April 17, 2020
Balmy weekend.Our average, spring temps are coming back tomorrow. Highs in southern Minnesota will be in the lower 60s Saturday, while northern parts of the state hover around the mid-40s to mid-50s. It’ll be a bit windy, and far northern Minnesota has a chance of scattered showers on Saturday. Sunday highs will retreat to the lower 50s in the south, with 40s in northern and central Minnesota. COVID-19 in MN today: 111 deaths; Walz eases outdoor restrictions.Gov. Tim Walz mixed optimism with vigilance Friday, urging Minnesotans to enjoy more outdoor activities but warning against a false sense of security about COVID-19. Positive COVID-19 cases confirmed at a southwest Minnesota pork processing plant. State officials confirmed that seven cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the workforce of JBS Pork processing plant, the largest employer in Worthington, Minn. How did the biggest cluster in the US emerge in Sioux Falls? Infections spread like wildfire through a pork factory and questions remain about what the company did to protect staff. BBC's Jessica Lussenhop on Coronavirus at Smithfield pork plant. Giving, saving, and bills. MPR News asked Minnesotans what they’re going to do with their federal coronavirus stimulus money, and you responded in droves — we received well over 100 replies to queries on our website and on Twitter. Here’s how Minnesotans are spending their stimulus checks. After you’ve enjoyed this nice weekend weather, we’ve got some suggestions on movies, podcasts and activities you can do while staying at home or social distancing. — Matt Mikus and Jiwon Choi, MPR News | 