Stories from July 15, 2020

'He shouldn't be doing that': Trump weighs in on Navarro op-ed attacking Fauci
The White House has disavowed a “USA Today” opinion piece by trade adviser Peter Navarro, who says Fauci has been wrong about the coronavirus. Fauci tells “The Atlantic” the attacks are "bizarre."
'Magic School Bus' author Joanna Cole dies at age 75
Author Joanna Cole, whose “Magic School Bus” books transported millions of young people on extraordinary and educational adventures, has died at age 75. Scholastic says Cole, a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, died Sunday.
Police body camera footage of George Floyd’s final minutes of life shows him telling Minneapolis police officers that he’s claustrophobic and pleading with them not to put him in the back of a squad car. Floyd displays signs of distress as officers try to force him into the back of the vehicle, telling them he can’t breathe and volunteering to lie on the ground instead.  This is an MPR News evening update for Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
NPR radio ratings collapse as pandemic ends listeners' commutes
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the public broadcaster lost about a quarter of its radio audience in the second quarter of 2020, compared with a year earlier. Even so, digital audiences surged.
Trump looks to curb landmark environmental act for projects
President Donald Trump announce changes Wednesday to the National Environmental Policy Act's regulations for how and when authorities must conduct environmental reviews, making it easier to build highways, pipelines, chemical plants and other projects.
A fresher air mass blew into Minnesota Wednesday. Enjoy the respite from the humidity. A tropical air mass returns this weekend.
George Floyd killing: Police bodycam video details fatal arrest
Footage from two officer body cameras made available by a court on Wednesday shows Floyd in distress as officers try to force him into the back of the vehicle, telling them he can’t breathe and volunteering to lie on the ground instead. 
Starting this week, long-term care facilities across Minnesota may allow residents to have visitors indoors. The state health department released new guidance Friday permitting in-person visits from what they call “essential caregivers.”
Delightful Wednesday, Thursday; heat, humidity build on Friday
Comfortable weather for Wednesday with just a few isolated afternoon showers possible in Minnesota’s southeastern corner and far north. Heat and humidity will return on Friday. Strong storms are likely across northern Minnesota Friday night.
A teenager didn’t do her online schoolwork. So a judge sent her to juvenile detention.
A 15-year-old in Michigan was incarcerated during the coronavirus pandemic after a judge ruled that not completing her schoolwork violated her probation. “It just doesn’t make any sense,” said the girl’s mother.
A late-morning news conference is planned. MPR News morning update for July 15, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A COVID-19 success story in Rwanda: Free testing, robot caregivers
Despite its limited resources, Rwanda has vowed to identify every case. So you could be walking down the street and a health worker will ask if you want to be tested.
Authorities have identified the man who was shot and killed by a Carver County sheriff’s deputy this week as he held a woman hostage on a bridge in a Twin Cities suburb. 
Lovely Wednesday as advertised; muggy again by Friday
Wednesday will be a mostly dry day with isolated afternoon showers possible in the southeast corner and far north. Heat and humidity will return beginning on Friday.
Floyd's family sues former Minneapolis officers charged in his death
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Minnesota alleges that the ex-officers violated Floyd's rights when they restrained him and that the city allowed a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity to flourish in its police force.
Bodycam video in Floyd killing to be shown Wednesday — by appointment only
A coalition of local and national media organizations, including MPR News, is challenging the restrictions, setting up a fight over public access over evidence in the case that has sparked protests and calls for change across the country.  
Jeff Sessions loses comeback bid for Alabama Senate seat
Sessions loses to former football coach Tommy Tuberville, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. He faces Democrat Sen. Doug Jones, considered vulnerable, in November.
Congress is investigating contracts tied to mask and PPE shortages
Seven multi-million-dollar contracts are at the center of a House subcommittee probe. Investigators say the companies lacked experience and some had political connections to the Trump administration.
After Floyd killing, MSU Mankato reviews criminal justice program — with community input
After the death of George Floyd and growing calls for police accountability, Minnesota State University, Mankato — home to the state’s largest four-year law enforcement training program — is taking a hard look at how it trains future officers. 
Intelligence Squared debate: Is nationalism a force for good?
As global problems continue to mount, does the 21st century require international leadership, or is nationalism a force for good?
First COVID-19 vaccine tested in U.S. poised for final testing
Early-stage testing showed the first COVID-19 vaccine tested in the U.S. revved up people’s immune systems the way scientists had hoped. Researchers released the early findings Tuesday, just weeks before the shots are set to begin much larger testing.