Stories from July 3, 2021

Warmer on Sunday, with a chance of scattered PM thunderstorms
Temperatures and dew points will be on the rise this Fourth of July. We have the forecast details, plus a look at thunder chances. We also take a peek at the week ahead.
The U.S. Supreme Court sided Friday with members of an Amish group in Minnesota who are fighting efforts by authorities to compel them to install septic systems, sending their appeal back to a state court for reconsideration in light of the high court's recent ruling in a religious freedom case.
A late bloomer makes the case for rejecting life's typical timeline
NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Doree Shafrir about her book “Thanks for Waiting” and the obstacles and victories of postponing the usual milestones of success for women like marriage, kids and a career.
You could save a child from drowning this summer. Here's how
A physician writes: “Every patient or family I've cared for after a drowning accident has said they didn't think it could happen to them. And yet, it happens, along with the cruel "if onlys" that haunt cautious and well-intentioned people in the aftermath.”
With no parades and little ceremony, America's longest war draws to a close
With little fanfare, the last major U.S. military base in Afghanistan has been handed over to the Afghans. While the U.S. military is not calling the departure from Bagram Air Field a formal end to the U.S. war effort, it does reflect a presence that has dwindled to a tiny remaining force.
Ransomware attack before holiday leaves companies scrambling
Businesses around the world rushed Saturday to contain a ransomware attack that has paralyzed their computer networks, a situation complicated in the U.S. by offices lightly staffed at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Demolition preparations begin at Florida condo building with storm looming
Rescuers suspended their search for the living and the dead in the rubble of a collapsed South Florida condo building Saturday to allow crews to start preparing the unstable remainder of the structure for demolition ahead of a tropical storm.
Local and state officials arrested six men last week during a sting operation to combat human trafficking in northern Minnesota's Beltrami County. Two of the men who were arrested were working on the Line 3 oil pipeline project.
A warm Fourth of July weekend; update on Sunday rain chances
Warmer than normal temps are expected this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Some people could see a thunderstorm on Sunday. We have the details, plus a look at the coming week.
11 people in custody after hourslong armed standoff on Massachusetts interstate
The men refused to put down their weapons or comply with authorities' orders, claiming to be from a group “that does not recognize our laws" before taking off into a wooded area, Massachusetts State Police said.
How to keep your pets safe and happy this Fourth of July
Independence Day fireworks can be dangerous and terrifying for our pets. Here's how animal experts advise keeping your furry friends safe this weekend.
A mystery illness is killing songbirds in the eastern U.S.
Federal and state wildlife officials in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern U.S. are asking people to stop feeding birds and providing water in bird baths amid dozens of reports of mysterious songbird deaths.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Data shows strong stance for holiday
Minnesota’s snapshot of COVID-19 data offers more evidence that the pandemic remains in check for the holiday. Active cases, hospital admissions and positivity rates remain at or near April 2020 lows.
Temps start to ramp up today, but the daylight hours look mainly dry. We have your Saturday forecast details.