Stories from October 27, 2023

Muslim leaders in Minnesota criticize Biden's response to Israel
Some local Muslim leaders are criticizing President Joe Biden's response to the crisis in Israel. They say that they will not vote for the president again if he doesn't take action to call for a cease-fire.
'Super' El Niño  favors milder, less snowy winter for Minnesota
A Super El Niño is possible this winter. That historically produces milder and less snowy winters in the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota Democrats say they're concerned that a Dean Phillips presidential bid could help former President Trump win in an expected contest with President Biden. Also, Minneapolis Mayor Frey pushes a site on Minnehaha Avenue for a new 3rd police precinct building. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday. Hosted by Nancy Lebens. Music by Gary Meister.  
Meet Munchkin, Mayo's new therapy miniature horse
Meet Munchkin, the newest member of Mayo Clinic’s stable of therapy animals. Clocking in at just over 2 feet tall, Munchkin provides a gentle and adorable alternative to Mayo's therapy dogs.
Minnesota’s Phillips sees ‘exhausted majority’ as his path to the White House
Even as Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips launched his long-shot presidential campaign Friday in New Hampshire, Democrats back home attacked the decision as a “silly sideshow” that won’t help defeat Republican Donald Trump.
The thrills and chills behind ghost stories — and why we like to tell them
Are you afraid of the dark? MPR News guest hosts Jacob Aloi and Alex V. Cipolle will talk about ghosts, scary stories and why this time of year gets us in the mood for a good scare.
Minnesota Homeless Study resumes after 5 years
For more than 30 years, volunteers have conducted the Minnesota Homeless Study led by Wilder Research, which has given the most in-depth look available at homelessness across our state.  Due to the pandemic, the last time the study was conducted was five years ago.
Two sea otter pups, found orphaned along Alaska coast, find home at Minnesota Zoo
The female pups, named Denali and Nuka, were found just days apart in September and initially brought to the Alaska SeaLife Center. Minnesota Zoo staff spent several weeks helping care for the pups in Alaska, before they were brought back to Apple Valley, Minn.
Scandal-plagued Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty to latest charges
The New York congressman entered his plea to a growing list of charges in federal court and a trial was set for Sept. 9, 2024. He also faces an effort by fellow Republicans to oust him from the House.
New details emerge about Hamas-led fighters who sparked a new war with Israel
NPR has interviewed neighbors and relatives of one of the attackers and reviewed footage and information the Israeli military says it collected from villages and militants.
6 Minnesota school board races to watch for Election Day 2023
It’s an off-year for Minnesota school board races, with 29 districts holding regularly scheduled school board elections and 16 holding special elections to fill empty positions. But the competition for those approximately 100 open seats has been fierce.
Talking Volumes: Viet Thanh Nguyen on being 'A Man of Two Faces'
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen joined host Kerri Miller on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater for Talking Volumes to talk about his new memoir, “A Man of Two Faces.”
Soggy October wraps up with snow
It’s been a rain-filled October, with many daily rainfall total records broken. But the rain switched to snow for parts of northern Minnesota and North Dakota Thursday, reminding us that winter is right around the corner. Retired meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley spoke with Cathy Wurzer about it in their weekly weather chat.
Is that you, winter? Overcast, breezy, high of 30 atop these flakes. Check out the haunted car wash and other spooky specials this weekend.
Hastings ISD 200: School board election 2023
This district serves Hastings, a city in Dakota County. None of the incumbent board members are running for reelection, meaning four new members will be elected to the board this year.
Mounds View ISD 621: School board election 2023
Mounds View School District serves the cities of Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights. A total of 11 candidates are running for four open seats on the board.
Seven candidates are running for four open seats on the Minnetonka school board, with only one incumbent member running for reelection. This election could cause a major shift in the board.
South Washington County ISD 833: School board election 2023
This district serves the cities of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury and townships in southern Washington County. Three members will be elected from the 11 candidates in this race.
The district serves schools in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights and the central part of Dakota County. There are 12 candidates running for four seats on the school board.
Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11: School board election 2023
The Anoka-Hennepin district includes schools in Anoka, Blaine, Champlin, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids. Three candidates will be elected to the board in this year’s election.
First taste of winter weather this weekend
Bitter cold is blowing in with gusty winds Friday. Temperatures will be about 10 to 15 degrees below normal this weekend with snow showers developing in southern Minnesota Saturday.
Latina journalists shine in a Smithsonian exhibit
Historically, trust in Spanish-language television news is what keeps the Latinx communities in the United States tuned into the news.
The first snow of the season has plows out up north. Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips has officially declared his run for president, challenging fellow Democrat incumbent President Joe Biden. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cold and windy statewide Friday; snow showers Saturday
Blustery northwest winds usher in much colder air with falling temps through the day Friday. We’ll see rain and snow showers into northern Minnesota. Snow showers develop south on Saturday.
Americans in Gaza feel abandoned by their government
For nearly three weeks, a Massachusetts couple have been begging for a way home. They're living under bombardment and running out of supplies. They ask why the U.S. government can't get them out.
Attendees can expect a full symphony orchestra, nine vocalists and pieces from “La Traviata,” “Pirates of Penzance” and “My Fair Lady.”
Maine shooting updates: Suspect still at large as manhunt enters third day
The suspect remains at large more than 24 hours after the deadliest mass shooting of 2023. A statewide manhunt led officers to Robert Card's home in Bowdoin, Maine, but there's still no sign of him.
Three months out, the Iowa Caucus is Trump's to lose
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has moved most of his campaign resources to Iowa. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley is vising the Hawkeye state more too. But Donald Trump remains the front runner.