Stories from July 13, 2021

Key facts about state Rep. John Thompson’s residency issues
DFL state Rep. John Thompson is under fire for using a Wisconsin driver’s license despite holding office and voting in Minnesota — a fact revealed after he was involved in a St. Paul traffic stop. Here are some key details about why that might matter.
At least 600 tons of dead fish have washed up along Tampa Bay's shore
The hordes of fish were killed by a red tide, a large "bloom" of toxic algae that appears on Florida's Gulf Coast about once a year. Experts say the bloom shouldn't be happening right now.
More burning restrictions are in place across northern Minnesota as drought conditions deepen. Fourteen counties now have restrictions on campfires, and the DNR will not issue burning permits in those counties. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Hosted by Dan Gunderson. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Reporters reveal 'Ugly Truth' of how Facebook enables hate groups and disinformation
In a new book, Cecilia Kang and Sheera Frenkel say Facebook failed in its effort to combat disinformation. "Facebook knew the potential for explosive violence was very real [on Jan 6]," Kang says.
State regulators investigate release of drilling fluid into Willow River during Line 3 construction
About 80 to 100 gallons of drilling fluid, or mud, were inadvertently released on July 6 at a construction site near the town of Palisade, Minn., according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
BIPOC, Latinx, POC: How we do — and don’t — identify and why
Host Angela Davis talked with MPR reporter Vicki Adame, two professors and a DEI expert about how terms like “Latinx,” “BIPOC” and “people of color” evolved, what they mean and who does — and doesn’t — use them.
Ask MDH: The COVID-19 delta variant, CDC’s new school rules and vaccine boosters
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcom and Minnesota’s top infectious disease official Kris Ehresmann take your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota.
Judge says he won’t change Chauvin sentencing memo in relation to four young witnesses
The presence of minors at Floyd’s killing was one of the aggravating factors that Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill considered when he sentenced Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years last month. Cahill has declined to revise his sentencing statement to address trauma experienced by four children who witnessed George Floyd’s killing. 
Why remote work might not revolutionize where we work
Apple joins the ranks of tech firms freeing many employees from Silicon Valley offices. What this might mean for the geography of the American economy.
The Midwest Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office said it would release more information about the investigation Tuesday.
Here are the 2021 Emmy Award nominations
The nominees for the 73rd Emmy Awards were announced on July 13 by Ron Cephas Jones and Jasmine Cephas Jones. The awards ceremony hosted by Cedric the Entertainer will air Sept. 19.
Loneliness is a communal experience in 'Seek You'
Kristen Radtke's “Seek You” looks at isolation as a problem — and investigates where it comes from, how it shapes us, and why we should battle against it.
Numerous severe storms expected to hit Minnesota Wednesday
Minnesota sees another hazy day Tuesday, with a few storms possible. A much heavier rain targets southern Minnesota on Wednesday, along with a significant chance for severe weather.
GOP state voting restrictions 'un-American,' Biden declares
President Joe Biden declared that preserving voting rights is “a test of our time” Tuesday as Texas Democrats took dramatic action to stymie their state's latest effort in a nationwide Republican push to tighten ballot restrictions.
A disturbance moving across Minnesota Tuesday will bring a couple showers and storms, while also drawing more smoke back into the Arrowhead.
New COVID-19 cases have been trending higher recently in Minnesota, pushing the active caseload above 1,000 for the first time in nearly three weeks. Still, there are no signs of the surge the state saw in April. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Your trash is emitting methane in the landfill. Here's why it matters for the climate
Landfills are among the nation's largest sources of methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. But accurately measuring methane is a major challenge to reducing it.
July 13 update on COVID-19 in MN: Uptick in cases but no signs of a surge
Minnesota continues to see COVID-19 case counts edge higher, but there’s nothing yet to suggest the state is headed for another major wave. That’s not to say there are no concerns.
'A historic moment for our community': Hmong Minnesotans revel in Sunisa Lee's Olympic journey
The St. Paul gymnast is the first Hmong American Olympian, and will compete for gold in Tokyo later this month. Tremendous support is flowing to Sunisa Lee from the Hmong community in Minnesota and across the United States.