Stories from October 18, 2023

Student renters trapped in leases for unfinished apartments may find some relief
The proposal would let renters break their leases if new housing units aren’t finished on time. It comes after dozens of University of Minnesota Twin Cities students were forced to find new accommodations and pay double rent this school year.
Feds announce major investments in Minnesota's electric grid
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $150 million in grants to Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power to fund microgrids in Minneapolis and upgrade a major transmission line that carries wind energy from North Dakota.
Near peak fall color in the Twin Cities
Friday looks like the best day of the week for seeing vibrant fall colors under sunny blue skies.
The group says protests are planned tomorrow outside the offices of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to urge them to call on President Biden to push for a cease-fire.  And an update on the investigation into a Benton County couple involved in a police shootout that left five officers injured. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Smashing: The artists behind the pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo hosts an annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where local artists carve intricate designs into thousands of pumpkins. Managed by Brian Christensen, the workshop produces up to 8,000 pumpkins each year, with a focus on wildlife themes.
As Minnesota schools begin annual October break, just what is 'MEA weekend'?
Most kids in Minnesota are heading into a long weekend as public schools across the state close for “MEA.” It’s a longstanding annual tradition — but for people who didn’t grow up in the state, and maybe for a few people who did, it might be a bit confusing.
BCA identified three officers who used force in Benton County shootout
When officers tried to execute the warrant last Thursday morning, they were met with a volley of gunfire. Five officers sustained injuries not considered life threatening. 
A local expert weighs in on escalation in the war in Israel
Professor Eric Schwartz, who served in the Secretary of State’s office, shares his thoughts on a path towards peace following the bombing of a Gaza hospital and President Joe Biden’s wartime visit to Israel.
Leonard Allan Cure, freed after a wrongful conviction, is shot dead in a traffic stop
Cure was exonerated in 2020 after more than 16 years in prison for a robbery he did not commit. He was fatally shot by a Georgia sheriff's deputy after being pulled over for speeding.
Scattered showers Wednesday; above-normal temps linger
A clipper system is bringing clouds and showers to Minnesota though rainfall will generally be light for most. Another system will swing through Friday with a nice weekend shaping up.
DFL leaders, ACLU vow to step in after Mille Lacs County judge challenges felon vote law
In a pair of sentencing orders last week, Judge Matthew Quinn said the law restoring voting rights to those convicted of a felony who serve out their prison sentence was unconstitutional. And he barred two people from voting, registering to vote or attempting to vote while on probation.
Scattered showers Wednesday; still relatively mild
A clipper system is bringing clouds and scattered showers Wednesday. Temperatures will still be relatively mild and above normal, especially south.
Minnesota's Secretary of State and Attorney General say they'll oppose efforts to limit voting rights for felons sentenced to probation. State officials have pledged support for a planned $68 million dollar cannabis growing operation in Grand Rapids. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
What you need to know about Biden's wartime trip to Israel
President Joe Biden is in Tel Aviv on Wednesday as Israel gets ready for a ground invasion against Hamas in Gaza. But after a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital, Biden canceled plans to go to Jordan.
Twin Cities airport preps for busy MEA weekend
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is getting ready for its busiest week of fall travel this week, as public schools in the state are off on Thursday and Friday.
Bike riding in middle school may boost mental health, study finds
Middle school can be a challenging time and it turns out bike riding may help. Researchers found students who took part in a 6 to 8 week cycling class reported having a more positive outlook on life.
After surviving heart attack, Angela Conley seeks to raise risk awareness among Black women
Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley survived a heart attack at just 45 years old and wants to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which affects a disproportionately high number of Black women.
Minnesota GOP pivots, pushes for early voting this cycle
State and national GOP leaders are working to convince right-leaning voters to cast ballots early in the off-year election, which some see as a warmup for larger contests in 2024.
Photos: Gaza hospital blast sparks outrage across Middle East
Protests broke out in Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Jordan in response to a massive blast that rocked a Gaza City hospital packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter Tuesday, killing hundreds of people, Palestinian health officials said.