Stories from October 4, 2023

Twins advance for 1st time in 21 years with 2-0 win to sweep Blue Jays behind Gray, Correa
The Minnesota Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their AL Wild Card Series with a 2-0 win in Game 2. Sonny Gray pitched five innings and Carlos Correa contributed an RBI single and a quick-twitch tag off a pickoff throw from Gray that ended the fifth. The Twins advanced for the first time in 21 years.
A pair of planned health care system mergers is under review by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. And Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer will seek the second-highest position in the U.S. House. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
Students across Minnesota walk or roll to school
Around 200 schools in Minnesota participated in Walk or Bike to School Day Wednesday to raise awareness for pedestrian safety and encourage students to be active.
Some homecoming events at the Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School were canceled last week amidst a district investigation of a “violation of its code of conduct” among some students. Local police say new information has come to light, prompting an investigation.
Frey asks council to approve 3rd Precinct close to abandoned precinct
In a letter sent on Wednesday, Frey urged council members to fund construction of a new precinct building at 2600 Minnehaha Avenue South, which city staff previously estimated would cost up to $26 million. 
For Alix E. Harrow, writing 'Starling House' meant telling a new story of Kentucky
Alix E. Harrow's Starling House depicts a dying, fictional coal town's horrors and dark past. Harrow joins a long tradition of authors writing Gothic fiction as a way to process the ills of society.
Rep. Tom Emmer vying for promotion to majority leader post
Tom Emmer is the No. 3 Republican in House leadership and has been mentioned as a candidate to move up following the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Fall colors peaking up north
Annual fall color peak in the next week across Minnesota.
‘Science needs you’: The need for a diverse workforce in STEM fields
Women have made profound contributions to science that have reshaped the world. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota scientists Bridgette Shannon and Jayshree Seth about what it’s like to be a woman in the science field — overcoming barriers and finding success in their research and individual careers.
How to plan ahead for your spring garden
The summer growing season is coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for next year.
What's the context behind Target's store closures?
For more context behind the news, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with George John. He is the marketing chair at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
'The most Midwestern thing ever': Last winter's snow is still around at Trollhaugen ski area
After piling up all of the snow at the end of last winter’s ski season, Trollhaugen ski area’s “snow scientists” kept it protected from summer temperatures as high as 98 degrees. That snow pile is still holding strong — and it’s ready to be uncovered.
Conservative speakers at U of M cause stir with students, professor explains need for other views
On Wednesday night, former Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney will give a lecture at the University of Minnesota. Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the U, is teaming up with former Republican Minnesota Rep. Vin Weber to bring more varied political voices to campus.
Why is ADHD often overlooked in adults, especially women?
ADHD is a common diagnosis in children. But it’s not just for kids. Many adults are also learning they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — especially women. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how problems with attention and focus show up later in life.
Trio wins Nobel Prize in chemistry for work on quantum dots
Three scientists in the United States have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work on quantum dots. Those are particles a few atoms in diameter that can release very bright colored light and are used in electronics and medical imaging.
Much cooler remainder of the week; 80s may be over
Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive day in the 80s but is it the last, climatologically? Look for much cooler air and more possible showers Thursday and Friday.
Minnesota delegation responds to historic ouster of Speaker McCarthy
The Minnesota delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives followed party lines. Here’s how your representatives responded to the historic removal of the House speaker.
Michael Connelly, Nikki Grimes, Judy Blume and other authors unite against book bans
During what the ALA is calling Banned Books week, more than a dozen high-profile authors are taking a stand against censorship. Author Michael Connelly alone has donated $1 million to the cause.
The Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3 to 1 on Tuesday. The key to that win was rookie Royce Lewis, who batted in three runs on two home runs. He hit his runs in his first two postseason bats. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cooler and windy Wednesday; more showers Thursday then colder
The summerlike weather has moved out. Temperatures will be near normal Wednesday, but even cooler air is coming Friday along with the chance of some showers.
MLB playoffs 2023: Twins, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Phillies look to advance Wednesday
After winning their Wild Card Series openers on the first day of Major League Baseball’s playoffs, the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies can advance to the next round with victories Wednesday. 
Vatican gathering tackles topics from women in ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics
Roman Catholic leaders from around the world are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church, including whether to allow women to become deacons.
Why this fight is so personal for the UAW workers on strike
Third-generation UAW worker Eric Mullins can see what the union is fighting for, up close and personal, including the same pay as longer-tenured coworkers — and the same retirement his dad will have.
Elon Musk is being sued for libel for accusing a man of having neo-Nazi links
A picture of Ben Brody, 22, began circulating on social media, accusing him of being involved in a brawl between right-wing extremist groups. Brody says he made several attempts to clear his name.
Stores across Minnesota are selling Narcan over the counter. Here’s what to know
Naloxone, also known by the name brand Narcan, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can save someone from a fatal overdose. As of early September it can be found on shelves and purchased over the counter across the country.
New group with focus on Minnesota school board candidates launches
The School Board Integrity Project is part of a surge in groups across the political spectrum that are organizing to influence school board elections and promote candidates that back their views.
5 people were wounded in a shooting at Morgan State University
Five people were wounded, none critically, in a shooting that interrupted a homecoming week celebration at Morgan State University on Tuesday, prompting a lockdown of the historically Black college.
A former youth pastor at a Duluth church was arrested Tuesday and charged with sexually abusing five teenage girls. St. Louis County prosecutors said that Jackson Michael Gatlin, 35, assaulted the teens between 2007 and 2010.
Judge issues gag order on Trump in business fraud case
Judge Arthur Engoron issued the order on former President Donald Trump and his legal team on Tuesday as a result of a social media post featuring one of the judge's staffers.