Stories from October 10, 2018

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office has decided for the second time that charges are not justified against a sheriff's deputy for the shooting death of a 47-year-old man in Vadnais Heights last year.
Trash hauling moves step closer to referendum in St. Paul
Opponents of St. Paul's organized trash collection system have enough signatures to put the plan up for a public vote, but they may not get it anyway.
Attorney General Swanson sues another charity for ripping off donors
A Florida charity is being sued by Minnesota's Attorney General who alleged they were ripping off donors in the state and warning consumers to check out organizations soliciting contributions before handing over any money.
Health care a critical issue in contested Minnesota House races
Voters in several competitive House districts are being bombarded with competing messages about how best to keep health care affordable. It's a high stakes issue that could help decide which party controls the House next year.
Appetites: Cheeses from Capra Nera Creamery
Growler Magazine's food editor James Norton shares the story of Katie Bonow of Capra Nera Creamery in Altura, Minnesota, and the growing cheesemaker community in the state.
Minnesota voter guide: Where the 1st District candidates stand on the issues
With Tim Walz vacating his office to run for governor, Dan Feehan and Jim Hagedorn are vying to replace him to represent Minnesota's 1st District seat in Congress representing the much of the state's southern regions.
For some Americans, Jerusalem's newest pilgrimage site is the U.S. Embassy
The embassy draws tourists who support what it stands for: an about-face in U.S. policy, recognizing Israel's claims to the city. They say the embassy's existence reflects biblical prophecy.
A fugitive from Minnesota who taunted authorities on social media by vowing she'd "never be caught" has been arrested in northern Indiana.
Minnesota lawmaker questions Omar's campaign spending
A Minnesota state representative is alleging that Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar misspent $3,000 in campaign money on personal travel.
After Cochran finished recording it, the feeling in the studio was that the song didn't sound quite rock and roll enough. He had the idea to change "Let's Get Together" in the lyrics and title to "C'mon Everybody."
Gales of October: Lake Superior roars with rain, high winds, big waves
Early October on Minnesota's North Shore is supposed to be about cool, sunny days, brightly colored leaves and tranquil fall beauty. Lake Superior, however, apparently did not get the memo this year.
Tax collections continue to outpace expectations in Minnesota, but officials say the red-hot economy could cool slightly in the coming years.
Melania Trump: Women accusing men should 'show the evidence'
Asked whether she supports the #MeToo movement, the first lady said, "I support the women, and they need to be heard. We need to support them. And, you know, also men, not just women."
Giraffes inherit spot patterns from their mamas, study says
Scientists have previously hypothesized that spots are conferred at random, or that they are influenced by environmental factors.
A political group has taken its case against increasing the gas tax to voters as they fill up their tanks. But the ad is encountering pushback from an association that advocates for gas station owners.
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to investigate whether Scream Town is targeting Somali-Americans for increased scrutiny or other policies.
A tense moment in a debate between two candidates for the Minnesota House is all over the internet
Talking with boys about sexual assault and consent
How do we discuss sexual assault and consent with teenage boys? A Jewish organization based near Philadelphia has developed a program to discuss difficult topics like this in an all-male setting.
This is a good day to bring back one of my favorite posts of recent years, particularly since we heard from Bobby Marko late last week that the documentary of the trip -- The Arrowhead Traverse -- is completed and will premiere at the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette, Michigan later this month.
Johnson, Walz face off on rural Minnesota issues
The two major-party candidates for governor tangled Tuesday night in Willmar over who would best address the needs of rural Minnesota.
Lebanese photographer made 'Lebanon, USA' his mission
Fadi BouKaram set out to visit every American town named Lebanon -- all 47 of them. His photos are on display at St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn., through Oct. 26.
Which Minnesota 8th Congressional District candidate do you agree with most?
Republican Pete Stauber, Democrat Joe Radinovich and Independent Ray "Skip" Sandman are all competing for the open seat in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District after incumbent Rep. Rick Nolan announced he wouldn't be running for re-election. Not sure how to vote? Try out this quiz.
Here are the stories, topics, and guests you'll hear today on MPR News.
'Florida,' 'Heartland' among National Book Awards finalists
'This year, instead of just celebrating the best American literature, we're celebrating the best literature in America,' said Lisa Lucas, executive director of the National Book Foundation.
Light and dark, characters shine in 'Blanca & Roja'
Anna-Marie McLemore braids old bits of myth about swans and cursed sisters into a new, more inward-looking story that lets readers see just how hard it is to be a character in a fairy tale.
'The Reckonings' examines what it means to have justice
Writing about topics as diverse as race, sexual assault, Hurricane Harvey, and art history, Lacy M. Johnson's essays are together a philosophy in disguise -- equal parts memoir, criticism and ethics.
General Mills CEO: 'Perfection is not the goal'
Jeff Harmening sat down with host Kerri Miller to talk about innovation, leadership, and climate change.
Michael upgraded to Category 3 as it approaches Florida Panhandle
Michael is forecast to be the most destructive storm to hit the Panhandle in decades. It's expected to send life-threatening surges of ocean water into coastal areas along the Gulf, from Pensacola around the coast to Tampa.
Law enforcement agencies caution against distracted driving
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety teamed up with Dakota County law enforcement to remind motorists to put the phone down, tune out the distractions and focus 100 percent on the road.
Watch: Jim Hagedorn and Dan Feehan debate on MPR News
The race to represent Minnesota's 1st Congressional District will be among the most closely watched political contests in the nation this November. GOP candidate Jim Hagedorn and DFL candidate Dan Feehan will face off in a debate Friday.