Stories from October 10, 2020

We’ve been dry lately, but rain and thunder could arrive Sunday evening. Thunderstorm chances begin in western Minnesota Sunday afternoon. Details on that, plus a look at gusty Sunday winds and the temperature outlook for this coming week. Also, leaf-peepers will be interested in the latest fall color report.
White House virus aid offer is panned by Pelosi, Senate GOP
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “one step forward, two steps back." The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives.
Trump makes first public appearance since his hospital stay
The president appeared healthy, though perhaps a little hoarse, during the 18-minute speech that was intended to send the message that he's back and ready to resume his battle for reelection. Before the speech, White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19.
New memorial in Minneapolis dedicated to survivors of sexual violence
“This memorial represents our willingness to share the burden of pain, to act, engage and remember the reality of sexual violence,” Sarah Super said in dedicating the site at Boom Island in Minneapolis. “This memorial is a permanent public symbol that says to victim survivors we believe you, we stand with you, you are not alone.”
A coronavirus vaccine could kill half a million sharks, conservationists warn
The use of an immune-system stimulant harvested from shark liver oil in the development of some coronavirus vaccines has animal conservationists pressing for alternatives.
We’ll have fairly typical October temps this Saturday, then milder air rides in on strong winds for Sunday. Some areas may see some Sunday p.m. showers and thunderstorms. We have details on all that, plus a look at fall colors.
'The Code For Love And Heartbreak' isn't 'Emma' — but it is charming
Jillian Cantor's new YA novel lifts some of the elements of Jane Austen's classic — like character names — wholesale. But you'll enjoy it more if you don't expect the plot to follow exactly.
A bookseller recommends 'The City in the Middle of the Night'
In the “The City in the Middle of the Night” by Charlie Jane Anders, there is a planet that is half in constant darkness and half in unending sunlight. Humans can only survive in the margin where the two halves meet. From two opposite cities — one autocratic, one lawless — come two girls whose lives intertwine.
Coronavirus FAQ: What's the deal with the '15 minute rule'?
The conventional wisdom is that it takes 15 minutes of close contact to a contagious person to put you at risk. But even a short exposure could prove problematic.
I think you’ll like our Saturday weather, which will be fairly normal for this time of year. Details on that, plus the latest fall color report.
StoryCorps: She finds 'light' in interviewing neighbors about life during lockdown
Jinny Savolainen was looking for a sense of purpose when the pandemic hit Leverett, Mass. "Just when things seemed so dark, I found some light in the words of the people all around me," she said.
Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong'o says prison formed him as a writer
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is a perennial favorite for the Literature Nobel. He hasn't won yet — but he does have a new book out, a novel in verse that tells the origin story of Kenya's Gĩkũyũ people.
Comic: You're wearing it wrong! A face mask safety refresher
Pleats, filters, fabric. With so many available features and types, we break down which common face coverings are more effective and the right way to wear and handle them.