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Stories from July 15, 2021

Walz restricts conversion therapy; unemployment holds steady

Governor Tim Walz on Thursday signed executive order restricting so-called "conversion therapy" in Minnesota. New jobs numbers show Minnesota's unemployment rate held steady in June at  four percent. This is an MPR News evening update for July 15, 2021. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 

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Crews making progress on wildfire east of Ely; new BWCA closures announced near border

Crews making progress on wildfire east of Ely; new BWCA closures announced near border

More than 150 firefighters continued to battle Thursday through a jumble of downed trees to contain a wildfire burning east of Ely. Meanwhile, officials announced a new slate of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closures along the Canadian border.
by Andrew Krueger

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'Boogaloo' member pleads guilty to machine gun charge

A Minnesota man who authorities say is a self-proclaimed member of the anti-government “boogaloo” movement has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun. Twenty-seven-year-old Michael Dahlager of St. Cloud admitted Wednesday that he possessed two devices that convert a semi-automatic firearm into an unlawful fully automatic weapon.
by The Associated Press

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Walz signs order restricting 'conversion therapy' for minors

Walz signs order restricting 'conversion therapy' for minors

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order aimed at banning so-called conversion therapy on Thursday — but he said it's just a start and called on the Legislature to make the ban permanent.
by The Associated Press

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The only 'new' thing about cross-cultural casting is who's getting the roles

The only 'new' thing about cross-cultural casting is who's getting the roles

Dev Patel as a knight of the Round Table, Jodie Turner-Smith as Anne Boleyn, the mostly nonwhite casts of “Bridgerton” and “Hamilton” — all belong to a tradition that has its roots in live theater.
by Bob Mondello

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Future faith: How the pandemic is changing the ways we worship

Future faith: How the pandemic is changing the ways we worship

Most faith communities in the U.S. are meeting in person again. But not everyone is eager to return to how things were before the pandemic. How might faith communities adapt?
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Minnesota becomes first state to stop separating mothers in prison from their newborn babies

Minnesota becomes first state to stop separating mothers in prison from their newborn babies

A new law will make Minnesota the first state in the country to stop separating mothers in prison from their newborn babies. Host Angela Davis explored the new law and how incarceration can affect entire families.
by Angela Davis and Samantha Matsumoto

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Re-revising 'The History of Jazz'

Ted Gioia first published his “History of Jazz” in 1997, updating it for the first time in 2011. This year he did so again, after a very important decade for the genre.
by Natalie Weiner

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Minnesota drought conditions worsening; hot, dry forecast into next week

Sunshine returns across the state Thursday after a day of stormy weather in southern Minnesota. Unfortunately, a forecast return to hot and dry conditions will intensify the already worsening drought, and air quality issues remain. 
by Nicole Mitchell

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New anthology gives everyone a seat at the Round Table

New anthology gives everyone a seat at the Round Table

“Sword Stone Table” brings together a group of authors from marginalized groups to re-imagine the legends of King Arthur for new eras, places and players, inviting all to sit at the Round Table.
by Liza Graham

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Morning fog, then hazy sunshine Thursday

Following the wet and stormy weather in southern Minnesota Wednesday, sunshine returns across the state Thursday, while air quality issues remain.
by Nicole Mitchell

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What do Alabama and California have in common? Top-notch U.S. history standards

What do Alabama and California have in common? Top-notch U.S. history standards

State history standards can give educators a roadmap through the uncomfortable facts of U.S. history. In the current debate over critical race theory, they can also offer political cover.
by Cory Turner

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Worries over racism, waterways inspire push to rename fish

Worries over racism, waterways inspire push to rename fish

Some government agencies are changing the “Asian carp” label to "invasive carp" in the wake of anti-Asian hate crimes that surged during the pandemic. At the same time, Illinois officials and partner groups are planning to give the four species yet another name in a marketing campaign to get more people to eat them.
by The Associated Press

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Public defender: Minneapolis police destroyed files during last year's riots

In a filing last month, a Hennepin County public defender said police at the 2nd Precinct destroyed non-active case files and those containing information about confidential informants during riots following the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, July 15, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Money in the bank: Child tax credit dollars head to parents

Money in the bank: Child tax credit dollars head to parents

The U.S. government is starting to deposit child tax credit money into the accounts of more than 35 million families. President Joe Biden has expanded the credit for one year as part of coronavirus relief. The result is that most families will now qualify for monthly payments of as much as $300 per child beginning Thursday.
by The Associated Press

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The pandemic has worsened childhood vaccination rates around the world

The pandemic has worsened childhood vaccination rates around the world

The pandemic has hurt even routine health services, like vaccines and checkups, as well as immunization outreach, for children around the world, the World Health Organization and UNICEF report.
by Jaclyn Diaz

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Women's soccer in Minnesota gets grassroots boost

Women's soccer in Minnesota gets grassroots boost

The United Soccer League formed the women's league aiming to begin play in May 2022. A month ago, Minnesota's team was approved to join as a founding member.
by Laurel Poole

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In north Minneapolis, come for the haircut, stay for the shot

In north Minneapolis, come for the haircut, stay for the shot

A White House initiative aims to bring the vaccine to Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons across the country, including one in north Minneapolis.
by Riham Feshir

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Art Hounds highlight art by and for all generations

Art Hounds highlight art by and for all generations

Preston Drum’s exhibit “Bubbles” in Rochester playfully explores pandemic bubbles and intergenerational relationships. Theatre 55 reprises the music of “Hair” with an outdoor chorus. And the Mni Sota Native Music Series streams in July on The Cedar Public Access Channel.
by Emily Bright

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