Stories from October 6, 2022

Refugee arrivals to Minnesota could quadruple this year
The expected increase would bring the number arrivals closer to historic norms. The refugee program and resettlement agencies are in a period of rebuilding, after the Trump administration cut the nation’s refugee cap to historic lows.
Minnesota Governor's race is heating up in the final month of campaigning, and drought is sharpening across a wide swath of central Minnesota. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Native adoption law at center of Supreme Court case used 'every day' in Minnesota
The Supreme Court will hear a case on the Indian Child Welfare Act this session. We asked an attorney who runs a law clinic for Native families to help us understand the law and what’s at stake.
The climate change superstars few have heard about
There are about 6 million acres of peatlands in Minnesota -- nearly 10% of our state. And it turns out, peat bogs have climate change fighting superpowers.
White House correspondent April Ryan on her new book 'Black Women Will Save The World'
April Ryan is the longest-serving Black female White House correspondent, with a 25-year tenure. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Ryan about her new book, "Black Women Will Save The World: An Anthem."
The Twins, the Wild and the Loons: Sports news for Oct. 6
The Twins limp into the end of the season while the pucks are about to drop in the NHL plus the Minnesota Loons wrap up their play. All the sports news you need to know for Thursday, Oct. 6. Wally Langfellow and Eric nelson of 10,000 Takes Sports Talk Program dish it with Cathy Wurzer.
Overcoming barriers to improving the mental health of Minnesota farmers
Monica Kramer McConkey grew up on a farm and is one of two mental health professionals hired through the state to provide free mental health support for farmers. Monica owns Eyes on the Horizon, an agriculture mental health consulting business and she talks with host Cathy Wurzer about the work.
Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana
President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.
Future of Mississippi River dams in Twin Cities up for discussion again
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is about to restart a study charting the future of the Mississippi River gorge between Minneapolis and St. Paul, after barge traffic on that stretch of the river ended in 2015.
Looking for autumn leaves? First week of October brings peak colors
Minnesota is entering what many consider the most beautiful time of the year, and the leaves are, too. Most of Minnesota is at 50-75 percent of peak color as of Thursday.
Lus coj qhia neeg txaiv tsa: Xyuas cov neeg sib tw hauv Cheeb Tsam 5 txog lawv cov kev txhawb rau kev kho hloov tub ceev xwm, kev kho kab mob kev nkeeg thiab ntau tsav yam ntxiv
Nyob rau hauv Cheeb Tsam Congressional 5, Neeg Sawv Cev Ilhan Omar, uas yog ib tug neeg Democrat, yuav sib tw nrog tus neeg Republican tuaj tshiab Cicely Davis.
Lus coj qhia neeg xaiv tsa: Xyuas Cheeb Tsam 8 cov neeg sib tw cov kev txhawb rau kev khawb hlau kab, cov phom thiab ntau tsav yam ntxiv
Cheeb Tsam Congressional 8 yeej yog sab Democratic tau ntau lub xyoo, tiam sis thaum 2018 ib ntawm peb lub cheeb tsam congressional hauv lub teb chaws hloov mus rau Republican. Stauber tau yeej ze li 20 feem pua. Cheeb Tsam Congressional 8 duav ntau heev sab qaum teb hnub tuaj ntawm Minnesota.
Hagaha codbixiyaha: Eeg mowqifyada murashixiinta Degmada 8aad ee macdanta laga qodo, hubka, iyo waxyaabo badan
Degmada 8aad ee Koongareeska sannado badan waxay ku tiirsaneyd Dimuquraadiga, laakiin 2018 waxay ahayd mid ka mid ah seddexda degmo ee Koongareeska ee dalka ee ku wareegtay Jamhuuriga. Stauber ayaa ku guuleystay ku dhawaad boqolkiiba 20. Degmada 8aad ee Koongareeska waxay dabooshaa dhul baaxad leh oo ka tirsan waqooyi-bari ee Minnesota.
Voter guide: See 8th District candidates' stances on iron mining, guns, and more
In Minnesota’s 8th District, which includes Duluth, the Iron Range and a huge swath of north east Minnesota, Republican Rep. Pete Stauber is facing DFL state Rep. Jen Schultz. For years the district leaned Democratic but in 2016 it went for Donald Trump for president and in 2018 it was one of three congressional districts in the country to flip Republican.
Lus coj qhia neeg xaiv tsa: Xyuas Cheeb Tsam 6 cov neeg sib tw cov kev txhawb rau cov phom, kev kaus me nyuam pov tseg thiab ntau tsav yam ntxiv
Neeg Democratic Jeanne Hendricks yog sib tw nrog tus tseem tuav txoj hauj lwm Neeg Sawv Cev Republican Tom Emmer hauv Minnesota Cheeb Tsam 6 kev sib tw rau U.S. House (Teb Chaws Asmeskas Lub Tsev).
Lus coj qhia neeg xaiv tsa: Xyuas cov neeg sib tw ua Minnesota tus neeg ntsuas nyiaj txiag cov kev txhawb rau cov xwm txheej tseem ceeb
Lub koom txoos sib tw raug tswj xyuas rau xeev tus neeg ntsuas nyiaj txiag yog DFL tus neeg tseem tuav txoj hauj lwm Julie Blaha thiab GOP tus sib tw nrog Ryan Wilson nyob hauv Maple Grove. Kev xaiv thaum ntxov lub Cuaj Hli Ntuj pom tias nkawd ob leeg puav leej sib tw ze kawg uas Blaha yeej raws ib teeb.
