Stories from August 5, 2021

Fans welcome Olympic gymnasts Lee and McCallum home
A parade is planned Sunday for Lee on St. Paul’s east side, followed by a program at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood.
Trial for ex-cop in Daunte Wright death won't be broadcast
Judge Regina Chu denied a request to broadcast the proceedings, saying the public and media will have ample space to view the trial in the courtroom and overflow rooms.
Minneapolis rent control proposal takes step forward
The Minneapolis City Council is expected to approve of language contained in two ballot measures that would give voters and the council the authority to set caps on rent. But one of the proposals, which would allow citizen-driven referendums on rent control policies, appears to be especially vulnerable to a veto by the mayor.
To remember the moment, try taking fewer photos
Research shows that snapping too many pictures may harm your ability to retain memories. But selfie addicts, don't despair! There are techniques to make photography enhance memory, not undermine it.
Line 3: White Earth argues DNR water permit violates wild rice rights
A lawsuit faults state officials for letting Enbridge Inc. pump up to 5 billion gallons of water for its Line 3 oil pipeline construction. It's believed to be the first case brought in a U.S. tribal court on behalf of the rights of nature, a movement gaining momentum around the globe.
The question of who should be eligible for special pandemic hazard pay remains a difficult one for a Minnesota panel working to set parameters. The Frontline Worker Pay Working Group must decide how strict or how loose the criteria are. That recommendation to the Legislature will dictate the size of checks from a $250 million fund. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Powerful U.S. labor leader Richard Trumka dies
Trumka, the leader of the AFL-CIO and a close ally of Democratic Party officials, has died. He was 72.
Outside investigator to look at Senate harassment case
An outside investigator will look at how DFL leaders responded to a staffer’s allegations she was sexually harassed by another staffer. Some DFL senators have said they’re concerned the complaint was not properly addressed.
Here's where masks and vaccines are required in Minnesota
The highly contagious delta variant is spreading fast across the country, leading to a flurry of reinstated mask rules and mandatory vaccination announcements. Here’s where you’ll need to mask up in Minnesota, and which colleges and employers are requiring vaccines.
Cousins returns to Vikings quarterback room after quarantine
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was activated from the COVID-19 reserve list on Thursday, having completed the NFL's required five-day quarantine for unvaccinated players deemed a high-risk close contact with an infected person.
Marshall's LGBTQ community angered by flag settlement
Some students and parents say Marshall Public Schools caved in to critics when it agreed to settle a lawsuit over an LGBTQ Pride flag display in a middle school.
A data-driven approach to parenting
During the pandemic, Emily Oster used numbers to help parents make decisions for their families. Her new book takes the same approach to navigating the elementary years.
Weekend forecast: Thunderstorm chances return!
It’s been rare this summer, but we actually have some rain and thunder in our weekend forecast. We have details on that, plus an update on drought conditions and a look at the air quality alert for portions of Minnesota through Friday.
How did Minnesota athletes fare on Day 12 of the Olympics?
Four days remain at the Summer Olympic Games. Teams with Minnesota ties in basketball, volleyball and baseball have moved a step closer to a medal opportunity. Here’s a roundup of how Minnesota athletes did in their recent competitions, and who you can watch next.
Showers and a few storms move across Minnesota Thursday, and temperatures stay slightly cooler.
Sturgis bike rally revs back bigger, despite virus variant
Crowds of bikers are rumbling their way toward western South Dakota, raising fears that COVID-19 infections will be unleashed among the 700,000 people expected to show up at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The rally starts Friday.
Duluth-based Essentia Health and St. Luke’s announced vaccine mandates on Wednesday, as did Children’s Minnesota. They join a growing list of health care providers requiring staff to get the vaccine. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, August 5, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
The two Minnesota public officials suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the Redwood County crash and were taken to an area hospital. The driver of the semitrailer was not injured, according a State Patrol report.
Why WHO is calling for a moratorium on COVID vaccine boosters
The director general is asking for a halt for at least two months. His hope is to use all available doses to vaccinate 10 percent of the population in every country by the end of September.
Cows go to market as pastures dry up
The worsening drought is affecting farmers and ranchers across much of the state. Many ranchers are watching pastures wither and turn brown. They’re trying to find enough feed to last through the winter. Some are already selling cattle they know they won’t be able to feed.
Art Hounds recommend magical, challenging theater and art
A new play “Aquilarres” weaves a magical political fantasy set during the Spanish Inquisition. A contemporary Minneapolis art show cedes everyone “the right to their own dystopinion.” Screen prints by Mai Tran reflect images from Vietnam and Mankato, Minn.