Stories from October 31, 2025

BCA stands by breathalyzer data after 'recalculation' of faulty tests
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said that agency scientists are prepared to testify to the accuracy of questionable breathalyzer tests after a ‘mathematical recalculation’ of each test to correct for data entry errors.
Minneapolis teachers file intent to strike notice; contract talks continue
The intent to strike notice starts a countdown to a possible strike as early as Nov. 11. The union said there was still “plenty of time” to reach a deal that negotiations were continuing Friday afternoon.
Wisconsin judge puts on hold ruling that required citizenship check of voters
A Wisconsin judge has put on hold his order that requires elections officials to verify the citizenship of all 3.6 million registered voters in the battleground state before the next statewide election in February.
Minnesota officials prepare for SNAP disruptions during shutdown, legal fight as November arrives
Funding for the main food nutrition program known as SNAP is in doubt during the federal government shutdown. November payments might not go out on time or be as robust for recipients.
Many Medicaid service providers have been scrambling this week to understand how a new Minnesota audit will play out. And China has agreed to buy soybeans from the United States again, ending its boycott of the American crop.
Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown
Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The rulings Friday came a day before the payments were due to be halted. 
Halloween fundraiser seeks to help immigrants buy food, as SNAP benefit lapse looms
A Minneapolis refugee services organization is leveraging the Halloween spirit for a “reverse trick-or-treat,” inviting community members to donate grocery store gift cards for clients who are set to lose SNAP benefits in November.
Politics Friday: Minneapolis mayoral candidates make their cases to lead state's biggest city
Four candidates for Minneapolis mayor discuss key issues in a debate cosponsored by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune. Incumbent Jacob Frey, state Sen. Omar Fateh, business owner and attorney Jazz Hampton and minister DeWayne Davis address public safety, property taxes and downtown development.
Talking Volumes: John Grisham talks justice, his new book and why he doesn't write sex
Prolific author John Grisham came to Talking Volumes for the first time earlier this month and charmed the packed Fitzgerald Theater with stories about his time as a lawyer, how writing transformed his views on justice and why he doesn’t put sex scenes in his book.
Calls for accountability in the murder of Mariah Samuels grow louder
Members of Mariah Samuels’ family as well as activists and community leaders say the Minneapolis Police Department didn’t do enough to protect Samuels from her ex-boyfriend, who is charged with killing her. Police and city leaders say the department is reviewing the case and implementing changes to prevent this from happening to someone else in the future.
‘Patchwork’ pieces together Jane Austen’s personal life
While some might be bothered by a biography that regularly, and proudly, takes liberties with facts and chronology, such artistry is the heart and strength of Kate Evans’ delightful and illuminating work.
How Americans feel about changing the clocks, according to a new AP-NORC poll
A new AP-NORC poll finds that only 12 percent of U.S. adults support the current system of daylight saving time, which has people in most states changing the clocks twice a year, while 47 percent are opposed and 40 percent are neutral. 
WNBA and players union agree to 30-day extension for CBA negotiations, AP source says
A person with knowledge of the decision says the WNBA and players union have agreed to a 30-day extension to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
The Washington County Board has approved $250,000 in one-time funding to support 10 food shelves in the eastern Twin Cities metro in response to the potential disruption of federal SNAP food assistance.
Election spending spikes for school board races in Anoka-Hennepin district
Six candidates are vying for control of three seats on the six-member Anoka-Hennepin School District board. Campaign money is flooding in from unions and national political groups in what are supposed to be nonpartisan, down-ballot contests.
Duluth ballot initiative would allow tenants to pay for repairs and deduct costs from their rent
The so-called “Right to Repair” initiative would allow renters to pay for minor repairs and deduct the cost from their rent if landlords fail to respond. But some worry tenants could be left footing the bill.
Stearns County holds election for board seat that hasn’t been vacant in more than three decades
The District 4 seat is vacant for the first time in more than three decades, after the resignation of a longtime commissioner. One of the candidates would be the state’s first Somali American county commissioner if he won the special election. He’ll face off against a longtime nonprofit leader.
At Annunciation Church, lessons in grief, resiliency and the spiritual lives of children
After the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School that killed two children in August, the church’s new pastor found himself navigating the grief of his congregation and the spiritual questions of children around life, death and God.
Ojibwe artist helps bring fashion to the runway for Native American Heritage Month
Art is a “way of life” for Wendy Savage. From painting to sewing and beadwork, Savage has shared her talents for several decades. Now, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa citizen has helped organize a fashion show near Cloquet to kick-off Native American Heritage Month.
Season of the witch: How one Minnesotan found her place among the craft
Sophia Reed has been a practicing witch for nearly 20 years. Her spiritual journey brought her to Hoodoo Root Work, a type of witchcraft from West Africa that was born out of slavery and emphasizes working with what you have on hand.
MN Shortlist: From the Fitzgerald to Transexual, Transylvania  — 9 picks for Oct. 31 to Nov. 6
As October gives way to November, the Twin Cities lean into transformation — through ritual, remembrance and a little rock ‘n’ roll. From the fiery puppetry of Barebones to the haunting harmonies of “Carmina Burana” at the Fitzgerald, it’s a week where art and afterlife mingle freely.