Stories from July 16, 2021

State Rep. John Thompson challenges misdemeanor charge in court
Minnesota State Rep. John Thompson, DFL-St. Paul, is challenging a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a police officer. The case stems from an incident at North Memorial Health Hospital in November 2019, a year before he was elected.
Quetico fires being closely monitored as new Boundary Waters closure takes effect Saturday
Forest Service and firefighting personnel in the U.S. are stepping up their response to wildfires burning in Ontario that threaten to cross the international border into Minnesota's Boundary Waters.
The boy was seriously wounded in a shooting Friday in Minneapolis. Police spokesperson John Elder says it appears the shooting happened in the 2700 block of Thomas Avenue North, just after 11 a.m. Also, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended an air quality alert from Moorhead across the top third of the state to Lake Superior that runs through noon Saturday. This is the MPR News update for Friday, July 16, 2021. Hosted by Peter Cox. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Alcohol use linked to over 740,000 cancer cases last year, new study says
Most people don't realize alcohol consumption can cause cancer. A report in Lancet Oncology shows how big a risk factor it is for esophageal, mouth, larynx, colon, rectum, liver and breast cancers.
Hobbled Hubble Telescope springs back to life on its backup system
"There was cheering in the control center" when word came that NASA had brought a key computer back, says James Jeletic, the Hubble project's deputy project manager.
Wildfire smoke lingers across much of Minnesota
Wildfire smoke continues to swirl above much of Minnesota Friday. An air quality alert is in effect for parts of northern Minnesota until noon Saturday.
Minneapolis police say a 3-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot Friday morning. Authorities said the boy apparently was shot inside a home on the 2700 block of Thomas Avenue North.
Ashley Kidd’s doctor told her to stay busy and keep moving during her fifth pregnancy. The Duluth resident took that advice very seriously and decided to start her own business, inspired by her own pregnancy cravings.
Minnesota congressional candidates start money race early
The 2022 congressional elections are more than a year away, but some Minnesota representatives who may face competitive races are getting off to an early start.
The Line 3 oil pipeline project: What you need to know
Enbridge, based in Calgary, Alberta, built an oil pipeline running southeast from Canada's tar sands region to Lake Superior's western tip near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Here’s an FAQ to help you keep up with the latest.
The science —  and joy  — of sweat 
Everybody sweats — especially this summer. But that silky film is more than gross. It drips with fascinating science. 
Minnesota sees another warm, dry and hazy day Friday, which is the beginning of a much drier pattern that is likely to last all of next week and possibly through the end of July.
Minnesota gets yet another warm, dry and hazy day Friday, with part of the state nudging closer to the 90s again.
The latest drought report shows more than half of the state is now experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, July 16, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A St. Paul postal worker begged for stronger COVID protections. She ended up spending 6 weeks in the hospital
The limited response to postal workers’ repeated appeals for help provides a window into the failures of two federal agencies: the Postal Service, which is one of the country’s largest employers, and OSHA, which is supposed to protect workers.
Over 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods strike Europe
More than 60 people have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: New cases rise; deaths, hospital needs stay low
Minnesota’s seeing COVID-19 case counts edge higher, although there are no signs to suggest the state is headed for another surge like it saw in mid-April. Some worries still linger, though.
After a tough year, Minnesota's Black women entrepreneurs look for ways to expand opportunity
For Black women entrepreneurs, the path to success can be filled with more obstacles than for people of other races. This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic and early data emerging shows the problem has worsened.
Survey: Significant growth in bodycam usage by police
Many small police departments can’t afford to use body cameras. And the lack of footage of fatal police shootings in some rural cities has fueled skepticism and mistrust of law enforcement.
Canada may open border to fully vaccinated Americans next month
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel, and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September.
Extreme weather swings wreak havoc on Chicago
Chicago has been battling extreme weather swings that have left the city dealing with flooding, wild lake and river level changes and beach erosion.