Stories from September 2, 2022

Twin Cities farm co-op settles fraud allegations as regulators sue former trader
The Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday sued a former CHS trader over allegations that he fabricated hundreds of transportation contracts and inflated the agribusiness cooperative's income by $124 million over five years. The suit comes on the same day that CHS settled with the government and pledged to improve internal controls.
Many Minnesota State Fair visitors are ranking abortion as their top political issue. The U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned the federal right to an abortion. And now, Minnesotans say they’re vetting candidates based on where they stand on abortion policy. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Sept. 2, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
 Brand new booster paired with some hopeful COVID trends
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a new COVID-19 booster shot yesterday that targets the recently circulating BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The new Pfizer-BioNTech booster is available for anyone age 12 or older, while Moderna’s new version is for anyone age 18 or older.  
The Cube Critics reviewed Reservation Dogs on FX and Untold Stories: on Netflix, in front of an audience at the Minnesota State Fair.
Autism centers say they are in a staffing crisis
In a trend that is more acute in the last two years, centers for autistic people in Minnesota have been struggling to find enough staff members — and the money to pay them.
Klobuchar popular at State Fair; coy on White House run
One of the most popular politicians at the Minnesota State Fair this year is not on the ballot in the midterm elections. And after an unsuccessful run for president in 2020, many fairgoers and others are wondering whether Sen. Amy Klobuchar still has her sights set beyond Minnesota. 
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against two Iron Range law enforcement officers who shot and killed a 38-year-old man in Chisholm, Minn., in April.
Weekend weather: Plenty of sun, comfy temps Saturday through Labor Day
You can expect comfortable temperatures Saturday through Labor Day, along with plenty of sunshine. Some spots could see a passing shower or thunderstorm Friday afternoon and evening.
The union representing some 15,000 nurses in the Twin Cities and Duluth said Thursday it will launch a three-day strike against 16 hospitals starting Sept. 12. The decision comes weeks after union leaders said their members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cooler weekend follows a hot Friday; MN drought conditions ease a bit
Friday will be hot again south but cooler north. Isolated thunderstorms are possible; 70. Seventies spread statewide Saturday and Sunday with cool nights ahead.
The economy added 315,000 jobs, showcasing a labor market that is still strong
U.S. employers added 315,000 jobs in August, while the unemployment rate rose to 3.7 percent from 3.5 percent in July. A tight job market gives workers more bargaining power, but it may also fuel inflation.
Another hot day Friday then cooler this weekend
We’ve got another hot day Friday with highs in the upper 80s south, but cooler in the north with 70s. That cool front will touch off just isolated showers Friday. Seasonable temperatures, back in the 70s spread statewide for Saturday and Sunday.
Ukrainian teens start school in Minnesota
One Minnesota woman who wondered how she could help Ukrainians escape the Russian invasion of their homeland decided to become a temporary legal guardian to three teenagers.
Biden's speech walks a fine line in its attack on MAGA Republicans
In his Thursday evening address to the nation, President Joe Biden chooses a risky strategy of criticizing elected GOP officials while trying not to alienate Republican voters.
Minnesota opens with 38-0 win over Kill, New Mexico State
Mo Ibrahim rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns as Minnesota opened the season by overwhelming New Mexico State 38-0. The victory spoiled a homecoming of sorts for head coach Jerry Kill.
AirB-n-BAWK! Minn. egg producer invites guests to stay, work on the farm
On a northeastern Minnesota egg farm, visitors are are embracing a more intimate agritourism experience — one where they sleep, and even work, on the farm.
At State Fair, Walz, Jensen try to make campaigns stick
With a little more than two months left before Election Day, the frontrunners in the race for Minnesota governor took different tacks to making their presence known at the annual end-of-summer event.