Stories from August 26, 2022

Mall of America security detained a suspect following an armed robbery inside the mall around noon Friday. Bloomington Police say a caller alerted mall security after seeing someone enter the building with a rifle. This is an MPR News evening update for August 26, 2022 hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
COVID trends are mostly flat, but proceed with caution
With tens of thousands of Minnesotans getting together daily at the State Fair, and millions of students returning to school in the near future, we wish that the data showed vanishing COVID-19 risks. But, as the graphs and maps below continue to show, that is not the case.
Free skin cancer screenings, sun safety teachings at the State Fair
M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center will administer free skin cancer checks Saturday to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here’s what they’ll be looking for, a look at skin cancer statistics in Minnesota and tips on how to keep yourself safe out in the sun.
St. Paul weighs changes to its rent control ordinance
Property developers say uncertainty over the new ordinance has led to a drastic decrease in new housing developments. One proposal would exempt new construction from rent controls for 20 years. Advocates say renters need the protections more than ever at a time that rents are increasing across the country and in the Twin Cities.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens at the Minnesota State Fair overnight?
Each day of the Minnesota State Fair, tens of thousands of people visit the fairgrounds. But what happens after they all leave? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson has been covering the fair for decades, at all hours of the day, and found the answer.
Walz calls on Jensen to apologize for likening COVID-19 restrictions to Nazi Germany
On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz called for his Republican opponent Scott Jensen to apologize for comments comparing COVID-19 public masking mandates to the rise of Nazi Germany. Jensen refused and once again called on Walz to debate him.
Minnesota State Fair, by the numbers
The “Great Minnesota Get Together” is upon us. And, of course, the best part about it is the data.
Thunder No. 2 pick Holmgren to miss season with foot injury
Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft, will miss the 2022-23 season because of a right foot injury. Holmgren was hurt while playing in a pro-am game last weekend in Seattle, near where he played last season for Gonzaga. 
Scientist Morgan Levine on how to influence your true age
Aging researchers have learned that your chronological age — the number of years you’ve been alive — is not the same as your biological age. Your biological age is said to be closer to your true age, which foretells how long you’ll live a healthy life. Morgan Levine details the latest science in her new book, “True Age.”
Justice Dept. releases redacted Mar-a-Lago search affidavit
The Justice Department on Friday released a partially blacked out document explaining the justification for an FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate this month, when agents removed top secret government records and other classified documents.
Weekend weather: Chance of showers/t-storms; humid air returns
Many of us will see some showers and thunderstorms at times this weekend, but we’ll have a lot of rain-free hours too. We have your weekend weather details.
'Guyana Night' celebrates one of Minnesota's growing Caribbean populations
While there are events celebrating communities part of the larger Caribbean region which includes Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and the Bahamas, organizers with Minnesota Guyana Day have created a space to celebrate their own unique traditions.
Moderna sues Pfizer over patents behind COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna is suing its main competitors Pfizer and the German drugmaker BioNTech, accusing the rivals of copying Moderna’s technology in order to make their own vaccine. 
EPA to designate 'forever chemicals' as hazardous substances
The Environmental Protection Agency says it's designating some toxic industrial compounds used in household goods as hazardous substances under the Superfund law. The designation means releases of long-lasting chemicals known as PFOA and PFOS at or above a certain quantity would have to be reported.
Warm sunshine Friday with storms possible early Saturday
Enjoy sun and warm temperatures Friday along with light winds. Showers and thunderstorms will develop late Friday night into early Saturday as humid air moves back into Minnesota. Thunderstorms will be possible through the weekend.
New state test data released Thursday, shows the majority of Minnesota students are below state proficiency standards in math, and just over half are proficient in reading — a sharp decline since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota angler catches fresh water jellyfish on camera
A St. Cloud resident discovered freshwater jellyfish during a recent fishing trip. The species is not native to Minnesota, but DNR officials say they aren’t considered invasive and have been in various Minnesota lakes for years.
Russia divestment promises by U.S. states largely unfulfilled
U.S. governors and other state officials responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year with public calls to divest state pension, university and other funds from Russian assets. But doing it turns out to be nearly impossible — at least for now. 
Abundant sunshine Friday; storms possible this weekend
We’ll have lots of sunshine with high temperatures ranging from the low 80s south to the 70s north. Thunderstorms will be possible overnight into early Saturday with spotty chances through the weekend.
Mancini 3-run HR, Astros send Twins to 6th straight loss
Trey Mancini homered for a second straight game, a three-run drive that led the Houston Astros to a 6-3 win and a three-game sweep of the slumping Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince was arrested at Miami International Airport on Thursday on a fugitive warrant that was issued in Texas, officials said.
Chauvin moved to Arizona federal pen in George Floyd killing
Derek Chauvin has been moved from a Minnesota state prison where he was often held in solitary confinement to a medium-security federal prison in Arizona, where the former police officer convicted in George Floyd’s killing may be held under less restrictive conditions.
Education officials: Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans could benefit from student loan debt relief
Students from two-year technical or community colleges bear the biggest financial burden from loans. While their debts may be smaller than those who went to four-year schools, the group sees loan defaults at the highest rate.