Minnesota's craft brewers say they are in trouble

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - Minnesota's craft brewers say they are in trouble: Many have tried what they can to keep their businesses going during the state’s stay-at-home order. But more than half said [they could be forced to close in three months]( if the stay-at-home order is extended beyond May 13, according to a Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild survey of 77 members. - Trump order forces meat plants to reopen: President Donald Trump late Tuesday [signed an order compelling meat processing plants to stay open]( under the Defense Production Act to protect the nation’s food supply. The decision comes as at least 20 plants across the country — including at least three in Minnesota — have been shuttered temporarily by outbreaks of COVID-19. - Minnesota patients anxiously waiting for surgery delayed by COVID-19: Delays of nonessential surgeries in Minnesota have caused anxious waits for [patients needing treatments that sound a lot more serious]( than the word “elective” might imply. The good news, doctors say, is a delay in the surge of COVID patients combined with an increase in testing capabilities is creating a chance to get more procedures done in the near term. Getting through the backlog won’t be easy, though, since thousands of surgeries have been delayed already. - Pence praises Minnesota but flouts mask policy during Mayo visit: Vice President Mike Pence returned to Minnesota on Tuesday to [highlight Mayo Clinic’s coronavirus research and testing efforts](, calling them a “whole-of-Minnesota approach.” But even as he praised Mayo’s efforts to combat COVID-19, Pence ignored the clinic’s request that all visitors don face masks to prevent transmission, including Gov. Tim Walz and others on the tour. - Company says drug proved effective against virus in U.S. study: A biotech company said Wednesday its experimental drug has [roved effective against the new coronavirus]( in a major U.S. government study that put it to a strict test. - Economists agree a quick rebound from recession is unlikely: Among their concerns is that the coronavirus could flare up again after the economy is re-opened, [forcing reopened businesses to shut down again](. - Minnesota COVID cases grow as testing increases: State health officials are [bracing Minnesotans for a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases](, including 463 lab-confirmed cases reported Wednesday morning, as testing increases for the novel coronavirus that causes the infectious disease. Eighteen new deaths were reported as well, bringing the toll of the pandemic to 319 fatalities. One of the newly reported deaths involved a 30-year-old, the youngest victim in the state so far of COVID-19 that has been harshest on the elderly and residents of long-term care facilities. We are continuing to [rack the spread of the coronavirus in Minnesota here](. Is there a gender difference in how COVID-19 affects men and women? [Health reporter Glenn Howatt answers your questions](. - Best Buy to reopen 200 stores for shopping by appointment: With the limited opening, Best Buy created [a long list of safety and cleaning steps.]( - Navy submarine USS Minnesota earns prestigious Atlantic Fleet honor: Minnesota’s namesake Navy submarine has been selected as [the best all-around vessel in the Atlantic fleet](. - Republican Lacy Johnson raises more than $1 million is longshot challenge to Ilhan Omar: Political operatives say the deluge of cash in a safe seat reflects a growing trend in campaign fundraising: The rise of social media and small-dollar donors have [opened the floodgates for challengers to well-known incumbents]( across the country. Such scenarios have been a boon for a cadre of political consultants and strategists whose lucrative fees are supported by campaign contributions — no matter the odds.  Watch this For Minnesota teacher, juggling virtual schooling with her own family is a 24/7 job: Star Tribune visual journalist Renee Jones Schneider spent time with Emily Olin as [she teaches her students virtually while tending to her own kids]( at the same time. There is joy, but also great anxiety in making sure everybody gets what they need daily.  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - Crooners to bring live music back with parking-lot concerts: Similar to a drive-in movie, [concertgoers will stay in their vehicles to witness musicians]( on a tall portable outdoor stage. - Marlon James, Kao Kalia Yang among Minnesota Book Award winners: St. Paul writer Kao Kalia Yang picked up her fourth Minnesota Book Award on Tuesday night — and her first for a children’s book — while Macalester College professor Marlon James picked up his third. [But there were first-time winners, as well.]( - "It's OK not to be OK," say Minnesota psychologists: In the midst of the pandemic, reminders to stay upbeat are everywhere. Mottos, memes and maxims along with Twitter hashtags and Instagram accounts are devoted to preaching optimism as an approach to manage the epic uncertainty. But for some people, [the relentless focus on the bright side can go too far](.  Sports roundup - Another day, another MLB reopening plan. Will any of them work? It seems pretty clear that [no option is too far-fetched to be considered]( by MLB decision-makers. - A season of fits and starts for Wolves' Beasley remains on hold: Since being traded to the Wolves, Malik Beasley was playing some of the best basketball of his career. Then the season was postponed. He is a restricted free agent, meaning [he could be elsewhere next season.]( - Twins to announce COVID ticket policy for canceled games: Major League Baseball has given the go-ahead for teams to begin offering refunds or other incentives to fans who bought tickets for canceled games. The Twins will [announce their coronavirus ticket policy Wednesday](.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Worth a click How to speed up your WiFi without spending a dime: "You’re breaking up, America. Bad Internet connections are our No. 1 tech problem — as frustrating as robocalls, but tied directly to our ability to do our jobs, learn and be entertained from home in the coronavirus era. Here’s some advice you won’t hear from many gadget guys: Don’t buy anything. At least not yet," [writes Washington Post tech columnist Geoffrey A. Fowler](.  From the archives April 29, 1988: Jerry Fischer worked with the orchids in one of his greenhouse in Plymouth. The white and pink flowers are Phalaenopsis, better known as Moth Orchids. Fischer began growing orchids as a hobby and before becoming a commercial grower. (Photo: Duane Braley/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.](