The Hennepin County Board approved a $2 million relief fund for small business loans. Beginning next week, qualifying businesses can apply for zero-interest loans of up to $7,500, to be repaid over 36 months. The board also voted to direct $4 million for ongoing costs related to housing the county's homeless in isolation. The money also will go toward an additional 200 hotel rooms to house high-risk residents from some of the county's largest shelters, and to set up a new 50-room hotel shelter for families with members who test positive for COVID-19.
Rochelle Olson
Minn. GOP to take convention online
The Minnesota Republican Party is canceling plans to hold an in-person state convention next month, moving instead to an online gathering. State Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan told Minnesota Public Radio News that it didn't seem realistic for Republicans to gather as planned given the state's stay-at-home order and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to limit exposure to large groups. The convention was set to take place in Rochester the weekend of May 15.
Torey Van Oot
Mpls. firefighter is recovering from virus
A Minneapolis firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming one of the city's first front-line responders to be diagnosed. The firefighter, who has not been identified, called in with flu-like symptoms early last week and is recovering from the illness, said fire union president Mark Lakosky. He said the firefighter likely contracted the virus on a medical call.
Andy Mannix
Winstock's country music fest called off
Always Minnesota's first big country music festival each summer, Winstock has become the first to be called off for 2020. Organizers of the June 12-13 musical camp-out in Winsted, Minn., announced Tuesday morning that after "much thought, discussion and prayer" they are postponing until next year. This year's lineup was supposed to include Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Big & Rich, Chris Janson, Phil Vassar and more.
Chris Riemenschneider
