Stories from July 24, 2021

Storms bring needed rain to northern Minnesota - but also spark new wildfire
Storms dropped much-needed rain on Minnesota's Superior National Forest. But the rain wasn't enough to break the ongoing drought conditions — and the storms also brought lightning that sparked at least one new wildfire.
90s for several days; comfortable dew points on Sunday
Heat and the humidity are both important when talking about comfort. We have a look at your Sunday forecast and the week ahead.
Wildfires blasting across the West draw other states to lend support
Out-of-state crews headed to Montana on Saturday to battle a blaze that injured five firefighters as the West struggles with a series of massive wildfires. In Butte County, California, the Dixie Fire grew to become the state’s largest wildfire so far this year.
'Rebel' skateboarding is ready for its Olympic debut in Tokyo
Skateboarding is ready for its time to shine at the Tokyo Olympics. Competitors will show off the skills they developed in the streets and skateparks around the world, and the hope is that they attract younger fans to watch the Games.
StoryCorps: As an Army Chorus member, he didn't carry a weapon. His job was to sing
Master Sgt. Alvy Powell Jr. sang opera at some of country's most decorated institutions during his 26 years in the U.S. Army Chorus. At StoryCorps, he told his sister that she's his inspiration.
Farmers have a big problem on their hands: They can't find a way to ship their stuff
Cargo ships are unloading containers in the U.S. and immediately shipping them out, empty, to meet demand in Asia. That's frustrating American farmers and exporters who are struggling to get products overseas.
Permanent residents who left the U.S. during the pandemic worry they can't return home
Some green card holders are still stuck outside of the country, worried about whether they’ll be able to return to their lives in the U.S. because of broad disruptions to the immigration system during the pandemic.
Beneath Istanbul, archaeologists explore an ancient city's Byzantine basements
Below the surface of the sprawling, modern metropolis is a different world. Archaeologists are gaining insights into the city's ancient past by examining the basements of ordinary buildings.
Ask a Bookseller: A novel to spark book club conversation
Megan Wells of The Willow Bookstore in Perham, Minn. recommended “a beautiful, heartbreaking'“ novel, "If Only I Could Tell You" by Hannah Beckerman.
Teens asked, we answered: The truth about COVID-19 vaccines
NPR asked teens to share their most pressing questions about COVID-19 vaccines — and got answers to those questions from pediatricians and other trusted sources of health information.
Severe storms that swept across parts of northern Minnesota on Friday evening downed trees and forced the cancellation of Ely's annual Blueberry/Art Festival. More storms overnight left more than 12,000 customers without power early Saturday morning.