Stories from October 22, 2020

Colorado fire grows by over 100,000 acres in 1 day, hits Rocky Mountain National Park
In parts of Colorado, the sky has been gray, the sun hazy and the odor of a burning campfire has persisted for much of September and October. Normally, snow helps tamp down the devastation by this time of year, but drought across Colorado and warming temperatures have dragged out the misery wrought by wildfires.
Judge upholds 8 out of 9 criminal charges in George Floyd murder case, moving the case toward a trial next year. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
FDA approves first COVID-19 drug: the antiviral remdesivir
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given through an IV for patients needing hospitalization.
NHL cancels 2021 Minnesota Winter Classic, All-Star Weekend
The NHL won't take it outside and open 2021 with the Winter Classic in Minnesota but still hopes to get the hockey season going around the start of the new year.
Housing boom: Sales of million-dollar homes double
The housing market is on a tear, setting all kinds of records, including prices. But it's also a reflection of the uneven economic recovery and more first-time homebuyers are getting priced out.
Trump posts unedited '60 Minutes' interview before it airs
The footage shows the president growing increasingly prickly as Lesley Stahl presses him on a host of topics, including his response to the coronavirus pandemic, his slipping support among suburban women, the lack of masks at his rallies, and the “Obamacare” replacement plan he has long promised but failed to unveil.
Could 2020 be the year of the young voter?
Voter turnout among ages 18-29 increased in 2016, but less than half of those eligible to vote in that age bracket cast ballots. Will this year be different?
Weekend forecast: More snow Saturday afternoon into Sunday
We have an update on the heavy snow in parts of central and northern Minnesota and the wintry mix in the Twin Cities metro area. We also look at the snow that’s in our weekend forecast.
Meet the Star Tribune's newest columnist
Myron Medcalf is a longtime Minnesota resident who previously worked as a reporter for the Star Tribune. You can read his column in print on Sundays twice a month and also online. 
Here's where the threat of militia activity around the elections is the highest
Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Oregon have the highest risk of seeing increased militia activity around the elections, according to a new report obtained exclusively by NPR.
What's next for Trump's Supreme Court nominee
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is speeding toward confirmation, with a majority of the Senate supporting her and a final vote expected Monday. If confirmed on Monday, as is expected, Barrett could be sworn in as a justice almost immediately, just a week before the Nov. 3 election.
'Flamer' offers real hope — not just rainbows — to queer kids
Mike Curato's new young adult graphic novel “Flamer” follows a teenager struggling with self-hate and all the different parts of his identity — being a Catholic, a Boy Scout, and being gay.
Floyd killing: Judge keeps 1 murder charge against Chauvin, drops another
A Hennepin County judge Thursday dismissed the third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter remain, as do aiding and abetting charges against three other former officers.
A wintry mess Thursday, then more snow this weekend
A strong storm hits Minnesota Thursday with rain, sleet and areas of heavy snow.  Then another round of snow and even colder temperatures move in over the weekend.
Wednesday’s COVID-19 data offered a grim reminder of the pandemic’s ongoing toll in Minnesota. The Health Department reported 35 deaths, matching a single-day record from May. Hospital admissions continue to climb. Minnesota’s seven-day trend of newly reported hospital admissions also set a record high, averaging 80 a day over the last week. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, October 22, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
GOP-led Senate panel advances Barrett despite Dems' boycott
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to advance Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate as Republicans powered past Democrats' boycott of the session.
Hotel stays help dozens experiencing homelessness find more permanent homes
Hennepin County moved people, especially those most vulnerable to the worst effects of COVID-19, from shelters into private rooms in five hotels. The plan was to reduce crowding and protect people most at risk. There was another benefit: 56 people have moved into permanent housing since the start of the hotel efforts.
5 questions ahead of the last Trump-Biden presidential debate
This is the last, best chance for both candidates to make their arguments to a broad audience of the American public for why they should be president — and there's a lot on the line.
Art Hounds: Art that allows people to be seen (and heard)
Zoom allows audiences to see incarcerated writers reading their work in the annual event from the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshops. Also, essential worker portraits and coronavirus-inspired operas.
Live coverage: Trump and Biden's final presidential debate
President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden are holding a final debate Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., with Kristen Welker of NBC News moderating.
CDC reduces consecutive minutes of COVID-19 exposure needed to be a 'close contact'
Health officials used to advise going into quarantine and being tested for the coronavirus if you were near an infected person for 15 minutes. Now the rule is a total of 15 minutes during one day.