Stories from September 3, 2021

Jaleel Stallings argued self-defense during his July trial, testifying that he fired at the unmarked white van after he was struck in the chest with what turned out to be a nonlethal rubber bullet fired by police.
Above average Labor Day weekend forecast
Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer for many in Minnesota. The weekend looks better than average across the state.
Starting next month, St. Paul Public Schools employees will be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine or agree to routine tests. Also, members of Congress debate the Line 3 pipeline project during dueling visits in the Twin Cities. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Hosted by Jon Collins. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Omar, other ‘squad’ members appeal to Biden on pipeline
Minneapolis U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Democratic members of Congress want President Biden to stop the nearly completed Line 3 replacement pipeline project. Republican legislators from northern Minnesota say there’s no reason to block the project.
U.S. expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas suggested the total could be higher because of the “enduring” U.S. commitment to resettle people who helped the American war effort or are particularly vulnerable to Taliban rule.
COVID-19 in MN: Summer wave grinds on toward the fall
Minnesota’s late-summer COVID-19 wave is spilling over into early September, continuing a slow-motion climb toward a crest, although it’s still not clear when that’s coming.
The 25th annual MPR State Fair Weather Quiz
It’s time once again to test how much you know about Minnesota weather and climate.
More than 8,000 Afghan refugees at Wisconsin's Fort McCoy
A spokesperson for a task force overseeing the refugees at the base said Friday about 8,780 Afghans were at Fort McCoy and about 1,390 soldiers are supporting them. The number of refugees there has nearly tripled in a week.
The Supreme Court heads toward reversing abortion rights
The court's most conservative members upheld the Texas law, but almost as important as the result was how the court reached its decision — without full briefing and arguments before any court.
Rain moves out Friday, but fog and drizzle stick around for much of the state. By Saturday, however, sunshine returns and the holiday weekend is looking pleasant.
Friday’s rain will be replaced by an area of drizzle and fog across much of Minnesota by the afternoon.
With a Labor Day deadline looming, a nine-member state panel has yet to agree on how to distribute $250 million in bonus pay for Minnesota’s frontline pandemic workers. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, September 3, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Biden message to battered Gulf Coast: 'We are here for you'
President Joe Biden is calling for greater public resolve to confront climate change and help the nation deal with the fierce storms, flooding and wildfires that have beset the country as he makes a sojourn to hurricane-battered Louisiana on Friday.
Cleanup and mourning continue after Ida soaks Northeast U.S.
At least 48 people in five states died as storm water cascaded into people's homes and engulfed automobiles, overwhelming urban drainage systems never meant to handle so much rain in such a short time.
Judge: Quick response coming on challenge to MPD ballot measure
The measure would replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new Department of Public Safety that may — but is not required to — include police officers.