Stories from October 8, 2024

The portrayal by Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave program is getting pushback from state business leaders. And some Minnesota hospitals are postponing non-urgent surgeries and procedures due a shortage of IV bags.
Dry October start means increased fire risk in Minnesota
In the first week of October, most of Minnesota saw absolutely no rainfall. Meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley talked to Cathy Wurzer about the exceedingly dry conditions we saw in September extending into another month.
Minneapolis think tank uncovers ‘novel’ ideas to address homelessness
After Minneapolis’ housing was spotlighted at the recent vice presidential debate, questions about how well the city is combatting homelessness has been raised. Minneapolis City Council member Andrea Jenkins talked with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer ahead of a community meeting regarding the issue.
Hurricane Milton regains Category 5 strength
Hurricane Milton is a category 5 storm once again.
TikTok is designed to be addictive to kids and causes them harm, U.S. states' lawsuits say
More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and a bipartisan coalition of 21 other attorneys general also urged a Tennessee court Tuesday to enforce its orders that require TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation and to preserve and produce relevant evidence.
Harris, Walz appeared on ABC's 'The View' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'
The Democratic presidential ticket is on a media blitz in New York. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared Tuesday on ABC's “The View," and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appeared on ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night.
Season's coldest air so far ahead next week?
Enjoy our 70s and 80s the rest of this week. It looks like we’ll finally get some below-normal temperatures into Minnesota early next week.
Duluth Palestinian restauranteur reflects on year marked by violence in Gaza
Minnesota is home to hundreds of Palestinian families, including Lyla Abukhodair and her family. She lives in Duluth and in 2023 she opened a Palestinian restaurant called Falastin, which translates to “Palestine” in Arabic.
Vital Signs: Drug deaths down, AI continuously creates breakthroughs in medical field
Dr. Jon Hallberg from the University of Minnesota Medical School discussed good news in the medical field: a declining rate of drug overdose deaths and an increase in notetaking and research features for doctors using AI.
‘We’re grateful’: Rapidan Dam Store reopens in new temporary location
The Rapidan Dam Store reopened in a new location in Mankato Monday. The original building was demolished before it fell into the Blue Earth River during severe flooding which swept around the dam in June.
Minnesota hospitals scramble to conserve IV fluid during nationwide shortage
M Health Fairview, Allina and Hennepin Healthcare are rescheduling their patients as a result of an IV fluid shortage. The shortage is one of the many ripple effects of Hurricane Helene.
U.S. Treasury says tribally owned entities should be tax-exempt
Proposed new guidelines would clarify the decades-old question of whether tribal businesses or entities are exempt from federal taxes.
Minnesotans in Florida brace for arrival of Hurricane Milton; Minnesota National Guard ready to provide help
Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance in Florida as the state braces for Hurricane Milton, which is likely to make landfall within the week.
Wild sign top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt to 2-year, $4.4 million extension
The Minnesota Wild signed goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension. The deal gives their prized prospect some security while waiting in the wings behind veterans Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson.
The Rapidan Dam Store reopened at its new, temporary location in Mankato Monday after the original building collapsed during flooding earlier this summer. And the National Park Service ranger who died responding to a call at Voyageurs National Park on Sunday has been identified.
Temps in the 60s and 70s Tuesday, climbing to 80s by Thursday
Sunny skies and anomalous warmth are the headlines yet again. We’ll be about 5-15 degrees above normal Tuesday with highs in the 60s and 70s. Eighty-degree readings return Thursday. 
Cine Latino regresa por duodécimo año al Main Cinema
El festival rinde homenaje a las tradiciones cinematográficas del mundo de habla hispana y portuguesa, mostrando sus historias a través del cine.
Here's how to turn climate change anxiety into action
More than half of young adults feel anxious, angry and powerless over climate change, a recent survey found. But there are ways to help turn that distress around. Here's how to give them a try.
Can ghost guns be regulated as firearms? The Supreme Court will decide
The government contends that ghost guns kits count as a firearm under a 1968 law. But those challenging the rule contend “a kit of parts is not a weapon.”
For local Palestinians, trauma remains as war in Gaza continues
For local Palestinians, trauma remains as a year-long war in Gaza continues. Many, like Raghda Skeik, wait with worry and dread to hear news from family and friends who are in harm’s way.
Cine Latino returns for its 12th year at the Main Cinema
The festival pays tribute to film traditions across the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world, showcasing their stories through cinema.
Poll: In the midst of a tight presidential race, Trump draws support from voters disillusioned with democracy
New polling shows this year’s Harris v. Trump presidential race is too close to call, with Trump drawing support from voters who are disillusioned with democracy. Results from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s Sept. 23-27, 2024 Mood of the Nation Poll.
Harris is pressed for more specifics in a wide-ranging interview with '60 Minutes'
The interview followed criticism from former President Donald Trump that Kamala Harris has been unwilling to sit for hard interviews. She was pressed on everything from her economic proposals to immigration.
Man in custody after reports of shots fired in Loring Park
No other injuries were reported and it’s not clear whether there was gunfire, according to Police Chief Brian O’Hara.