Stories from October 26, 2020

Governor calls on Minnesotans to make a "goal line stand" against COVID, as cases surge and COVID fatigue chips away at prevention measures. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Sanford Health plans to merge with Utah-based health care system
Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health, one of the largest health care systems in the Midwest, plans to merge with the Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare system.
Are we entering the darkest weeks of the pandemic?
Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm and Dr. Paul Offit took listener questions on why COVID-19 may surge this winter and how we can still slow its spread. Plus, a vaccine update.
Minnesota kids answer: What would you do if you were president of the U.S.?
While they may not be able to vote yet, the next generation of leaders in Minnesota has a say in what’s going on today and what they hope for America’s future. From reforming the criminal justice system to painting the White House pink, here are some of the presidential plans Minnesota’s future leaders shared with us.
Minnesota ballot count is on, but for how long?
Voting in the 2020 election ends soon, but the counting phase could stretch on a bit longer. Ongoing litigation will determine just how long.
This holiday season, spread cheer, not COVID-19
Host Angela Davis is joined by two experts to talk about do’s and don’ts of holiday gatherings during the pandemic, safer ways to celebrate and how to set boundaries with family members.
Renewing focus on Minnesota, Pence campaigns on the Iron Range
The vice president on Monday traveled to Hibbing despite an outbreak of the coronavirus among several of his staff. The visit set off criticism from Gov. Tim Walz and health experts. Pence’s campaign stop is part of a final push to help Donald Trump become the first GOP presidential nominee in nearly a half-century to win Minnesota.
How police, National Guard and the military are preparing for Election Day tensions
Uniformed police are generally not allowed around polling places, and the Pentagon doesn't want to get involved. Still, they're getting ready if things get out of control.
Campaign says Jason Lewis' hernia surgery successful
The campaign for U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis said Monday his emergency surgery to “treat an internal hernia” was successful and minimally invasive and that he’s likely to be released in the next couple of days.
Organizer: Not enough signatures for Evers recall effort
The organizer of an effort to recall Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says it has failed. Misty Polewczynski posted on the "Recall Evers Petition" Facebook page on Monday that not enough signatures were collected.
After another day of record cold Monday, temperatures turn warmer, with 50s possible by the end of the week. Meanwhile, a less active weather pattern means more sunshine in the forecast.
Snow has cleared out, bringing more sunshine back Monday, but temperatures stay chilly enough that parts of Minnesota could see record cold.
Vice President Mike Pence plans to maintain an aggressive campaign schedule this week — including a stop in Minnesota — despite an apparent outbreak of the coronavirus among his senior aides, the White House said. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, October 26, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Barrett confirmed as Supreme Court justice in partisan vote
The Senate has voted 52-48 to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, just about a week before Election Day and 30 days after she was nominated by President Donald Trump to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Oct. 26 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz calls for 'goal-line stand' on virus amid surge
As Minnesota’s COVID-19 numbers continue to move swiftly in the wrong direction, Gov. Tim Walz on Monday implored Minnesotans to do more to stem the disease’s rampant spread while his top health officials urged people to rethink plans for large holiday gatherings.
Election stress getting to you? 4 ways to keep calm
Doomscrolling much? Nearly 70 percent of Americans report feeling stressed about politics. We're sleepless and irritable, and our heads hurt. Here's how some of your fellow Americans are coping.
Minn. nursing homes in rural areas see staff shortages worsen with COVID-19
Facilities caring for older adults are struggling with low staffing levels, as COVID-19 makes an ongoing problem even worse. Nursing home operators say they’re scrambling to make sure they have enough nurses and others to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
New book examines how the 1st Amendment sits at the forefront in an election year
Right now, we have "an entire government apparatus designed to foster falsehoods," says editor Ellis Cose, who has written a new book, “The Short Life and Curious Death of Free Speech in America.”
Basketball star Sue Bird says WNBA players' activism is 'nonnegotiable'
Even as the league weathered a busy, unpredictable season in the "wubble," the Seattle Storm superstar carried on her colleagues' commitment to social justice activism.
Minneapolis rally calls for exoneration of Myon Burrell
More than 150 supporters and family members of Myon Burrell gathered in below-freezing temperatures at the site of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis on Sunday to call for Burrell’s exoneration. 
Rare Ojibwe woven mats relocated from Isle Royale to Grand Portage
Last month, Isle Royale National Park transported five, 100-year-old hand-woven mats, made of cedar bark and sweetgrass, across Lake Superior to the Grand Portage reservation, where they will be displayed at Grand Portage National Monument. 
Europe imposes new restrictions as COVID-19 cases soar
Amid a second wave of coronavirus infections, many European countries are introducing curfews and lockdowns.