Stories from October 31, 2023

What to know about trunk-or-treating, a trick-or-treating alternative
Trunk-or-treating has been popular among churches, where people gather in parking lots and decorate their car trunks. Here's a rundown of how it started and how to find one nearby.
A missing University of Minnesota student was found dead in the Mississippi River, according to a social media post from the Minnesota BCA.
Deluge of Israeli airstrikes destroy apartments in Gaza refugee camp
A deluge of Israeli airstrikes Tuesday on a refugee camp near Gaza City has demolished apartment buildings, leaving craters where they once stood, while ground troops battle Hamas militants across northern Gaza.
Gradually milder later this week
Temperatures will gradually moderate this week.
The Minnesota DNR has approved a mining company's plan to drill several exploratory holes near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Investigators are asking people in southern Minnesota to review their security camera video for anything suspicious after a sex offender escaped from the Watonwan County Jail in St. James, Minn., just before 7 p.m. Monday. Leonardo Lopez Jr., 36, had been jailed after allegedly failing to update his address on the state’s predatory offender registry.
Minnesota coalition gathers nearly $1B in pledges to help build wealth in Black communities
The GroundBreak Coalition — which includes more than 40 corporate, civic and philanthropic organizations in Minnesota — announced Tuesday it’s received pledges of nearly $1 billion to help build wealth in Black communities.
Minnesota DNR gives Twin Metals green light to explore for minerals near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals, which has been blocked by the Biden administration in its efforts to build a $1.7 billion copper-nickel mine near Ely, Minn., now has the go-ahead to explore for minerals in the area owned by the state of Minnesota.
A show 'For the People': New Guthrie play focuses on Minneapolis’ Native Community
The Guthrie Theater premiered a play titled “For the People,” highlighting the Twin Cities Native American community. Written by Larissa FastHorse and Ty Defoe, the play was inspired by stories from the local Native community, especially around Franklin Avenue, a hub of Native American arts and culture.
Former St. Paul Opera publicist shares her journey of caregiving through Lewy body dementia
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Mary Lou Falcone about her new memoir, illustrated by her husband, the late artist Nicky Zann. He died of Lewy body dementia in 2020.
Dick Bremer, TV voice of the Twins, leaving broadcast booth
Bremer, the TV voice of the Twins for the past 40 seasons, will transition into a special assistant role in the organization’s front office, the team said Tuesday, adding that it’s now examining its broadcast “talent lineup” options for next season and beyond.
In a new expulsion campaign, Pakistan is forcing many Afghans out of the country
Pakistan has drawn criticism for warning those living in the country illegally to leave or be arrested and deported after Oct. 31. The U.N. says over 2 million undocumented Afghans live in Pakistan.
In 'White Holes,' Carlo Rovelli takes readers beyond the black hole horizon
Physicist Carlo Rovelli is unique among modern scientists who write for popular audiences in his ability to capture the purest essence of his science with both precision and lyricism.
Cold, windy Halloween; warmer end of week
Lingering snow showers will depart early Tuesday with windy conditions into the afternoon. We remain cold into Wednesday before warmer temps build in by Friday.
First snow! Your photos and snowfall totals from around Minnesota
Much of Minnesota woke up to the first snowfall of the season Tuesday morning. The Twin Cities metro area and much of the rest of Minnesota saw 1 to 3 inches of snow from late Monday into Tuesday.
Windy, snow showers depart; clouds decrease Tuesday
Snow showers end with gusty winds in the wake of the overnight clipper system. Northwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 mph this morning. We should see warmer conditions by late week.
Overnight coating of snow makes for difficult driving across much of Minnesota
It was a frightful Halloween morning commute across much of Minnesota in the wake of overnight snow. The metro area and much of the rest of Minnesota saw 1 to 3 inches of snow from late Monday into Tuesday, with locally higher amounts.
A landmark gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease moves closer to reality
Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration meet Tuesday to review the first treatment of human disease using the gene-editing technique CRISPR. The agency has a December deadline to make a decision.
New Hampshire's primary ballots will have 24 Republicans and 21 Democrats, but no Biden
The stage is set for the New Hampshire presidential primary, even though the date hasn't been picked yet. For the past two weeks, candidates have been arriving at the secretary of state's office in Concord to fill out their paperwork and pay the $1,000 filing fee to get on the ballot.
Israeli military hits Gaza's largest refugee camp
The attack on northern Gaza's Jabalia camp caused widespread damage, injuries and deaths, Gaza officials say. Israel describes Jabalia as a Hamas stronghold and says it was targeting a Hamas leader.
Departure of longtime Minneapolis council member brings opportunity for political newcomers
The retirement of longtime Council Member Lisa Goodman means that for the first time in 25 years, the seat spanning part of downtown and some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods is up for grabs.
Southeast Minnesota struggles for common ground on nitrate pollution as health worries rise
In a petition filed in April, environmental groups asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use its emergency powers under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to intervene in what they call an “imminent and substantial endangerment to human health.”