The weekend is almost here, if you’re keeping track of days of the week still. Anyway, it’s Thursday and here’s what you need to know.
Rain, snow and ice storms are moving in. Meteorologist Nicole Mitchell has more on the impending precipitation in this post. For now, a look at Thursday’s forecast: Twin Cities highs in the upper 50s with 10 to 15 mph winds. Rain starts in the afternoon. Statewide, highs range from upper 30s in the north to 50s in the south. For precipitation, the northwest gets snow and freezing rain; the west gets freezing rain; and regular rain for the rest of the state as nighttime temps drop. More on Updraft. | Forecast What’s on the radio today Gov. Tim Walz said he’ll decide next week whether the stay-at-home order will last past April 10. The decision comes ahead of major spring holidays, including Passover, the start of Ramadan and Easter, which traditionally bring the mass gatherings of people that are anathema amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest coronavirus numbers as of Wednesday: 689 positive cases via 21,191 tests 17 deaths 54 people hospitalized 27 people in intensive care units 342 patients recovered 47 years old for median age of positive cases Age range is 4 months to 104 years old) 30 percent of cases caused by community transmission Unemployment is growing every day, but there is some help available. I put together this guide for getting unemployment benefits under the latest state guidelines. There’s also information on getting health insurance if you need it or expect to lose yours, plus some tips for seeking help getting groceries or paying bills. If missing a resource or if you have an unemployment story to share, do it here . For those who have applied, unemployment checks are on their way soon. Steve Grove, the employment and economic development commissioner, says applicants should expect compensation “a week or two after you apply, and we will backdate from the day you were separated from your work.” Social distancing is working in Minnesota, at least according to one metric. MinnPost’s Greta Kaul reports that a smart thermometer startup has data for Hennepin County showing fevers at less than what’s normal for this time of year. “We are able to aggregate an illness signal, essentially,” Nita Nehru of Kinsa told Kaul. If you need help on social distancing, Bill Barr has 50 years of experience in isolation. He’s the sole resident of Gothic, Colorado, an old silver mining town where he’s now the mayor and the police chief. His first tip for isolation: keep track of something. Read on for more. We’re still taking your coronavirus questions. And providing answers here. — Cody Nelson Want this in your inbox every morning? Subscribe to the MPR News Update here. | 