NewsPartners

Questions or requests? Contact MPR News editor Michael Olson at molson@mpr.org.

U of M designers build prototypes to fill the urgent need for masks, ventilators
Minnesota is expecting a surge of COVID-19 cases in the weeks ahead and hospitals are using this time to prepare. But they’re competing with hospitals all over the world for a limited supply of medical and protective equipment. The University of Minnesota is trying to fill some of the urgent need for masks and ventilators with handmade solutions.
Tech frustrations, inequity and silver linings: Minnesota’s first week of distance learning
Week one of hundreds of thousands of Minnesota students attempting to learn from home was punctuated by widespread technology failures, overwhelmed parents and deepening inequities, as schools learned they likely won’t reopen before the end of the academic year.
Ad says economic hit is worse than the threat of COVID-19. Is that true?
A newspaper ad reiterates the idea that the economic hit from using social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 is worse than letting the virus run its course with less stringent mitigation efforts. But is that true? We talked with the ad’s author, Kevin Roche, and experts about the claim and some of his other statements about the virus.
April 2 update on COVID-19 in MN: 18 dead; treatment costs waived; schools may stay shut
Gov. Tim Walz conceded Thursday that school buildings, which he’d ordered closed through early May, likely won’t reopen this spring. Minnesota health plans have agreed to waive in-network treatment costs for COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations continue to climb.
Some playgrounds remain open, despite coronavirus worries. But are they safe?
Playgrounds present unique challenges: Social distancing isn't exactly a concept that toddlers or preschoolers understand. Keeping them at least 6 feet apart while they're sliding on a slide or climbing on equipment is virtually impossible.
State housing help likely on the way as part of pandemic response
Many Minnesotans out of work because of COVID-19 are starting to face their first rent and mortgage payments since the state’s stay-at-home order went into effect. Some are finding relief. Many are wondering what help they may get.