Voter guide: See Minnesota auditor candidates' stances on key issues
The under-the-radar campaign for state auditor is between DFL incumbent Julie Blaha and GOP challenger Ryan Wilson of Maple Grove. An early September poll found that the two are in a tight race with Blaha leading by one point.
The discovery of the story behind a small, dusty plaque honoring the son of a buffalo soldier spawned a decades long campus movement to honor a forgotten football hero who helped break racial boundaries and may have died because of them.
Lus coj qhia neeg xaiv tsa: Xyuas Cheeb Tsam 4 cov neeg sib tw cov kev txhawb rau kev kawm ntawv, kev khiav teb chaws thiab ntau tsav yam ntxiv
Nyob rau hauv Cheeb Tsam Congressional 4, Neeg Sawv Cev Betty McCollum, ib tug neeg Democrat, sib tw nrog tus neeg Republican tuaj tshiab May Lor Xiong. McCollum tau khiav hauj lwm hauv U.S. House (Teb Chaws Asmeskas Lub Tsev) txij li xyoo 2001 los lawm.
Hagaha codbixiyaha: Eeg mowqifyada murashixiinta Degmada 4aad ee waxbarashada, soogalootiga, waxyaabo badan
Degmada 4-aad ee Koongareeska, Xildhibaan Betty McCollum, Dimuqraadi, waxaa la tartameysa May Lor Xiong oo ah Jamhuuri. McCollum waxay Aqalka Wakiillada ee Mareykanka Xildhibaan ka ahayd ilaa 2001.
IMF warns of higher recession risk and darker global outlook
The International Monetary Fund is once again lowering its projections for global economic growth in 2023.
George Floyd killing: Judge pans 'delirium' defense at ex-cops' state trial
In earlier trials around Floyd’s police custody killing, defense attorneys had argued that Floyd’s “excited delirium” had justified the force officers used to subdue him. However, Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys Thursday he believes the concept has been “debunked.”
Whistleblower: Hundreds left FBI over misconduct in 20 years
A U.S. senator says a whistleblower has alleged that an internal review found 665 FBI personnel have resigned or retired to avoid accountability in misconduct probes over the past two decades. 
Colder and windy Thursday; drought expands in latest drought monitor
Blustery north winds will push temperatures down from the 50s into the 40s across southern Minnesota and keep temperatures in the 30s and 40s in northern Minnesota Thursday. Frost will be widespread outside of the Twin Cities Thursday night. In the latest drought monitor, drought expands.
The council on Thursday is expected to begin the process of considering Brian O’Hara as the next head of the Minneapolis Police Department. As part of that process, the council will refer Mayor Jacob Frey's nomination to the city's public health and safety committee. That committee will set a public hearing. Officials with the mayor's office have said they hope to have a full council vote on O'Hara's nomination in November. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Barges grounded by low water halt Mississippi River traffic
The unusually low water level in the lower Mississippi River is causing barges to get stuck in the mud and sand. That's disrupting river travel for shippers, recreational boaters and even passengers on a cruise line.
Dropping temperatures, windy Thursday
Thursday will be cooler as north winds blow at 10-25 mph. High temperatures will be in the 50s early and fall into the 40s by evening. Friday will be cooler with highs in the 40s and low 50s but with lighter winds and more sun.
French writer Annie Ernaux awarded Nobel Prize in literature
This year’s Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to French author Annie Ernaux. The 82-year-old was cited for “the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory,” the Nobel committee said. 
NPR poll shows Biden's approval rating is up but there are warning signs for Democrats
The president's approval rating is up to 44 percent, but 7-in-10 people say the country is going in the wrong direction, and young and Black voters are among the least likely to vote this fall.
Fox News CEO warned against 'crazies' after 2020 election, Dominion says
Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott warned colleagues not to "give the crazies an inch" after the 2020 elections. Dominion Voting Systems revealed her words in its $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox.
Pandemic-delayed 'Edward Tulane' opera premieres, feeling stronger
Kate DiCamillo's "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" has grown into its title — at least when it comes to the story of the novel's pandemic-delayed operatic adaptation. It finally opens at the Minnesota Opera this weekend, and its creators believe it's now a better show for a recovering world.
Medical debt ruined her credit. 'It's like you're being punished for being sick'
New policies to keep medical bills from sinking credit ratings sound good but will likely fall short for many hit hardest by debt — especially Black Americans in the South, such as Penelope Wingard.
Art Hounds: St. Paul gallery presents art from three Native artists
The American Craft Made marketplace opens at St. Paul’s RiverCentre, as the new version of the American Craft Council show, on hiatus since 2019. The Art Hounds also suggest you check out a celebration of Indigenous art at Metro State University’s Gordon Parks Gallery and two exhibits at Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis.
Governor candidates out and about, but still hard to find
Voter persuasion and mobilization collide with a desire to avoid gaffes as candidates enter the final month of campaigning.