Stories from November 3, 2020

Robocalls told at least 800,000 swing state residents to 'stay home' on Election Day. The FBI is investigating
A firm that tracks robocalls said more than 3 million calls were made on Nov. 3, which contained a cryptic message instructing people to “stay safe and stay home.” The tactics join other efforts to confuse voters this election cycle.
Making sense of the 2020 Election
MPR News host Kerri Miller talked with political scientists and listeners about the latest election results and what they mean. 
Voters are headed to Minnesota's polls for Election Day, with a mixture of hope and apprehension like almost never before. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. officially leaving Paris climate agreement
The United States is the only country to back out of its promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. America has contributed more cumulative carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than any other nation.
How to heal a divided nation
America is deeply divided. How can we come together and heal after the election?
At 71, 'A Sand County Almanac' remains fresh and engaging
A new edition of "A Sand County Almanac" recently hit bookstore shelves. Considered a classic piece of conservation literature, Aldo Leopold’s observation of life on his Wisconsin farm were the foundation for his theories about what he called a land ethic. Fans of the book argue its timeless wisdom has relevance in 2020.
How will the book about 2020 be written?
On Election Day, MPR News host Kerri Miller talks with two historians and hears from listeners about how 2020 will be remembered. 
MIA's once-a-decade Foot in the Door show goes virtual
The fifth iteration of the exhibition, once curated by a one foot square box, takes the good with the bad of the pandemic.
Election Day memories revisited 
Do you remember the first time you voted? Or a time when the results surprised you? Listen to hear about Election Days past.
AP Interactive: Road to 270 electoral college votes
Although the 2020 presidential campaign is playing out under unprecedented conditions, it may – in some ways – play out like past presidential contests. The campaigns are largely focused on a few highly contested states whose electoral votes could push their candidate over the 270 total votes needed to win. Explore your own scenarios for the electoral vote: will states follow recent results, or do you foresee a new electoral landscape emerging?
Photos: Remembering George Floyd and the toll of COVID-19 on Día de los Muertos
The Mexican celebration that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed on from this lifetime held special meaning this year in Minnesota, with COVID-19 disproportionately affecting the Latino community and the killing of George Floyd still fresh in many people’s minds.
Enjoy a glorious November week
Monday’s sunny skies and mild temperatures were just the pregame to a week of beautiful weather. Sunday will be a transition day with rain and thunderstorms turning over to much colder temperatures on Monday and for next week.
Camp Quarantine: 6 tips for forming your COVID-19 winter pod
Experts say one strategy to get through these winter months is to form what’s known as a pod. But finding friends willing to join up with you, and who share your standards, is easier said than done.
Trump, Biden cede stage to voters for Election Day verdict
After a campaign marked by rancor and fear, Americans on Tuesday decide between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, selecting a leader to steer a nation battered by a surging pandemic that has killed more than 231,000 people, cost millions their jobs and reshaped daily life.
5 dead in Vienna attack; assailant had previous conviction
Five people died, including an assailant, and 17 others were wounded in a shooting in the heart of Vienna hours before a coronavirus lockdown started, Austrian authorities said Tuesday.
Welcome, at long last, to Election Day 2020. Minnesotans head to the polls Tuesday to elect a president and a U.S. senator, decide several closely watched races for the U.S. House, and determine party control of the Minnesota Legislature for the next two years. Polls in Minnesota open at 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Excellent voting weather across much of the nation
Other than some rain and snow in the northwestern and northeastern corners of the U.S., weather should be excellent for voting across just about all of the country. For Minnesota, the welcome warmup that began on Monday will continue to build Tuesday and last into the weekend.
Nov. 3 update on COVID-19 in MN: Daily cases skyrocket to another record; 15 deaths
The newest numbers come a day after health officials warned Minnesota could end up as bad as Wisconsin unless more Minnesotans start taking more personal responsibility to stop the disease’s uncontrolled spread.
What democracy looks like: Election Day across Minnesota
On Tuesday, thousands of voters took to polling places across Minnesota. All day long, MPR News reporters have talked to people around the state — people who are voting, people who have already voted, people who are working the polls and people who are opting out this year, whether by choice or by circumstance.
Biden wins Minnesota; GOP retains state Senate control
Democrat Joe Biden snagged Minnesota’s 10 electoral votes Tuesday in a win he badly needed as the national race for president tightened. Republicans retained power over the Minnesota Senate, with DFL control staying in the House, continuing the country’s only divided legislature.
Election Day special from NPR's Throughline:  "How We Vote"
Election day special from NPR’s Throughline podcast: “How We Vote.”
Bail for Kyle Rittenhouse, accused Kenosha shooter, set at $2 million
Kyle Rittenhouse's lawyers argued that because he had allegedly acted in self-defense the bond should be set at $750,000. But Court Commissioner Loren Keating rejected that argument.
More than politics on the line for voters with preexisting conditions
As many as 130 million Americans have a preexisting health condition. Protections for those patients under the Affordable Care Act have become a campaign issue in races up and down the ballot.
Concerns about voter suppression as election approaches
Experts say disinformation aims to undermine people’s faith in the electoral system. State officials say they have faith that the state will conduct safe and fair elections.