Murder Hornets, Lucha Libre, Movies y Más! – Issue 105

April 30 – May 6, 2020
Edition 105

Local Coronavirus Updates

Protesters shut down a drive-thru at Caribou Coffee in Roseville, demanding greater protections for workers during the pandemic. Credit: Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

Last week, I shared how an emergency petition to release Minnesota ICE detainees due to COVID-19 saw its day in court. The detainees argued that staying in custody violated their constitutional and due process rights because the conditions put their health at risk. Well, it looks like the court decided against the release, as the judge ruled “the jail’s inability to completely prevent the spread of the virus does not violate their legal rights.” The ultimate decision for this case will now go to U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. Curious how the crisis is impacting jails? Well, check out what it’s like inside the jail with one of the country’s largest coronavirus outbreaks.

National Coronavirus Updates

Mexican lucha libre wrestler Hijo del Soberano sews face masks since his matches have stopped due to the pandemic. Credit: NPR

“If you feel confused about whether people should wear masks and why and what kind, you’re not alone. COVID-19 is a novel disease and we’re learning new things about it every day. However, much of the confusion around masks stems from the conflation of two very different functions of masks.” You can say that again. There’s a ton of confusion about the function of masks out there and what they can (and can’t) do. Fortunately, they can help curb the pandemic. Learn about the function of masks from The Atlantic, how to make and wear them from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and how this Mexican lucha libre wrestler is sewing masks to fight COVID-19. ¡Cáspita!

COVID-19 has shaken the global economy to its core, and the pandemic is testing economic relationships, including between the United States and Mexico. Many essential businesses that the United States needs in Mexico are shutting down, and those that have remained open are facing backlash from workers as they fear for their lives in unsafe conditions.

Puerto Rico just. Can’t. Get. A. Break. This past weekend a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the country and damaged the historic Museo de la Masacre de Ponce, a memorial to the 1937 civil rights protest that left 19 civilians and two police officers dead. 

Fondo del Barril

Recognize that flick that’s projected on the wall? If your guess was Loving Vincent you’re right on the money. This film is project on the wall of a neighborhing building from this couple’s balcony in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. The German capital is one of the world’s most diverse cinema cities and are creatively offering film showings.

The pandemic has led many across the world to rethink how they enjoy entertainment with others, and one way people are watching movies are from their apartment buildings and cities throughout Germany, Colombia, and France. Check out this gallery of urban of movie-goers from The Atlantic.

Well, we’re five months in 2020 and this year has already been one heck of a ride. Well it’s only getting worse, as it looks like Japanese ‘murder hornets‘ have arrived to the U.S. and are here to kick honeybee ass and take names. These Asian giant hornets use mandibles shaped like spiked shark fines to wipe out a honeybee hive in a matter of hours, decapitating the bees and flying away with their parts to feed their young. Their stings reportedly make for an excruciating feeling like hot metal driving into your skin…. Yeah, moving to Antarctica sounds good right about now.

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Café Libre

• Oscar Rodriguez interviews Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Check out part one and part two of this interview.
• Melisa Lopez Franzen interviews Nathan Ellis who recently worked with FEMA and shares his perspective on federal aid for COVID-19.