Stories from October 2, 2020

Misinformation spikes as Trump confirms COVID-19 diagnosis
News Friday that President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 sparked an explosion of rumors, misinformation and conspiracy theories that in a matter of hours littered the social media feeds of many Americans.
Trump held a private fundraiser at a home in Shorewood and a rally at the Duluth airport on Wednesday, raising concerns about those with whom he had contact. The state health department is urging anyone  who attended Trump events to get tested for COVID-19, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. This is an MPR News evening update for October 2, 2020 with Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Worried you might have been exposed to COVID-19? Here’s what to do
What do you do if you think you might have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus? And how do you know if you might have been exposed? And this week, if you attended any of the Trump campaign’s Minnesota events, you might be wondering whether it’s time to quarantine or get tested. 
Enough already: Multiple demands causing women to abandon workforce
Women left jobs at four times the rate of men in September. The burden of parenting and running a household while also working a job has created a pressure cooker environment that's pushing women out.
MPD union president stumps for Trump in online video
The ad features images of burned-out buildings in Minneapolis and Twin Cities police officers accusing Democratic candidate Joe Biden of empowering the rioters.
A pattern change brings much warmer air into Minnesota next week.
How long could I be contagious before a positive virus test?
Studies have shown that people may be contagious for about two days before developing COVID-19 symptoms. Experts say right before developing symptoms is when people are likely the most contagious. People who never develop symptoms can spread infection, too.
Court releases grand jury recording in Breonna Taylor case
The recording could also answer lingering questions about how prosecutors have handled a case that has fueled protests in Kentucky and across the nation.
President Trump's positive test after MN visit and its political and historic implications
President Trump has announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. We checked in with several experts on the historic and political implications of this news and answered listeners’ questions about what it might mean for people who have been in contact with the president, including several Minnesota politicians.
U.S. Senate debate: Candidates disagree on COVID-19, other issues
Sen. Tina Smith and her Republican challenger Jason Lewis sparred over the coronavirus response, public safety, climate change and immigration Friday during a debate on MPR News. 
How often does the Twin Cities see snow in October?
An MPR listener wrote in, wondering how often the Twin Cities see measurable snowfall in October. According to retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley, that happens about one in every three years, based on 135 years of recordkeeping.
Trump's age, health woes raise his risk for COVID-19 illness
President Donald Trump has several strikes against him — age, obesity, elevated cholesterol and being male — that could put him at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus infection he disclosed late Thursday.
Temperatures remain cold through the weekend, and northern Minnesota even sees a chance for light snow. Then highs rebound into the 60s next week.
Jobs growth slows sharply in last employment report before election
The Labor Department says U.S. employers added 661,000 jobs last month, as unemployment fell to 7.9 percent, showcasing an economic recovery that is starting to lose steam.
Where Trump went and who he met in Minnesota ahead of testing positive for COVID-19
With news that President Donald Trump and at least one staff member have tested positive for the coronavirus, there are questions about whether there was any spread during a campaign visit to Minnesota earlier this week.
After a cold start, the state stays 10 to 15 degrees below average all of Friday.
The president tweeted early Friday morning that he and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for the virus. His adviser Hope Hicks has also tested positive. The president’s announcement comes more than a day after he made a campaign stop in Minnesota. This is an MPR News morning update for October 2, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Shock, sympathy, mockery: World reacts to Trump infection
News of the infection of the most powerful man in the world with the most notorious disease in the world drew instant reactions of shock, sympathy, undisguised glee and, of course, the ever-present outrage and curiosity that follow much of what Donald Trump does, even from 10,000 miles away.
How can President Trump pay less tax than you?
No matter what you do for a living, odds are you paid more federal income tax than Trump did the year he took office. Analysts say real estate tax breaks allowed him to avoid high tax bills.
Where Trump has been this past week ahead of testing positive for COVID-19
The president and first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus. President Donald Trump's schedule has been packed over the last week, including the debate with Joe Biden on Tuesday.
Fall colors in full force as top half of Minn. reaches peak season
If you haven’t already gotten the hint, it’s time to head outdoors. Half of Minnesota has already reached peak fall color season, with the other half closely behind.
Trump has COVID-19, going to military hospital
The White House says President Donald Trump will spend a “few days” at a military hospital after contracting COVID-19.  Trump was to depart the White House by helicopter late Friday for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a White House official said.
'Aspen Ideas Now': The importance of music and the arts on our brains and health
Renowned singer Renee Fleming, NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, playwright Anna Deavere Smith and opera director Yuval Sharon on the importance of music and the arts.