Stories from September 26, 2023

'People Collide' is a 'Freaky Friday'-type exploration of the self and persona
Isle McElroy's novel covers a deep exploration of marriage, love, and the ways we know one another — while also touching on how so much of how we navigate the world depends on how it sees us.
An annular solar eclipse is coming to parts of the U.S. in October
Residents from Oregon to Texas may be able to glimpse the annular eclipse, when the moon is deep in its orbit and passes in front of the sun, creating a black circle on the star.
Two months' worth of rain in some locations
Torrential rainfall is more than two month’s average in some locations.
Walz says he should have hired professional regulator for state cannabis czar, and Target is closing nine stores on east and west coast because it can’t stem thefts. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Walz shifts gears on Minnesota cannabis office leader
Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he would look for a marijuana oversight office leader who has prior regulatory experience after his first selection of an industry insider for the new post backfired.
Olivia Rodrigo wants you to decide what her songs are about
On “Guts,” the 20-year-old pop phenom is a little louder and funnier than the teenager on her debut — and even more fascinated with what the best songwriters leave out of the picture.
Striking autoworkers draw support from other unions in Plymouth
About 100 people gathered Tuesday outside a Stellantis parts distribution center in Plymouth, as union allies joined striking auto workers. Many said they were glad to see President Joe Biden taking their side as he visited a picket line in Michigan.
Biden urges striking auto workers to 'stick with it' in picket line visit unparalleled in history
President Joe Biden grabbed a bullhorn on the picket line Tuesday and urged striking auto workers to “stick with it” in an unparalleled show of support for organized labor by a modern president.
A new climate change report offers something unique: hope
Electric vehicles and solar power are growing quickly and offering hope the world could still meet climate change goals.
Minnesota Now: Sept. 26, 2023
Listen to the full show here.
Running groups might be the key to becoming an avid runner
Running can lead you to a longer and healthier life, but getting started isn’t easy for most of us. MPR News host Angela Davis talks to three runners about the joys and pains of running, how to get started and the benefits of joining a running community. 
Millions of Americans will lose food assistance if the government shuts down
A shutdown would affect the nearly 7 million women and children who rely on WIC for healthy food. Free school lunch and Meals on Wheels are also at risk, and SNAP could be impacted eventually too.
Vaughn Klingenberg is one of seven individuals who has filed to run for one of three open seats in the Twin Cities suburban school district. Roseville, Minn., district leaders are pushing back against Klingenberg’s stated beliefs. 
The dystopian suspense 'Land of Milk and Honey' satisfies all manner of appetites
Set in the near future, C Pam Zhang's atmospheric novel centers on a chef who takes a job at a tech entrepreneur's isolated compound after smog kills most of Earth's plant and animal species.
Minneapolis gallery selling first Bob Ross painting from PBS show for $9.85 million
Bob Ross’ first piece from the first episode of the PBS program “The Joy of Painting” 40 years ago is up for sale at the Minneapolis gallery Modern Artifact — for $9.85 million.
 Eleanor Savage on how artists create social change  
Can artists create social change? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the arts bring to our community with Eleanor Savage, the new president of the Jerome Foundation.
Ex-Rep. Vin Weber talks GOP infighting, possible government shutdown
“Everybody can say, ‘Well, it's going to be different this time.’ But everything tells us this will be a loser for the Republicans,” the former Minnesota GOP congressman said of a possible federal shutdown Sunday. He spoke with Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer.
A little more rainfall Tuesday; big late-week warmup
The weekend storm continues to affect southern Minnesota Tuesday with clouds and some lingering showers. A big warmup develops later this week into the weekend.
Some lingering showers and clouds Tuesday, brighter north
We will still have lingering clouds and some scattered lighter showers, especially across southern Minnesota Tuesday. Northern Minnesota will see more sun and slightly warmer temperatures.
The most rain over the past few days has fallen around the French river, on the North Shore of Lake Superior...More than seven inches of rain that led the streams and rivers from Duluth to Two Harbors to turn into raging torrents of water. Members from unions across Minnesota are rallying Tuesday alongside striking workers outside the Stellantis parts distribution center in Plymouth. Workers at the Plymouth facility joined the nationwide UAW strike Friday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Why many business owners would love it if you stopped using your credit card
The fees merchants pay for accepting credit cards are much higher in the U.S. than in Europe. Ice cream shop owner Victor Garcia, for example, paid more than $25,000 in swipe fees last year.