Stories from October 6, 2020

How are Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google monopolies? House report counts the ways
House Democrats recommend Congress look at ways to force the companies to split off some of their businesses, saying the tech giants have exploited their power to benefit themselves and hurt rivals.
A historic hospital may be a big help for the homeless this winter, as Ramsey County says it may be a turn-key shelter near the Capitol in St. Paul. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Facebook broadens measures against QAnon, will remove groups
Facebook is tightening its policy against QAnon, the baseless conspiracy theory that paints President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and "deep state' government officials.
Wisconsin governor restricts public indoor gatherings
Gov. Tony Evers' administration issued a new order Tuesday limiting the size of public indoor gatherings as COVID-19 spreads unchecked across the state, in a move certain to alienate Republicans as well as tavern and restaurant owners.
U.S. medical supply chains failed; COVID-19 deaths followed
Medical supply chains are the fragile lifelines between raw materials and manufacturers overseas and health care workers on COVID-19 front lines in the U.S. Their catastrophic collapse was one of the country’s most consequential failure to control the virus. For decades, politicians and corporate officials ignored warnings that America was dependent on foreign manufacturing.
COVID-19, ethics and Trump all in the mix in 1st District rematch
Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn and DFL candidate Dan Feehan disagree on most all of the issues and even on how they should be campaigning during the pandemic. Lately, ethics charges and countercharges have dominated the race.
Facebook, Twitter take action after Trump falsely claims flu deadlier than COVID-19
The president, who is being treated for COVID-19, has been downplaying the severity of the disease. He said falsely that, compared with the flu, COVID-19 is "in most populations far less lethal."
FDA discloses vaccine guidelines blocked by White House
The FDA documents make clear that companies must provide at least two months of safety data from participants before seeking emergency approval from the agency. That requirement would almost certainly preclude the introduction of a vaccine by Election Day on Nov. 3.
Lenny Kravitz on race, being on the road, and Ruff Ruff the magic dog
Kravitz's new memoir, “Let Love Rule,” follows his childhood and early career. Still touring in his 50s, Kravitz says, "I'm going to continue doing this as long as I can."
The original criminal complaint said police received a tip that the woman attacked a reporter during an August protest in Minneapolis, and charged her with riot and assault. However, she was camping at a state park in Aitkin County at the time. The city attorney’s office dropped the charges Friday.
Activists, scientists, authors among 'genius grant' fellows
Writers, a documentary filmmaker and an environmental health advocate are among the luminaries named as recipients of this year's "genius grants." The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation also selected University of Minnesota cognitive neuroscientist Damien Fair and the U’s chemical engineer Paul Dauenhauer for a grant.
Liberian refugee runs for Minnesota office to spread love for the Constitution
Gun rights, immigration cuts, benefits limits: When Alexander Buster Deputie discovered the U.S. Constitution, it made him a Republican — and a Minnesota candidate.
Although temperatures dip slightly midweek, highs remain above average through the start of next week, while rain chances stay slim.
'An embarrassment': Trump tweet angers pandemic survivors
Seneca Nation member and New York resident Marc Papaj lost his mother, grandmother and aunt to the virus. He was finding it tough to follow the president's advice not to let the virus "dominate your life." On the contrary, he says his loss will forever dominate the rest of his life. At least 210,000 Americans have died from the virus since March.
Trump, still infectious, back at White House — without mask
President Donald Trump is back at the White House, dramatically returning from the military hospital where he was receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19. He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness the nation should not fear the virus and then entering the executive mansion without a protective mask.
The state sees another warm but windy day Tuesday, with light rain in northern Minnesota.
As of Monday, Minnesota health officials had not traced any COVID-19 cases to President Trump’s recent rallies and fundraiser in the state. The president announced he had the virus shortly after his latest trip. This is an MPR News morning update for October 6, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
In western Minnesota water dispute, it's elite hogs vs. rare fen
A proposed hog farm in northwest Minnesota is at the center of a fight over its environmental assessment. At issue is the protection of a rare type of wetland, and complaints that a state agency is violating Minnesota environmental review law.
2 St. Paul hospitals to close, psychiatric beds reduced in Fairview's shakeup
Two St. Paul hospitals are shutting down in the face of major financial losses. Fairview Health is closing St. Joseph’s downtown along with Bethesda Hospital near the state Capitol. Fairview may phase out more than 100 inpatient psychiatric beds at St. Joseph’s and will eliminate the 18-bed unit at Fairview Southdale.
Oct. 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: New cases near 1K again; 4 more deaths
The newest numbers come following five consecutive days when average new cases topped 1,000. The trend line of active COVID-19 cases in Minnesota remains at a record high in the pandemic.
Judge promises quick decision on Wisconsin mask mandate
A Wisconsin judge heard arguments Monday in a lawsuit aimed at suspending Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' mask mandate but didn't immediately rule, saying he needs to think about it as COVID-19 surges across the state.
Pence and Harris debate Wednesday. Here's what you need to know
Plexiglass will separate Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, during their debate — a coronavirus precaution.
Westminster Town Hall Forum: Maria Teresa Kumar of Voto Latino
The founder of Voto Latino, Maria Teresa Kumar, speaks at the Westminster Town Hall Forum.
Ibram X. Kendi on the presidential debate and antiracism
Tuesday’s show at 11 a.m. featured a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis moderated last week at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs with author Ibram X. Kendi.
In western Minn., candidates find common ground in 7th District debate
Democratic incumbent Collin Peterson and Republican challenger Michelle Fischbach generally agreed on many issues — from farm policy to social security, to a strong dislike for the way Gov. Tim Walz has handled the coronavirus pandemic.