Stories from November 2, 2023

Farming in the face of climate extremes
With climate change-driven weather whiplash the last few years, how are our local farmers really doing?
Minnesota professor takes sabbatical, finds joy in waiting tables
When a professor takes a sabbatical, they typically don’t end up waiting tables at a local brewery. For Matthew Batt, a University of St. Thomas associate professor of English, that became his reality. He detailed the journey in his book the “Last Supper Club: A Waiters Requiem.”
Attorneys made arguments on whether Donald Trump's actions on Jan. 6th, 2021, disqualify him from Minnesota ballots. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota appeals court says Mille Lacs judge overstepped in blocking felon voting rights
The order comes two weeks after a Mille Lacs County judge handed down several sentences barring at least six people from voting as a term of their probation, seemingly in violation of state voting law.
Blade runner: Minnesota woman breaks world record by balancing 30 swords on her body
Erin Hunter, a Bloomington, Minn., dancer, broke the Guinness World Record by balancing 30 swords on her body, turning a midlife crisis into a record-setting triumph. She chose this challenge to silence her inner critic and to stand alongside fellow performers at the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee who have also set records. 
Utilities ask Minnesota regulators to approve gas, electric rate hikes
Duluth-based Minnesota Power is asking state regulators to approve a 12 percent increase in the electric rates it charges customers. Meanwhile, CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy also filed requests for rate increases for their natural gas customers in Minnesota.
'Game changer': Concordia College waives tuition for eligible families
Concordia College will provide full tuition coverage for newly admitted U.S. students from families earning under $90,000 a year. The private school in Moorhead expects the program to bring more diversity to its student body.
Chronic drug shortages stress hospitals and patients
Pharmacists struggle to find key medicines and now have to anticipate drug shortages caused by extreme weather and global instability.
The surprising story behind Dan Patch Avenue
In our latest installment of Minnesota Now and Then, MPR contributors Robbie Mitchem, Jamal Allen and Britt Aamodt bring us this story on one of the state's most famous athletes of all time.
Minneapolis City Council moves forward on purchase of new 3rd Precinct site
The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to authorize staff to purchase a building located at 2633 Minnehaha Ave. S, just a few blocks away from the former precinct building which was damaged in 2020.
Founder: Twin Cities Con is a judgment-free zone for all ages
Thousands will flock to the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Friday for the third-annual Twin Cities Con — Minnesota's Comic Con. Founder Ben Penrod says there's something for everyone.
The Hamas tunnels: a wildcard in the Gaza fighting
Israeli troops have far greater firepower. But elusive Hamas militants are hiding and will seek to ambush Israelis from tunnels that crisscross Gaza.
Minnesota justices weigh Trump's future on 2024 ballot
Minnesota Supreme Court justices appear skeptical that states have the authority to block former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. Some suggested Congress is best positioned to decide.
Warmer weekend with precipitation developing; latest drought information
We’ll see warmer temperatures heading into the weekend with the chance of rain increasing Sunday into Monday. The majority of Minnesota is no longer in drought in the latest report.
Timberwolves hand Nuggets 1st loss in wire-to-wire 110-89 rout
Anthony Edwards scored 24 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who delivered the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets their first loss in five games this season with a 110-89 victory.
President Joe Biden called for a "pause" in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, in response to an activist who interrupted him during a campaign stop in Minneapolis on Wednesday night. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Texas Rangers win first World Series title with 5-0 victory over Arizona Diamondbacks
Nathan Eovaldi pitched six gutsy innings, Mitch Garver broke a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the seventh and the Texas Rangers won their first World Series championship by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game 5.
More foreign citizens, including about 400 Americans, are set to depart Gaza
Hundreds of Americans appeared on a list of passport holders approved to leave the territory, as President Biden called for a "pause" in hostilities to allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Bankrupt and loving it: Welcome to the lucrative world of undead brands
Remember Juicy Couture and Pier 1? They went under, but not all the way under. Someone still makes millions of dollars off these names. And the hunt for revivable brands is big business.
What do city councils do and why should I vote in the elections for mine?
This month, 19 cities across Minnesota are hosting elections for their mayors or city council members. Here’s a quick explainer of what they do and why that matters.
Art Hounds: Art meets vinyl
Mazinibii’igewininiwag: Two Woodland Artists exhibit opens at AICHO Galleries in Duluth. Mayo Clinic presents An Evening with Michael Feinstein and a discussion of music’s effect on the brain and memory this Saturday in Rochester. The Da Da Duende Record Club, new this year, offers a quarterly zine and lathe-cut record to subscribers. 
Culture wars, money muscle into Minnesota school board races
Campaign money and endorsements are increasingly targeted toward school board candidates willing to fight partisan battles, make promises or pass ideological tests. Those who can’t pass the test or won’t play the game risk not getting elected.