19 new confirmed coronavirus cases in Minnesota

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - 19 new confirmed coronavirus cases in Minnesota: Testing has now [identified 54 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota](. The Minnesota Department of Health provided the new tally on Monday morning, which represents an increase of 19 cases from Sunday. Sherburne and Blue Earth counties reported their first cases, according to the state data. [State officials announced the temporary closure of schools]( and other efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 on Sunday. That also was the first day when testing found cases of community transmission of the virus from person to person in Minnesota — and not just infections that people sustained while traveling to other countries or states where the virus was already spreading. Due to economic disruptions from the coronavirus threat, the state’s two largest utilities said Monday [they will temporarily stop disconnecting customers]( who are behind on their bills. [Here's what you need to know about Minnesota's school closures.]( We are [tracking Minnesota's confirmed coronavirus cases here](. Sign up for [our daily newsletter for the latest updates on COVID-19](. - Twin Cities businesses shut down "with a heavy heart": While state and local officials across the country have begun enforcing sweeping closures of restaurants, bars and other nonessential retail, in Minnesota businesses haven't been given clear marching orders as COVID-19 cases mount. Some local businesses are [making tough choices on their own.]( Stocks lost more than 6% on Wall Street Monday as [huge swaths of the economy come closer to shutting down]( due to the coronavirus outbreak, from airlines to restaurants. Emergency actions taken by the Federal Reserve late Sunday to prop up the economy and get financial markets running smoothly again may have raised fears even further, some investors said. - Health care companies race to find test to quickly detect COVID-19: Responding to limitations in current testing methods, health care companies around the world are [racing to produce new point-of-care diagnostic systems]( that can quickly detect the presence of the COVID-19 coronavirus. - Minnesota Legislature scales back operations: Minnesota lawmakers were expected to pass legislation on Monday to provide aid to state hospitals amid the new coronavirus pandemic that will also radically alter how the 2020 session will unfold for the foreseeable future. Legislative leaders also announced that [they will hold committee meetings and floor sessions on an "on-call basis,"]( working mainly to pass bills responding to the pandemic in ways that allow six feet between people in the Capitol. - House passes bipartisan coronavirus response bill; Emmer votes against: U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer was among a small group of Republicans to [vote against a bipartisan House measure]( aimed at responding to the coronavirus outbreak. The House passed the bill in the early morning hours of Saturday on a vote of 363-40. The rest of Minnesota's House delegation, five Democrats and two Republicans, all voted in favor. The bill increases access to free testing, provides $1 billion in food aid, expands paid sick leave requirements, and enhances unemployment insurance. The U.S. Senate was expected to vote on the bill as early as Monday, and President Donald Trump signaled his support in a tweet on Friday night. - Legislative auditor calls for stronger oversight of Minnesota's $1B home health program: The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and state lawmakers should take action to [strengthen oversight of a $1 billion program]( that provides home caregiving services for thousands of vulnerable Minnesotans who depend on the services to live independently, according to a state audit report released Monday. - Biden, Sanders square off in Democratic presidential debate: Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders sought in the Democratic debate to [cast themselves as best-positioned to lead the nation]( through a global pandemic, uniting in their criticism of President Donald Trump's response to the fast-moving coronavirus but diverging in how they would confront the spiraling public health and economic crisis. - Rift over "money and fidelity" preceded Maple Grove murder, charges say: A 54-year-old man has a court appearance set for Monday on charges that [he fatally shot his wife in their Maple Grove home](. Watch this Leave it to the Italians to turn a nationwide lockdown into a celebration: [This video from Sicily will make you smile.](  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - Which Minnesota pie reigns supreme? March Madness may be canceled, but you can still [vote now in Round 1 of our Minnesota Frozen Pizza Bracket!]( - Twin Cities weekend shoppers find sparse crowds, closed stores: It was a weekend like no other as [people skipped errands, church, shopping, dining out and other entertainment]( to distance from each other in hopes of tamping down COVID-19. - Hit Minnesota-grown podcast 'Wine & Crime' mixes murder, friendship and booze: Three Minnetonka H.S. alum talking taboo topics (and TMI) have become [leaders in the true crime genre.](  Sports roundup - Vikings extend contract of QB Kirk Cousins: The 31-year-old veteran will give the team some salary cap relief, and [his new deal takes him through 2022.]( - Twins abandon training camp as MLB shuts down: Apparently concerned by [the intention of a handful of teams to hold organized workouts]( in camps that have been officially closed, MLB sent a memo to all 30 teams Saturday, according to MLB Network’s Joel Sherman, prohibiting any involvement of coaches or staff, aside from medical needs. - NHL gives players permission to head home: When self-quarantine ends, and depending on developments related to the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL will [consider opening team facilities to players in small groups](.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Worth a click How social distancing works to "flatten the curve" during outbreaks: The Washington Post uses interactive graphics to demonstrate [why social distancing can help to limit the spread]( of highly contagious diseases.  Trivia winner Congratulations to Kenneth Holbeck! Kenneth was randomly selected from among the readers who correctly answered that Harry and Meghan performed what are expected to be their final royal duties during ceremonies marking Commonwealth Day. He wins a Star Tribune travel mug.  From the archives March 16, 1974: Banker Gunnar Kronholm, center, talks to reporters at the front door of his family's Lino Lakes home after the kidnapping of his wife, Eunice. Kronholm announced to the kidnappers that he would comply with whatever demands they make and follow their instructions completely. With were Kronholm's brother-in-law, the Rev. Bruce Fleming, left, and son, John Kronholm. Eunice Kronholm was released several days later after the payment of $200,000 ransom. Two kidnappers were caught and sentenced to prison. (Photo: Kent Kobersteen/Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2020 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](