Stories from July 2, 2020

Heat and high humidity continue through the holiday weekend, while chances for showers and storms increase over the next few days.
Walz asks Trump for 'major disaster' aid following unrest
Gov. Tim Walz has requested federal money to help Minnesota rebuild and repair fire damage from the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd. Walz asked President Trump to declare a “major disaster” because of extensive damage to public infrastructure.
State officials said Thursday that 31 Minnesota financial institutions have committed themselves to provide additional mortgage-relief options to homeowners facing financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic who don't have federally backed mortgages. This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday, July 2, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Minnesota banks, credit unions, offer COVID-19 mortgage help
Under the framework announced Thursday, the four participating banks and 27 credit unions have agreed to offer 90-day forbearance periods. Qualifying families won’t have to make lump-sum payments at the end of that period for what they owe.
Another day, another coronavirus record in Florida
The surge of coronavirus cases in Florida shows no signs of slowing down. The state hits another daily record, with more than 10,000 cases reported on Thursday.
Family of man killed by police in Eagan files civil rights suit; protesters want case reopened
Lawyers for Isak Aden’s family say his killing a year ago during a standoff with police was “another tragic display of an over-aggressive, over-militarized police response to a Black man.” Aden’s sister led 150 protesters on Wednesday calling for justice.
Crop failure rate for wild rice is increasing with climate change
Climate change is taking a significant toll on wild rice in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the plant's significance to Ojibwe communities makes finding a solution all the more delicate — and dire.
It’ll be a warm Fourth of July weekend, with many rain-free hours. Scattered weekend showers and thunderstorms are possible. We have your weekend forecast details.
‘The worst seven minutes of my life’: As bullets flew overhead, children ran for cover
At a time when the city of Minneapolis is taking steps to dismantle the Police Department, an uptick in gun violence is causing fear and anxiety among some residents. A drive-by shooting in a north Minneapolis park during a youth football team practice has cemented people's fears about public safety.
A brief guide to a socially distanced Independence Day in Minnesota
Independence Day doesn’t have to change completely. Here are a few locations that plan to host events, from virtual to social distanced, and some safety reminders on fireworks.
Rain chances are spotty Friday. Saturday and Sunday bring more scattered chances for showers and storms, especially for northern Minnesota Saturday and statewide Sunday.
Lawmakers to get classified briefing on Russia bounty intel
The meeting comes as President Donald Trump, who says he wasn't briefed on the information because it wasn't verified, is under increasing pressure to provide answers about the U.S. response to Russia or the lack of one.
Justices keep hold on secret Russia investigation material
The justices agreed on Thursday to hear the Trump administration's appeal of a lower court order for the material to be turned over to the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. The high court's action will keep the documents out of congressional hands at least until the case is resolved, which is not likely to happen before 2021.
U.S. adds 4.8 million jobs as unemployment falls to 11.1%
The nation has now recovered roughly one-third of the 22 million jobs it lost to the pandemic recession. And with confirmed coronavirus cases spiking across the Sun Belt states, a range of evidence suggests that a job market recovery may be stalling. Some restaurants, bars and other retailers that had reopened are being forced to close again.
Closing bars to stop coronavirus spread is backed by science
Clusters of cases have been linked to bars, including a Michigan outbreak involving nearly 140 people in 12 counties. The coronavirus spreads more easily in closed, crowded spaces with poor ventilation and where there are close-range conversations. An infectious diseases expert also says alcohol lowers inhibitions, so people forget precautions.
Fauci: Mixed messaging on masks set U.S. public health response back
The current surge in cases can be contained, says White House advisor Anthony Fauci. But it's going to take a real focus on social distancing — and mask wearing.
At least 47 cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to the Pickled Loon in St. Cloud, which has closed temporarily as a result. MPR News morning update for June 2, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Widespread areas of fog Thursday morning will be replaced with sunshine and hot weather.  Humidity also remains high, prompting a heat advisory for the Twin Cities metro area.
Missouri man freed from prison with help from Lynx star Maya Moore
Maya Moore was on hand when Jonathan Irons, 40, walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center. She and other supporters argued he was falsely convicted of burglary and assault charges.
Pitch-perfect 'Mexican Gothic' ratchets up the dread
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest is true Gothic horror; set in 1950s Mexico in a creepy, isolated house where a young bride believes her new husband is poisoning her, and that ghosts walk through walls.
Minneapolis Park Board holds off on reducing size of encampments
The Minneapolis Park Board is trying to determine a path forward for hundreds of homeless people who are living in city parks.
Two college students have organized racial justice protests in the small central Minnesota city of Alexandria, but they intend to keep it top of mind for residents long after the protests end.
Confirmed coronavirus cases are rising in 40 of 50 states
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. climbed to a new high of more than 50,000 per day on Thursday, with the infection curve rising in 40 out of 50 states, as the pandemic trended in the wrong direction in nearly all of the country outside of the Northeast.
MN's Oromo community protests, demands justice after prominent Ethiopian singer killed
Members of Minnesota’s Oromo community protested over the killing of an influential musician and activist in Ethiopia earlier this week. As they marched on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, the highway traffic was stalled for hours Wednesday evening.
Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake closed for July
The planned closure took effect Wednesday, in anticipation of a fall walleye season. DNR officials determined closing the popular lake to walleye fishing in July would provide the best chance for walleye fishing this fall, by reducing hooking mortality when water temperatures are warmest.