Stories from August 30, 2022

Biden blasts 'MAGA Republicans,' 'sickening' attacks on FBI
It was a notably different tack for Biden, who has steered clear of extensively commenting on any element of the Justice Department's investigation since federal agents conducted the search at Trump's estate.
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died at 91
Gorbachev was the Soviet Union's last leader and played a central role in ending the Cold War. The hospital that treated him said he died of a serious and protracted disease.
GOP contender Scott Jenson unveils voucher-like school funding option in 10 point education plan, and one of the state’s oldest residential buildings is damaged by fire near Minnehaha Falls. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Gilbert de la O, icon of St. Paul’s Latino community, dies at 77
De la O was the first Latino to serve on the St. Paul School Board and deeply involved with many community organizations. He thought about others when it came down to honoring his own death.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to all the manure at the Minnesota State Fair?
Hundreds of farm animals are shown every year at the Minnesota State Fair — and where you find farm animals, you know you’re going to find something else. Manure. Lots and lots of manure. Where does it all go?
When Gorbachev came to Minnesota
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and his wife Raisa, paid a visit to a chilly Minnesota in 1990, on the invitation of Gov. Rudy Perpich. Minnesota Public Radio News provided live coverage.
Why even environmentalists are supporting nuclear power today
Environmentalists advocating for nuclear power have led a push to extend the operating life of Diablo Canyon, California's last nuclear power plant. Japan and Germany consider similar extensions.
Plugging into the past with nostalgia tech
Using retro technology may be more than just a fad. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about tech history and film cameras, old game consoles and other vintage tech that is growing in popularity with a younger generation.
Photos: Greenland's melting Arctic ice
These photographs by Kerem Yücel, MPR News' senior visual journalist, were captured during research missions carried out by NASA and Texas University scientists in Greenland.
FDA expected to authorize new omicron-specific COVID boosters this week
The Food and Drug Administration is planning to authorize a new generation of COVID-19 boosters this week that for the first time will target the omicron variant.
Minnesota Now for August 30, 2022
Workers picket at the U while students move in, how to handle all the stimulation at the Minnesota State Fair if you are a person who is neurodivergent, plus the photo finish of the Fair’s Supreme Baker competition and a look ahead to Bouchercon — the world mystery convention happening in the Twin Cities the weekend of September 8.
Fans of thrillers and mysteries converge in the Twin Cities for Bouchercon
Minnesota based mystery writer Jess Lourey talks with Cathy Wurzer about Bouchercon — the mystery novel’s version of Comicon where fans and writers mingle and talk all things mystery. It’s happening September 8-11 in the Twin Cities.
How to manage the MN State Fair if you are sensitive to over-stimulation
Jillian Nelson, Community Resource and Policy Advocate with the Autism Society of Minnesota, talks with Cathy Wurzer about strategies to find places of calm at the fair, particularly for those who are neurodivergent.
The tight competition for this year's State Fair top baker award
The best bakers of Minnesota submitted their breads, cakes, cookies and pies and this year there was a tie for Supreme Baker — or so they thought. Chad O'Leary and Kimberly Maize both were named the Supreme Bakers for this year. But then in a twist, competition organizers realized they made a mistake. Cathy Wurzer talks with runner-up Chad O’Leary.
1,500 workers at the U picket while students move in
Tuesday is move-in day for thousands of freshman at the University of Minnesota. As new students move in on the Minneapolis campus, about 1,500 University of Minnesota custodians, dining workers, mechanics, research attendants, gardeners and other service workers will picket and rally. Cathy Wurzer talks with one worker about why.
Sunny, breezy Tuesday; Atlantic hurricane season quiet, so far
Tuesday will be another beautiful and breezy day. Temperatures trend upward Wednesday into Friday and we’ll temporarily see slightly more muggy air late Thursday into early Friday.
State fair attendance is up about 60 percent so far this year compared to 2021 and that's especially good news for fair vendors. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Fire damages one of the oldest buildings in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis Park Board said the damage is “extensive,” though the house — one of the oldest residential structures in the city — remains standing in Minnehaha Regional Park.
Comfortable Tuesday with dry weather continuing
Temperatures will warm from the comfortably cool 50s and 60s into the 70s Tuesday afternoon with abundant sunshine. A northwest breeze will be slightly lighter at 8-17 mph. The dry weather continues this week.  
Urshela's 3-run double sends Twins over Red Sox 4-2
Gio Urshela’s three-run double in the fifth inning pushed the Minnesota Twins ahead and four relievers made the lead stand in a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. 
Data centers, backbone of the digital economy, face water scarcity and climate risk
About 20 percent of data centers in the United States already rely on watersheds that are under moderate to high stress from drought and other factors. However, few companies are talking about the issue.
Homelessness is aggravating harm caused by the Phoenix heat, medical personnel say
Phoenix gets more triple-digit temperatures than any other major U.S. city, and heat deaths have more than quadrupled since 2015, records show. Officials say it's because of homelessness.
More water in Mississippi leading to loss of floodplain forests
These low-lying forests are a unique habitat for birds and wildlife that also capture sediment and nutrients, reducing pollution downstream. But in recent decades, this important ecosystem has been showing signs of stress from continuous high water.
How to stay protected from student loan scammers on the prowl
Amid President Joe Biden's announcement that his administration will be forgiving up to $20,000 in federal student loans, scammers may be looking to take advantage of borrowers.
Governor declares water emergency for Mississippi capital
Mississippi's governor says the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will start distributing both drinking water and non-potable water in the city of 150,000 residents.