Stories from October 11, 2023

Soaking rains moving in Thursday and Friday
A slowly moving rain system will drop widespread significant rainfall.
Minnesotans with family connections in Gaza are struggling to reach their loved ones amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Bombings have shut down electricity and cut off internet. That story and more on today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Now: Oct. 11, 2023
Listen to the full show here.
Huttner: Significant rain on the way
MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner shares when you could see rain this week.
Burnsville officials report 'unusual number' of calls about raccoons acting strangely
“These raccoons have been observed to be staggering, experiencing seizures, unafraid of their surroundings and allowing people to approach them, or laying/slumped for an extended period of time,” the city reported this week.
Avian flu detected in Meeker County turkey flock
It’s the first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Minnesota since last spring, and likely is connection to the fall migration of wild birds.
A new National Association of Nonprofits survey found four out of five Minnesota nonprofits are struggling with job vacancies. Minnesota nonprofits are also reporting more workforce shortages than nonprofits in other states.
Endless entertainment: The TV shows, films and plays to watch
Fall brings a fresh slate of stories to screens and theaters everywhere. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Star Tribune columnist Neal Justin about the new shows worth a binge, and with MPR News arts editor Max Sparber about the plays you can find in theaters across the Twin Cities. 
Walz orders flags be flown at half-staff following attack on Israel
Walz encouraged individuals and businesses to also fly their flags at half-staff to remember, mourn and honor victims following Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel.
Health highlights from Wellness Wednesday 
Every Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks about health and wellness. Listen to highlights from recent shows about the COVID-19 booster, vision health and kidney disease.  
Minnesota Aurora adding 2nd team — and you can try out for it
The new team will be called Aurora 2 and players will be added through Aurora tryouts and recruiting, serving as a pathway for players aspiring to make the first team.
Minnesota officials overshot tax rebate estimate by $144M
A tax rebate that was supposed to top $1 billion wound up beneath that threshold because of fewer eligible dependents, state officials said.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners show the beauty — and precarity — of nature
The winning photographs star different species from around the world, all highlighting the interplay between animals and humans. The two grand titles went to shots of a horseshoe crab and barn owls.
Significant rain on the way after a nice Wednesday
Wednesday will bring more sun and near normal temperatures in central and southern Minnesota while northeastern Minnesota sees clouds. Rain is on the way Thursday into Friday.
How to talk to children about the violence in Israel and Gaza
Many children have likely already heard about the attacks in Israel, whether from school or overhearing the news. Let them ask questions, experts say — it's OK if you don't have all the answers.
The attack on Israel Saturday by Hamas militants has galvanized Jewish communities around the world — and in Minnesota. On Tuesday night, a solidarity gathering in St. Louis Park drew thousands of people. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
One more day of sun Wednesday; rain develops Thursday into Friday
Wednesday will yield more sun for central Minnesota ahead of a developing storm system that will bring rain late Thursday into Friday. Significant rainfall is possible Friday.
This next NASA mission to an asteroid is seriously metal
A NASA mission called Psyche is about to launch on a mission out to an unusual asteroid that's scientists believe is largely composed of metal.
Amazon sellers say they made a good living — until Amazon figured it out
The federal government has sued Amazon for allegedly using its monopoly power to stamp out rivals. Now, some small businesses that sell on the marketplace reveal what it's like to depend on Amazon.
‘A smile on my heart’: Minnesota Twins fans hold out hope after Game 3 loss
The Minnesota Twins are further into the post season than they've been in many years. That's brought fans out in droves and packed Target Field on Tuesday as the team battles in the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros.
The Washington Post will cut 240 jobs through voluntary buyouts
The Washington Post plans to cut 240 jobs, or almost 10 percent of its workforce, through voluntary buyouts to avoid layoffs. Leaders said they had been "overly optimistic" about growth.
What is the Gaza Strip? Here's what to know
With high poverty and unemployment and severe restrictions on movement, life in the Gaza Strip was already difficult before Israel's retaliatory offensive began this week in response to Hamas attacks.