Stories from August 21, 2020

Two men charged in fire at Minneapolis bank during unrest
Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have charged two people with arson in connection with a fire at a bank during the civil unrest that followed the police killing of George Floyd in May.
Pentagon: Use of surveillance planes in protests was legal
The probe was ordered by Defense Secretary Mark Esper in response to questions within the department and Congress about whether the military illegally conducted surveillance of American citizens during the unrest after the killing of George Floyd.
A federal grand jury has indicted a St. Paul man on charges that he fraudulently obtained $841,000 in federal coronavirus loans for a business that doesn't exist. 
As campus cases rise nationwide, U of M president proposes delaying on-campus start
In a note to the campus community Friday, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel said that she’s proposing that three of the U’s campuses — in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Duluth — begin classes online for at least the first two weeks of school this fall. The university’s Board of Regents will take up her proposals Monday.
Just over half of the 46 districts surveyed by the Association for Metropolitan Area School Districts will bring students back to in-person classes in some capacity. Also, health officials suggest parents model mask-wearing and distancing for their kids to prepare for school. Hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Coronavirus FAQ: So do lots of people get COVID-19 from flying?
A study released this week points to two passengers infected on a 4-hour flight. But there hasn't been a lot of documentation of transmission on planes. So how risky is flying?
Listen: Joe Biden's acceptance speech at Democratic National Convention
Listen to Joe Biden’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, as well as other speeches by members of Congress, a child from New Hampshire, and more.
Golden State Killer sentenced to life for 26 rapes, slayings
A former California police officer dubbed the Golden State Killer told victims Friday hew was “truly sorry" before he was sentenced to multiple life prison sentences for a decade-long string of rapes and murders that terrorized a wide swath of the state.
Senate showdown begins over commerce commissioner
Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley defended his job performance during a Senate hearing Friday, with Republicans signaling that he is in trouble.
It’ll be a summery weekend. You might want to jump into a lake or swimming pool. We have your forecast details, which include a Saturday thunderstorm chance.
The New York Times is reporting this week that a group of top federal health officials have privately voiced concern about a prominent COVID-19 research program run by the Mayo Clinic. The program is testing the use of blood plasma from recovered patients to treat those who are seriously ill with the virus.
Storms brought several tornadoes and record-breaking rainfalls to many parts of the state last weekend. Retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley discussed the storms with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer in their weekly weather chat.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office says that the plane left the Ely Airport around 9 p.m. Thursday and crashed into White Iron Lake. It was headed toward the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport, about 116 miles to the east, officials said.
A storm system moving across Minnesota brings more active weather Friday and Saturday, then the heat returns early next week for parts of the state.
For students with disabilities, schools say they have to do better in the fall
When U.S. schools went online-only in the spring, many struggled to provide vital services to students with disabilities. Families, advocates and many educators say this fall has to be different.
Postmaster DeJoy vows post office can handle mail-in ballots, in Senate hearing
The new postmaster general faces a public backlashes over changes and delivery delays since he took the helm of the Postal Service in June. President Donald Trump praises DeJoy, a Republican donor and ally. But Democrats warn his cost-cutting initiatives are causing an upheaval that threatens the election.
At least one person who attended the party was infected with COVID-19. The college says 50 students are now in quarantine due to lack of social distancing, many with ties to the party. MPR News morning update for August 21, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.    
Scattered showers and storms move across most of Minnesota by Friday evening, bringing an isolated chance for severe weather.
Harris' dual identities challenge America's race labels
While Kamala Harris’ Indian and Jamaican heritage represents several slices of the minority experience in America, many have puzzled over how to define her. And that in turn has prompted people of multiracial backgrounds to think about how they define themselves.
California fires claim 5 lives, threaten thousands of homes
Although the temperatures were expected to ease slightly Friday, they were expected to be hot enough that firefighters couldn't count on cool evening weather to aid them. Erratic winds also could drive the fires unpredictably in multiple directions, state fire officials said.
Wisconsin election officials: Kanye off presidential ballot
Wisconsin elections officials have decided to keep rapper Kanye West off the battleground states' presidential ballot in November because he turned in his nomination papers moments late. The state Elections Commission voted 5-1 on Thursday to keep West and running mate Michelle Tidball's names off the ballot.
Aug. 21 update on COVID-19: 15 cases tied to Sturgis, more expected
State health officials have worried for weeks about Minnesotans carrying COVID-19 back from the massive motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. On Friday, they confirmed that Sturgis cases are surfacing, with one person hospitalized.
Day care, grandparent, pod or nanny? How to manage the risks of pandemic child care
At least two-thirds of U.S. families are struggling to find safe and affordable child care as the pandemic rages on. NPR asked infectious disease experts to help sort the health risks of each option.
Behind on rent? A new $100 million housing assistance program may help
Starting Monday, Minnesotans who are behind in their rent or mortgage can apply for housing assistance intended for those struggling financially because of COVID-19. But there will be challenges in getting the money into the hands of people who need it most, so officials want to enlist landlords to help get out the word.
Fact check: Biden's address to the DNC, annotated
Joe Biden formally accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for president on the fourth night of the convention. Here are fact checks and analysis of his remarks.
Minneapolis to spend $4.8 million on temporary police station
The city of Minneapolis plans to rent an office building for at least three years to serve as a temporary headquarters for police displaced from the 3rd Precinct.