Stories from May 12, 2020

Parents urged to keep up immunizations during pandemic
Clinics discouraged wellness visits during the pandemic. Now, doctors are worried too many children aren’t getting their recommended immunizations.
House Democrats unveil $3 trillion proposal for coronavirus relief
House Democrats plan a Friday vote on another massive relief bill that has more money for states, help for the jobless and virus-testing funds. Republicans immediately called it a partisan wish list.
Walz needs to decide whether to extend that declaration and preserve the legal power that has allowed him to put the stay-at-home restrictions in place during the pandemic. MPR News Evening update for May 12, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Tim Nelson.
Workplace protections still apply when you work from home
For many Minnesotans, their homes have become their workplaces but the situation raises legal issues that many employers may not have anticipated when they began having legions of people work from home — from privacy and ergonomics to on-the-job injuries and tracking employees' hours.
Restaurants face a staffing problem: Unemployment pays better
State jobless benefits are beefed up, for now, by an extra $600 a week from the federal government. That means many people are making more money unemployed at home than they were making at work.
Volunteers deliver thousands of masks to Hennepin Healthcare
The masks are being distributed to emergency room patients and nonmedical staff at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Want your stimulus check direct deposited? Sign up by noon Wednesday
If you haven't gotten your pandemic relief payment yet, and you'd like to receive it by direct deposit, make sure the IRS has your bank account information before the May 13 deadline.
In the best of times, people who care for loved ones with serious health conditions often sacrifice time, energy and their own physical and emotional needs — which can lead to stress, anxiety and even depression. During this pandemic, many are finding those stresses heightened.
Audio postcard: Searching for jeweled shooting stars in Zumbro Falls Woods
We have been getting periodic reports this spring from Minnesota wildflower chasers Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, telling us where to hunt for wildflowers as the weather warms.
When can we expect a coronavirus vaccine?
The race is on. What will it take to develop, test and distribute a safe and effective vaccine?
Argentina reacted early and kept the coronavirus largely contained
Once there were 100 cases, the government imposed broad confinement measures. Over seven weeks later, with 317 coronavirus-related deaths, Argentina is easing its lockdown outside Buenos Aires.
The spread of the virus is creating a dire challenge for the long-term care industry, with many wondering what the future of residential care for seniors will look like, even once the outbreak winds down.
Partisan differences over the best way to fight the pandemic; state workers may lose a pay raise
Georgia AG seeks probe of prosecutors in Arbery killing case
The Feb. 23 killing of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery has sparked a national outcry, in part because months passed before the arrests of Gregory and Travis McMichael. They were charged with murder after video of the shooting appeared online.
Tuesday remains cooler than average but comfortable with sunshine and light winds. By Wednesday, rain returns along with a pattern shift that brings in much warmer weather.
Supreme Court hears cases involving Trump's taxes, financial records
How the court decides these cases could dramatically change the balance of power among the three branches of government, shifting America's system of checks and balances.
American Jews were targets of more anti-Semitic incidents in 2019 than any other year over the past four decades, a surge marked by deadly attacks on a California synagogue, a Jewish grocery store in New Jersey and a rabbi's New York home, the Anti-Defamation League reported Tuesday.
 Daily dose of sweetness: 9-year-old girl delivers 'special birthday' goodies
Eleanor Johnson told her mother that everyone celebrating right now “need[s] to have special birthdays.” Since late April, Eleanor has delivered more than a dozen cards and gifts locally.
National Guard flyover salutes expand across Minnesota this week
The flight schedule lists more than 50 cities in Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. All but a handful are in Minnesota.
Tuesday morning is starting off with most of the state below freezing and even areas of record cold. By the afternoon it will be sunny and comfortable.
The move comes as state officials weigh next steps in Minnesota’s response. MPR News morning update for May 12, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions – Open Flames & Li Fonte.
Minority-owned small businesses were supposed to get priority. They may not have
The CARES Act required the Small Business Administration to tell banks to prioritize underserved communities for coronavirus relief loans. That didn't happen, a new inspector general's report found.
Fauci warns states not to 'jump over' guidelines to reopening
The hearing takes place via video conference because three top doctors integral to the government's response to coronavirus and the committee's chairman are self-quarantining.
State workers may lose pay raise as economy tanks
The Minnesota House voted Monday to ratify state employee contracts that would deliver salary increases at a time of a looming budget deficit. The DFL-backed move sets up a showdown with Senate Republicans, who say it’s not a good idea to raise salaries with a budget deficit looming.
Hearing America: A Century of Music on the Radio
Ray Suarez hosts APM Reports documentary: “Hearing America: A Century of Music on the Radio.”
MLB owners propose opening day in early July
Major League Baseball owners will submit a proposal to the players' union to start its 2020 season in July without fans. If the proposal is approved, spring training would start in early to mid-June.