Stories from November 1, 2022

Call center workers strike over pay and working conditions
Call center workers at a federal contractor that handles calls about Medicare and the Affordable Care Act plans have staged a walkout in four states.
Fall's the best time to prep garden soil for new plants
If you’re planning a new bed for perennials, groundcovers, shrubs or trees to plant next spring, the path to success starts with a good foundation. It’s easier to improve soil before plants are in place, so the time to do so is now.
Axel Henry, currently the commander of the police department’s narcotics division, was named chief today.
Paul Pelosi's accused attacker to appear for first hearing
Besides attempted murder, the 42-year-old DePape faces state charges of burglary and elder abuse. Prosecutors are asking that he be held without bail.
Aubrey Roemmich of Ferguson Books & More in Grand Forks couldn’t put down “Maps of our Spectacular Bodies” by Maddie Mortimer.
The little library that could: the story behind the Little Falls Carnegie Library
A library funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1905 for $10,000 still stands in the town of Little Falls, Minn. Mike Worcester, executive director of the Morrison County Historical Society, tells the story of this library and it’s role in building the community of Little Falls.
Can political candidates actually follow through on their inflation promises? We find out
Some state political candidates are campaigning on promises to curb inflation. Akshay Rao, a professor of Marketing at the University of Minnesota, breaks down the cause of inflation right now and what a candidate can and can't do about it.
Candidates, groups spend big in pricey final campaign push
The last complete look at the finances of Minnesota candidates, parties and outside groups shows almost $80 million spent — so far — with the final week of the campaign still ahead.
From the archives: Dani Shaprio ponders marriage in 'Hourglass'
This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature last week’s Talking Volumes conversation between host Kerri Miller and author Dani Shapiro, where they ponder family secrets, shame and regret. While you wait, enjoy this archive discussion between Miller and Shapiro after the release of “Hourglass,” Shapiro’s memoir about marriage.
Penumbra Theatre takes on new role as center for racial healing
Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul is building on decades of work nurturing Black performers and playwrights to become a center for racial healing. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with Penumbra president Sarah Bellamy and other members of the leadership team about what this means.   
Adam Zimmer, former Vikings assistant coach, dies at 38
Corri Zimmer White, his younger sister, confirmed the death on her Instagram account on Tuesday. Adam Zimmer died on Monday, she said. No cause was given.
The Rock Hall of Fame opens to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are the rare songwriting and producing team to get into the prestigious hall, and they hope it will lead to more artists like them being inducted.
Migos rapper Takeoff dead after Houston shooting, rep says
A representative confirms that rapper Takeoff is dead after a shooting outside of a Houston bowling alley. Kirsnick Khari Ball was known as Takeoff and part of Migos along with Quavo and Offset. 
Roberts delays handover of Trump tax returns to House panel
Chief Justice John Roberts has put a temporary hold on the handover of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to a congressional committee. Roberts’ order Tuesday gives the Supreme Court time to weigh the legal issues in Trump’s emergency appeal to the high court, filed Monday.
Boil water advisory lifted for Mounds View residents
The Twin Cities suburb on Tuesday morning canceled a “precautionary boil water advisory” that had been in effect for more than a day, after testing found no contamination of the city’s water system.
Potential record warmth followed by soaking rains, cooler temperatures
High will be in the 60s and even low 70s Tuesday with warmer temperatures Wednesday, in the mid-70s across southern Minnesota. A significant storm system could bring soaking rains Thursday night into the weekend.
St. Paul police commander is mayor's choice to be city's next police chief
Axel Henry, leader of the St. Paul Police Department's narcotics, financial intelligence and human trafficking division, has worked with the department since 1998 and grew up in St. Paul.
Warm first days of November; significant weekend storm system possible
High temperatures will be in the 60s and low 70s across Minnesota Tuesday with more sunshine. Wednesday will be even warmer. We’re looking at the potential for needed rainfall by the end of the week.
Vikings seeing the benefit of leadership change in 6-1 start
Only the Philadelphia Eagles (7-0) have a better record in the NFC. Minnesota has three more wins than the next closest competitor in its division and has beaten each division opponent already this season.
Judge keeps North Dakota abortion ban from taking effect
A North Dakota judge says he'll keep the state’s ban on abortion from taking effect because there's a "substantial probability” that a constitutional challenge to the law will succeed in court. Judge Bruce Romanick’s Monday ruling means abortion is still legal in North Dakota.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
States struggle with pushback after wave of policing reforms
Two years after states around the country passed an unprecedented number of police reforms after the killing of George Floyd, some are struggling to make the new policies stick. 
How to make an ofrenda for Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday that commemorates loved ones who have died. It is believed their spirits return to their families, who put up ofrendas, or altars, on Nov. 1.
How the Supreme Court has ruled in the past about affirmative action
Since its first major decision on the subject in 1978, the court has repeatedly upheld universities' ability to consider the race of applicants as one of many factors in admissions decisions.
You asked: Are absentee ballots counted before the rest of the votes?
The government does not count absentee ballots before the rest of the votes. However, they are run through a tabulator beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1. Imagine the tabulator is like a kid counting birthday presents before opening them.