Stories from October 28, 2022

Mohamed Muse Noor, 37, is the latest person indicted in connection with what federal prosecutors describe as a “brazen scheme” centered in Minnesota to steal $250 million in federal child nutrition funds at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DFL incumbent Tim Walz and Republican challenger Scott Jensen exchanged jabs in the final debate of this years race for Governor. The two differed on abortion access, taxes, education and the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations and a surge in RSV cases in Minnesota
COVID-19 hospitalizations are up, as are cases in some parts of Minnesota. Wastewater data in Twin Cities Metro shows COVID load increased since last week. But for children in Minnesota, RSV is of greater current concern and is stressing the capacity at some hospitals.
Jerry Lee Lewis has died at age 87
The iconic rock 'n' roll pioneer and last living member of the "Million-Dollar Quartet" — whose meteoric rise collapsed almost as quickly as he ascended, thanks to scandal — has died at age 87.
Walz, Jensen clash in final debate before Election Day
Incumbent DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Republican challenger Scott Jensen sparred over issues ranging from education to the state's COVID-19 response during a noon debate Friday hosted by MPR News. Here’s an issue-by-issue look at what they said.
Politics Friday: The Gubernatorial Debate
With less than two weeks before Election Day, the DFL and Republican candidates for Minnesota governor met for their third and final debate on MPR News. Listen to the full debate here.
Why Black Americans are more likely to be saddled with medical debt
Black communities in the U.S. suffer disproportionately from health care debt. The reasons go back to segregation and a history of racist policies that have limited Black wealth.
Weekend weather: Above-normal temps, low wind, dry
We’ll have reasonable winds and warmer than normal temperatures this weekend. That’s good for leaf-raking and outdoor fun, but no help for our drought conditions.
Talking Volumes: Celeste Ng on 'Our Missing Hearts'
Host Kerri Miller’s second Talking Volumes event for the 2022 season took place at the Fitzgerald Theater on Oct. 26 with the acclaimed writer Celeste Ng.
Women leaders switching jobs at record rates, demand better from workplaces
Women leaders — already in short supply — are leaving their companies at rates not seen in years, a new report says. For every woman at the director level who gets promoted, two women directors leave.
Speaker Pelosi's husband severely beaten in home break-in
Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was severely beaten by an assailant who broke into their San Francisco home, and he's being treated by doctors for injuries, according to people familiar with the matter.
Unusually warm through most of next week; very mild Halloween
Friday begins a streak of mild days. Highs will be in the low to mid-60s across southern Minnesota with clouds moving out early. Temperatures remain 10 to 20 degrees above normal into next week and mainly dry.
North High students, teachers, parents call for solutions to gun violence in Minneapolis
Students, teachers and parents at North High School in Minneapolis say gun violence continues to take a heavy toll on their community. At a public forum, they talked about how the trauma of recent shootings and the fear of more has affected them inside and outside the classroom.  
In Chicago, handguns turned into high-capacity machine guns fuel deadly violence
A thumbnail-size "switch" turns a gun from semi-automatic to automatic. Authorities see a correlation between an uptick in mass shootings and the rise of switch-equipped guns and extended magazines.
DFL incumbent Tim Walz and Republican candidate Scott Jensen have met in two prior debates, both held in greater Minnesota. Their side-by-side appearance in St. Paul on Friday is the last time voters will see the two candidates engage before the election. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Decreasing clouds, warmer Friday into the weekend
Clouds will decrease Friday and temperatures will warm up. Look for highs in the low 60s south and 50s north. The mild temperatures stick around through the weekend along with a fair amount of sunshine.
An influential energy group sees reason for climate optimism
For the first time, the International Energy Agency projects that demand for fossil fuels will soon peak. It's nowhere close to the speed the world needs to stop climate change — but it's a big step.
Write-in challenger stirs up Republican politics in Otter Tail County
An intraparty power struggle is roiling the campaign in what should be a safe Republican legislative district in western Minnesota. A write-in candidate who alleges Republican Party officials cheated in the endorsement process is challenging the party’s nominee.