Stories from May 19, 2020

Republican Senate candidate sues Walz over COVID-19 restrictions
U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis, a Republican, sued Gov. Tim Walz over the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Lewis argues the curbs violate his right to campaign as he wishes.
My 'decision to make': Trump defends criticized use of drug
President Trump is emphatically defending himself against criticism from medical experts that his announced use of a malaria drug against the coronavirus could spark wide misuse by Americans. 
What is the future of cities?
As COVID-19 makes density a danger, we look at what's in store for cities.
Older Minnesotans sheltering at home need help, volunteers step up
Because the new coronavirus is especially dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, the need for services for those stuck in their homes has increased. Several nonprofits say more volunteers have come forward.
Minnesota lawmakers have unfinished business
The 2020 Minnesota legislative regular session ended on Sunday. The pandemic made its work more difficult,and lawmakers are expected to return in June for a special session. MPR political reporter Brian Bakst tells us what was accomplished and what wasn’t.
Minnesota’s horse racing tracks are gearing up for an unusual season this year. They will have to pare back operations and try to reach fans remotely but are still hoping to run dozens of races.
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink for more on workplace protections in the pandemic.
Should students gamble on college this fall?
Given the tanking economy, the price tag of many degrees and the likelihood of changes in the campus experience, is college still worth it?
For cancer patients, anguish grows over deferred surgery as risk rises
With states starting to reopen, bans on "nonessential" surgeries are beginning to lift, too. But there's a huge backlog of cases that have only gotten more urgent and heartbreaking for many patients.
'She could be a voice for other people': Annie Glenn, widow of Sen. John Glenn and communications advocate, dies at 100
Annie Glenn, the widow of astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn and a communication disorders advocate, died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19. She was 100. Her daughter, Lyn, talked about her mother with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Daily dose of sweetness: All you need is a lovELY cake
Ely resident Susan Laine has been celebrating essential workers by spreading a sweet message of love. “They need to be celebrated, they need to have love, people need to know that everybody has their back right now,” she said.
Much of Minnesota has a chance to hit 80 degrees this week, which is late in the season to see that spring milestone. More showers and storms return late this week.
Cloud cover in southern Minnesota keep temperatures slightly below average, while warm, dry and sunny conditions in northern Minnesota raise the fire risk again.
Gov. Walz has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, and on the 19th of every month through 2020. MPR News morning update for May 19, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions – Open Flames & Li Fonte.
Sprinklers contain fire in St. Paul high-rise
Hundreds of people were evacuated, but some residents who could not use the stairs were left in place, due to what the building's governing board told residents was serious damage to the elevators.
'Kindergartners are huggers': A teacher stays connected in a virtual classroom
Minnesota schools will end the year with students and teachers separated. For many teachers, losing physical contact with students is the hardest part of distance learning. Moorhead kindergarten teacher Karla Brewster talked about maintaining relationships with students in a time of distance learning.
May 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: 748 deaths; plan coming Wednesday for bars, eateries
The newest counts come as officials prepare to unveil a phase-in plan that would let people back into bars, restaurants and other public gathering places. That plan is set to be released Wednesday.
In a pandemic, technology helps tribe reconnect with Dakota language
Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community say there’s a silver lining for their heritage in this chaotic time. By moving Dakota language classes online, they are attracting more tribe members than ever. 
Apple store shoppers to have temperatures taken, must wear face coverings
About 100 Apple stores, or about a fifth of the tech giant's worldwide retail locations, are now open, including storefronts in Alabama, Florida, California and Washington state.