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Questions or requests? Contact MPR News editor Michael Olson at molson@mpr.org.

'Making grandfriends': Mankato care model draws kids, seniors together
Memory loss can be an especially isolating experience as people age. A new child care and memory care model in Mankato seeks to bring generations together through connections and joy.
Blaine family mourns relatives killed in Israel-Hamas war
The Israel-Hamas war has tragically affected one local family in Blaine, Minn. A bomb strike Sunday in southern Gaza killed several members of Fatma Abumousa’s family and critically injured others.
Student renters trapped in leases for unfinished apartments may find some relief
The proposal would let renters break their leases if new housing units aren’t finished on time. It comes after dozens of University of Minnesota Twin Cities students were forced to find new accommodations and pay double rent this school year.
Feds announce major investments in Minnesota's electric grid
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $150 million in grants to Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power to fund microgrids in Minneapolis and upgrade a major transmission line that carries wind energy from North Dakota.
Smashing: The artists behind the pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo hosts an annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where local artists carve intricate designs into thousands of pumpkins. Managed by Brian Christensen, the workshop produces up to 8,000 pumpkins each year, with a focus on wildlife themes.
As Minnesota schools begin annual October break, just what is 'MEA weekend'?
Most kids in Minnesota are heading into a long weekend as public schools across the state close for “MEA.” It’s a longstanding annual tradition — but for people who didn’t grow up in the state, and maybe for a few people who did, it might be a bit confusing.
BCA identified three officers who used force in Benton County shootout
When officers tried to execute the warrant last Thursday morning, they were met with a volley of gunfire. Five officers sustained injuries not considered life threatening. 
DFL leaders, ACLU vow to step in after Mille Lacs County judge challenges felon vote law
In a pair of sentencing orders last week, Judge Matthew Quinn said the law restoring voting rights to those convicted of a felony who serve out their prison sentence was unconstitutional. And he barred two people from voting, registering to vote or attempting to vote while on probation.
Twin Cities airport preps for busy MEA weekend
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is getting ready for its busiest week of fall travel this week, as public schools in the state are off on Thursday and Friday.
After surviving heart attack, Angela Conley seeks to raise risk awareness among Black women
Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley survived a heart attack at just 45 years old and wants to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which affects a disproportionately high number of Black women.