domestic abuse survivors
On a normal day, the staff at Women’s Advocates of St. Paul have a tough job. But with in-person contact limited, they’ve had to change the way they help domestic abuse survivors.
Find a little comfort in food and art this weekend
The stay-at-home order has been extended until May 18, but there's still plenty you can do. The weather this weekend lends itself to great opportunities to get outside. And once you're done enjoying the sun, check out some of our comfort food recipes.
Healthy pigs being killed as meatpacking backlog hits farms
Officials estimate that about 700,000 pigs across the nation can't be processed each week and must euthanized. Most of the hogs are being killed at farms, but up to 13,000 a day also may be euthanized at the JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minn.
Light rain moves across Minnesota Friday, followed by a dry and mild weekend. Temperatures turn cooler most of next week, with more rain in the forecast Monday and Tuesday.
Retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley discussed that listener question – and the week in weather – in his regular chat with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
NASA names firms in competition to build next-gen lunar lander
Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Dynetics, a Huntsville, Ala.- based firm, will share $967 million to develop a vehicle to get astronauts to the moon's surface by 2024.
Routine dental visits may also resume on the same timeline. MPR News morning update for May 1, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions – Open Flames & Li Fonte  
Biden denies former staffer's sexual assault allegation
More than a month after being publicly accused of sexual assault by a former Senate staffer in the 1990s, former Vice President Joe Biden says the allegations "aren't true. This never happened."
Essential workers plan May Day strikes; others demand end to lockdowns
Essential employees are planning labor actions to call for sick leave and hazard pay, while nurses will protest for more PPE. Meanwhile, others are calling for an end to the lockdowns.
Farmers markets aim to offer comforting tradition, produce
With their outdoor space and flexible layouts, farmers markets may be able to adapt more easily to the needs of shoppers during a pandemic.
May 1 update on COVID-19 in MN: 371 dead; 'just getting our arms' around the spread
Minnesota’s health commissioner on Friday defended Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to extend the state’s stay-at-home order as necessary in the face of rapidly rising numbers of COVID-19 cases reported and deaths recorded.
How reliable are COVID-19 tests? It depends
What types of testing are available for the coronavirus? And how accurate are they? Here's a handy guide to the field.
Rent is due, but millions of Americans won't be paying
Housing activists are enlisting renters who can and can't pay rent starting May 1 to sign a pledge with the goal of putting pressure on landlords and policymakers.
Family's illnesses suggest coronavirus may have been in Minnesota longer than thought
Kate Austin came home from Japan in late January with a strange illness she couldn’t seem to beat. Her arrival caused a chain reaction of sickness among friends and family that ultimately ended in a coronavirus diagnosis.
Passengers must wear masks on major airlines
American, Delta and United Airlines are joining JetBlue and Frontier in requiring face coverings amid growing pressure from Congress and their own employees.