Stories from July 9, 2020

Unscientific survey shows most MN families want in-person school, despise distance learning
A new survey from the Minnesota Department of Education shows a majority of families had a bad experience with distance learning and want schools to resume in-person classes in the fall. But the results are just a sampling — and hardly scientific.
Medical experts: Floyd's speech didn't mean he could breathe
When George Floyd said he couldn't breathe, two of the Minneapolis officers at the scene pointed out that he could still speak. Medical experts say that reaction is dangerously wrong, and that a person can still utter words, even if they can't inhale enough breath. 
U of M disease experts urge CDC to standardize COVID-19 tracking
A new report argues that the patchwork of reporting practices makes it difficult to come up with strategies to combat the coronavirus in the U.S.
A Hennepin County judge issued a gag order Thursday preventing lawyers from discussing the George Floyd case publicly. At least two attorneys representing the former police officers charged in Floyd’s death talked with reporters Wednesday about the case, according to the filing. In his order, Judge Peter Cahill wrote that pretrial publicity will taint the jury pool and could result in an unfair trial. This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday July 9, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen back in federal prison
President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, was returned to federal prison, weeks after his early release to serve the remainder of his sentence at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, the federal Bureau of Prisons said Thursday.
Some people agree to disagree over what's safe during the pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic requires people to weigh risks and make choices about their activities. But there can be problems when a choice conflicts with what the people around us decide to do.
We’ll have a mixed bag of weather this weekend. Check out the details on our weekend temperatures and who may see a thunderstorm.
Biden proposes $700 billion-plus ‘Buy American’ campaign
Launching an economic pitch expected to anchor his fall presidential campaign, Democratic candidate Joe Biden is proposing sweeping new uses of the federal government’s regulatory and spending power to bolster U.S. manufacturing and technology firms.
Lady A the band sues Lady A the singer
The country trio changed its name from Lady Antebellum last month, saying it was "regretful and embarrassed" by racist history. But it's now in a legal fight with a Black artist over the moniker.
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a large chunk of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation, a decision that state and federal officials have warned could throw Oklahoma into chaos.
Council President Bender: Minneapolis overwhelmed by growing homeless encampments, seeking state aid
What comes next for those living in dozens of encampments in Minneapolis parks? That’s an open question in the city right now. Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender spoke with MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer about the city’s path forward on Thursday morning.
A potent storm system is exiting the state, but not without another potential round of severe weather Thursday. Meanwhile, recent rain has not been enough to help worsening drought conditions in central and northeastern Minnesota.
Asian American girls saw pivotal icon in 'Baby-Sitters Club'
Claudia Kishi happened to be everything the "model minority" stereotype wasn't. She got bad grades. She thrived in art and fashion. She wasn't struggling to belong. For those reasons and more, Asian American girls in the '80s and '90s idolized Claudia and felt seen in teen fiction.
The court rejected arguments that the laws were unconstitutional, handing another win to Republicans who have scored multiple high-profile victories before the conservative court in recent years.
Dana Canedy is 1st Black person to head major publishing imprint
Simon & Schuster has named Dana Canedy executive vice president and publisher of its namesake imprint. She is the first Black person and the third woman to hold that position.
Skies clear across most of Minnesota Thursday with slightly cooler temperatures. However, occasional storms linger in eastern and southern Minnesota, including a continued severe weather risk.
Scrabble association bans racial, ethnic slurs from its official word list
On Wednesday, the North American Scrabble Players Association, which governs tournaments in the U.S. and Canada, said it was removing 236 potentially offensive words from its approved list.
Minneapolis council members pledge thoughtful police revamp
Council members sought Wednesday to reassure the Minneapolis Charter Commission, with some commissioners expressing concerns that the council was rushing to push through the proposal so voters can decide it in the November election.
July 9 update on COVID-19 in MN: Cases top 40K; hospitalizations dip
The newest counts come a day after a key state health official warned Minnesotans against holding “COVID parties” as a way to become infected with the coronavirus in a convenient way. She compared it to Russian roulette.
Tornadoes hit western Minnesota, killing one
A 30-year-old man was killed near Dalton when a tornado destroyed a garage where he was working Wednesday night, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office. Two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a hospital.
Half of fired Minnesota police officers get their jobs back through arbitration
The fate of arbitration is set to play out at the state Capitol in the coming weeks, as lawmakers convene for a special session where they’re expected to consider this and other measures to increase police accountability in the wake of George Floyd’s death.