Stories from September 28, 2023

Teachers union, advocacy groups warn of ‘extremist’ school board candidates
A coalition of educators and advocates for Jewish and LGBTQ+ people on Thursday urged Minnesotans to know the views of who they choose for local school board seats this fall, noting that a Holocaust denier is seeking a board seat in Roseville
A federal lawsuit alleging that Minneapolis police and Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies targeted journalists is heading to trial. The alleged targeting happened during unrest following George Floyd's 2020 killing by a police officer. And Conagra Brands paid more than $8 million for air violations at its Waseca plant. Those news stories and more in today’s MPR News evening update. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
New Ulm Medical Center to close its 10 bed residential addiction services unit
Allina Health said in an email statement on Thursday that it made the decision to move away from the hospital-based residential addiction service to a new partial hospitalization and day treatment program. 
Chance for showers, thunderstorms overnight into Friday
Some showers and thunderstorms are possible late Thursday night into Friday morning as warmer and more humid air surges north. Highs will be well above normal Friday into the weekend.
Tens of thousands of Minnesotans will be newly eligible for driver's licenses on Oct. 1
Starting next week, all eligible Minnesotans — regardless of immigration status — can start getting their driver’s licenses. An estimated 81,000 people are newly eligible for licenses, permits and state ID cards. 
An appeals court has blocked the redrawing of Louisiana's congressional map
A federal appeals court blocked the redrawing of Louisiana's congressional map after a lower court found the redistricting plan likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voters' power.
Local blogger highlights the best of Minnesota this fall
Kristen Glazer runs the blog “Expedition Kristen” and shares the best spots for fall fun.
Weekend weather: Summery temps; Saturday morning rain chance
We’ll have a flashback to summer this weekend. Some spots could see a passing shower or thunderstorm Saturday morning. Leaf-peepers have many options this weekend.
‘Races are hosted on our land’: At the Twin Cities Marathon and beyond, Verna Volker wants to reclaim running as a Native tradition.
After moving from New Mexico to Minneapolis, Verna Volker founded a group called Native Women Running to create opportunities and community for Indigenous athletes. She’s also changing the face of a mostly white sport.
Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter,' dies at 82
Gambon was best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in most of the Harry Potter movies. The Irish-born actor got his start on stage and worked under Laurence Olivier.
$10M grant to boost cardiac arrest care in Minnesota
The grant will expand cardiac intensive care at M Health Fairview and fund training around a technology shown to increase survival rates for cardiac arrest patients, a University of Minnesota doctor told MPR News.
Drought conditions improve dramatically across Minnesota
Substantial rainfall in the past seven days had a really positive impact on Minnesota drought conditions, Thursday’s drought monitor report shows. Parts of the state will see a chance of thunderstorms on Friday.
The St. Paul City Council has passed an ordinance restricting smoking cannabis, tobacco and hemp products in public places and recreation areas. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after a man was shot and wounded by a law enforcement officer near Granite Falls Wednesday afternoon. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Slowly decreasing clouds Thursday and a little warmer
Expect clouds to slowly decrease Thursday allowing temperatures to be a little warmer. Friday will be much warmer with highs near 80 south and the chance of thunder north and west.
Donald Trump skipped the GOP debate again. This time, his rivals took him on directly
Several of Donald Trump’s rivals stepped up their attacks against him in Wednesday’s second Republican presidential debate. They were urgently trying to dent the former president’s commanding primary lead during an event that often seemed like an undercard without him. 
St. Cloud looks to bring new life, connections to revitalize city's downtown
St. Cloud is asking the Minnesota Legislature for $100 million in state bonding money to improve roads, bridges and other infrastructure. City leaders say they want to create a more vibrant, walkable downtown with more housing options.
Art Hounds: Bike shop textile art
A multi-sensory show in Owatonna Center for the Arts asks what legacy we create. 1950s rock ‘n roll comes to life in the musical “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Old Log Theatre near Excelsior, and Eric Ouren’s fiber art figures reward a close look at a bike shop in St Peter. 
McCarthy revives immigration battles in bid to shift shutdown blame from GOP feuds
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy still faces a bloc of conservatives who oppose any short-term funding bill to avoid a shutdown. He's trying to muscle through a partisan stopgap bill with border security.