Stories from October 24, 2020

Snow amounts highest in southern Minnesota overnight and Sunday
Our Decemberish weather continues into Sunday. Some areas will see accumulating snow, and we’ll all share cold temperatures. We have the Sunday forecast details plus a look at the week ahead.
Crews vacuum invasive 'murder hornets' out of Washington nest
Washington state crews wearing thick protective suits vacuumed the invasive hornets from the cavity of a tree into large canisters Saturday. Officials suspect more nests may be in the area and will keep searching.
Alaska Sen. Murkowski to support Barrett for Supreme Court
Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Saturday she will vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett, giving crucial support to President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the conservative judge faces a final vote expected Monday.
This looks and feels like December, not October. Our weekend will feature cold temps, plus some Saturday night and Sunday snow in many areas. We have your updated weekend forecast details, plus a look at the week ahead.
Ethiopia blasts Trump remark that Egypt will 'blow up' dam
Ethiopia on Saturday denounced “belligerent threats” over the huge dam it has nearly completed on the Blue Nile River, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said downstream Egypt will “blow up” the project it has called an existential threat.
A new picture book reminds Black sons: You are 'every good thing'
When Derrick Barnes began writing children's books 15 years ago, he didn't see Black kids — boys in particular — depicted in positive, affirming ways. Barnes has four sons of his own and he wrote his new book — “I Am Every Good Thing” — to be empowering and affirming.
Robocalls, rumors and emails: Last-minute election disinformation floods voters
Dirty tricks and disinformation have been used to intimidate and mislead voters for as long as there have been elections. But they have been especially pervasive this year as millions of Americans cast ballots in a chaotic and contentious election.
Several types of COVID tests are available in Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know.
State health officials have said from the beginning that testing is essential to understanding the scope and impacts of the coronavirus across Minnesota. And on the individual level, it’s a helpful tool for navigating life in the pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of tests available in the state, when you should seek one out — and what happens next.
U.S. sets coronavirus infection record; deaths near 224,000
The U.S. coronavirus caseload has reached record heights with more than 83,000 infections reported in a single day, the latest ominous sign of the disease’s grip on the nation, as states from Connecticut to the Rocky Mountain West reel under the surge.
Another batch of snow Saturday evening into Sunday
We’re not quite done with our October snowflakes. We have the details on when the next batch of snow will arrive.
Yes, there's conflict — but no one's the bad guy in 'Memorial'
Bryan Washington's debut novel brings together an eclectic cast of characters who redefine family. He says he wanted to write about people operating from a place of love, rather than disdain or hate.
'Snapped' grounds a sparky romance in real-world experience
Alexa Martin draws on her own life for the latest in her series of football-themed romances. “Snapped” deals with some of the problems that plague the sport, but never loses sight of the love story.
Oct. 24 update on COVID-19 in Minnesota: Near-record increase in cases
Minnesota health officials reported a near-record increase of 2,268 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state on Saturday, along with 14 more deaths as the test positivity rate continues to tick upward.