Stories from November 5, 2024

Ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' are for sale nearly 2 decades after they were stolen
A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” is on the auction block nearly two decades after a thief stole the iconic shoes, convinced they were adorned with real jewels.
Voters could make recreational weed legal in a majority of U.S. states
Voters in three states will decide whether to legalize recreational use. Earlier this year, Pew reported that 88 percent of U.S. adults said marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use.
‘Preemptive anguish has an upside:’ Here‘s how to cope with election anxiety
The American Psychological Association reported that 8 in 10 Republicans and Democrats say that politics are some of their biggest stressors. So how can we learn to sit with the unknown?
The path to 270: How Harris and Trump could gain enough electoral college votes to win
Minnesota recently moved from a “Lean Democrat” rating to “Likely Democrat,” according to the Cook Political Report. That means it’s more likely Minnesota will go to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Live from the polls in three competitive districts in Minnesota
Less than eight hours before the polls close, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke to two reporters live from polling locations about what they heard from voters about ultra-competitive races.
On Walz's trail: Reporter Dana Ferguson talks with Cathy Wurzer about covering the VP campaign
MPR News senior politics reporter Dana Ferguson has been following Gov. Tim Walz on the vice-presidential campaign trail. She spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the experience, some cheesy surprises and collaboration along the way.
Police: 13-year-old boy accidentally shot, killed by another teen
A 13-year-old boy was killed early Tuesday morning in what Minneapolis police are calling an apparent accidental shooting. Officials say a 14-year-old boy was handling a gun when the 13-year-old was shot. 
Election 2024: DFL holds Minnesota Senate; House control uncertain
The Minnesota Senate will stay in DFL control next year but there was no definitive word on the House. There were no surprises in Minnesota’s U.S. House and Senate elections. And voters were poised to continue using lottery money to fund natural resources projects.
Cloudy and rainy Election Day forecast
Rain showers will begin moving in from southern Minnesota early Tuesday, marking the arrival of the last low pressure system before a drier pattern sets in from Wednesday through Friday. Expect highs in the mid-40s on Tuesday, with temperatures gradually warming to the low 50s by Friday.
Boeing factory strike ends as workers vote to accept contract
A strike by 33,000 Boeing factory workers is coming to an end after more than seven weeks. The aerospace giant's unionized machinists voted on Monday to accept a company contract offer that includes a 38 percent wage increase over four years.
Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes can proceed, a Pennsylvania judge says
A Pennsylvania judge has ruled that Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes can continue through Tuesday’s presidential election. Common Pleas Court Judge Angelo Foglietta ruled Tuesday after Musk’s lawyers said the winners are not chosen by chance. 
Trump and allies have primed supporters to falsely believe he has no chance of losing
Many of former President Donald Trump’s supporters don’t believe he lost in 2020. Despite a close race again in 2024, Trump and allies still falsely claim the only way he loses is because of cheating.
‘I thought it would be fun.’ 92-year-old election judge has served voters for 7 decades
Around 30,000 Minnesota election judges are checking in voters and handing out ballots Tuesday at polling places across the state. Many are regulars who’ve served their communities for years, even decades. But you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s been at it longer than Helen Burgstaler.
Control of Minnesota House remains uncertain; no surprises in Minnesota congressional races
The Minnesota Senate will stay in DFL control, but the outcome for the state House was still undecided Wednesday morning — with the potential for a 67-67 tie.
To get through the election, 2 therapists prescribe connection
At least one study shows the 2024 election has spiked unusually high levels of anxiety in many people. Here’s how two family and marriage therapists suggest we can lower the temperature in our minds and in our relationships, regardless of the election’s outcome.
Election results FAQ: How votes are counted and what comes next after Election Day
MPR News has compiled answers to some frequently asked questions about how votes are counted, when we will know the results and how election officials ensure the process is fair and accurate.
Voters could flip these state legislatures, changing the path for some big issues
They don’t get as much attention as the presidential election, but state government races play a crucial role in the laws that govern our lives. This year, several state capitols are up for grabs.
Job Interview: For election ballot designers, there’s no room for error
For many election workers, Election Day is the culmination of months of preparation to ensure a smooth and fair election for millions of Minnesotans. That includes election technician Danny Daly, who designs ballots and programs voting machines for Anoka County.