Stories from July 3, 2020

Boy dies after going missing in St. Croix River
A 10-year-old boy died Friday after being pulled from the waters of the St. Croix River.
What we know now about COVID-19 infection, mortality rates
As the number of cases increase, especially among young adults, we discuss the latest information on how the infection is spreading, on the risk of death and on social distancing practices.
30 days of prayer in north Minneapolis
Healing the Heart of Our City is a month-long, African American-led collaborative designed to bring together people of all faiths to pray for healing during a season of trauma.
Washington's pro-football team name will undergo a 'thorough review'
The NFL franchise announced Friday that recent events have pushed it to examine its controversial name. In recent days, corporate sponsors and investors have put pressure on the team to take action.
Coronavirus FAQs: Is it safe to dine indoors — or outdoors?
We look at the risks to consider (and precautions to take) before a restaurant meal. Also: How risky is it to fly on fully booked flights?
Nick Brey, Gabriela Trapero and Briar Lenz: This moment is ‘more than a trend’
People don’t talk openly about racial inequities in St. James, a town of about 5,000. But after the killing of George Floyd, those who supported the Black Lives Matter movement suddenly saw things with razor-sharp focus. That was when three St. James high school students started organizing a protest in town.
New book explores cycles and whiplash of Minneapolis history
Journalist Tom Weber has published a new biography of the City of Lakes. He explores the history of Minneapolis and examines the repetition and rhyme of the city’s understanding of its past.
Hot and humid weather dominates the holiday weekend, along with increasing chances for showers and storms, especially in northern Minnesota.
For some Black Americans, love of country means holding it accountable
For many African Americans, patriotism is complicated because the promises of America aren't fulfilled equally. The Fourth of July brings a challenge: reconciling national pride with systemic racism.
Areas of fog Friday morning are again being replaced with sunny, hot and humid weather.  The Twin Cities is under a heat advisory through the afternoon, and northwestern Minnesota will see a few showers and storms move in by evening.
The newest counts come amid worry over new outbreaks if people ease up on safety measures over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and others are imploring groups gathering over the Fourth of July to meet outdoors instead of inside and to wear masks and social distance even when outside. This is an MPR News update for Friday, July 3, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Video: Frederick Douglass' descendants deliver his 'Fourth of July' speech
The U.S. celebrates this Independence Day amid calls for systemic reform. In this film, five descendants of Frederick Douglass read excerpts of his speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
July 3 update on COVID-19 in MN: Health officials report 423 new cases, plead 'keep guard up' over holiday
Minnesota health officials reported 423 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, following a trend of increasing positive case numbers in the state. But trends in daily deaths from the disease still suggest a hopeful, downward trend. The newest counts come as officials plead with Minnesotans to keep their guard up and to follow public health guidelines over the July Fourth holiday weekend.
On the brink, rural hospitals brace for new surge in COVID-19 cases
Rural "critical access" hospitals, often some of the largest employers in small towns, have been operating on razor-thin margins throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Revisiting sacred cows: Which figures from history do we honor, and how?
Statues have been taken down; names scrubbed from institutions. The national reckoning over race has reenergized debates over historical figures and the scrutiny goes beyond Confederate monuments.
No federal mandates for masks on planes or empty middle seats
As some airlines try to sell every seat on every flight, the Trump administration urges them to leave some seats empty and wants passengers to wear masks, but neither will be required.
Washington NFL team's sponsor FedEx formally asks for team name change
FedEx, which paid $205 million in 1999 for the naming rights to the stadium, says it has "communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name."