Stories from October 3, 2022

The group dropped the lawsuit because they believe the city is moving in the right direction, said attorney Doug Seaton, president of the Upper Midwest Law Center, which represented the group that sued.
UMN researcher dives into transportation happiness
University of Minnesota professor Yingling Fan’s research shows that environmentally friendly commutes are among the happiest, although bus commutes rank low. Car commutes fit somewhere in the middle.
Pandemic front line worker checks for $487 are headed to more than 1 million Minnesotans, and the state is offering instant-print drivers licenses in a new 9-month test. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Mild Monday night, warm Tuesday; cold later in the week
Low temperatures Monday night will be very mild with another warm day Tuesday. Most places will be back in the 70s Tuesday but a sharp change in temperatures is coming mid to late week with showers possible Wednesday.
Minneapolis City Council panel backs bonuses to keep nonunion MPD staff
The proposal that moved ahead from the council’s Policy and Government Oversight Committee Monday includes funding to add retention bonuses for 25 sworn employees who aren’t part of the union, including deputy chiefs, commanders and inspectors.
GOP lawmakers urge Minn. officials to drop California car rules
Republicans in St. Paul questioned state pollution control leaders about their plans for the state’s vehicle emission standards after California announced that it would roll out stricter regulations set to take effect in 2025.
The debate over debates: what's lost in not debating?
For the first time in 40 years, Twin Cities television viewers won’t see a debate between the gubernatorial candidates. Gov. Walz has argued that the total of three debates the candidates will participate in before Nov. 8 is perfectly normal although three debates are far fewer than in years past.
Supreme Court won’t take up MyPillow head’s defamation case
The Supreme Court says it won’t intervene in a lawsuit in which Dominion Voting Systems accused MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell of defamation for falsely accusing the company of rigging the 2020 presidential election against former President Donald Trump.
Investigators examine weather, plane, pilot performance in Hermantown crash 
The wreckage of a plane that crashed minutes after taking off from the Duluth International Airport on Saturday, killing the pilot and two passengers, is on its way to the Twin Cities for a partial reconstruction and examination by aviation experts. 
First frost coming this week for the Twin Cities?
Highs in the 70s to start October will come to an abrupt end as the coldest air of the season moves in Thursday into Friday, possibly touching off our first frost in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Investigation: Mayo provides significantly less 'charity care' than others
An investigation from the Rochester Post Bulletin found that Rochester’s Mayo Clinic provides significantly less charity care than other top hospitals across the U.S. That means Mayo patients who are eligible for financial assistance may not know it — and are instead going into debt.
More than 1 million Minnesotans will get $487 in pandemic bonuses
The money is from a pool of $500 million set aside by the Legislature and governor for bonuses to those who worked in health care, child care, retail, food processing and other professions where working from home in the pandemic wasn’t an option.
Warm through midweek, showers Wednesday; temps tumble Thursday
Afternoon high temperatures will be well into the 70s for much of Minnesota again Monday and Tuesday. We’ll have occasional cloud cover. Showers are possible Wednesday then much cooler for Thursday and Friday.
Ukrainian troops claim gains in Russia-annexed region
Ukrainian troops pushed forward with their offensive that has embarrassed Moscow, with Kyiv officials and foreign observers hinting at new gains in the southern strategic region of Kherson. 
Warm start to the week; chilly end
Temperatures will be very warm Monday and Tuesday, in the 70s nearly statewide. We’ll have partly cloudy skies with a cool front touching off showers Wednesday and bringing in chilly air late week.
Richard Liu was potentially liable for both compensatory and punitive damages. In a joint statement released by attorneys, the parties called the incident "a misunderstanding that has consumed substantial public attention and brought profound suffering to the parties and their families." This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Brazil's presidential election heads to a runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the left-wing former president, won more votes than right-wing incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, but not enough to win outright in the 11-candidate race.
Crockett won’t say she’ll accept election results
In a debate with DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon, Republican candidate Kim Crockett declined to say whether she would accept the results of the November election. Simon said he would and that Minnesota’s elections are fair and results can be trusted. 
Minnesota state auditor candidates disagree on role of office
In the race for state auditor, a role that typically flies under the radar, the campaign is heating up with five weeks left until Election Day.
Radio program reaches out to Latinos living ‘between worlds’
As the state’s Latino community continues to grow it’s becoming more important to provide relevant news and information on a wider scale. To do that, a grassroots organization has begun an app-based radio station to keep Latinos in Minnesota up to date.
A win 16 years in the making for a group of student loan borrowers
Divorced borrowers who have been on the hook for their ex's student debt are finally getting the fix they need. But the Education Department's radio silence makes the win bittersweet.