Stories from September 9, 2020

Whistleblower alleges DHS told him to stop reporting on Russia threat
The Department of Homeland Security official has filed a whistleblower complaint, saying he was ordered to halt reports that made the president “look bad.” DHS and the White House deny the allegation.
How to be happy
We are becoming increasingly unhappy. It’s no surprise — we are living in a global pandemic and navigating a lot of unknowns. Two experts joined MPR News host Angela Davis to talk about why people are struggling to find purpose and offered tips on how to find joy in life.  
Trump adds Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, to list of potential SCOTUS picks
Trump on Wednesday released an additional 20 names he said he would select from if any Supreme Court vacancies arise during his remaining time in office.
The race to the White House took a turn in Minnesota as surrogates dropped in to Minnesota today. With just eight weeks left, both Democrats and Republicans think the state is in reach. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music is by Gary Meister.
Senators push for Medal of Honor for late Black medic who saved lives at Normandy
Cpl. Waverly Woodson Jr., a member of an African American battalion, treated scores of soldiers wounded on D-Day but was passed over for the medal. Lawmakers and relatives have tried to change that.
Author Yaa Gyasi says writing can be 'an act of love and justice'
Gyasi's debut novel, “Homegoing,” won a PEN/Hemingway Award. Her follow-up, “Transcendent Kingdom,” draws on Gyasi's life as the daughter of immigrants from Ghana.
The U.S. isn’t meeting COVID-19 testing targets. What would it take to change that?
Six months into the pandemic, the United States still hasn’t met COVID-19 testing goals. Two doctors describe why testing is essential and what needs to happen in order to increase testing rates across the nation. 
U.S. says it will cut number of troops in Iraq by nearly half this month
Gen. Frank McKenzie, who is responsible for U.S. forces in the Middle East, says the U.S. presence will drop from 5,200 to 3,000 troops in a move he says shows confidence in Iraqi army.
Trump, Biden surrogates bring campaign messages to Minnesota
Minnesota is getting extra attention from the campaigns of Donald Trump and Joe Biden this week. Donald Trump Jr. led a “Make America Great Again” rally in Duluth on Wednesday night. Jill Biden spent about an hour Wednesday morning touring an elementary school in Prior Lake and meeting education leaders in Minnesota.
Unseasonable, and in some cases record-setting, cold continues through Thursday morning, then temperatures slowly warm into the weekend. Rain continues for southern Minnesota Wednesday, with more of the state seeing rain chances Friday.
Gusty winds pose continued wildfire threats in California
Wildfires are raging unchecked throughout California, and authorities say gusty winds could drive flames with new ferocity. Diablo winds in the north and Santa Ana winds in the south are forecast into Wednesday in areas where blazes already have grown explosively.
Wednesday is another cold day across the state, with freezing conditions to start the day in northern Minnesota, and more record cold highs possible in southern Minnesota.
Late-stage studies of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate are on temporary hold while the company investigates if a report of a patient with a serious side effect is linked to the shot. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Trump, Biden and the road to 270 electoral votes
With Election Day just eight weeks away, former Vice President Joe Biden is maintaining the same comfortable lead in most national polls that he enjoyed through the summer. He also has an advantage, though narrower, in many of the battleground states that will decide the election. But President Donald Trump remains in striking distance.
Summer camps offer 'escape' from pandemic this fall
Some camps that managed to successfully keep the virus at bay this summer are now offering a refuge from the virus — to those who can afford it — where students can live and attend classes remotely.
Sept. 9 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Bad actors'; state steps up bar, eatery checks
Compliance, not punishment is the goal as the state works to stem recent outbreaks, officials said Wednesday as they discussed recent weekend bar and restaurant sweeps. They made it clear that establishments shirking the rules open their communities to greater problems.
Trump's rural support puts Democratic bulwark Minnesota in play
The president hopes that what led to victory in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania will extend to Minnesota, where his response to COVID-19 and racial justice protests has support in rural areas.
Political divisions drive police brutality cases
Most of the largest civil settlements for police killings were in liberal areas in the year after the Ferguson, Mo., unrest. Now, lawyers say current protests are hardening political divisions on policing.
Poll: Financial pain from pandemic 'much, much worse' than expected
In the largest U.S. cities, at least half of all households have seen a serious financial loss such as lost job, wages or savings. Many problems are concentrated in Black and Latino households.
St. Paul set to close encampment above I-35E, relocate around 80 people
The city of St. Paul plans to clear its largest tent encampment Thursday, as it continues to try to find places for people to stay as the weather worsens.
Justice Dept. intervenes to take over Trump's defense in defamation lawsuit
E. Jean Carroll, who has accused the president of rape, is suing Trump for defamation after he called her a liar. The Justice Department argues Trump's remarks were made as part of his official duties.
Andrew Yang on 'A Nation in Crisis: Polarization, Pandemic and Prejudice'
Andrew Yang speaks at the St. Olaf College Institute for Freedom and Community in a session titled, “A Nation in Crisis: Polarization, Pandemic, and Prejudice.”