Stories from August 4, 2022

New group launches effort to gain 'parental rights' on MN school boards
A new group calling itself the Minnesota Parents Alliance rallied at the state capitol Thursday. Dozens of supporters showed up for the gathering. Some carried signs with images of LGBTQ flags crossed out, or “CRT” (Critical Race Theory) crossed out as well as school board candidate signs. 
Gunfire shuts down the Mall of America for the second time in nine months and a conservative law firm from Chicago moved to appeal the decision overturning many Minnesota abortion restrictions. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
A jury says InfoWars' Alex Jones must pay 2 Sandy Hook parents more than $4 million
The InfoWars host and creator will have to pay $4.1 million to two parents whose 6-year-old son was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. Jones spent years claiming the mass shooting as a hoax.
Live election results: Tennessee
NPR is providing live special coverage of the primary elections Wednesday in Tennessee. Below are the results in real time. Polls close at 8 p.m.
Gunfire scatters shoppers at Mall of America; 2 suspects at large
Bloomington police described the gunfire around 4 p.m. Thursday as “an isolated incident” and that the suspected shooter fled the building. The police chief said no one was hit.
Dirty tricks in Kansas via text: Does yes actually mean no?
The misleading texts sent to Kansas Democrats highlights the growing problem of political disinformation sent by automated text message, a ubiquitous communication system that presents new opportunities for those who would attempt to deceive voters.
New invasive insect found in Minnesota for first time
Agriculture officials are asking Minnesotans to be on the lookout for an invasive moth species that's been found in the state for the first time. The purple carrot-seed moth feeds on plants in the carrot family.
Traverse County Attorney attempts to appeal abortion decision
The Traverse County Attorney, backed by a conservative law firm, is asking to intervene in a case to appeal a judge’s decision that threw out many laws restricting abortion in Minnesota.
Hennepin County clinic gives update on monkeypox outbreak in Minnesota
Minnesota health care providers on the front lines of the monkeypox outbreak say the risk remains low — but they want people to be aware, seek care and above all try to keep the virus from becoming endemic.
White House declares monkeypox a public health emergency
Declaring a public health emergency can free up resources to help the administration respond to the monkeypox outbreak. So far more than 6,000 people in the U.S. have been infected.
A lot of folks are excited about the Twins trades this week. Why? Let's ask our sports experts Wally and Eric. Wally Longfellow is the founder of Minnesota Score magazine and the cohost of “Ten-thousand Takes” sports talk show. Eric Nelson is the other host of “Ten-thousand Takes” and the Minnesota Vikings reporter for CBS Sports Radio “Eye on Football.” They joins us every week with the sports news we need to know.
Emily Hall says a 10 minute meditation can lift your mood
If you listen to what’s happening in your body, what can it tell you about your mental and spiritual wellbeing? That’s what Emily Hall tries to answer with her clients. She is a meditation leader based in Minneapolis. She talks with Cathy Wurzer about the gifts of meditation to manage stress.
Weekend weather: Periods of showers, thunderstorms; warmest temps Saturday
Parts of central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin could see 1 inch or more of weekend rain. The northern third of Minnesota is expected to see the lowest rainfall totals.
Ep. 15 Living your Black life in Minnesota
We spoke to dozens of Black residents who told us what they think about living in Minnesota.  Some lamented the lack of Black cultural spaces and the prevalence of a form of ‘niceness’ that isn’t actually nice. However, some told us Minnesota has lots to offer and has the potential for much more. Plus, St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter III gives his ‘elevator pitch’ for why Black people should want to live in the capital city. 
Is there any research showing yogurt, dogs or super immunity protects from Covid?
Have you managed to avoid getting Covid? Experts say masking, social distancing and vaccines are the key — but a lot of people have some other theories on how they've stayed healthy. Cathy Wurzer talks about their ideas with Mayo Dr. Priya Sampathkumar.
Why conservatives invited Hungary's autocratic PM to headline Dallas event
Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orbán, who has suppressed civil liberties and intimidated media and corporate critics, will address the Conservative Political Action Conference in Dallas.
A Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years on drug charges
The ruling came nearly six months after Griner was detained. Russia has indicated that any potential deal or prisoner swap to secure her release would have to wait until after a verdict in her case.
First look at pregnancy-related deaths in Minnesota finds some disparities
A snapshot look at pregnancy-related deaths in Minnesota found all of the deaths could have been prevented and that pregnancy-associated deaths were disproportionately high among Black and Indigenous people.
Historian Carol Anderson on the assault to undermine voting rights
The Voting Rights Act turns 57 this week. But its power to outlaw discriminatory voting practices has been slowly chipped away. On a special Big Books and Bold Ideas, MPR News host Kerri Miller talks with historian and scholar Carol Anderson about what’s next for voting rights.
Primary election day is Tuesday. The primary narrows the field of candidates who will advance to the November general election and there are a lot of races to watch. MPR News reporter Mark Zdechlik has been watching the congressional primary races. He joined host Cathy Wurzer for a preview.
Meet the Candidate: Ryan Winkler runs for Hennepin County Attorney
For the first time in 24 years, voters in Hennepin County are voting for a new county attorney. Here, Ryan Winkler speaks with Cathy Wurzer. He is currently the house majority leader and lives in Golden Valley.
Comfortable Thursday; heating back up Friday; storm chances ahead
A nearly perfect Thursday with normal temperatures and low dew points. Heat and humidity return Friday setting the stage for possible weekend rain and thunder.
When the Minneapolis City Council meets Thursday, members will vote on the mayor’s choice to lead a newly created department, which will oversee the city’s public safety functions.  This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
A gorgeous Thursday; hotter Friday; storms possible Saturday
Enjoy a beautiful day Thursday with comfortable dew points and near normal temperatures with lots of sunshine. Heat and muggier air returns Friday, setting the stage for possible storms Friday night into Saturday and Saturday night.
Simon visits Minneapolis suburb to tout election security
Secretary of State Steve Simon visited a suburban Minneapolis elections office for a public display of tests on voting equipment to ensure accurate results ahead of the state’s primary election on Aug. 9.
Biden used to keep Trump mentions to a minimum. Not anymore
With the midterms approaching and lots of chatter about whether Biden will run in 2024, Donald Trump is a useful foil for the president once again.
How to protect the people you care about from extreme heat
Heat waves can take a toll on our health, and some people are especially vulnerable. But you can do a lot to look out for those who are at higher risk of heat-related illness.
To this retired commander, the ISS was the last good bond between the U.S. and Russia
Retired Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut Terry Virts commanded the ISS in 2014 and 2015, but says he wouldn't want to partner with Russia in space until it leaves Ukraine and pays for the damage.
Art Hounds:  Mankato gallery highlights art from Scholars Serving Time
The Minnesota Fringe festival kicks off Thursday. The 410 Project in Mankato launches its exhibit “Art Inside,” featuring paintings and drawings by art students at the Faribault Men’s Correctional Facility. NDN Way Comedy brings together three Native American stand-up comics for a night of laughs at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy.
Research aims to address bait fish shortage
Minnesota researchers are trying to find a better way to raise a popular minnow anglers use for bait. Natural production has not met demand in recent years, so researchers are testing ways to grow the minnows in a controlled environment.