Stories from October 11, 2022

NASA says its asteroid defense test was a success
NASA smashed a spacecraft into an asteroid in an attempt to throw it off course. The mission succeeded beyond expectations, officials said.
The Biden administration Tuesday announced hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for small businesses in 11 states including Minnesota. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
'Murder She Wrote' actress Angela Lansbury dies at 96
Angela Lansbury, the big-eyed, scene-stealing British actress who kicked up her heels in the Broadway musicals “Mame” and “Gypsy” and solved endless murders as crime novelist Jessica Fletcher in the long-running TV series “Murder, She Wrote,” has died. She was 96.
In an competitive streaming era, how do you decide what TV shows to watch?
How do you decide what shows to watch? The options seem endless. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with an entertainment critic from the Star Tribune about a competitive streaming world growing in cost and what shows are binge worthy.
No longer just a kid thing: more women diagnosed with ADHD later in life
October is National ADHD Awareness Month and while the National Institute of Mental Health says the average age for ADHD diagnosis right now is six, more adult women have been diagnosed with ADHD over the past few years.
Outrage erupts at LA Council meeting over racist remarks
The uproar was triggered by a leaked recording of crude, racist comments from a nearly year-old meeting, which also provided an unvarnished look into City Hall’s racial rivalries and the sometimes-hidden fight to seize and hold political power in a changing city.
Judge Peter Cahill reflects on high-profile trials, allowing cameras in courtroom
Minnesota does not routinely allow cameras in the courtroom, but the Supreme Court is considering changing that following the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
Labor Department proposal could change gig worker and company rules
The U.S. Department of Labor has published a new proposal on how workers should be classified saying that thousands of people have been incorrectly labeled as contractors rather than employees.
Fat Bear Week emerges from scandal to crown a new champion Tuesday
The park says its virtual ballot box was stuffed in Sunday's semifinal, won by the mammoth 747 — who faces a young upstart female named 901 in the final.
It's a bleak 'Day of the Girl' because of the pandemic. But no one's giving up hope
The United Nations established the Day of the Girl a decade ago to address issues that affect girls' rights: education, teen pregnancy and child marriage. Steady progress has been made. Then came COVID.
In 'Fen, Bog & Swamp,' Annie Proulx pens a history of wetland destruction
Writer Annie Proulx may be best known for her works of fiction. But her latest book is a thoroughly researched and reported look at the role that wetlands play in our ecosystem.
She wrote a Bigfoot book for kids. It was no small feat
“The Search for Sasquatch,” a new book for pre-teens, explores Bigfoot through a scientific lens. Its author hopes to model how to balance curiosity and exploration with staying grounded in the facts.
Fire destroys main lodge at popular northern Minnesota resort
The main building at a northern Minnesota resort that has hosted cross-country ski retreats, language camps, weddings and conferences for years was destroyed by fire Monday. News of the fire prompted an online outpouring of stories, memories and sympathy.
Windy and near 80 Tuesday with evening storms; cooler Wednesday
It’ll be a windy and warm Tuesday with highs in the 70s to low 80s. Evening thunderstorms are possible with a big drop in temperatures over the next couple of days.
Competitive pumpkin growers gather at Stillwater Harvest Fest
Competitive pumpkin growers made a beeline for the Stillwater Harvest Fest this past weekend. The annual gathering is now one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Midwest, with the pumpkin weigh-off as its centerpiece.
Is 'rainbow fentanyl' a threat to your kids this Halloween? Experts say no
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning that drug dealers are marketing rainbow-colored fentanyl to kids. Many drug experts say that's likely not happening.
In the agreement reached last month, the MPCA agreed to pay Mark Toso $159,000 plus mediation fees, but did not admit any wrongdoing. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Very warm, windy Tuesday with evening storms; cooler air moves in Wednesday
High temperatures will soar to near 80 in southern Minnesota Tuesday as strong south winds blow in warm air. A cold front will touch off some evening showers and thunderstorms. Some of those could be strong. Colder air moves in for Wednesday.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency says 12 migrants from Ireland and Great Britain were arrested after illegally entering the United States in northern Minnesota.
Supreme Court to hear case that could raise price of pork
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday over a California animal cruelty law that could raise the cost of bacon and other pork products nationwide. The case’s outcome is important to the nation’s $26-billion-a-year pork industry. 
Want to know what message midterm candidates think will win? Follow the money
Ad spending by Democrats on abortion-related messaging took off after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, Republican spending on crime ads tripled in September.
Key Senate races tighten with a flood of GOP ad spending
The field of the top 10 races most likely to flip finds Republicans making serious runs at five Democratic-controlled seats and Democrats contending in the other five.
Chauvin trial judge's advice to colleagues: Take breaks, keep comments short and stay off Twitter
At a conference in Nevada on Monday, Peter Cahill offered candid advice to his colleagues on managing high-profile cases. Among other things, he urged his fellow judges to find ways to manage stress, keep comments from the bench to a minimum and stay off of Twitter.
El Sazon’s cuisine served from an unlikely location
The restaurant is located inside a gas station — a place where people may make a quick stop for frozen pizzas and chips — not chef made food.