Walz self-quarantines, Flanagan's brother dies of COVID-19, Klobuchar's husband hospitalized

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - Walz self-quarantines, Flanagan's brother dies of COVID-19, Klobuchar's husband hospitalized: Gov. Tim Walz said Monday [he will be quarantined at home for the next two weeks]( after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said her brother Ron, who lived in Tennessee, [was diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago]( and his immune system was compromised when he got the coronavirus. [Sen. Amy Klobuchar's husband is hospitalized]( in Virginia with COVID-19. [Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has tested positive]( for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. Senate and raising fears about the further transmission of the virus among Republicans at the Capitol. - Backlog of COVID-19 tests eliminated in Minnesota with Mayo's help: Minnesota health officials said Sunday that [they have caught up to a backlog of COVID-19 tests](, as efforts ramped up to get much-needed protective gear to health care workers. There are now [235 Minnesotans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19](, an increase of 66 cases in one day. It is another record-setting day for confirmed cases, as health officials have consistently said more cases were expected to be discovered. The number of Minnesota confirmed cases has now doubled since Friday, when there were 115 total positive tests. - Trump mulls 15-day shutdown as Congress pursues aid: President Donald Trump suggested Monday he had [qualms about extending the current 15-day suggested shutdown]( as his health officials warned about the deepening coronavirus crisis and administration officials and congressional leaders struggled to complete a nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package. Dr. Anthony Fauci says [he can't jump in front of the microphone]( to stop President Donald Trump from speaking at daily White House briefings on the coronavirus outbreak. The nation's top infectious disease expert tells Science magazine in an interview that Trump listens "even though we disagree on some things." - Harsh steps needed to stop the coronavirus, experts say: Terrifying though the coronavirus may be, it can be turned back. China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan have demonstrated that, with furious efforts, the contagion can be brought to heel. Whether they can keep it suppressed remains to be seen. But for the United States to repeat their successes will take extraordinary levels of coordination and money from the country’s leaders, and extraordinary levels of trust and cooperation from citizens. It will also require international partnerships in an interconnected world. There is a chance to stop the coronavirus. [This contagion has a weakness.]( - Fed to buy unlimited government debt and lend to businesses: In its boldest effort to protect the U.S. economy from the coronavirus, the Federal Reserve says [it will buy as much government debt as it deems necessary]( and will begin lending to small and large businesses and local governments to help them weather the crisis. - Nonprofits ask for $60B in federal aid as they brace for drop in donations: Nonprofits in Minnesota and across the U.S. are asking for $60 billion in federal aid as they brace for a decline in donations due to the economic downturn during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dozens of nonprofits said in a letter that [they expect a drop in revenue and contributions]( just like during the 2008 recession, despite being on the front lines of helping people in need during the pandemic. - Uncertain fate for victims of large NE Minneapolis fire: The operators of a popular Mexican restaurant among [multiple businesses severely damaged in a large fire]( said Monday they are hopeful but uncertain whether they can reopen at the same northeast Minneapolis address. - Wisconsin governor ordering non-essential Wisconsin businesses closed: Gov. Tony Evers said Monday [he will order the closure of all non-essential businesses]( starting Tuesday, and is urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed four people in the state and infected at least nearly 400. - FBI names agency veteran to lead Minneapolis field office: [The FBI has named agency veteran Rainer S. Drolshagen]( to head up its Minneapolis field office, replacing current Special-Agent-in-Charge Jill Sanborn, who is heading to Washington, D.C. to help lead the counterterrorism division.  Hey, look at this Minnesota wildflowers in bloom: Look close enough and you'll discover [a new world in the state's floral landscape]( you never knew existed.  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - 40 Twin Cities takeout/delivery restaurant options: Takeout is the fast-changing new normal for the Twin Cities restaurant scene. Here's a critic's list of [40 Twin Cities metro area options.]( - Check out the vintage-look updates to this St. Paul Craftsman house: [New spaces complement the vintage character]( of a century-old St. Paul home. - Get free online cooking lessons from culinary masters while you're social distancing: Always wanted to learn how to make béchamel? Or understand the difference between champagne and cremant? [Now you can.](  Sports roundup - With talent out the door, 2020 will test Vikings' coaching, systems: The Vikings have been able to keep together that solid core through a series of extensions, renegotiations and a philosophy that rewards in-house talent. At some point, though, [things have to change.]( - The Twins' top 10 minor league prospects: Many top prospects showed they are close when [they got a shot during spring camp.]( - Pitino, Gophers study transfer market for a big man: The ever-expanding transfer portal could add to the 2020 class this spring, but it will be a challenge for the Gophers to [add the depth and talent their frontcourt needs.](  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Worth a click How well are residents of every state social distancing? The New York Times analyzes geospatial data from smartphones to see [how much residents of every state have limited their movements]( in recent days.  From the archives March 23, 1966: Downtown Minneapolis was nearly deserted during what was normally rush hour after a spring blizzard left most area residents stranded in their homes. (Photo: Dwight Miller/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.](