Stories from July 7, 2020

U of M Morris now carbon neutral on electricity
The latest milestone means the balance of the electricity the university uses is generated from clean energy sources that don’t give off carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
U of M to help international students comply with ICE directive
The University of Minnesota is reviewing its fall semester plans to make sure that international students aren’t forced to leave the country under new guidance from federal immigration authorities.
Why U.S. schools are still segregated — and one idea to help change that
Rebecca Sibilia, founder of EdBuild, says a Supreme Court case shaped a funding model for public schools that reinforces inequity. She tells All Things Considered about a new model that could help.
Trump sets date to end WHO membership over its handling of virus
In a letter to the U.N., the president said the United States will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization effective July 6, 2021. He was met with a barrage of criticism.
Trump sets date to end WHO membership over its handling of virus
In a letter to the U.N., the president said the United States will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization effective July 6, 2021. He was met with a barrage of criticism.
How China is exerting its global power
The Chinese government recently passed a new law aimed at curbing dissent in Hong Kong. Two experts on Asia shared their analysis of these recent developments and what it means for the global power structure at large.
Regardless of what you think, 'irregardless' is a word
Grammarians are up in arms over dictionaries including "irregardless." The Merriam-Webster dictionary responds: "We do not make the English language, we merely record it."
Judge rejects Dakota Access request for emergency order
A federal judge rejected a request for an emergency order to delay the process of shutting down the Dakota Access pipeline while attorneys appeal a ruling to shutter the pipeline during the course of an environmental review. 
Gov. Tim Walz is prepared to call Minnesota lawmakers into a special session that would begin Monday.  The first special session this summer ended without much to show for it. Disagreements over changes to policing and a package of state-financed construction projects left both undone. This is an MPR News evening update for Tuesday July 7, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
'Want' captures the precariousness of America's middle class
The family at the center of Lynn Steger Strong's novel is on the brink of bankruptcy. “Want” is a portrait of how close to the edge people are — despite the seeming safeguard of middle-class jobs.
Two severe storm waves likely in Minnesota Tuesday and Wednesday
Forecast models suggest two likely storm waves across the Upper Midwest tonight and Wednesday. The stronger storms may pack damaging winds and large hail.
Movement for Black Lives seeks sweeping legislative changes
Proposed federal legislation that would radically transform the nation's criminal justice system through such changes as eliminating agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration and the use of surveillance technology is set to be unveiled Tuesday by the Movement for Black Lives.
Florida killer pleads not guilty to husband's slaying
A southern Minnesota woman convicted of killing a woman in Florida to assume her identity pleaded not guilty before a judge in her home state Tuesday in her husband's 2018 slaying.
Walz set to call special session for Monday
The first special legislative session this summer ended without much to show for it. Disagreements over changes to policing and a package of state-financed construction projects left both undone.
Trump pledges to 'pressure' governors to reopen schools despite health concerns
The administration acknowledges the risk of students spreading the contagion to vulnerable populations but emphasizes that school closures disrupt "critical services to children and their families." Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the level of in-person versus distance learning will depend on how successful the state is at containing the coronavirus.
Coronavirus and drinking games: Author of new book sees commonalities
Adam Kucharski, author of the new book “The Rules Of Contagion,” talks about how to predict the spread (and end) of contagious events, from viruses to internet trends.
Do police officers belong in schools?
Amid calls for police reform, we’ve seen new scrutiny on the use of police officers inside schools. Some school districts in Minnesota are removing school resource officers from their buildings.
'We've got to learn from our history,' 'Demagogue' author warns
Author Larry Tye chronicles Sen. Joseph McCarthy's infamous smear campaign in a new book. He says both McCarthy and Trump are "bullies" who exploit fears and "point fingers when they're attacked."
Tuesday’s weather stays fairly quiet before a storm system brings in more heat, humidity and the risk of severe weather by Wednesday.
Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again
The personal protective gear that was in dangerously short supply during the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. is running low again as the virus resumes its rapid spread and the number of hospitalized patients climbs.
Retailers to governors: Please mandate face mask wearing
The Retail Industry Leaders Association, which represents Target, Home Depot and other major chains, says different rules around the country have made it confusing for shoppers and often lead to conflict between customers and workers trying to enforce store rules.
Warm and humid weather continues, with only an isolated chance for showers and storms, especially in southern Minnesota. Storms, including possible severe weather, target northwestern Minnesota late Tuesday.
Doctor: Many COVID-19 patients face long-term health challenges
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we're learning more about what it means to survive the disease. For many patients who fall seriously ill, the virus' impact does not end upon discharge from the hospital. Some are struggling with a host of residual symptoms and challenges.
Motorists and police will have new guidance that may help avoid deadly shootings like the one that killed Philando Castile four years ago Monday. His mother, Valerie Castile pushed for the changes after her son was fatally shot by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb seconds after he told the officer he had a firearm in his vehicle. Castile said the update to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual could save lives. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday July 7, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
July 7 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death count continues to ebb
With three deaths reported Tuesday, the state remains on a two-week trend of days with deaths mostly in single digits. The newest counts come a day after Rochester and Mankato voted to require mask-wearing in public indoor spaces.
2020 Aspen Ideas Festival: Alicia Garza, Michael Eric Dyson on Black Lives Matter; Anna Deavere Smith, Yuval Sharon on the arts
Speakers from the 2020 Aspen Ideas Festival: Michael Eric Dyson and Alicia Garza on the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, and Anna Deavere Smith and Yuval Sharon on the role of the arts in these turbulent times.
UN predicts rise in diseases that jump from animals to humans
Zoonotic pathogens, which include not only COVID-19, but HIV/AIDS and Ebola, have increasingly emerged due to stresses humans have placed on animal habitats, according to a new United Nations report.
$200K loan helped MN Senate president's business hang on
A more than century-old scrap metal business owned by the Minnesota Senate president was among hundreds of thousands of businesses nationwide to get a boost from the Treasury Department’s Payroll Protection Program.