Stories from October 18, 2022

Biden to release another 15M barrels from strategic reserve
The Department of Energy has another 400 million barrels in its strategic reserves, which the White House plans to restock as soon as prices fall to $67 to $72 per barrel.
First significant rain in 8 weeks possible Sunday
Our first significant rain chance in about eight weeks looks possible Sunday night. Early indications suggest many areas could see an inch of rain. While welcome, it won’t solve the needs of the drought-stricken Twin Cities. September was the driest on record.
FBI seeks tips on 'Umbrella Man' seen smashing windows at start of 2020 riots
The FBI is asking for the public's help identifying a man seen at a Minneapolis auto parts store at the start of the 2020 riots. Photos and video of “Umbrella Man” were among the most widely shared images from the unrest.
Mall of America is testing weapons detectors after three recent gun incidents and the last of the arsonists convicted of setting fires in the wake of the death of George Floyd gets more than six years in prison. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Entrepreneur Houston White has a lot going on
White, who operates a barbershop, apparel shop and a cafe has recently entered into a partnership with Target which is selling his designs.
Anna May Wong will become the first Asian American to be on U.S. currency
Dubbed Hollywood's first Asian American movie star, Wong championed the need for more representation and less stereotypical roles for Asian Americans on screen. She will be featured on new quarters.
Election 2022: Debates set for Minnesota governor on Oct. 18 and Oct. 28
On Oct. 18, Gray Television and KTTC will host a debate beginning at 7 p.m. between DFL Gov. Tim Walz and his Republican challenger, Dr. Scott Jensen, in Rochester. It will be the only televised debate.
Local sounds, voices and haikus: celebrating one year of Minnesota Now
As of today —- this little show has been on the air for one full year! That's more than 700 conversations about what's happening in Minnesota now. Host Cathy Wurzer shares some of her favorite moments from the past year.
The 2022 Minnesota high school girls wrestling champ goes to college
Last spring, host Cathy Wurzer talked with Edison High School senior Nari Miller about becoming the first Minnesota high school girls wrestling champ. Cathy reconnects with Nari who is now a first generation college student in Texas wrestling under a superstar coach.
Voter guide: See 7th District candidates' stances on abortion, education, more
In the 7th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach, a Republican who was first elected in 2020, faces Jill Abahsain, a Democrat running for federal office for the first time, and Travis Johnson, a Legal Marijuana Now party candidate and combat veteran.
Classie Dudley, President of the NAACP, Duluth Branch and Adair Mosley, CEO of the state-wide African American Leadership Forum, speak on the issues they care most about and how they are getting out the vote for the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
Bao Phi on his watching his award winning children's book come to the stage in Hopkins
Bao Phi’s children’s book “In a Different Pond” won the Caldecott Medal in 2018 and has now been adapted for theater and is currently playing at Stages Theatre in Hopkins. Bao Phi talks with host Cathy Wurzer about his work and watching it come alive on stage.
Diversity a strength on U's Morris campus, student leader says
University of Minnesota Morris student body president Dylan Young spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Tuesday about regent Steve Sviggum’s recent comments suggesting that racial diversity was hurting Morris’ enrollment, and if he feels Sviggum should resign.
Voter guide: See 1st District candidates' stances on abortion, inflation, more
Voters in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District may feel some “Groundhog Day” vibes on Nov. 8; three of the candidates from the summer’s special election are on the ballot again for the general election race in a redrawn district.
Tuesday’s chill, then a late week warmup; some rain possible next week
Tuesday will remain chilly with highs in the 30s to low 40s but with sunshine and slightly lighter winds. We’re still on track to see 60s and 70s in southern Minnesota this weekend.
'In the Mouth of the Wolf' examines the murder of a Mexican investigative reporter
Since 2000, more than 150 journalists have been killed in Mexico. Among them is Regina Martinez, a veteran journalist reporting on government corruption and human rights abuses in Veracruz state.
Liz Truss' waning power brings political plots, and jokes
This has not been a good week for Liz Truss. Britain's prime minister is scrambling to recover her grasp on power after her economic plans were ripped up and repudiated by a Treasury chief whom she was forced to appoint to avoid meltdown on the financial markets.
University of Minnesota regent Steve Swiggum’s recent assertion that diversity might be a marketing problem for the Morris campus is drawing pushback. White students make up about 54 percent of enrollment, compared to about 58 percent in the pre-pandemic years. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Lincoln prioritized democracy over his political future. A new biography explains why
Presidential historian Jon Meacham speaks with NPR about his new biography, ”And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” It examines Lincoln's actions as well as motivations.
Cold still Tuesday with much warmer temperatures in sight
It’ll be another unseasonably cold day Tuesday with highs in the 30s to low 40s in southern Minnesota. We should see mostly sunny skies. Wind chills are starting out in the teens and even single digits. Temperatures trend upward Wednesday into the weekend.
Avalanche keep goalie-challenged Wild winless in 6-3 victory
Mikko Rantanen scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Nathan Mackinnon had a goal and two assists as the Colorado Avalanche beat Minnesota 6-3. 
Velasco scores game-winning penalty in shootout for Dallas
Alan Velasco scored the game-winning penalty in a shootout and Dallas advanced past Minnesota 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in the MLS playoffs.
In Ukraine, trend lines point to escalation, not an endgame
When the question comes up on how the war in Ukraine ends, the debate tends to be brief. After eight months of fighting, most all the signs are pointing toward prolonged conflict.
What Xi Jinping's decade in power means for people in China — in their own words
Xi Jinping has become China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. NPR has been speaking with a broad range of Chinese people about the impact he has had. Here is what four of them had to say.
Biden is on the midterm campaign trail. But he's not welcome everywhere
Joe Biden's approval ratings are underwater, so many Democratic candidates in tough races have avoided campaign appearances with him. But there are places where he can help.
THC businesses struggle to keep up as Minnesota cities set inconsistent rules
The state legalization of THC products in July delighted some Minnesotans. But critics say the new law lacks proper regulation. As a result several communities have imposed local ordinances and some outright bans on retailers. Now THC businesses find themselves navigating a changing patchwork of retail regulations.