Stories from November 1, 2024

Duluth shelter poised to double in size to address growing homelessness crisis
Chum, the largest shelter serving people experiencing homelessness in Duluth, has announced plans to add two stories to its downtown building, and double the number of beds it offers, from 80 to 160.
Nearly a million Minnesotans have already cast their ballots in the presidential election. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said at this point Minnesotans voting via absentee ballot should not risk putting the ballot in the mail. Also on the ballot is a measure to renew a constitutional amendment that sets aside 40 percent of lottery proceeds for conservation projects.
Job Interview: Grief counselor helps kids and families heal after loss
In our “Job Interview” series, where we talk to everyday Minnesotans about the rewards and challenges of their work. Cara Mearns-Thompson is the clinical director and co-founder of The Grief Club of Minnesota.
What to know about the unprecedented floods that killed more than 200 in Spain
In a matter of minutes, flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain swept away everything in their path. With no time to react, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses for hours.
Politics Friday: Minnesota campaigns, parties gear up for Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, so how might it shake out? MPR News host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the closing days of the 2024 campaign and what to watch for when the results come in on election night. 
Here are the key Electoral College dates to keep in mind ahead of Inauguration Day
Former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the last election put a spotlight on what are essentially ministerial steps between Election Day and Inauguration Day. Here are the key dates ahead.
A mother and baby from Gaza are reunited 11 months after being separated at birth
After an Israeli airstrike left mom-to-be Raneem Hizaji badly injured, doctors performed an emergency C-section. It took nearly a year for mom and baby to be reunited.
Family found safe after shooting, kidnapping prompt Amber Alert; suspect arrested
Authorities in central Minnesota say a pregnant woman and her four children were found safe Friday morning, hours after they were reportedly abducted at gunpoint from a home near Brainerd. The suspect is also believed to have fatally shot another man.
Boeing cleaned up on Air Force parts, including soap dispensers marked up 8,000 percent
Boeing overcharged the Air Force nearly $1 million for spare parts on C-17 cargo planes, including an 8,000 percent markup for simple lavatory soap dispensers, according to the Pentagon’s inspector general.
Minnesota election officials have accepted almost 920,000 absentee ballots ahead of Election Day. The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday passed a resolution supporting the closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center trash incinerator by the end of 2027. And today marks the start of National Native American Heritage Month.
Cooler Friday, weekend warmup
Following Halloween's snowfall, cooler temperatures in the 40s will settle in. Light rain showers may occur in western Minnesota but warmer air is on the way for the weekend!
First Gaza, now Lebanon: How support for Israel’s war is influencing Michigan voting
Many Muslim and Arab American voters are leaning toward third-party candidates or not voting, feeling neither main candidate values their families’ lives. Others are choosing between Harris and Trump.
Poll: A majority of Americans have participated in democracy this campaign season
New findings from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s latest Mood of the Nation Poll show that a majority of Americans have engaged in at least one type of political activity over the course of this year’s campaign season. Of the seven activities listed in the survey, sharing political messages online was the most common.
These 2 people with felony records are voting in their 1st presidential election on Tuesday
Calvin Boswell, 35, and Mario Jackson, 41, both spent more than 10 years in prison. Now they’re looking forward to casting their first-ever vote in a presidential election on Nov. 5.
Events happening around the state during Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month celebrates Native history, culture and contributions of Native communities across the United States. Gatherings both large and small are happening across the state including the Iron Range, St. Cloud, Mankato and the metro region throughout November.
Should Minnesota continue to put lottery dollars toward the environment?
Currently 40 percent of proceeds from the state lottery go into a fund aimed at protecting the state’s environment. Voters will decide next week whether to renew the fund for another 25 years, but a proposed addition is getting some pushback.
Southern Minnesota House District 18A’s history of flip-flopping attracts lots of outside funding 
With a recent history of voting Republican during presidential elections and Democrat in the midterms, District 18A is attracting a lot of attention in the 2024 election. GOP hopeful Erica Schwartz is looking to unseat incumbent DFL Rep. Jeff Brand. He has won the seat twice with a loss in between.
AP sources: White House altered record of Biden's 'garbage' remarks despite stenographer concerns
White House press officials altered the official transcript of a call in which President Joe Biden appeared to take a swipe at supporters of Donald Trump, drawing objections from the federal workers tasked with recording the president’s remarks for posterity.
Man who killed eagles on a Native American reservation gets nearly 4 years in prison
A Washington state man who authorities say led a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation in Montana that killed thousands of eagles and hawks was sentenced to nearly four years in prison.