35 new COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota, matching single-day high set in May

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - 35 new COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota, matching single-day high set in May: Minnesota's COVID-19 fatality count took a big jump Wednesday with [35 new deaths reported by the Minnesota Department of Health](. The state has not seen such a high number since May 28, which also had 35 deaths. It can take several days for a death to be reported to the Health Department making it likely that the 35 deaths occurred some time during the past week. [The global hunt for a COVID-19 vaccine for kids is only just beginning]( — a lagging start that has some U.S. pediatricians worried they may not know if any shots work for young children in time for the next school year. We are [tracking the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota here.]( - Season's first major snowfall breaks record in Minnesota: A winter storm shouldered its way into the record books Tuesday while [dumping 6 to 8 inches of heavy snow across the Twin Cities](, burying curbs, garden hoses and whatever was left of fall. The suddenly slick roads caused hundreds of crashes and spinouts by Tuesday evening. - COVID-19 outbreak at Salvation Army conference sickens one-third of attendees: [Twenty Salvation Army staff from Minnesota and North Dakota tested positive]( for COVID-19 after 62 people attended a recent conference in northern Minnesota, underscoring how easily the virus can spread. - Calls for armed guards, "Army of Trump" volunteers concern Minnesota election officials: Calls for armed military veterans combined with a volunteer “Army for Trump” to descend on Minnesota polling places have [created fresh anxieties for state law enforcement and elections officials]( already preparing for a major election in the COVID-19 pandemic. Having problems voting in Minnesota? [Help us report on voting irregularities]( between now and Election Day. - Pope endorses same-sex civil unions in new documentary film: [Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions]( for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary "Francesco," which premiered Wednesday at the Rome Film Festival. - OxyContin maker to plead guilty to 3 criminal charges: Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, the powerful prescription painkiller that experts say helped touch off an opioid epidemic, [will plead guilty to three federal criminal charges]( — including conspiracy to defraud the United States and violating federal anti-kickback laws — as part of a settlement of more than $8 billion, Justice Department officials told The Associated Press. - People of Praise, Supreme Court nominee Barrett's small faith community, has deep Minnesota roots: As the Senate prepares to confirm Barrett, national media have seized upon her involvement in People of Praise in her hometown of South Bend, Ind. But [Minnesota is home to the largest branch of People of Praise in the nation](. More than 440 of its 1,700 members live in the Twin Cities, a group launched in the 1980s that still benefits from its early popularity. - Tax records show Trump tried to land China projects: President Donald Trump spent a decade unsuccessfully pursuing projects in China, operating an office there during his first run for president and forging a partnership with a major government-controlled company, [the New York Times reported Tuesday.]( - In suspected case of mistaken identity, man admits to murder in Red Wing: A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murder in a suspected case of mistaken identity that [left a Floridian shot in a Red Wing street.]( - There are 13 days until Election Day! Early voting is underway in Minnesota for the 2020 general election. [Check out our guide to the candidates running for major offices]( and where they stand on the issues, as well as key races in the battle for the state Legislature. Got questions about how to register, how to request an absentee ballot, or how to find your polling place? [Here's what you need to know about how to vote in Minnesota.]( Are you voting for the first time this year? [Here are answers to some basic questions young voters may have.]( What happens after you seal, sign and send in your vote? Here’s a look at [how no-excuse absentee ballots are processed and counted.]( Sign up for [our Morning Hot Dish politics newsletter]( to get the latest campaign and election news. Having any problems voting in Minnesota? [We want to hear about it.](  Watch this Musician performs Hans Zimmer's "Interstellar" theme on this crazy water instrument: [It's called a hydraulophone](, and it the player generates sound by blocking the flow of water from holes corresponding to individual notes.  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - Another MPR executive announces his departure: Tim Roesler, senior vice president and chief business development officer for MPR and American Public Media, told colleagues Tuesday that [he will depart by the end of the year.]( - Calhoun square gets new name, with remake to follow: Calhoun Square in Uptown is [getting a new name and a multimillion-dollar makeover]( that would transform the once vibrant hot spot into a mix of retail, offices and possibly apartments. The three-story building is being renamed Seven Points, after the crown that graces the rooftop on the corner of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. - St. Paul will get a new restaurant from award-winning chef Karyn Tomlinson: Until Myriel opens later this year, the kitchen will [operate a one-day-a-week takeout operation.](  Sports roundup - Did a playoff victory actually doom the Vikings' future? Who deserves the blame for the Vikings' 1-5 record and seemingly dismal future? [Here's a nomination for an unlikely candidate.]( - Stats are great, but it's time for Tanner Morgan to take the next step: The 2020 season — with COVID-19 a constant threat to wreak havoc on a team’s lineup — will offer Morgan and the Gophers the added challenge of [being able to adjust on the fly.]( - DNR auction of confiscated gear begins: [Online bidding has started on everything]( from firearms to bows to trail cams — even a 13-point shoulder mount — confiscated out in the field by Minnesota conservation officers.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Worth a click How Minnesota "cleans the record" for once-fired employees: "5 INVESTIGATES found those agencies regularly revoke discipline, remove records and even issue large payouts to once fired employees in exchange for their resignations. In several cases, state agencies have even deliberately misclassified terminations as lay-offs in an apparent effort to purge any reference to discipline," [KSTP reports.](  From the archives Oct. 21, 2014: The Park Center Pirates took the field for their Section 6, Class 4A quarterfinal football game at Pride Stadium in Brooklyn Park. The Pirates shut out Fridley 35-0. (Photo: Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2020 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](