Stories from October 30, 2023

How extreme weather in the U.S. may have affected the pumpkins you picked this year for Halloween
Some pumpkin farmers in the West, particularly wholesalers in places like Colorado and New Mexico, are feeling the pinching effects of drought. Farmers have had to rely on dwindling water for irrigation while battling wacky weather to get their crops planted on time.
Season's first widespread snow set to fall overnight into Tuesday
The first widespread snow event of the season is upon us. An inch or 2 of snow is likely overnight for most of Minnesota, with some spots getting more and the southwest getting little or none.
Adam Johnson died in a tragic accident during a game in the U.K. over the weekend. He helped lead UMD to the national championship game in 2017. He went pro and played 13 games in the NHL and spent the last two seasons in Europe. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota governor drops college-degree requirement for most state jobs
Gov. Tim Walz said Monday that the state would no longer require four-year college degrees as a condition for 75 percent of state positions. He said the move could grow the eligible applicant pool.
Four out of seven seats on the St. Paul council will be open this November on the 2023 ballot. Of the seven wards, only three have incumbent members running for re-election. Here is a closer look at the races in St. Paul.
On the Minneapolis ballot this November is all 13 City Council seats. Of the 13 wards, 11 have incumbent members running for re-election — most of them are moderates, and they hold a majority on most issues brought before the council. Here is a closer look at the races in Minneapolis.
On the ballot this November in Duluth is the mayoral race, six city council seats and three school board seats. City council candidates are vying for six seats: two at-large positions and one each in the 1st District, 3rd District, 4th District and 5th District. Here is a closer look at the races in Duluth.  
Worldwide, women cook twice as much as men: One country bucks the trend
A new gallop survey finds the gender gap in home cooking has widened. Globally, women cook an average of 9 meals per week, compared to 4 meals for men. And some countries have bigger gaps than others.
English ice hockey makes neck guards mandatory after death of Adam Johnson
Ice hockey players in England will be required to wear neck guards starting next year, following the death of former Hibbing High School and University of Minnesota Duluth player Adam Johnson in a game.
Rural Voice: Mental health and social isolation in rural communities
Rural America is facing a silent epidemic of mental health struggles. How can they overcome the social isolation, stigma and accessibility issues that led to this moment? MPR News host Kerri Miller took that question to Little Falls, Minn., for a Rural Voice town hall.
Minnesota Now: Oct. 30, 2023
Listen to the full show here.
'It is our identity, for better or worse': Author and podcaster T.D. Mischke on Minnesota's defining season
Winter sparks joy for some and for others, dread. Author, podcaster and radio show host T.D. Mischke celebrates the season in his new book: Winter’s Song: A Hymn to the North.
Vikings confirm Cousins is done for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in a devastating blow
Kirk Cousins has a torn right Achilles tendon that will end his season, the Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday after his first career injury put a somber tone on their three-game winning streak.
Lakota artist Dyani White Hawk: A 2023 MacArthur 'genius' fellow
Minneapolis artist Dyani White Hawk, internationally recognized for her beadwork and abstract painting influenced by her Lakota heritage, has been honored with the MacArthur Fellowship and reflects on her journey, the importance of her cultural heritage in her work and the evolving recognition of Native artists in the art world.
Judge weighs challenge to Minnesota felon voting law
Anoka County District Court Judge Thomas Lehmann heard arguments Monday in a challenge to a new state law that more quickly restores voting rights. Under it, voting eligibility kicks back in when incarceration ends, regardless of a person’s supervised release or probation status.
Federal charge says former North Dakota lawmaker traveled to Prague with intent to rape minor
The four-page indictment against former Republican state Sen. Ray Holmberg also charges him with one count of receiving images depicting child sexual abuse. The indictment was filed Thursday in federal court in North Dakota.
This is thriller, thriller night: Dancers recreate iconic moves in La Crescent
It’s close to midnight, and something evil’s lurking in the dark. Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart: Over 60 “zombies” dancing to those very lyrics.
The man found in a Mankato, Minn., street with fatal gunshot wounds early Saturday has been identified as Buay Duer Juk, 27, of Mankato. The death was ruled a homicide.
Snow on the way late Monday; cold start but milder end to the week
The week continues to be cold with a clipper system bringing snowfall Monday night. We’ll see a warming trend with temperatures close to normal by the end of the week.
General Motors reaches tentative agreement with UAW, potentially ending 6-week strike
General Motors and the United Auto Workers union reach a tentative contract agreement, according to an AP source. The deal follows the pattern set with Ford last week and Jeep maker Stellantis over the weekend.
Sahan Journal founder, CEO Mukhtar Ibrahim stepping down
Mukhtar Ibrahim said the move is personal — he wants to spend more time with family — and that the organization is “stronger than ever.” He joined Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now Monday at noon to talk about the decision.
Cold continues early this week with snow showers Monday night
The week will start with continued cold weather. A clipper system will increase the cloud cover Monday and bring snow showers late Monday into early Tuesday.
The Minneapolis City Council could take a vote Tuesday to approve a new location for the 3rd Precinct police station. Minnesota Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips spent the weekend courting supporters in New Hampshire ahead of his first town hall as a presidential candidate on Wednesday.
Israel presses into Gaza as pro-Palestinian protests spread worldwide
An airport in southern Russia closed overnight after a crowd of protesters stormed the tarmac upon the arrival of a flight from Tel Aviv. An official called the riot a "gross violation of law."
She talked about depression at a checkup — and got billed for two visits.
Completing a routine depression screening questionnaire during an annual checkup is cost-free under federal law. But, as one woman discovered, answering a doctor's follow-up questions might not be.
Dean Phillips works New Hampshire streets for presidential bid
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips is courting New Hampshire voters this week. He'll hold his first town hall as a presidential candidate Wednesday in Manchester.
150,000 victims lost $300M to decades-long telemarketing scam
Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis are expected to rest their case Monday in the trial of three people charged in the wide-ranging fraud. Authorities say victims across the country unwittingly signed up for magazine subscriptions that they did not want. Some lost tens of thousands of dollars.