Stories from October 27, 2022

Minnesota's gubernatorial campaign is heading into the home stretch, with more endorsements. Also, charges are filed in high profile Roseville slaying. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Election Day is Nov. 8, but legal challenges already begin
More than 100 lawsuits have been filed this year around the Nov. 8 elections. The legal challenges, largely by Republicans, target rules for mail-in voting, early voting, voter access, voting machines, voting registration, the counting of mismarked absentee ballots and access for partisan poll watchers.
Renewable jobs boom continues but how long can it last?
There are now 12.7 million jobs worldwide in renewable energy including 700,000 new jobs in the past year alone. The growth of renewable jobs has been impressive — but how long can this boom last?
Video: Explosives topple landmark former power plant in Granite Falls
Demolition experts leveled a decommissioned power plant in western Minnesota on Thursday, using explosives to bring down two giant smokestacks and the nearly century-old building in Granite Falls.
Election integrity the key issue in Minnesota secretary of state race
DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon faces a challenge from Kim Crockett, a Republican who has disputed the validity of the 2020 election despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura endorses Walz
Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura endorsed Governor Tim Walz for reelection on Thursday. He said he doesn’t believe in the two major parties but this year's election is too important not to weigh in.
Your Vote: What's the future of recreational marijuana legalization in Minnesota?
All this week, MPR News host Angela Davis is discussing what matters to you as you prepare to vote in November. Today’s topic: the future of recreational marijuana legalization in Minnesota.
Weekend weather: Above-normal temps; no drought relief
We don’t have any rain (or snowflakes) in the weekend forecast. Many spots will have high temps that are 10 or more degrees above normal. We have your weekend weather details, plus a look at the updated drought map for Minnesota.
Minnesota Now for Oct. 27, 2022
Listen to the full show here.
All the sports news you need to know: 10-27-22 edition
The hockey season is kicking off as the baseball season is winding down, and some Minnesota football fans are feeling cautiously optimistic. Sports reporters Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson talk with Cathy Wurzer about the latest pro sports news.
National 4-H winner from Minnesota turns toy cars into mobility devices for kids
20 year old Nicole Cash from Farmington, Minnesota just won a national 4-H award for her robotics invention that helps toddlers. She talks with Cathy Wurzer about the device and the magic of urban 4-H.
This scientist is working with NASA to send astronauts with physical disabilities into space
Dr. Pablo de León, director of the Human Spaceflight Laboratory at the University of North Dakota, is working with NASA to find ways to help astronauts with physical disabilities go into space. He talks with Cathy Wurzer about his work.
The man who may be the next chief of police in Minneapolis answers our questions
Minneapolis police chief nominee Brian O’Hara talks with Cathy Wurzer about his past police work in Newark, New Jersey, his record and his plans for the Minneapolis force.
Thursday sprinkles, then milder; drought keeps grip on Minnesota
Drought hangs onto Minnesota with little change in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. Parts of southwestern Minnesota will see a little measurable light rain Thursday. Milder temperatures build back Friday into the weekend.
U.S. economy returned to growth last quarter, expanding 2.6 percent
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.6 percent annual rate from July through September, snapping two straight quarters of economic contraction and overcoming punishingly high inflation and interest rates.
Abdul Abubakar Ali, 40, of St. Paul is among 50 people whom the government has charged with defrauding two U.S. Department of Agriculture child nutrition programs, connected to the nonprofit Feeding Our Future. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
More clouds with a few showers Thursday then warming up
Increased cloud cover and a few light showers are possible Thursday, mainly in southwest Minnesota. Highs will be well into the 50s despite the clouds. It will be more breezy, from the southeast at 10-15 mph.
USDA announces $759M for high-speed internet in rural areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing $759 million in grants and loans to enable rural communities to access high-speed internet. It's part of the broader $65 billion push for high-speed connectivity from last year’s infrastructure law.
Landmark power plant in western Minnesota to be imploded
A long-shuttered power plant in western Minnesota will be imploded Thursday, ending nearly a century as a landmark in the region.
Art Hounds: Add some theater to your Halloween weekend
Cabarave combines theater and circus performance with a Halloween-themed nightclub atmosphere this Friday and Saturday night in Minneapolis. Drag performer Roxie Manacoochi performs a Halloween cabaret at Austin Country Club and the Twin Cities Film Fest has a full lineup of shows through Saturday night.
Minnesota governor hopefuls take small-town roots into big-time showdown
Candidate origin stories sometimes get lost in the heat of contentious campaigns, but they can help illuminate and explain why political hopefuls see the world as they do. That’s true for DFL Gov. Tim Walz and GOP challenger Scott Jensen.