Stories from September 22, 2020

Cindy McCain endorses Biden for president in rebuke of Trump
Cindy McCain has endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president in a rebuke of President Donald Trump. The president reacted harshly to the endorsement, disparaging both Biden and John McCain.
APMG president to step down amid calls for racial and gender equity
Jon McTaggart’s decision comes on the same day a group of MPR and APM employees wrote an open letter to listeners and audiences describing a lack of faith in senior leaders. It said the company has “fostered a harmful working environment for women and journalists of color” over its 53-year history.
After aerosols misstep, former CDC official criticizes agency over unclear messaging
Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC official, says "it's becoming harder to trust what CDC tells us" after the agency posted, then deleted, information on coronavirus transmission. It's the latest flip-flop.
Can circuit breakers stop viral rumors on Facebook, Twitter?
False claims that blame left-wing activists for wildfires in Oregon have spread on social media. To stop the rumors, some experts say platforms should take inspiration from the stock market.
The prospect of a conservative Supreme Court raises the stakes for state legislative races if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Lawmakers are already bracing for the battle. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minneapolis mobilizes ‘violence interrupters’ in new effort to curb violent crime
When it comes to violence in Minneapolis, the city is closing the door on one of the bloodiest summers in recent memory. Efforts to stem that violence have come alongside calls by Minneapolis leaders, activists and residents to reimagine the city’s police department following the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd.
CDC's Halloween guidelines warn against typical trick-or-treating
Door-to-door trick-or-treating and crowded costume parties are out, and haunted forests and outdoor movie nights are in. "If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised," the CDC says.
State's longest-serving Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly steps down
Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly is leaving the job after nearly six years, she announced Tuesday. Bauerly, who was first appointed in 2015, is the state’s longest-serving revenue commissioner.
Why it's so hard to buy a new refrigerator these days
Some shoppers looking to buy new fridges, freezers or washers have been finding themselves out of luck. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench into both supply and demand.
'Conditional Citizens' examines what it means to be an American
Laila Lalami's new book is “Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America.” She says conditional citizens — of which she's one — are people sometimes embraced by America, other times rejected.
With limited COVID-19 vaccine doses, who would get them first?
A CDC advisory committee is debating this issue Tuesday. Half of U.S. adults could be considered high priority yet the initial supply is likely to be only enough for 3 to 5 percent of the population.
'Enormous and tragic': U.S. has lost more than 200,000 people to COVID-19
The U.S. death toll has doubled since May. Some experts predict it could nearly double again before 2020 ends. "We are experiencing a tremendous amount of unnecessary suffering," one researcher says.
Partisan reaction to loss of Ginsburg shows how much else has been lost
While that rancor facing our democracy did not begin with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death — or even with the Trump presidency — having these events coincide has deepened the shadows on the road ahead.
Although fall officially started Tuesday morning, temperatures continue to feel much more like summer through the end of the week.
The only Hmong plastic surgeon in the world would like to see that change
Growing up, David Thao translated doctor’s appointments for Hmong elders. Now, as a founder of the Hmong Medical Association, he speaks for the community — and for himself.
Romney OKs voting on court nominee, all but assures approval
Sen. Mitt Romney said Tuesday he supports voting to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court. That all but ensures President Trump has the backing needed to push the nomination over Democratic objections so close to the November election. 
Democrats are accusing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of blatant hypocrisy after he pledged a Senate vote on President Donald Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court. Four years ago, McConnell refused to consider President Barack Obama's Supreme Court pick in the months before the 2016 election.
Fall starts Tuesday morning, but the day will feel more like summer with abundant sunshine and warm weather.
State health officials on Monday said they would be setting up a walk-up saliva testing facility soon at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. “Testing is free and you will not be required to have an ID or insurance. It is open to anyone who feels they need to be tested, whether or not you have symptoms, but especially if you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID,” Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner, told reporters Monday. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is Gary Meister.
Preparing Minnesotans of color to wield more power at the Capitol
The number of Minnesota lawmakers of color has tripled over the past 10 years, but the Legislature remains 90 percent white — which is less racially diverse than the state’s population. A St. Paul program is trying to build a pipeline from diverse communities to the state Capitol to tackle widening racial disparities.
Step aside election 2000: This year's election may be the most litigated yet
In 2000, lawyers and election officials endlessly examined and debated butterfly ballots and hanging chads. Now, the legal arguments are more complex and center on the rules governing mail-in voting.
Black protest leaders to white allies: 'It's our turn to lead our own fight'
As Black Lives Matter protests spread across the country, a lot of white people joined in to help the cause. In many cities Black leaders are being deliberate about the roles white allies play.
Hy-Vee and DSW team up: Shop for bread and shoes
The Midwestern chain Hy-Vee says DSW shoe outlets are opening in six of its supermarkets in Minnesota. Grocery shoppers will be able to try on shoes, then order online.