Stories from October 14, 2021

Ex-officer Noor seeks 41 months in 911 caller's death
Attorneys for the former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot a woman who called 911 to report a possible rape behind her home are asking a judge to sentence him to 41 months on a manslaughter charge, the lightest penalty recommended under state sentencing guidelines, according to documents filed Thursday.
Some critics of MPD not sold on proposal to overhaul public safety system
Some of the most vocal anti-police brutality activists are skeptical that the proposal to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a public safety department will resort in any real change. 
Gov. Walz says that 5 to 11 year old children should be able to get COVID-19 shots in the coming weeks. Winona-Rochester diocese settles with abuse victims. "Hatchet" author Gary Paulsen dies at 82. This is an MPR News evening update for Oct. 14, 2021, hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Oxford English Dictionary rides the K-wave with a big Korean update
The influence of Korean culture has reached the pages of the Oxford English Dictionary: 26 new words related to Korean culture were added and 11 words were revised.
Minnesota Zoo's missing owl, Gladys, has died
Zoo staff searched for the bird, known as Gladys, and predicted she was somewhere within the zoo. Gladys was found injured on the side of a road Thursday morning, but died before zoo staff could treat her.
The world’s largest carbon capture facility takes a year to sequester 3-seconds worth of carbon emissions.
Ex-cop who killed Daunte Wright lays out possible defense
A former suburban Minneapolis police officer who has said she meant to use a Taser instead of a handgun when she shot and killed Daunte Wright in April is laying out her potential defenses ahead of her November trial.
New Mall of America venue aims to make Minnesota the Midwest hub for esports
Project collaborators say they will open an esports venue at the Mall of America in early 2022. The space will include a broadcast studio, seating for a live studio audience, a gaming lounge and a retail shop.
Jocelyn Nicole Johnson talks home, identity and 'My Monticello'
In her debut book, “My Monticello,” author Jocelyn Nicole Johnson asks what it means to claim a home in a place like Charlottesville, Va., — where whom the city belongs to has long been in question.
Acclaimed Minnesota author Gary Paulsen dies at 82
The author of some 200 books including the children’s classic “Hatchet” died Wednesday. Some 35 million copies of his books have been sold.
Cooler weather behind Wednesday’s storm means an increasing frost risk through Saturday morning, before sunshine over the weekend sends temperatures back above average.
Checking in with essential workers
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers still face challenges. MPR News host Angela Davis checks in with three essential workers.
The strong storm that impacted Minnesota Wednesday is moving noticeably cooler weather across Minnesota and keeping much of the state under lingering clouds.
Minnesota’s latest COVID-19 surge stubbornly refuses to retreat, although the newest numbers offer signs that conditions may be starting to plateau. Still, nearly 1,000 residents are currently hospitalized with the disease. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, October 14, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
An attorney for a North Dakota photography business that abruptly went out of business and left many wedding couples in limbo said Wednesday the company is working to release photos and images. It's unclear whether customers who paid in advance for uncompleted work will be refunded.
New SW Minnesota cemetery will let veterans rest closer to home
“Now our veterans will have a safe place to be …. and they will meet all their relatives right here on this land,” a Navy veteran said as ground broke in Redwood Falls on the state’s fourth veterans cemetery, a project 12 years in the making.
Rural Minnesota hospitals struggle with COVID-19 surge
Many Minnesota hospitals are hitting their limits as COVID-19 cases spike once again. It’s especially challenging outside of the Twin Cities in places like Sauk Centre, where the hospital is at a breaking point.