Stories from October 30, 2024

Anonymous donor pays assessment bill to save Fergus Falls historic home
An anonymous donor has stepped up to save the historic home of the first Black resident of Fergus Falls. The 139-year-old house faced forfeiture to Otter Tail County due to an unpaid city assessment bill.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has sided with a conservative voters group and the state Republican Party in a case tied to the makeup of a Hennepin County board that will review absentee ballots. In other news, there’s a winter weather advisory. Several inches of slushy snow are possible on Halloween day Thursday, near Hinckley and Moose Lake and northeast toward Two Harbors.
Halloween snow: Several inches likely Thursday north, west of the Twin Cities
A Halloween storm will deliver rain and snow to Minnesota with significant wintry weather conditions in much of central and northeastern Minnesota. Most of the precipitation should ease out of the state by trick-or-treat time Thursday evening.
Multimillion-dollar ballot questions before Minnesota voters on Election Day
Some of the priciest local proposals before Minnesotans are in Stearns County, Cottage Grove and Richfield. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer was joined by Collegeville-based MPR correspondent Kirsti Marohn, Cottage Grove Journal publisher John McLoone and Mike Hanks, editor of the Bloomington-Richfield Sun Current on Wednesday to break down those ballot questions.
Listen: Watchdogs, former city leaders outline St. Paul's dire fiscal future
Fred Melo, St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter, dug into the report from self-proclaimed watchdogs, including a former city council member, who say the city has a dire fiscal outlook. He joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to parse their findings and recommendations to “right the ship.”
Stauber, Schultz clash in only debate in 8th Congressional District race
In a 40-minute televised debate, incumbent GOP U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber attempted to tie his Democratic opponent, Jen Schultz, to what he called the “failed, far-left” politics of the Biden administration. Schultz criticized Stauber for not accomplishing more for the district in his six years in office.
Key Minnesota county ordered by court to reset board that will review absentee ballots
A Minnesota Supreme Court ruling gives Hennepin County until Friday to rework an absentee ballot board to include more members put forward by the state Republican Party.
Harris promises to ‘represent all Americans’ after Biden’s remark on Trump supporters and ‘garbage’
Kamala Harris is calling for Americans to “stop pointing fingers at each other” as she tries to push past comments made by President Joe Biden about Donald Trump’s supporters and “garbage.”
Halloween snow? What you need to know
If you’re not ready for winter yet, the forecast for Halloween could be looking a bit scary for parts of Minnesota. Here are some resources to keep you up-to-date on the potential for snow.
Dropping temperatures for Wednesday; rain-snow mix on the way
A cold front is set to bring a sharp drop in temperatures across the state. Showers and some thunder are expected to clear out by early Wednesday morning. A more intense system moving in from the south may bring slushy accumulations.
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican in the state's sprawling 8th Congressional District, squared off in debate against his DFL challenger, Jen Schultz, on Tuesday night. And a historically significant home in Fergus Falls — faced with forfeiture to Otter Tail County because of an unpaid assessment bill — has been saved by an unknown donor. 
Mavericks fend off Timberwolves 120-114 in West finals rematch behind Irving's 35 points
Kyrie Irving scored 16 of his 35 points in the third quarter, Luka Doncic had a late surge to finish with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 in the first rematch of the Western Conference finals from last season.
Millions of people to celebrate Diwali this week. Here is what you should know
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India and across the Indian diaspora, including in the U.S. Many celebrate it with food, gifts and fireworks.
Voting officials face ‘an uphill battle’ to fight election lies
The deck is stacked against election officials online, maybe even more so than in 2020. Conspiracy theories can quickly get millions of views while debunks gather a fraction of the attention.
Minneapolis announces next steps for George Floyd Square. Some residents remain skeptical
Some residents and business owners say they’re glad the city is putting resources towards improving the intersection’s infrastructure. But others say they don’t want the city tearing up the streets — at least before they feel the city has addressed their demands for justice.
Politics run hot in Bemidji area Minnesota House race
A little-known Minnesota House race in the northwest is at fever pitch. It pits DFLer Reed Olson against Republican newcomer Bidal Duran for the open House 2A seat. Duran has a somewhat controversial record from working law enforcement, however, in a very red area of the state Olson has an uphill battle. 
A new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center emphasizes the influence, power of girls
The Smithsonian’s “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibit is now on display at the Minnesota History Center. It celebrates the impact that girls have had on history and spotlights women’s basketball legends from the state.
Jefferson Diaz scores the decisive goal in a 5-4 shootout as Minnesota beats RSL in MLS playoffs
It marked Minnesota’s first MLS Cup playoff win via a penalty kick shootout in club history. United can clinch a spot in the Western Conference semifinals with another victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday.