Stories from October 1, 2020

Health workers worry fear, distrust complicate COVID-19 tracing in Minnesota’s communities of color
Public health workers chasing the coronavirus are required to tell people their information may be shared with the law. While well-intended, it’s made it difficult to trace the virus among the very people hit hardest by the virus.
Cube Critics Marcheta Fornoff and Euan Kerr discuss the Gloria Steinem biopic, and the story of a lesser known member of Sherlock Holmes’ family, younger sister Enola.
Limited winter prep sports seasons approved
Seasons will be delayed and shortened, and spectators will be limited or banned altogether. But the games will go on.
Minnesota State High School League gives a green light to a limited winter sports schedule. Rep. Ilhan Omar responds to Trump attacks. Intimate partner homicides increase in Minnesota. This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday, October 1, 2020. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Attorney: Angry crowd justifies a change of venue in Floyd trial
A defense attorney for one of the former officers charged in George Floyd’s killing is arguing that a volatile scene outside the court building at a previous hearing — in which members of an unruly crowd allegedly assaulted another officer and his attorney — is one more reason the trial should be moved outside Hennepin County. 
How do you date during a pandemic?
Even with the challenges of the pandemic, folks are determined to date. But when is it safe to hold hands, or have a first kiss? MPR News host Angela Davis dives into the uncertain world of pandemic dating.
Potty training: NASA tests new $23M titanium space toilet
NASA’s first new space potty in decades — a $23 million titanium toilet better suited for women — is getting a not-so-dry run at the International Space Station before eventually flying to the moon.
Would Democrats fix immigration if they take control of Congress?
Seventy-five percent of Americans, across the political spectrum, believe immigration is good for the United States. But the immigration system itself is a mess. If Democrats take control of Congress, can they fix immigration?
A report released by Violence Free Minnesota found the majority of victims in 2019 were women killed by former or current partners.
Federal judge halts work by Trump law enforcement commission
A panel charged with reforming policing snubbed defense attorneys and community activists, the ruling held, in violation of standing legal requirements. Its work will cease for now.
Duluth police are investigating an attack on a WCCO-TV photojournalist who was covering President Donald Trump's rally Wednesday.
Very chilly temps are forecast this Thursday night into early Friday. We have the latest info on frost advisories and freeze warnings. We also have your weekend forecast details and a fall color update.
A new chapter for David Greene
David Greene is stepping back from hosting to focus on other projects, his last day will be December 29, 2020.
October starts off very cold, including a widespread frost and freeze concerns by Friday morning and a chance for a few snowflakes north over the weekend. Temperatures rebound into the 60s next week.
3 horses killed after trailer crash on I-35E
The Minnesota State Patrol said three horses died in a crash on Interstate 35E near downtown St. Paul Thursday morning. Two other horses survived.
As the conversation continues in Minneapolis about what’s next for the city’s Police Department, a local watchdog panel is going silent. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with the Star Tribune’s Andy Mannix about his reporting on the issue.
The first day of October brings colder weather, breezy conditions and spotty rain showers.
Where are the deepfakes in this presidential election?
Deepfake videos haven't been a problem yet in the 2020 presidential race. It's not because they aren't a threat, but because simpler deceptive tactics are still effective at spreading misinformation.
'Overlooked': Asian American jobless rate surges but few take notice
Asian Americans have traditionally enjoyed some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. But the pandemic is taking a heavy toll — and President Donald Trump's blaming China isn't helping.
In 'Jack,' Marilynne Robinson shows grace is for everyone
Robinson's latest Gilead novel centers on prodigal son Jack, newly released from prison and in love with a Black woman — a crime in 1950s Missouri. But it's not a pat tale of love overcoming racism.
President Donald Trump swept through Minnesota Wednesday to restock his campaign account and rev up supporters after a chaotic first presidential debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Trump’s only public remarks were in Duluth, where he told thousands of bundled-up, sign-waving supporters that he’s delivered for their region and needs them to deliver for his reelection campaign. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, October 1, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Can the U.S. use its growing supply of rapid tests to stop the virus?
Some public health experts hope the growing availability of faster, cheaper tests could lead to a new strategy of widespread testing — one that could finally get the pandemic under control.
Oct. 1 update on COVID-19 in MN: Total cases top 100K; 13 more deaths
The newest numbers come days after Minnesota’s COVID-19 death toll passed 2,000. State Health Department officials continue to warn Minnesotans that the pandemic is far from over.
People born or descended from Spanish-speaking nations are still debating if any of the ethnic labels used to identify them in the United States feel right.
'A family affair': Others often chip in to help pay off student loans
Student debt doesn't only affect the person who goes to college. Nearly 40 percent of student loan payers are helping someone else pay off their student loans, a new study found.
Trump on defensive over white supremacist group after debate comments
President Donald Trump attempted to walk back his comments about the Proud Boys, a right-wing group he declined to disavow in Tuesday night's presidential debate. Some GOP lawmakers urged him to clarify.
Hennepin County public defender Mary Moriarty ousted
Mary Moriarty had been reprimanded earlier for what critics said was poor relations with others in the justice system. Her supporters say she was a champion for ending systemic racism.
Hospitals feel squeeze as coronavirus spikes in Midwest
Midwestern states are seeing some of the nation’s highest per capita rates of infection, and while federal health officials again urged some governors in the region to require masks statewide, many Republicans have resisted.