Stories from May 8, 2020

Black, Latinx and Native American residents across Minnesota have been disproportionately hurt by the virus. MPR News evening update for May 8, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Nina Moini. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions — Open Flames & Li Fonte.
V-E Day: Europe celebrates a subdued 75th anniversary during COVID-19 pandemic
"Today, 75 years later, we are forced to commemorate alone, but we are not alone!" Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier says, celebrating international unity in the post-war era.
From freezing to 90 degrees in 2 weeks?
Freeze warnings and snow chances headline Mother’s Day weekend. Forecast models suggest a big warmup in two weeks.
Pence spokesperson Katie Miller tests positive for coronavirus
The case is the second confirmed by the White House this week. President Trump said Miller hasn't come into contact with him but has "spent some time" with the vice president.
It may be a while before your table’s ready
The people who staffed shuttered restaurants admit that it’s hard to imagine getting back to normal.
Coronavirus is mutating. That's normal. Does that mean it's more dangerous?
There are various studies looking at changes to the virus genome — and the possible impact on how the virus affects humans. Here's what we know (and don't yet know) about mutations.
A conversation with chef Yia Vang of Union Hmong Kitchen
Chef Yia Vang of Union Hmong Kitchen was supposed to open his first brick and mortar restaurant, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. How is he adapting during this time? We also talked about his childhood in a Thai refugee camp, his first English lesson, living in the Amish country of Pennsylvania and having his food on the cover of Bon Appetit magazine.
The beginning of May has seen frost warnings and low precipitation across the state. For more on what that means for gardeners and farmers, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley.
Laughter and love at home for the weekend
It’s going to be a chilly weekend for most Minnesotans, which is a good reason to stay at home and catch up on some new shows, movies and music on streaming. Here are some suggestions.
Minn. education officials urge virtual ceremonies for graduating seniors
Officials with the Minnesota Department of Health joined state education commissioners for K-12 and higher ed Friday morning to announce guidelines encouraging schools, colleges and universities to host remote graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020. Large, in-person gatherings won’t be allowed.
Mystery inflammatory syndrome in kids and teens likely linked to COVID-19
Doctors in the U.S. and Europe are reporting a small wave of cases of what looks like a "shock syndrome" in young people. They have low blood pressure, inflamed hearts and other serious symptoms.
Despite sunshine, Friday will remain very cold for May with temperatures well below average and breezy conditions adding a wind chill.
Jobless rate spikes to 14.7%, highest since Great Depression
The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7 percent in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record. The figures are stark evidence of the damage the coronavirus has done to a now-shattered economy.
Health commissioner Jan Malcolm says every resident and staff member of virus-affected facilities will be tested. MPR News update for May 8, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions – Open Flames & Li Fonte.
Deaths in nursing homes spur officials to increase testing, bolster staff levels
As the number of deaths in long-term care facilities from COVID-19 has grown, so too has the pressure to address the issue. Minnesota officials say they have a new plan to try to get a better handle on the problem after hundreds of older adults have died.
May 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 534 dead; 'This thing is going to be with us'
New on Friday: Deaths, case counts climb; state preparing a backup morgue; new guidance coming on crowds but for now no in-person grad ceremonies or big public gatherings; heavy toll on people of color; Walz wants state COVID-19 fund replenished, braces public for more deaths.
Superintendents say they’ve already begun moving ahead with plans for their students in the summer and fall, but remain ready to change if state leaders continue to forbid in-person learning.
Portraits of Valor: Bob Holmstrom, 94, Army
Bob Holmstrom was sworn to secrecy for 40 years after World War II, where he flew secret nighttime mission over Europe dropping spies, supplies and propaganda to resistance fighters.