Stories from November 2, 2022

Nearly a quarter of Republican legislative candidates in Minnesota are election doubters, and about two thirds of eligible voters are expected to cast ballots in the state next week. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
It’s the time of year when meteorologists start scanning the medium-range forecast models for potential snowstorms.
Biden implores voters to save democracy from lies, violence
After weeks of reassuring talk about America’s economy and inflation, President Joe Biden turned Wednesday night to a darker, more urgent message, warning in the final days of midterm election voting that democracy itself is under threat from former President Donald Trump’s election-denying lies and the violence he said they inspire.
At an emotional hearing, the Parkland shooter is formally sentenced to life in prison
After a jury recommended the sentence, the judge could not change it. But she did allow victims and families to speak directly to Nikolas Cruz for the first time to express their anger and grief.
As RSV surges in Minnesota, journalist Jana Shortal shares her son's story
KARE 11 journalist Jana Shortal got a firsthand look recently at the challenges faced by an overwhelmed health care system when her young son came down with RSV. She spoke to MPR News about the experience.
U of M stepping up weekend police presence around Twin Cities campus
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities announced Wednesday it is increasing police presence around its East Bank campus, following a series of fireworks assaults last weekend.
Reflecting on careers of Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis ahead of Hall of Fame induction
The music duo met in high school in Minneapolis before finding themselves atop the Billboard charts, thanks to collaborations with Janet Jackson and Usher.
Nearly 1 in 4 Minnesota GOP legislative candidates questioned 2020 election
An MPR News analysis of campaign platforms, public comments and actions, social media posts and court documents found that 43 Republicans currently running for the Minnesota Legislature have denied or questioned the 2020 election. If elected, they could influence Minnesota’s voting laws.
St. Paul artist is behind Google doodle of Indigenous stickball game
On the first day of Native American heritage month, Google is honoring the North American Indigenous game of stickball with a doodle by Saint Paul-based artist Marlena Myles.
How national politics are changing Minnesota’s 2022 school board elections
School board elections are unusually contentious in Minnesota this year. Here’s how the fallout from pandemic education policies and national political strategies is affecting local races. 
'A daunting responsibility, and one I embrace': St. Paul police chief nominee has deep roots in city
"We have a lot of young folks that are struggling right now, we have a community that needs us better than ever — and we have to show up at every level in this city,” said Axel Henry, after his nomination to serve as St. Paul’s next police chief.
Wind, record warmth Wednesday; weekend rain track shifts
Wednesday will be the peak of our warmth with highs well into the 70s across central and southern Minnesota. Gusty winds will blow from the south at 15-25 mph with gusts of 30-40 mph. Rain is possible Thursday night into the weekend but the heaviest area is shifting.
Suns win 5th straight behind Johnson, beat Wolves 116-107
Cam Johnson scored 29 points, making seven 3-pointers, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 for their fifth straight victory. 
Kaprizov scores twice; Minnesota beats Montreal 4-1
Kirill Kaprizov had two goals and Mason Shaw scored his second career goal in as many games, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Meeting abortion patients where they are: providers turn to mobile units
In response to increasing abortion restrictions in the region, a Planned Parenthood chapter in Missouri and Illinois is preparing to open a mobile unit providing abortions in southern Illinois.
Record warm Wednesday and Wednesday night; rain develops Thursday night
Another very warm day Wednesday with highs in the 70s and 60s north. We’ll have sunshine filtered through high clouds with blustery south winds at 15-25 mph. Thursday will again be warm with rain showers possible Thursday night and a more significant weekend system.
CVS Health agrees to $5B settlement of opioid lawsuits
CVS Health says it has agreed to pay about $5 billion to state, local and Native American tribal governments to settle lawsuits over the toll of opioids. The deal would make the Rhode Island company the first major pharmacy chain to enter a nationwide settlement over how it handled powerful and addictive prescription painkillers.
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. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
The Fed is poised for another jumbo interest rate hike. Many are wondering what's next
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by another 0.75 percentage points Wednesday, as part of its ongoing effort to fight inflation. The big question is, what happens next.
This coral reef resurrected itself — and showed scientists how to replicate it
While scientists studied a coral reef ecosystem in the South Pacific, rising temperatures led them to believe it was doomed. Then, something miraculous happened.
RSV is surging. Here's what to watch for and answers about treatment options
Doctors say they are seeing an unprecedented number of cases. How concerned should parents be? Why are young children so vulnerable? What's causing this year's outbreak? We offer some answers.
Vijay Iyer to bring his music to Minneapolis, focus on Black Lives Matter movement
When the Vijay Iyer Trio plays the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis this week the band will draw on several hours of material to build the set live. However, Iyer says it’s likely they will play one particular piece from the album “Uneasy” due to the proximity to the site of George Floyd’s death.
You asked: Can people convicted of a felony vote in Minnesota?
A person must be out of prison and be done with probation, parole or any form of supervised release in order to vote in Minnesota. For example, someone who is out of prison, working and paying taxes still can’t vote if they’re on parole.
Investigators raid Seoul police over the deadly crowd surge
The raids by South Korea's National Police Agency on local police came a day after the national agency acknowledged that Seoul police failed to act for hours despite calls warning of a swelling crowd.