Stories from October 24, 2022

Author Colleen Hoover went from tending cows to writing bestsellers
The top-selling author in the country right now is a 42-year-old mom and former social worker who lives in the same small Texas town where she's spent practically her entire life.
Recycling plastic is practically impossible – and the problem is getting worse
A new report from Greenpeace found that people may be putting plastic into recycling bins — but almost none of it is actually being recycled. Meanwhile, plastic production is ramping up.
Man who killed protester in Minneapolis pleads guilty to murder
A man who drove his car into a crowd of protesters last year, killing one and injuring several others, pleaded guilty Monday to murder.
Guilty plea, bench trial, mean jury won't hear final cases in George Floyd killing, and RSV is making an early surge among Minnesota kids, sending many to hospitals. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson.
Your Vote: Abortion is top of mind for many voters heading into the election
All this week, MPR News host Angela Davis discusses what matters most to you as you prepare to vote in November. How did abortion emerge as a political issue and what role is it playing in the midterm election?
Guía del votante: Vea las posturas de los candidatos del 7º Distrito sobre el aborto, la educación, y más
En el Sétimo Distrito Congresional, la representante federal Michelle Fischbach, republicana y quien fue elegida por primera vez en el 2020, se enfrenta a Jill Abahsain, demócrata que se presenta por primera vez a un cargo federal, y a Travis Johnson, candidato del partido Legal Marijuana Now y veterano de guerra. El distrito cubre la mayor parte del oeste de Minnesota.
Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan dead at 67
The Will & Grace actor died following a car crash this morning. Jordan's fame was on the rise as a social media star.
Guía del votante: Vea las posturas de los candidatos del 2º Distrito sobre las armas, el aborto, y más.
Minnesota tiene ocho escaños en la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos, y todos ellos están en juego este otoño. De esos ocho, la contienda por el Segundo Distrito del Congreso es una de las campañas de la Cámara más seguidas del país.
After big first season, Minnesota Aurora eyes going pro in women's soccer
The team said Monday it’s begun talking to investors “as part of the next steps to join a professional league.” The Aurora quickly built a big fan base in Minnesota, averaging 5,000 fans per game in its inaugural year.
Fourth Feeding Our Future defendant to plead guilty
Court records show that Abdul Abubakar Ali, 40, of St. Paul, who pleaded not guilty last month to charges of wire fraud and money laundering, is expected to change his plea at a Wednesday afternoon hearing.
Car caked with mud this morning? Thank Great Plains dust and a light rain
The combination of high-level winds carrying dust from the Great Plains, and a trace of rain to bring it to the ground, left a dirty patina on cars and trucks across the region Monday morning.
Ex Minneapolis police officers won't have jury trial for George Floyd's murder
Former officer J. Alexander Kueng accepted a plea deal that will require him plead guilty to one charge. And instead of a jury trial, former officer Tou Thao's case will now be decided by a judge.
Abortion will be on the minds of Minnesota voters, UMN law professor says
Minnesota voters won’t see specific abortion questions in November, but the issue is still likely to galvanize supporters and opponents as they pick candidates for the Legislature and the governor’s office, a University of Minnesota professor told MPR News Monday.
Rainfall for some, dust for others; cooler air returns
Rainfall amounts were hit and miss Sunday night. A Monday cold front is dropping temperatures. Expect a few showers and a blustery west wind. Monday night temps will drop into the 30s to near 40. Temperatures the remainder of the week will be near normal.
Televised debates focus on crime, election security in Minnesota
Candidates for Minnesota attorney general and secretary of state took part in debates broadcast on KSTP-TV on Sunday night, but Gov. Tim Walz declined an invitation to debate.
Service workers at the University of Minnesota have reached a tentative contract agreement that a union official said provides “significant economic gains” for union members. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Falling temperatures Monday; seasonable week ahead
A warm morning Monday with temperatures dropping from the 60s into the 50s. It will be mainly cloudy with isolated shower or a thunderstorm. Monday night will be colder with lows in the 30s to near 40. Sunshine returns Tuesday with seasonable temperatures in the 50s south, 40s north.
Rishi Sunak to become Britain's next prime minister
Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is set to become Britain’s next prime minister after winning the Conservative leadership race. He now faces the huge task of stabilizing the party and country at a time of economic and political turbulence.
Edwards scores 30 as Timberwolves roll past Thunder 116-106
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-106. Edwards made 13 of 19 field goals and had 11 rebounds.
The U.S. set a new record for apprehensions at the southern border
Migrants apprehensions at the southern border this past year jumped by 37 percent compared to the year ago. A growing number of border-crossers are from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.
Jury selection begins in the Trump Organization tax evasion trial
Former President Donald Trump's family company has long been involved in countless business disputes that landed it in civil court. But it has never been tried in a court of law for crimes, until now.
New legislative district expands the influence of Native voters
Redistricting created a state senate district in north central Minnesota that expanded the number of Native American voters. The GOP and DFL candidates are both tribal members. But will the Native vote influence the outcome in an area that leans Republican?
India residents celebrate Diwali with festivities, dazzling lights
Indians celebrated Diwali on Monday as bright oil lamps and colorful lights lit up homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.