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Facing unprecedented COVID-19 restrictions, Minnesota chaplains still comforting others

May 10, 2020

A woman wearing a face mask stands behind a window

Chaplains in hospitals and in the community offer spiritual solace and sometimes help connect families to loved ones separated to limit coronavirus spread. - MPR News with Angela Davis In a mess of COVID-19 feelings, don’t overlook grief - Coronavirus has upended our world It's OK to grieve - Social distancing How to be alone, but not lonely MPR News coverage is only possible through member support, please give today.

Snowbirds returning to Minnesota find quarantine, wariness — and home

May 9, 2020

BNSF bridge over US 10 in Moorhead, Minn.

Snowbirds — residents who winter in warmer climes — are making their annual migration back to Minnesota by the thousands. Some are worried about staying healthy during the trip home. And in northern Minnesota, some residents worry that snowbirds could inadvertently bring the virus with them. - Thinking of heading to a cabin to wait out the coronavirus? Here are a few things to consider - Minnesota’s stay-at-home order encourages getting outside But how far away? - April 1 Some snowbirds headed north told to stay in their southern nests MPR News coverage is only possible through member support. Give today

Watch Shine On MN Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

May 9, 2020

FOX 9 and MPR Present Shine On MN

Minnesota Public Radio is teaming up with FOX 9 to present Shine On MN, a star-studded evening of entertainment, hope and giving on Sunday, May 10th at 7pm. This unique televised event is hosted by Jason Matheson and Alix Kendall from FOX 9 along with our own Cathy Wurzer and Jill Riley! It will feature some of Minnesota’s favorite artists and celebrities. Learn more and find the line at ShineOnMN.com. Event Details Shine On MN Sunday May 10, 2020 7 p.m. CDT Watch Live on FOX 9 Hashtag #ShineOnMN

Saturday's fishing opener: Conservation officers prepare for work in pandemic

May 8, 2020

a conservation officer examines a boat

Minnesota conservation officers expect a busy walleye fishing opener, doing their jobs while considering the risk of COVID-19. - DNR to anglers Stay close to home for fishing opener - Sorry, we have to cancel Minnesota resorts worry about their survival MPR News coverage is only possible through member support. Give today

MN hospitals welcome return of elective procedures; nurses union wary of move

May 7, 2020

A woman in PPE removes a disposable gown.

In an executive order Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz lifted the temporary ban that he imposed seven weeks ago, which was part of an effort to save scarce masks and gowns for the COVID-19 fight. - Concern about PPE shortage remains MN moves to allow elective procedures - COVID-19 financial blow Hospitals cut pay, furlough workers Supporting MPR News is supporting your community, donate today.

An uncertain fall means once college-bound students are weighing their options

May 6, 2020

A teen works on a laptop at a table.

The unpredictability of COVID-19 has many Minnesota high school seniors reconsidering plans to enroll in college this fall. Many schools are preparing for declining student enrollment and a financial fallout. - MPR News with Angela Davis How to decide your post-high school plans during a pandemic - 'You deserve to celebrate' A doctor's advice for teens and parents - Today’s grads Dreams of a bright future in a dim jobs market - 6 ways College might look different in the fall Supporting MPR News is supporting your community, donate today

Bring the Sing Home: Join us for 'What a Wonderful World' at 5:55 p.m. Friday

May 6, 2020

Anthony J. Cook

We invited everyone across Minnesota and beyond to join us for Bring the Sing Home at 5:55 p.m. central Friday, May 8. Step outside your front door or open a window to join in on a mass rendition of "What a Wonderful World," which will be simulcast on Classical MPR, The Current and MPR News. Find Lyrics and information MPR Music programming is only possible with member support, give today

Interviews during nap time only: Making radio with young children at home

May 5, 2020

Kid on Slack call.

MPR News journalists are still reporting, mostly from home during the pandemic. Those who are parents are now doing that work, like so many others in Minnesota, with small children around. - Work and kids suddenly all home? Be flexible and patient, experts say - Coronavirus and parenting What you need to know now

COVID-19 damage to state budget assessed this week

May 5, 2020

The Minnesota State Capitol from a distance.

Months ago, lawmakers were debating how to spend extra money. This week, state leaders learn if they’ll have to confront a deficit instead. - In April Minnesota bracing for possible budget deficit because of COVID-19 - In February Projected budget surplus grows slightly to $1.5B

MN COVID-19 latest: 428 deaths; hospitalizations, ICU cases rise

May 4, 2020

A nurse holds a sign at a sidewalk.

The latest numbers come as the state lifts some restrictions on retailers that could put as many as 30,000 Minnesotans back on the job. Gov. Tim Walz and state health leaders are briefing reporters now. - Photos Protesters circle Minnesota Capitol to protest stay-at-home order - Curbside pickup or delivery Businesses scramble to lay plans for partial reopening