Stories from October 31, 2022

Pumpkins can be composted, donated to farms, fed to wildlife
Hold off before throwing that porch pumpkin into the trash along with Halloween candy wrappers. Those jack-o’-lanterns don't have to end up in the local landfill.
43-year-old Brian O'Hara is scheduled to appear at two open houses to discuss concerns about public safety with members of the public. 
Big fish: Monster muskie of Mille Lacs nets new Minnesota record
A Princeton, Minn., man caught a nearly 5-foot muskellunge in Mille Lacs Lake in June before taking a picture and a measurement and tossing it back. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on Monday confirmed it’s a new catch-and-release record.
Musk floats paid Twitter verification, fires board
Twitter's new owner fired the company's board of directors and made himself the board's sole member, according to a company filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Police: Pelosi suspect wanted to break speaker's knees
The man accused of attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer told police he wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps” to show other members of Congress there were consequences for their actions, authorities said Monday.
After fatal car crash, restorative justice brings peace for Maple Grove man
When Johnny Palka’s wife, Yvonne, was hit by a car and killed in November 2019, he had a choice: pursue traditional criminal prosecution for the driver, or something else.
How a potential railroad strike could affect Minnesotans and our economy
Kyle Goldschmidt, associate professor of operations and supply chain management at the University of St. Thomas speaks with guest host Melissa Townsend about the impact of a potential railroad workers strike on Minnesota.
What can horror movies teach us about ourselves and our society?
People have been telling stories about monsters, ghosts and the supernatural for centuries. But why does horror appeal to us? What can scary stories teach us about ourselves and society? Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a folklore professor and a film and TV critic.
Minnesota readies high-tech effort to clean up 'forever chemicals'
State environmental authorities said Monday they will soon deploy new technology to the Twin Cities eastern suburbs to help clean water supplies contaminated for years by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Lake Elmo will be the first test.
Boil water advisory issued for Mounds View
The city of Mounds View on Monday issued what it's calling a “precautionary boil water advisory” after there was a loss of pressure in the city's water mains.
Very mild Halloween, 70s midweek; rain possible late week
Highs will be well into the 60s Monday for most of Minnesota with more sunshine. Highs will be near or exceed 70 degrees Tuesday through Thursday for southern Minnesota before a potential storm system develops late this week.
Right-wing 'zombie' papers attack Illinois Democrats ahead of elections
Printed newspapers sent out across Illinois push Republican talking points against Democrats just in time for election season. They're taking advantage of the erosion of local news.
Two open houses will be held this week in Minneapolis for residents to meet Brian O’Hara, Mayor Jacob Frey’s nominee to be the city’s next police chief. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Johnson, McDermott lead Spurs to second victory over Wolves
Keldon Johnson had 25 points, Doug McDermott added 23 and the San Antonio Spurs beat Minnesota 107-98 on Sunday night, their second victory over the Timberwolves in a week.
Frederik Gaudreau lift Wild past Blackhawks, 4-3 in shootout
Frederik Gaudreau scored on a backhander in the third round of a shootout to give the Minnesota Wild a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Kirill Kaprizov scored for the Wild in the second round. 
Warmest Halloween in 22 years; even warmer midweek, then rain?
We’ll have another mostly sunny and very mild day Monday. Highs will be well into the 60s for much of Minnesota. The warmth continues and peaks midweek before potential rain at the end o the week.
Poll workers train for conflict: 'A little nervous? I am.'
America is getting ready to vote in the midterm election, and poll workers around the country are bracing for possible conflict in an era of polarization and misinformation. And that's especially acute in swing states like Wisconsin.
Capitol to host altar in observance of Día de los Muertos for the first time
Organizers and artists say this is the first time the Capitol has hosted such an observance of the holiday. And they say this historic event is a significant way to recognize Minnesota's Latino community.
Supreme Court revisits affirmative action in college admissions
The justices are re-examining decades of precedent allowing affirmative action policies. This time, however, there is every likelihood that the court will overrule some or all of those precedents.
Inflation still a top issue as campaign moves to final week
As the 2022 campaign enters its final week, the top issue — the economy and inflation —seems to favor Republicans. Frustration over rising prices tends to focus on the party that holds the White House, even though a president has little control over rising prices.
Magic and mayhem: LARPer life in Minnesota
Every Halloween, people across the country delight in dressing up in costumes and attending parties with friends. But for live action role players, or LARPers, it does not matter the time of year to don armor and to meet up with their friends to participate in a sprawling interactive theatrical experience.  
Amber Alert canceled after 2-year-old Apple Valley boy is found safe
An Amber Alert that was issued Sunday night in Minnesota for a 2-year-old boy missing from Apple Valley was canceled early Monday, after the boy was found safe in Minneapolis.