Stories from October 24, 2023

Minnesota-based group sends humanitarian aid to Gaza
A third convoy of humanitarian aid crossed the border into Gaza yesterday — creating an opening for more aid organizations to step up their efforts. Alight in Minneapolis hopes to get its first batch of supplies and food into Gaza soon.
Boo! Halloween is coming. Here's how to decide on a costume
Haven't figured out your costume yet? Don't sweat. Stylist Sophie Strauss explains how to create a Halloween outfit that's unexpected, fun and won't break the bank.
Late October severe storms drop large hail
Late October storms turned severe Tuesday.
A winter travel advisory will affect us Wednesday night into Friday. The National Weather Service says this season’s first snow accumulations are likely across parts of northwestern Minnesota and eastern Minnesota this week.
A person close to U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer tells MPR News that the congressman dropped out amid signs he couldn’t amass the necessary votes on the House floor.  Emmer is the third speaker nominee to try and fail in the wake of Kevin McCarthy’s unprecedented removal three weeks ago.  That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Republicans nominate Mike Johnson for House speaker after Emmer's withdrawal, desperate to end chaos
Republicans have chosen Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as their latest nominee for House speaker. This comes hours after Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer, abruptly withdrew his bid amid opposition from Donald Trump.
Investigators: Cause of Kmart fire undetermined
The city of Minneapolis said in a statement that investigators have finished combing through the building’s remains but were unable to figure out how or exactly where the fire started early Friday.
Bus with 'Dean Phillips for President' logos spotted along Ohio freeway
Minnesota Democratic U.S. Rep Dean Phillips has not yet formally confirmed whether or not he’s running for president. But video posted to social media Tuesday shows a bus traveling an Ohio freeway emblazoned with “Dean Phillips for President” logos.
The science of forest bathing: 5 ways it can boost health and lower stress
Spending time in the forest isn’t just enjoyable, it’s good for your health. Here are some research-backed exercises to try the next time you find yourself under a canopy of trees.
'Trauma Sponges': How a Minneapolis firefighter responds to suffering
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minneapolis fire captain and author Jeremy Norton about his just published book “Trauma Sponges.” In it, he details 22 years of being a first responder in Minneapolis, including a call to the scene of George Floyd’s murder.    
New memoir shares an 'ordinary human' experience of caregiving
Savita Harjani left her job, her Minneapolis home and her husband in 2016 to take care of her mother full time in India. She stayed until her mother died nearly five years later.
Tom Emmer is House Republican's latest speaker nominee: What's next?
The nomination is not the final word, but it is a significant development as the House GOP tries to end three weeks of deadlock over who will lead the chamber.
Minnesota, other states sue Meta claiming its social platforms are addictive, harming children’s mental health
Dozens of U.S. states, including California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people’s mental health and contributing the youth mental health crisis by knowingly designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.
 'Let Us Descend' follows a slave on a painful journey — finding some hope on the way
Jesmyn Ward's narrative forces readers to look at our country's ugly past and face the lingering effects of history — but it also tells a story of perseverance and the power of the spiritual world.
Thunderstorms, snow and a big temperature drop
Thunderstorms will develop again across southern Minnesota Tuesday. Some of those could be strong with large hail. More rain develops Wednesday night. Snow will develop in northwestern Minnesota.
Republicans are back at the task of choosing a House speaker and Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer was in the mix early Tuesday morning. Plus, a huge ocean-going vessel loaded with wheat in the Duluth harbor could be stuck in the Great Lakes because of a strike in Canada.
Long COVID brain fog may originate in a surprising place, say scientists
Scientists studying the causes of long COVID symptoms are proposing a surprising pathway. Their research weaves together several prominent lines of evidence on what might be driving the condition.
Vikings outlast 49ers 22-17 with 2 Cousins-Addison TDs and 2 late interceptions by Bynum
Kirk Cousins connected with rookie Jordan Addison for two first-half touchdowns, Camryn Bynum intercepted San Francisco’s Brock Purdy twice in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the 49ers 22-17. 
Bond markets are being hit hard — and it's likely to impact you
Bonds are being pummeled as investors fear interest rates will stay higher for longer because of high inflation. That will raise borrowing costs across the economy even more.
Ex-MPD cop gets 15 days for assault during Floyd unrest
A judge has ordered a former Minneapolis police officer to report to the Hennepin County workhouse next week to begin serving a 15-day sentence for kicking and punching a man in 2020.
Rural Voice: The urgent need for affordable housing in rural communities
Affordable housing is a challenge in every part of the state. But rural communities are particularly pinched. Today, you’ll hear a conversation MPR News’ Kerri Miller hosted last month in Two Harbors, Minn., about how the North Shore region is experimenting with solutions to the housing crisis. This is the second in a four-part series featuring conversations from the Rural Voice project.