Stories from November 14, 2023

Blue Earth man is 13th Minnesotan charged in Jan. 6 Capitol assault
Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., charged Paul Orta Jr. of Blue Earth with a felony count of obstructing police during a civil disorder and misdemeanor counts of trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Robby Njos’ criminal complaint states he has sent and requested sexually explicit material to a teenage boy. Njos did not admit to the crime but admits to enough evidence for a conviction.
An El Niño flavored November
Is our warmer-than-average November an early harbinger of winter temperatures?
Nonprofits hope Minnesotans in a giving mood Thursday on Give to the Max Day
Give to the Max Day brought in a record $34.4 million for Minnesota nonprofits in 2021. While charitable giving nationally is down from pandemic highs, Give to the Max Day organizers still expect a big day Thursday.
With only a week before they're set to narrow the field of thousands of entries to five, members of the State Emblems Redesign Commission called for help from Minnesota residents. And several state agencies are asking for public feedback on how to limit future damage if feral pigs or farmed mink are let loose in the wild. Those stories more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Why thousands of UAW autoworkers are voting 'no' on Big 3's 'life-changing' contracts
After a six-week strike, the United Auto Workers union reached record contract deals with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. But as workers vote on the deals, some say it’s not enough.
The Republican field is getting smaller. Here's what that means for beating Trump
Tim Scott and Mike Pence have dropped their bids for president, and the next GOP debate in less than a month will likely feature an even smaller stage, but Trump is still the far-and-away frontrunner.
Rare mid-November warmth now; much colder next week
Temperatures are running more than 20 degrees warmer than average across Minnesota this week.
Minnesota officials ready for potential feral pig invasion
With wild hogs in Canada approaching the U.S. border, Minnesota officials are reviewing state management of feral pigs to limit potential future damage from the destructive invasive species.
Can little actions bring big joy? Researchers find 'micro-acts' can boost well-being
A new citizen-scientist research project aims to test whether daily moments of awe, kindness and gratitude can make a real impact. Early results are promising. And it's not too late to join the study.
The day after recreational marijuana became legal in Minnesota, sheriff's deputies and tribal police raided a man's tobacco shop on the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota. But the state may not be able to prosecute tribal members for marijuana crimes on reservations.
Jost's victory completes all-female, highly diverse St. Paul City Council
St. Paul officials confirmed civil engineer Saura Jost as the winner of the Ward 3 race, setting up the council to be the city’s youngest and most diverse council ever when it convenes in January.
'Drunk Don's' McDonald's makes long-awaited return to Dinkytown
The McDonald’s located just off the University of Minnesota campus, warmly referred to as “Drunk Don’s” by students, made its triumphant return Tuesday to Dinkytown.
Basketball culture and its connection to community, social justice
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, about the culture of basketball and the impact professional players can have on their communities. 
Hockey USA moves to require neck guards after player death
The USA Hockey Board of Directors has begun the process of recommending rule changes for protective neck gear after Minnesota native Adam Johnson died after a skate slashed his neck in a professional game last month in England. Hockey reporter Jess Myers with The Rink Live and Forum Communications says the changes are necessary.
Cathy Donovan of Onamia, a family practice physician with the Mille Lacs Health System, died Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while walking along U.S. Highway 169 near Mille Lacs Lake. Authorities say the driver fled the scene.
With rosters and staff in place, new women's pro hockey league ready to open training camps
The new Professional Women's Hockey League is taking the next step in preparing to open play in January. Its six teams open training camp this week. Players report on Wednesday, and are set to gather on the ice a day later for the first time since the PWHL was established in June.
Vote for YourClassical Christmas favorites
The voting is now open for YourClassical’s Christmas Favorites! Help determine which holiday tunes are played later in December on MPR News and YourClassical MPR.
U.S. consumer inflation eased in October as cheaper gas slowed overall price increases
Inflation in the United States slowed last month in a sign that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes are continuing to cool the consumer price spikes that have bedeviled consumers for the past two years.
Warm and windy Tuesday; much cooler by Friday
Warm weather will continue through midweek before dropping closer to normal on Friday.
Video: Monday evening blast shakes homes in parts of northern Minnesota; cause unclear
Authorities in northern Minnesota say they’re not sure what caused a bright flash and “incredibly loud explosion” that shook buildings across parts of the region Monday evening.
The Minnesota Hospital Association says many of the state's health systems are losing money at a growing clip. And St. Paul’s history-making city council made of all women — and many of diverse backgrounds — is official.
Climate change affects your life in 3 big ways, a new report warns
Climate change costs tens of billions of dollars each year, hurts Americans' health and disrupts everyday life, including how we work, eat, play and mourn, according to a major new assessment.
Tough housing market is luring buyers without kids and higher incomes
A report from the National Association of Realtors shows the average home buyer this past year had a six-figure income. Others face challenges in a period of high prices and costly home loans.
Survey: Minnesota hospitals report hefty financial losses
The Minnesota Hospital Association said that 67 percent of its members that took part in a recent survey reported financial losses in the first half of 2023. That’s a sharp increase over the 55 percent that reported negative operating margins in 2022. 
Minnesota schools turn to voters, plead for lawmaker help in fending off cyberattacks
Several Minnesota communities weighed ballot questions this month aimed at boosting local funding for security efforts; more than half were approved. School officials say the state needs to step up, too.