Stories from August 4, 2021

COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Minnesota, with the highly contagious Delta variant spreading. But officials say the vaccines still provide strong immunity. This is an MPR News evening update for August 4, 2021 with Riham Feshir. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Osama bin Laden biography goes inside al-Qaida leader's final hideout
Journalist Peter Bergen visited bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, before it was demolished. His new book, “The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden,” draws on materials seized in the raid.
Jabà Noodles use unique business model to build during pandemic
The team behind Jabà Noodles has relied heavily on social media to market and sell the Taiwanese Cool noodle bowls they make to-order every week in the commercial kitchen space they rent in Minneapolis.
A shift in wind direction is pushing smoke northward.
'Until Justice Be Done' examines northern free states' so-called black laws
The South practiced slavery before the Civil War — but Northern states like Ohio and Indiana had Black laws, restrictive codes that criminalized and constrained the lives of free Black residents
Delta variant spreads worry as school reopenings near
The COVID-19 delta variant is leading a new surge of infections nationwide leaving families and school officials to face a complicated reopening of classrooms. 
Hear host John Wanamaker’s interview with Dr. Nathan Chomilo, a pediatrician and the state’s vaccine equity director.
Minnesotans set to spike, climb, wrestle, run as Olympics hit home stretch
Athletes with Minnesota ties remain in the running for medals in baseball, women’s basketball and volleyball. Minnesotans compete today in wrestling, climbing and track and field. Here’s a breakdown of events to watch and what’s happened so far.
Senate DFLers seek outside look at harassment claim
A former staff member says her request that the Senate investigate a harassment claim went nowhere. DFL leaders who the woman says failed to adequately remedy the situation now have requested an outside investigation.
Oprah picked it, so did Obama — why this novel is THE summer book
Nathan Harris's debut, set in a small Southern town just after Appomattox, has captured American readersthis summer by asking a question we haven't yet answered: How do you make peace after civil war?
No team gold, but U.S. women show depth during Tokyo stay
The Americans won six medals in all, including an Olympic all-around title for St. Paul’s Sunisa Lee. The success comes at a time when USA Gymnastics is attempting to shift toward a more athlete-centric culture. Some gymnasts have praised the organization's progress in recent years but add more work needs to be done.
The air quality across Minnesota keeps improving Wednesday, and needed rain starts pushing into the state by the end of the day.
New data shows cases are growing far faster for Black Minnesotans than for other racial or ethnic groups. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Minneapolis schools are launching a Somali Heritage Language Program
Developers of the program say students often feel uncomfortable bringing their cultural heritage with them to school. They want them to appreciate how rich it is.
Without emergency powers, local leaders respond to latest COVID wave
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Minnesota and across the country, but with most restrictions lifted and Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers gone, the response to this latest spike is in the hands of local leaders and businesses.