Stories from October 13, 2023

Former Minneapolis city official Ron Harris Friday says he'll run for a U.S. House seat in Minnesota's 3rd District, the seat currently held by DFL Congressman Dean Phillips. Also, prosecutors charged Karl Holmberg, 64, with attempted murder in the shooting of five officers in Benton county. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
Here's why COVID vaccines for young children may be hard to find right now
There are widespread delays in the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain from both Pfizer and Moderna. That’s made it hard for health systems to schedule appointments, especially for young children.
Republicans pick Jim Jordan as nominee for House speaker, putting job within the Trump ally's reach
Republicans chose Rep. Jim Jordan as their new nominee for House speaker on Friday during internal voting, putting the gavel within reach of the staunch ally of GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
 COVID-19 ticks down in Minnesota, Flu and RSV barely present
Emergency room visits for COVID-19 have dropped during the last couple of weeks in Minnesota. While there is no guarantee that trend will continue, there has been a longer downward trend for the United States as a whole.
'World of spices' inspires Minnesota chef to celebrate Turkish-Latin fusion for Hispanic Heritage Month
Join MPR News host Tom Crann as he explores the intersection of Turkish and Latin American cuisine with Amalia Moreno-Damgaard’s mouthwatering recipes for chicken kebabs and tacos al pastor.
An art exhibition on 'Deconstructing the Minnesota Flag'
Minneapolis artist Luis Fitch’s exhibition “Deconstructing the Minnesota Flag” at North Hennepin Community College showcases his design explorations of the state flag, aiming to ignite conversation and inspire submissions for a potential redesign.
76-year old pleads guilty to stealing 'Wizard of Oz' ruby red slippers
Terry Jon Martin, who was charged with stealing a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the film “The Wizard of Oz,” changed his plea to guilty at the federal courthouse in Duluth on Friday morning.
Kate DiCamillo tells her own tale
DiCamillo's books melt the hearts of readers with her stories of can-do kids. She mixes joy with just the right amount of melancholy. The two-time winner of the Newbery Medal just published her latest book “The Puppets of Spelhorst.”
Frost creeps across Minnesota as rain concludes the week
Widespread rains concluded the week with frost creeping across the majority of the state. a third of the Minnesota landscape is seeing moderate drought and 40 percent in extreme.
Proposed new standards would change how Minnesota students learn social studies
An administrative law judge will soon decide if the new approach, which adds ethnic studies, will take effect. Not everyone is convinced that it should. Minnesotans can offer public comment until Oct. 25.
Musician Dessa reflects on new album, live radio and Latin heritage
Multi-hyphenate talent Dessa has been busy with a new album release, radio hosting and touring. During Hispanic Heritage Month, she discussed with MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi her musical journey and how her Latina heritage influenced her work.
Authors with banned books talk about protecting access to stories
To mark Banned Books Week, three young adult authors whose books have been banned join MPR News host Kerri Miller to talk about the importance of keeping a diverse selection of books available in public schools and libraries nationwide.
Wild beat Panthers 2-0 behind Brock Faber's first NHL goal, 41 saves by Filip Gustavsson
Brock Faber got his first NHL goal in the first period and Filip Gustavsson stopped 41 shots for a season-opening shutout as the Minnesota Wild beat the Florida Panthers 2-0 on Thursday night.
Lovely widespread rain soaking much of Minnesota
Significant areas of wind-driven rain will continue over southern and central Minnesota through the day on Friday and into Friday night. Saturday will be drier. Sunday will be brighter with at least some sunshine and temperatures closer to normal for mid-October.
Biden awards $7 billion for clean hydrogen hubs across the country to help replace fossil fuels
The Biden administration has selected clean-energy projects from Minnesota to California for a $7 billion program to kickstart development and production of hydrogen fuel.
Five law enforcement officers are recovering after being shot while serving a warrant in central Minnesota Thursday. The St. Paul City Council is expected to vote soon on a major overhaul of the capital city’s residential zoning code. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
France has banned pro-Palestinian protests and vowed to protect Jews from resurgent antisemitism
France’s interior minister ordered local authorities to ban all pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid a rise in antisemitic acts since Hamas attacked Israel over the weekend. President Emmanuel Macron urged French people not to allow the war in the Mideast erupt into tensions at home.
America can't resist fast fashion. Shein, with all its issues, is tailored for it
With clothes cheaper than a latte, built for today's microtrends, Shein courts the same young women who launched the renaissance of thrifting and resale. Legal complaints about the company are many.
Wet and breezy
Rainy, gusty weather will continue on Friday.
Israel warns more than 1 million people to evacuate northern Gaza
The order from Israel faced immediate international objections, including from the U.N., which warned such an evacuation would have “devastating humanitarian consequences.”
How to help humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza
Humanitarian groups are working to respond to the violence in Israel and Gaza. Here are some ways to help — and avoid getting scammed.
Here's how you can see Saturday's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse
People in some areas of the western U.S. will be able to see the annular eclipse, when the moon passes directly in front of the sun. Experts urge viewers to watch the eclipse safely.
Roots of the Dancing Debutantes: Artist Russell Sharon looks back
Now in his mid-70s, Minnesota-based artist Russell Sharon covered thousands of miles during a decades-long career. Once a figure in the New York art world, he's relatively unknown in the part of northern Minnesota where he grew up. But that could change when his exhibit “Roots: A Retrospective” opens this weekend.
Families flock to Richfield backyard for 'duck encounters'
In one Richfield backyard, there isn’t your usual lawn furniture or swing set. Instead, there’s a royal blue, pink and turquoise hand-painted duck coop, multiple miniature swimming pools and a garden featuring one of the Heinen fowls’ favorites: tomatoes.