Quick Hits

• Ballots are already moving: The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office reports 127,682 ballots accepted in the first three weeks of early voting — and hundreds filled The Commons in downtown Minneapolis Saturday for a No Kings event urging turnout ahead of Election Day.
• On your Hennepin County ballot: County Attorney Moriarty is defending the practice of declining gun charges that stem from some low-level traffic stops. Some police around the Twin Cities argue the policy is contributing to youth gun violence, and KSTP has collected statements from the candidates on declined charges.
• Today in St. Louis Park: The Twin Cities Film Festival screens "Welcome to the Fishbowl," featuring Jeremy Swift, at 4:45 p.m. at Marcus West End Cinema.
• Loons comeback: Marcus Caldeira's 86th-minute goal capped a 3-2 Minnesota United win over St. Louis City, snapping the visitors' 21-match unbeaten streak.
• End of an era: Modern Times Cafe, the south Minneapolis restaurant that drew national attention for giving away free meals during Operation Metro Surge, announced Saturday it will close at the end of the year.

Golden Valley & West Metro

No Golden Valley-specific headlines made today's feed, but countywide news lands close to home — especially with early voting open now.

• The Hennepin County attorney's race is shaping up as one west metro voters will decide. KSTP reports Moriarty is defending the office's policy of declining some gun charges tied to low-level traffic stops — a practice critics in Twin Cities police departments link to youth gun violence — and separately published statements from the candidates on declined charges. With early voting underway, Golden Valley, Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park residents can already weigh in.
• The Twin Cities Film Festival wraps its run with west metro screenings. Jeremy Swift stopped by KARE 11 Saturday to discuss "Welcome to the Fishbowl," screening Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4:45 p.m. at Marcus West End Cinema in St. Louis Park; film critic Brian Eggert also shared his must-see picks from the festival lineup.

Minneapolis

• More than a year after Mariah Samuels was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Minneapolis city leaders are seeking an independent review of how police responded to her repeated calls for help before her death.
• Minneapolis police are investigating a Friday night shooting near East Lake Street that left a man injured, as well as a separate Thursday night shooting in south Minneapolis where a young man died at the scene.
• Modern Times Cafe, which won national attention for offering free meals during Operation Metro Surge, announced Saturday it will close at the end of the year.
• Happier news for book lovers: Paperback Exchange is moving into a new home just 100 feet from its old South Minneapolis location — the owner credits the community with making it possible.
• A Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation found a Coon Rapids credit union and a Minneapolis restaurant liable for discriminating against two Native American customers by denying their Tribal IDs.
• The murder of Minnesota National Guardsman Abdoulaye Cisse remains unsolved after seven years; Minneapolis police consider the case inactive.
• Looking ahead: Banana Ball returns to Target Field in summer 2027, with the Party Animals ("Greatest Party in Sports") facing the Firefighters ("Hottest Team in Sports").

St. Paul

• The St. Paul City Council's latest homelessness plan carries an early estimated price tag of $10.85 million to help hundreds of people currently living in encampments find permanent shelter.
• St. Paul police are investigating an incident in which a man shot and injured his girlfriend before fatally shooting himself; officers were called at 3:46 p.m.

Local Sports

• Minnesota United rallied past St. Louis City 3-2 on Saturday: Rafael Navarro opened scoring unassisted in the fourth minute, and Marcus Caldeira buried the winner in the 86th to end St. Louis City's 21-match unbeaten streak.
• A rough weekend for No. 20 Gophers men's hockey in Duluth: No. 9 Minnesota-Duluth rolled 7-1 on Friday, with Jacob Kvasnicka scoring Minnesota's lone goal and the Bulldogs converting three power plays. Brodie Ziemer scored twice Saturday at AMSOIL to salvage a 2-2 tie.
• No. 15 Bethel football overwhelmed St. Olaf 82-7 behind a dominant performance from quarterback Cooper Drews and a punishing rushing attack.

Minnesota Statewide

• Minnesota is set to receive at least $214 million from a national Meta settlement over harms to kids — and state leaders are already debating how the money should be used.
• Peak leaf-peeping window: Sara Berhow of the DNR's Parks and Trails Division shared a guide to finding the most vibrant fall colors at Minnesota state parks — a solid excuse for a weekend drive from Golden Valley.