Stories from October 16, 2023

U.S. government agrees to settlement with migrant families separated at the border
The deal, which a federal judge must approve, bars immigration officials from imposing a blanket policy of family separation for the next eight years. It does not provide any monetary compensation.
About a hundred people joined a march called Minnesota Jews Against Genocide Monday in Minneapolis. And vandalism at a Duluth mosque brought two faith communities together to right a wrong — and then engage in meaningful conversation. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Jews Against Genocide March calls for cease-fire in Gaza
About a hundred people joined the Minnesota Jews Against Genocide March in downtown Minneapolis on Monday morning. The group is calling for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid measures in Gaza. 
LinkedIn is laying off nearly 700 employees
The popular professional networking site is laying off people in positions across its engineering, product, talent and finance departments.
A rabbi and imam in conversation on how they're counseling their communities
The conflict in Israel and Gaza has brought grief and pain to many Jews and Muslims in the U.S. We invited a rabbi and an imam to share how they are counseling their congregations here in the States.
Israel-Hamas war: Water is scarce in Gaza, and rockets force Blinken into a bunker
“Gaza is running dry,” and families are turning to unsafe water, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said on Monday. The crisis comes as masses of people try to flee northern Gaza.
'Systemic bias and injustice' in Kandiyohi County fight over child custody
Minnesota state law is supposed to prioritize relatives in foster care and adoption. But since 2020, the two children at the center of this story have lived in four foster homes in Minnesota — despite their aunt’s fight to adopt them.
Warming trend: 60s return this week
October is running warmer than average so far.
Minnesota budget surplus jumps another $820M in new estimate
The state brought in more revenue from taxes and fees than forecast this spring and also spent slightly less than expected. The result: a surplus almost 50 percent larger than projected earlier this year, officials said Monday.
Taking lessons from COVID, Minnesota researchers will help develop response plan for next pandemic
The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health have been awarded $17.5 million to help develop a national outbreak response network alongside the CDC.
Allina doctor on vote to unionize
Allina is one of the state’s largest health care providers. And now their doctors are believed to be the largest crop of unionized private-sector physicians in the country.
Former University of Minnesota professor breaks down battle for speakership
Monday begins the second week the U.S. House is without a speaker — and apparently without a clear path for any candidate to get the votes needed to lead the chamber. Political science professor at Arizona State University, and former professor at the University of Minnesota Steven Smith helped breakdown what congress faces.
Power Pair: A writer father and politician daughter want everyone's stories told
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with another dynamic duo in the Power Pair series. Writer David Mura and his daughter Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura talk about why Minnesota is stronger when everyone’s stories are remembered and shared.
Several lovely fall days coming this week
Dry days with pleasant afternoons start out our week. Scattered showers mid-week. Then more pleasant days into next weekend.
Biden postpones trip to Colorado as the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies
President Joe Biden has postponed a trip to Colorado to stay in Washington and focus on the growing conflict in the Middle East. The Democratic president is setting aside an opportunity to pitch his economic accomplishments as he runs for reelection. 
rge protests organized by Students for a Democratic Society and the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee are planned ahead of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s lecture at the University of Minnesota on Monday. Barrett is the guest of the annual Stein Lecture. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister
Biden made promises to Israel and Ukraine. To keep his word, he needs Congress
The White House is asking Congress this week for billions of dollars in overseas spending. But it's not at all clear this can pass — and that means President Joe Biden has a lot on the line.
Protestors prepare for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's visit to the U
Large protests organized by Students for a Democratic Society and the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee are planned ahead of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s lecture at the University of Minnesota on Monday. Barrett is the guest of the annual Stein Lecture.
Facing eviction, she reached out for help and found a new home
As eviction filings soar in Hennepin County, advocates say too many people are missing out on resources that can keep them in their homes.