Stories from October 17, 2023

Patty Wetterling shares her story in new memoir 'Dear Jacob'
For the past 34 years, Patty Wetterling has been the face of the tragedy, the search and the hope through it all. Now, she is sharing her story in a new book.
State agency OKs $10M loan to build cannabis operation in Grand Rapids
The loan approved Tuesday by Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation will aid a Missouri-based company’s effort to build a $68 million cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility on the site of a long-abandoned lumber mill.
Scattered rain ahead Wednesday
A weak low-pressure system brings occasional showers on Wednesday.
U.S. House pauses for the night before another attempt to elect a speaker
Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan failed to secure enough votes for the speakership Tuesday, and his allies are continuing to try to convince Republican opponents to get onboard before a second vote on Wednesday.
Recent campaign efforts aim to encourage Minnesotans to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. It marks a change for Republicans in tone from recent years. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Israel-Hamas war: How to sort truth from disinformation
Already the information pouring in at your fingertips can be overwhelming during a time like this. To help sort it out, MPR News guest host Emily Bright spoke with Emily Vraga. Vraga is an associate professor at the Hubbard School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota and studies mis- and disinformation.
Minnesota set to start spending $316M to boost child care wages
Payments from the Great Start Compensation Support Program will help increase wages for child care providers, state officials said. Providers have until Oct. 25 to apply for the first round of funds.
Rural Voice: What it takes to build a business in rural Minnesota
What does it take to start and grow a small business in rural Minnesota? Last month, MPR News host Kerri Miller hosted a town hall in New Ulm, Minn., to hear from entrepreneurs and community leaders about how to encourage small businesses in greater Minnesota. This is the first in a four-part series featuring conversations from the Rural Voice project.
Los propietarios de la primera bodega de su tipo en Apple Valley no renunciaron a sus sueños
Los propietarios de Bodega 42, oriundos de México y El Salvador, dicen que el viaje ha sido largo y el trabajo duro. El resultado final es un mercado de casi 22,000 pies cuadrados que también tiene una carnicería, una tienda de delicatessen y un restaurante que ofrece sabores auténticos de Latinoamérica.
Man faces misdemeanor charge for twice bringing guns to Wisconsin Capitol, demanding to see governor
Joshua Pleasnick reportedly told a police officer he had no intention of using the weapon but wanted to speak to Gov. Tony Evers about men who have been abused by women but aren’t getting any help from authorities.
Twin Cities queer hockey group worries new NHL guideline is shortsighted
Over the summer, the National Hockey League announced that special Jerseys worn during warmups on theme nights — like Pride night — would no longer be allowed. After a handful of players refused to wear them last season, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said it had become a distraction.
An Israeli schoolteacher who spent six years teaching in St. Paul is being remembered for his devotion and connection to his students after he was killed in Israel during the recent Hamas attacks.
Minnesota panel sees crush of ideas for new flag, seal
Members of the panel said they’d received more than 775 designs within just over two weeks of opening the application process. The deadline to submit entries is Oct. 30.
Mild Tuesday; clouds increase ahead of the next round of showers
Tuesday will be a nice day with increasing high clouds. High temperatures will be above normal. A clipper system will bring potential rain showers Tuesday night into Wednesday night.
Nice Tuesday with showers possible Wednesday
Tuesday will be nice with plenty of sun through high clouds and above normal temperatures. A clipper will bring showers to northwest Minnesota Tuesday evening spreading southeast into Wednesday.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett sat down for an hour-long conversation with Robert Stein, a University of Minnesota professor and past law school dean. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music By Gary Meister.
How gas utilities used tobacco tactics to avoid gas stove regulations
Gas stoves emit potentially harmful pollutants, but utilities and their trade group avoided regulation with tactics perfected by the tobacco industry to cast doubt on science showing health problems.
FDA faces pressure to act nationwide on red dye in food
Red No. 3 was banned from cosmetics three decades ago. Consumer advocates question why it's still allowed in food products, including many popular with kids.
Low-tech and high-touch: Folk schools boom as more crave working with their hands
The North House Folk School in Grand Marais is undergoing a $5 million campus expansion, part of a growth in traditional folk schools around the state as more people yearn for off-screen experiences working with their hands.
Biden set to visit Tel Aviv and Amman as Israel-Gaza conflict intensifies
President Joe Biden plans to head to the region ahead of what's expected to be an intense ground battle inside Gaza as Israeli forces look for Hamas militants involved with the Oct. 7 attacks.