Stories from June 9, 2021

MN BCA: Not releasing names of undercover officers in Smith killing
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Wednesday that it is not releasing the names of the sheriff's deputies who shot and killed Winston Smith last Thursday because the officers were working undercover.
How COVID-19 impacted the Hmong community 
Host Angela Davis spoke with two Hmong health leaders about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Hmong community and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
And now, Crocs with stiletto heels
The foam footware company beloved by grandparents the world over has partnered with the fashion house Balenciaga to unveil clogs with high heels.
Minnesota’s record heat wave, plus the upcoming Black Tech Talent summit
Host Angela Davis spoke with a climatologist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and an emergency room doctor about the trends they’re seeing and how to stay safe in the heat. She also spoke with the organizer of an event looking to attract diverse tech talent to the Twin Cities.
Keystone pipeline canceled after Biden had blocked permit
The sponsor of the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline says it's pulling the plug on the contentious project after Canadian officials failed to persuade the Biden administration to reverse its cancellation of the company's permit.
Three former partners at a St. Cloud, Minn. law firm are suing the firm's president after he fired them and other employees he felt supported former President Donald Trump. 
Heat wave is setting records from the Twin Cities to the Canadian border, and hinting at a potentially warm summer. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
JBS settles Muslim discrimination lawsuit for $5.5 million
JBS Swift & Company will pay up to $5.5 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed the meatpacking company discriminated against Muslim employees at its beef processing plant in northern Colorado.
Heat wave day 7: 90-degree streak likely hits 9 days by Friday
Wednesday marks the seventh day in a row of 90-degree heat in the Twin Cities and most of southern, central and western Minnesota. That’s the longest streak of 90-degree days on record before June 15 in the Twin Cities.
AP source: U.S. to buy 500M Pfizer vaccines to share globally
The U.S. will buy 500 million more doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to share through the global COVAX alliance for donation to 92 lower income countries and the African Union over the next year, a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
U.S. drops Trump order targeting TikTok, plans its own review
The White House dropped Trump-era executive orders that attempted to ban the popular apps TikTok and WeChat and will conduct its own review aimed at identifying national security risks with software applications tied to China.
New evidence suggests COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against variants
An analysis of blood from people who had received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine found a lower level of neutralizing antibodies against viral variants but a strong response involving T cells.
MN Supreme Court lets Duluth DFLer’s Senate win stand
Justices rejected what they decided were vague and unsupported allegations of election irregularities in the 2020 election. DFL Sen. Jen McEwen won her race by a wide margin.
How to see the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse on Thursday
Early risers across the Northern Hemisphere will be able to see an eclipse Thursday morning when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun.
Minnesota's heat wave is poised to set more records
Minnesota finally sees a break in the heat by the weekend, but not before the current hot spell sets more records. Meanwhile, rain chances stay limited for much of the state.
Local sheriffs end work with U.S. Marshals unit over bodycam policy
The sheriffs cited federal policy that doesn't allow local officers to wear body cameras while working with task forces. Separately, activists called for Minnesota U.S. Marshal Ramona Dohman to resign.
Photos: How to stay cool in a heat wave? With ice cream, lemonade and a dip in the water
We're running out of ways to say it's still really, really hot across Minnesota. Wednesday will be no exception, with most of the state seeing 90s — temperatures could set record highs in some areas. Here’s how some people are trying to stay cool in Minneapolis.
St. Paul school district leaders said Tuesday they’re canceling all district classes for the week due to the heat wave, bringing an early end to the school year. Students will not switch to online learning but will be able to turn in remaining assignments. All athletics and graduation ceremonies will continue as planned, the district said in a statement. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Justices to decide if charge fits Minneapolis police killing
The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in the case of Mohamed Noor, a former Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of third-degree murder in the shooting death of an Australian woman who had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault behind her home.
Letters reveal author's strength in a world of destructive noise
Akwaeke Emezi's “Dear Senthuran” is a story of transcendence over violence that has marked their lived experience, told through letters to friends, lovers, and public figures — some they've never met.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hospitalizations fall below 200; disease recedes
Wednesday’s Health Department report offers more evidence the pandemic is ebbing quickly. Known, active cases are the lowest since April 2020. Hospitalizations and ICU needs are down dramatically. The vaccination pace, though, has slowed to a crawl.
Still don't want to go out? Here are 3 books for an inner journey
Everyone's talking about getting out and about now that the pandemic has calmed — but what if you don't want to? Here are three books in translation that'll help you dig into your own life and mind.
small change: Money Stories from the Neighborhood
MPR News hosts Chris Farrell and Twila Dang talk to community members who are redefining wealth, the value of community and the purpose of money.
The highly contagious Delta variant is on the rise in the U.S.
The variant accounts for more than 6 percent of all infections in the U.S. and in some Western states is responsible for more than 18 percent of cases.
Explainer: Why a rural pipeline is a climate battleground
Protesters are trying to halt work on a rebuild of Enbridge Energy's Line 3. The company says the pipe is deteriorating and needs replacing. Critics contend any new or rebuilt pipeline delays an urgently needed transition away from fossil fuels and opponents pledge a “summer of resistance” on the ground and in court.