Stories from October 18, 2020

Unseasonably cold week with periods of rain and wet snow coming
November-like temperatures that arrived this past week will stay with us for much of the rest of October. And look for unsettled weather with periods of rain and snow for the upcoming week.
Michigan governor says Trump incites domestic terrorism
The day after chants of "lock her up!" erupted during President Trump's rally in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded with a plea to turn down the political heat.
August's Iowa derecho was most costly thunderstorm event in modern U.S. history
The powerful derecho that swept through the Midwest in August, focusing its destruction on central Iowa, is officially the most costly thunderstorm event in recorded U.S. history with at least $7.5 billion in damage.
Legendary Minnesota sports journalist Sid Hartman dies at age 100
Sid Hartman, who chronicled Minnesota sports for decades for the Star Tribune and WCCO radio, has died at age 100. Hartman's son, Chad, tweeted Sunday afternoon that "my father’s extraordinary and resilient life has come to a peaceful conclusion surrounded by his family."
Oct. 18 update on COVID-19 in MN: 11th straight day with 1,000+ cases
Minnesota reported 1,732 more confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday — the 11th consecutive day that the state has seen new case counts of more than 1,000. Officials also reported 17 more COVID-19 deaths, the fourth time in five days that the daily toll has been in the double digits.
Foiled again: 'Murder hornet' eludes Washington state scientists
An Asian giant hornet fell off researchers' radar during their latest attempt to find its nest. The team is racing to exterminate the invasive species before it devastates U.S. bee populations.
'The Voice Of Sheila Chandra' echoes through time and space
Kazim Ali's new poetry collection was inspired by the story of Sheila Chandra, a well-known singer rendered voiceless by an incurable neurological condition.
Chilly highs are in our Sunday forecast, and I’m not seeing any mild temps this coming week. And then there’s this: many of us could see enough snow to shovel on Tuesday. On to the details.
Lindsey Graham warmed to Trump, and some South Carolina voters feel left in the cold
The South Carolina senator has always relied on moderate voters — be they Republicans, independents or Democrats. But this year, many moderates are upset with him and his closeness to the president.
Coronavirus FAQs: Open windows in winter, holding your breath, masks sprayed with oil?
This week our readers have questions about whether opening windows during winter will make indoor gatherings safer, trying not to breathe during a brief encounter with an unmasked person, and spraying a mask with... oil?