Stories from August 11, 2022

Iowa governor asks court to allow blocked 2018 abortion ban
The 2018 law bans abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. An Iowa law banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy remains in effect while Reynolds pursues the tougher ban in court.
Mall of America gunfire: Suspected gunman, accomplice arrested
Alleged gunman Shamar Alon Lark, 21, was arrested in Chicago along with Rashad Jamal May, 23, following a nationwide manhunt, the Bloomington police chief told reporters Thursday.
Twin Cities and Duluth nurses are heading toward a strike, a special session at the Legislature appears stalled and two former officers appeal their convictions for their role in George Floyd's killing.
State patrol, Metro police step up efforts to reduce violent crime
The escalation of state and metro police crime fighting efforts come as a report from the Minneapolis Police Department highlights troubling gun violence trends in the city.
FEMA announces emergency aid for 23 counties damaged in May storm
The Memorial Day storm brought heavy winds, hail and at least five tornado touchdowns, including one in Douglas County. The county’s emergency management director joined All Things Considered to give a status update on cleanup efforts and discuss how the aid will help.
Two Harbors voters overwhelmingly back recall of mayor
Residents of Two Harbors, Minn., voted overwhelmingly this week to recall the city's embattled mayor. More than 86 percent of voters backed the effort to remove Mayor Chris Swanson from office.
Justice Dept. seeks to unseal search warrant of Trump home
The Justice Department has asked a court to unseal the search warrant the FBI received before searching the Florida estate of former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday. Garland cited the “substantial public interest in this matter” in announcing the request at a hastily scheduled Justice Department news conference.
Weekend forecast: Quiet weather, summery temps
Our Saturday and Sunday weather will be summery, and it should be rain-free in most areas both days. We have the weekend forecast details, plus a look at the updated drought report for Minnesota.
Rapidan community campaigns to preserve aging dam
Blue Earth County is deciding what to do with the huge Rapidan Dam. Over a century old, it suffered damage during recent flooding. If the county board votes to take it down it will be the largest-ever dam removal project in state history. However some local residents say the huge structure is vital to attract visitors, and to the town’s identity.
How Minnesota shaped mall culture
As the Mall of America marks its 30th anniversary, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the mall’s vice president and a design critic about the history and evolution of indoor shopping malls.
Cooler Thursday, showers Friday; recent rains eased drought a bit
A few showers are possible in southwestern Minnesota. The rest of Minnesota will be partly cloudy with high temperatures in the 70s to low 80s. Showers develop Friday and we need the rain as the latest drought monitor shows.
Cooler Thursday, less humid; showers Friday
Thursday will be more comfortable with slightly cooler temperatures and more comfortable air. Humid air moves north again touching off scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday.
The Cold War to Brittney Griner: a new twist in U.S.-Russia prisoner swaps
The U.S. and Russia are trying to work out a prisoner exchange that involves basketball star Brittney Griner. While they've done deals for decades, the trading usually involves spies for spies.
Abortion is legal in Illinois. In Wisconsin, it's nearly banned. So clinics teamed up
After Wisconsin left an 1849 near-total abortion ban in place, some providers began commuting to Illinois to treat patients. These Planned Parenthood partnerships could be a model for the future.
General Mills' classic Monster Cereals are back with a reimagined look
Artist KAWS has designed boxes — and collectible prizes — for Franken Berry, Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Frute Brute, which are back for General Mills' seasonal release of Monster Cereals.
Photos: Soccer fans flock to All-Star showcase in St. Paul
Carlos Vela scored in the third minute and Raúl Ruidíaz’s converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute in the Major League Soccer All-Star team’s 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday night.
Social media posts warn people not to call 988. Here's what you need to know
Mental health advocates celebrated the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, but some people voiced concerns that using the service could lead to police involvement or forced hospitalization.
What the Inflation Reduction Act does and doesn't do about rising prices
The Inflation Reduction Act is not expected to bring down inflation dramatically or right away, but experts say that might not be such a bad thing given the bill's other areas of focus.
Art Hounds: Puppets, song, stories, laughs and clay
Puppetlab celebrates its 10th year with new, experimental work at Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis. Stop by for “An Evening of Stories, Songs, and Laughs” in International Falls Saturday evening. And next weekend, the Cannon River Clay Tour offers a chance to see 21 potters at four studios around Northfield.
The last time to catch a supermoon this year is approaching
Supermoons in general appear 17 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than when the moon is at its farthest point away from Earth, according to NASA.
What is the Fifth Amendment, and how has it been used?
Former president Donald Trump said in a statement that he has had no option but to use the Fifth Amendment in the New York attorney general's investigation into his business practices.