Stories from July 4, 2020

Warmth and humidity. We have plenty of both in our Sunday forecast. Details on that, plus a look at who may see Sunday rain and a peek at the week ahead.
Holiday weekend adds to virus worries as case counts grow
Florida reported a record number of coronavirus cases on Saturday in the latest sign that the virus is surging in many parts of the United States, casting a pall over Fourth of July celebrations.
Amid furor over monuments, Trump calls for 'Garden of American Heroes'
Trump’s idea comes as elected officials and institutions are reckoning with whether it is appropriate to continue to honor people, including past presidents, who benefited from slavery or espoused racist views.
There are many rallies, marches and other events taking place around the Twin Cities on the Fourth of July, calling for an end to systemic racism in the criminal justice system, and calling for justice for George Floyd. MPR News update for July 4, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
For fantasy fans looking for their next book series
Bookseller Jody Hardy recommends a series that has drawn comparisons to the works of Patrick Rothfuss and George R.R. Martin.
Why some young people fear social isolation more than COVID-19
It's not that young adults aren't worried about the pandemic, psychologists say, but the social isolation can come at a high cost to mental health. Nearly half of people ages 18 to 29 report feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression. That's twice the rate for their parents.
Summery warmth and humidity; thunder chance in some areas
This Fourth of July will feature warm temps and summery humidity levels. Some areas will also see thunderstorms at times. We have your 4th of July weather details plus a look at Sunday and the week ahead.
July 5 update on COVID-19 in MN: Confirmed cases climb past 38K
Minnesota health officials reported 519 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, along with five more deaths. The count of people currently hospitalized dropped from 270 to 253 in Sunday's report — the lowest number since April 22.
Twin Cities Oromo community mourns cultural icon, takes up his song
All this week, members of the Twin Cities’ Oromo community have been mourning the loss of a cultural icon: A singer and activist who was a leading voice in the fight for his people’s civil rights in Ethiopia.
Trump pushes racial division, flouts virus rules at Mount Rushmore
At the foot of Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day, President Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day, accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a “merciless campaign to wipe out our history.”