Stories from May 14, 2020

Minnesota Senate leader: Bonding bill still likely to pass
The Legislature will likely pass a long-stalled public construction borrowing bill before the regular session ends, because the governor's decision to let his stay-at-home order expire could trigger the necessary bipartisan cooperation, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says.
The state is stepping up its efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak in long-term care facilities. MPR News evening update for May 14, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Tim Nelson.
MNsure offers special enrollment for those who've lost jobs, health coverage
Minnesotans who have lost jobs or income due to the pandemic, and others, can sign up for health coverage on the state’s insurance exchange. Some may qualify for help paying their premiums.
Latest MN modeling: Major effect of quarantine is delaying COVID-19 peak, not preventing it
A scenario that mirrors Walz’s Wednesday announcement projects that by the end of May, an estimated 1,441 people will have died of COVID-19 in Minnesota. By next March, that model predicts that just over 29,000 people will have died from the disease in the state. 
Minnesota skies getting smokier with climate change
Wildfire smoke is causing 33 percent fewer blue sky days in Minnesota during the summer.
Pandemic-canceled film festival recreates itself as virtual event
“MSPIFF39 Redefined” offers movies, live filmmaker appearances and even dance parties as a way to preserve the community built around the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
Some Hudson businesses and shoppers welcome Wisconsin's 'soft' opening
Many small businesses in Wisconsin began opening their doors to customers after Gov. Tony Evers unexpectedly gave them the go-ahead this week. Yet others still worry about keeping staff and customers safe.
First a pandemic, and now biting gnats 
There’s another affliction adding to our misery this spring: a variety of gnat that’s proven unusually aggressive — if not outright painful — for people out enjoying the warm weather.
Court allows emoluments case against Trump over D.C. hotel to proceed
The District of Columbia and Maryland say Trump is violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution that prohibit the president from receiving gifts or favors from foreign and state governments.
Seasonable temperatures finally return Thursday and even warmer weather is on tap for next week. A soaking rain targets southern Minnesota this weekend.
Playing 'Death Stranding,' even in isolation, you're not alone
In Hideo Kojima's famously strange new game, you're often alone, trekking across deserted post-apocalyptic America. But you're also not alone, as you find clues and connections left by other players.
Minnesota is loosening its COVID-19 restrictions. Here's what you need to know
Under the new order, restaurants, bars, places of worship, hair salons, fitness centers and places like theaters and bowling alleys will be allowed to operate indoors and outdoors at limited capacity.
36.5 million have filed for unemployment in 8 weeks
Nearly 3 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week, the Labor Department said. It's the latest grim sign of the economic damage from the coronavirus crisis.
Thursday brings morning fog and another chance for light rain, along with the warmest weather much of Minnesota has seen since early May.
Gov. Tony Evers’ administration had extended the order until May 26.  MPR News morning update for May 14, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions – Open Flames & Li Fonte.
With school buildings closed, children's mental health is suffering
A top pediatrician calls for reopening schools as soon as possible because of the negative impact the shutdown is having on students' learning and mental health.
State begins rapid testing of all residents, staff of long-term care homes with COVID-19
Teams of public health personnel and Minnesota National Guard medics will perform targeted, but in-depth testing in about 20 long-term care facilities throughout the state beginning on Thursday. 
Businesses want to reopen, but how to do it safely?
More businesses see relief as Gov. Tim Walz’ stay-at-home order lapses on Monday. For the rest, bars, restaurants and salons among them, a possible restart date of June 1 offers some hope, but how exactly business will be conducted is still a question.
May 14 update on COVID-19 in MN: 663 dead; 'need for vigilance' remains
A day after Gov. Tim Walz unveiled plans to end his stay-at-home order, state health officials on Thursday implored Minnesotans to self-regulate their behavior as they start to gather again in small groups and head back to stores.
Fear of contracting coronavirus propels some smokers to quit
Increasing evidence suggests people who smoke are more likely to become severely ill and die from COVID-19 than nonsmokers. Some people are using that as inspiration to quit.
History Forum: The history of fake news in the U.S.
History professor Michelle Nickerson speaks at the Minnesota Historical Society’s “History Forum” about “The History of Fake News in America.”
Why eating disorder recovery is more daunting during the pandemic
Millions of people across the country struggle with eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Many are in recovery and on their way to a healthy relationship with food. But the pandemic has been a major setback for some.
'Sleeping while black': Louisville police kill unarmed black woman
Attorneys for Breonna Taylor's family say police executed her in her own apartment. Officers were serving a narcotics warrant. Taylor's boyfriend fired at officers, fearing they were intruders.
Gov. Tim Walz says restaurants, bars and hair salons will stay closed through the end of the month. The governor said his decision is informed by new modeling state officials released today showing the state’s death toll will likely be worse than previously thought. MPR News Evening update for May 13, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene and Tim Nelson.