Stories from October 23, 2024

PolitiFact weighs in on false claims about Walz and how to spot disinformation
A senior U.S. intelligence official has found that Russia is behind viral disinformation about Gov. Tim Walz. An account on X spread false claims against the Democratic vice presidential nominee but a closer look at the posts reveals inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Victim identified, charges pending in fatal rampage that spanned several counties
Murder charges are expected soon against a man who allegedly went on a violent rampage that started with a domestic assault in south Minneapolis and ended in Willmar with one person dead and another wounded.
Murder charges are expected soon against the suspect who allegedly killed a man in an attempted carjacking near Willmar Tuesday following a domestic violence incident in Minneapolis. Also on the podcast, containment of a wildfire burning for nearly a week in east-central Minnesota is now up to 70 percent. The estimated size of the Evergreen Fire remains at 167 acres. It’s in a remote part of the Chengwatana State Forest, east of Pine City.
Efforts by Russia, Iran and China to sway U.S. voters may escalate, new Microsoft report says
A new threat intelligence report from Microsoft says foreign adversaries have showed continued determination to influence the U.S. election and there are signs their activity will intensify as Election Day nears.
Tinned fish: ‘Affordable luxury’ makes its way into wine bars and dinner parties
Canned tuna — and maybe salmon if you could find it — have long been a pantry staple. But now a wider variety of fancy tinned fish is showing up at wine bar menus and at trendy parties.
Russian disinformation targets U.S. presidential election, including VP candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
Several viral videos targeting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are Russian disinformation, according to the Office of the U.S. Director of National Intelligence in a briefing to the press.
Renew it or lose it: Lawmaker asks voters not to skip ballot question on lottery amendment
This fall, Minnesotans will vote on whether to renew a proposal earmarking some money from the state lottery to fund environmental programs, including parks projects, conservation and clean water efforts.
Blackouts in Cuba disrupt exchange between Minnesota, Cuba orchestra students
When Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed Friday, a handful of Minnesotans were set to play a concert celebrating a diplomatic exchange between young Cuban and American performers.
Vegan options are going mainstream
Plant-based diets are growing more popular. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the founder of the “Vegan Sexy Cool” podcast and a professor of nutrition about the benefits and challenges of going vegan.
Seasonable sunny Wednesday. Rain in the forecast ahead
Expect sunshine and seasonal temperatures on Wednesday, with highs returning to the 40s and 50s across the state. The first of two cold fronts brought rain to northern Minnesota on Tuesday, and the next front on Thursday is expected to bring more widespread showers.
Trump's former chief of staff called him a 'fascist.' Harris is campaigning on that
John Kelly, a retired Marine general who was Donald Trump's chief of staff, said his former boss fits the definition of a fascist. Now Vice President Kamala Harris is running on it.
Blinken urges Israel to seek enduring deal, as officials say a limited cease-fire has been discussed
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel needs to pursue an “enduring strategic success” in Gaza after its tactical victories against Hamas. He urged it Wednesday to seek a deal that would end the war and bring back dozens of hostages.
Rudy Gobert confirms he reached a contract extension that's a 'win-win' with the Timberwolves
Minnesota center Rudy Gobert has confirmed that he has reached a contract extension with the Timberwolves. ESPN and other outlets reported earlier Tuesday that Gobert is getting a three-year, $110 million extension with Minnesota, which acquired the French big man in a trade with Utah in 2022.
American Airlines fined $50 million for its treatment of passengers with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Transportation penalty against American Airlines comes after "numerous serious violations of the laws protecting airline passengers with disabilities" over a four-year period.
LeBron and Bronny James make NBA history by playing together in Lakers' 110-103 win over Minnesota
LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father and son to play in the NBA together during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. 
Jailed reporters, silenced networks: What Trump says he'd do to the media if elected
On the campaign trail, former President Donald Trump has threatened to jail reporters who won't give up the sources of leaks and to strip networks of their broadcast licenses for fact-checking him.
U.S. Steel’s decline nearly killed this town. Its sale could save it
Braddock, Pennsylvania lost most of its population over the past almost 100 years, due largely to U.S. Steel's decline. Here's how some locals feel about the company's potential sale to the Japanese.
Students vote early at University of Minnesota pop-up polling place following law change
This year marks the first time Minnesota college students will get to vote early on campus, following a law passed in 2023 by the state Legislature that allows for on-campus, pop-up early voting sites.
In Grand Rapids, voters keep politics mostly quiet to keep civility
Voters in Grand Rapids are concerned about the economy and other issues central to this divisive election. But in a small town where people rub shoulders with those on the other side of the political spectrum, they’re more interested in maintaining civility.
Rudy Giuliani ordered to turn over NYC apartment, 26 watches to Georgia election workers
A federal judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani to turn over his New York City apartment and various other assets to two Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him.