Stories from July 28, 2021

We answered extremely random questions people had about the Olympics
As you cheer on sports you didn't think you cared about during the Summer Olympics, we're here to answer all those random questions that keep popping up in your brain.
Minn. front-line workers appeal for share of pandemic pay
As a legislative panel began considering how to divide $250 million in premium pay for those who had to work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, some suggested the pot of money isn’t big enough.
Minnesota's COVID pandemic takes a concerning turn as officials recommend masks in schools when classes resume. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Iranian railway, ancient Chinese city among new UNESCO World Heritage sites
What do a railway in Iran, a mountainous national park in Thailand and a spa town in the Czech Republic have in common? They're all part of a newly announced group of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
 Set boundaries and find peace 
Host Angela Davis talks to therapist and New York Times best-selling author Nedra Glover Tawwab about her newest book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace.” 
Senate advances bipartisan infrastructure deal
Hours after bipartisan Senate negotiators reached a deal on an infrastructure package, the chamber voted to advance it, setting in motion a final vote on the bill in the coming days.
Do you need to wear a mask indoors where you live?
The CDC wants vaccinated people to wear masks indoors if the coronavirus is spreading widely where they live. Find out the level of virus transmission in your county.
Suit accuses mall of negligence in 2019 assault of young boy
The family of the then five-year-old boy says the Mall of America should have done more to keep track of the assailant that day.
COVID-19 in MN: State urges masks for all inside K-12 schools as cases climb
Minnesota’s asking — not ordering — all students, staff and visitors to K-12 school buildings to wear masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status. Wednesday’s data makes it clear the disease has at least one more punch to deliver.
Chronicling Trump’s chaotic last year in office
In their new book, “I Alone Can Fix It,” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker detail the final days of the Trump White House.
Court nixes new trial for 'Making a Murderer' subject Avery
The Wisconsin Court of Appeal has rejected a request by "Making a Murderer" subject Steven Avery for a new trial. Avery is serving a life sentence for the 2005 killing of photographer Teresa Halbach.
Rosemount woman's halal beauty products meet religious standards
When Annie Qaiser discovered that too many lotions, creams and oils contain products Muslims are forbidden to ingest, she made her own, which follow religious guidelines.
Minnesota Olympians set for Day 5 competitions
Here are the details on which athletes are competing Wednesday, plus a summary of what happened for Minnesota athletes on Tuesday.
Severe storms likely across Minnesota on Wednesday
Wednesday’s weather brings several hazards across Minnesota, from excessive heat to severe storms that are expected to bring damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.
Students between 2 and 12 years old will be required to wear masks inside all school facilities during the academic year. The board’s vote reflected increasing concern over spread of the delta variant in Minnesota. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Rochester Public Schools to require masking of younger students in the fall
Students between 2 and 12 years old will be required to wear masks inside all school facilities during the next academic year. The board’s vote reflected increasing concern over spread of the delta variant in Minnesota.
You might consider opting out of the child tax credit. Here's why
The first monthly enhanced child tax credit payment has landed, but some families are now opting out. Here's how to decide whether it makes sense for you.
'OK not to be OK': Mental health takes top role at Olympics
Simone Biles joins other high-profile names in the Olympic space who have been talking openly about a topic that had been taboo in sports for seemingly forever. The International Olympic Committee has taken a proactive approach to providing resources for its athletes and shifted its tone from sports performance and results to mental health and uplifting the athletes' voices.
Olympic champ Biles withdraws from all-around competition
The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday's all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being. USA Gymnastics said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week's individual events.
4 takeaways from the emotional hearing on the Capitol attack
The first House select committee hearing on the Jan. 6 insurrection featured raw and emotional testimony from four law enforcement officers. Here's what you need to know.
Biden is considering a vaccine or testing mandate for federal workers
Under the policy, federal employees who are not confirmed as vaccinated would be required to wear masks at all times while at work and be tested regularly for the virus.
Violent crime surges across Minnesota with record murders
Violent crime surged nearly 17 percent across Minnesota last year, including a record number of murders, according to data released Tuesday by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.