Stories from October 3, 2023

Twins win first playoff game since 2004
The Twins Tuesday won their first postseason game since 2004. The 3-1 game against the Toronto Blue Jays is part of a three-game series for the American League Wild Card.
The Supreme Court seems skeptical of a challenge to consumer agency
The case before the high court Tuesday examined how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is funded. A ruling in favor of payday lenders could gut the agency.
Republicans in Minnesota’s Congressional delegation backed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a successful effort Tuesday to oust him from power. All of Minnesota’s Democrats voted to remove McCarthy. This is the MPR News evening update, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Public proposals start pouring in for Minnesota’s new flag and seal
The search for Minnesota’s new flag and seal is on with more than 50 submitted Tuesday, just hours after a state redesign commission opened the portal for proposals. Here’s how to add your idea.
'Eve' author says medicine often ignores female bodies. 'We've been guinea pigs'
Author Cat Bohannon says there's a "male norm" in science that prioritizes male bodies. Female bodies have been left out of countless clinical studies, and research is only just starting to catch up.
Gordon was an art student at St. Norbert College in 1961 and was working as an assistant for Packers equipment manager Gerald “Dad” Braisher when he was offered the chance to design the team’s logo.
6 big purchases that can save energy, money at home
To live a more climate friendly life, invest in home appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, say sustainability experts. Here are a few energy-saving solutions to consider.
McCarthy says the House will vote today on the effort to oust him as speaker
As hard-line House Republicans move to oust Kevin McCarthy from his speakership, Democrats are weighing whether to help. It remains unclear how much support the effort to oust him has.
Urban League Twin Cities leader Marquita Stephens on engagement, equity and leadership
For the first time in its history, a woman is leading the Urban League Twin Cities. MPR News host Angela Davis talks to Marquita Stephens, president and CEO of this historic civil rights organization. 
Agostini, Krausz and L’Huillier win physics Nobel for looking at electrons in fractions of seconds
Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics for their work on how electrons zip around the atom during the tiniest fractions of seconds. The field could one day lead to better electronics or disease diagnoses. 
Rain, thunderstorms possible late Tuesday; temps set for big fall
Tuesday will still be summerlike with late day and overnight storms possible. Wednesday will be cooler but by Friday it will be even colder.
Some Minnesota libraries offer users chance to check out the great outdoors
Local libraries offer the chance to check out new books, DVDs, video games and more. However, for the past two years, some libraries across Minnesota also offer the chance to explore the outdoors with free state park passes. 
A committee of the Minneapolis City Council has rejected the $145,000 workers' compensation claim of a police officer who beat a man during unrest following the killing of George Floyd. The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced Monday it’s finished processing the one-time tax rebate payments. It sent just over 2 million direct deposits and paper checks — totaling nearly a billion dollars — to eligible Minnesotans over the last 45 days. This is an MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music By Gary Meister.
One more summerlike day Tuesday; showers and much cooler air ahead
Tuesday will bring one more day in the 80s for southern Minnesota. A cold front will spark showers and thunder later in the day into the overnight. Much cooler air is coming.
Pablo López and the Twins aim to stop playoff skid when they host the Blue Jays in Wild Card Series
The Minnesota Twins have the longest postseason losing streak in major North American professional sports at 18 straight games. Their last playoff victory was over the New York Yankees in October 2004.
Panda Diplomacy: The departure of DC's beloved pandas may signal a wider Chinese pullback
The National Zoo’s three giant pandas are set to return to China in early December with no public signs that the 50-year old exchange agreement struck by former President Richard Nixon will continue.
PrEP prevents HIV infections, but it's not reaching Black women
A significant number of new HIV infections happen among Black women, and a health education effort in Atlanta wants to make sure Black women can access the HIV-prevention medicines known as PrEP.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried's trial is about to start. Here's what you need to know
Sam Bankman-Fried faces seven criminal charges, including for defrauding investors. His blockbuster trial is set to begin on Tuesday, and he could face an over 100-year prison term if convicted.
A nationwide emergency alert test is coming to your phone on Wednesday
The federal government will test the emergency alert system by sending messages to millions of cellphones, TVs and radios. Prepare for your phone to emit loud sounds and vibrations.