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Stories from August 12, 2021

Drought severity increases as we search for rain

Drought severity increases as we search for rain

Temps and dew points tick upward on Sunday. We have the details, plus a look at our weekend forecast.
by Ron Trenda

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Infrastructure bill offers ‘once in a generation' investment in climate resilience

Infrastructure bill offers ‘once in a generation' investment in climate resilience

The Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill is headed to the House, where progressive Democrats say it doesn't do enough to reduce emissions. But it does invest billions to help communities prepare for the effects of climate change.
by Paul Huttner

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Minnesota posts another vaccination milestone, and the census has a new look at the state

Minnesota posts another vaccination milestone, and the census has a new look at the state and its changing demographics. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Speeding and reckless driving have increased since the pandemic. Why?

Speeding and reckless driving have increased since the pandemic. Why?

So far in 2021 there have been nearly one-third more traffic fatalities in Minnesota compared to 2020. Officials say that’s in large part because of an increase in speeding and reckless driving. Guest host Nina Moini talks about what’s behind the increase and what we can do about it.
by Samantha Matsumoto and Nina Moini

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Natalia Benjamin becomes first educator of Latin American heritage to win Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Natalia Benjamin becomes first educator of Latin American heritage to win Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Natalia Benjamin, who teaches English language learners and ethnic studies at Century High School in Rochester, made history Wednesday night when she became Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She is the first winner of Latin American heritage.
by Becky Z. Dernbach

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U.S. sends troops to Kabul to evacuate some embassy staff

U.S. sends troops to Kabul to evacuate some embassy staff

With security rapidly deteriorating in Afghanistan, the United States is sending in an additional 3,000 troops to help evacuate some personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, officials said Thursday.
by The Associated Press

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Speeding and reckless driving have increased since the pandemic. Why?

Speeding and reckless driving have increased since the pandemic. Why?

So far in 2021 there have been nearly one-third more traffic fatalities in Minnesota compared to 2020. Officials say that’s in large part because of an increase in speeding and reckless driving. Guest host Nina Moini talks about what’s behind the increase and what we can do about it.
by Samantha Matsumoto and Nina Moini

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Well drillers struggle to keep up with demand for water

Well drillers struggle to keep up with demand for water

The drought is drying up wells in some parts of the state, but that’s just one of the factors that have well-drilling contractors scrambling to keep up with demand, and some customers waiting months for a new well.
by Dan Gunderson

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Suspect in Buffalo clinic shootings ruled competent to stand trial

Suspect in Buffalo clinic shootings ruled competent to stand trial

Attorneys for a man charged in the fatal shooting of a staff member and wounding of four others at a health clinic in Buffalo, Minn., said Wednesday they will not fight a court exam that found their client mentally competent to stand trial.
by The Associated Press

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More than 9,000 anti-Asian incidents since pandemic began

More than 9,000 anti-Asian incidents since pandemic began

A new report has found the frequency of anti-Asian incidents — from taunts to assaults — reported in the U.S. so far this year seems poised to surpass last year, despite months of political and social activism.
by The Associated Press

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'The Lorax' warned us 50 years ago, but we didn't listen

Call it fate or an unfortunate coincidence that Dr. Seuss' eco-parable marks its 50th anniversary just as the United Nations releases a report on the dire consequences of human-induced climate change.
by Elizabeth Blair

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Exceptional drought hits Minnesota for the first time in years

Exceptional drought hits Minnesota for the first time in years

Except for isolated showers and storms Thursday morning, dry weather prevails in the upcoming forecast, which will only serve to deepen the ever-worsening drought Minnesota is experiencing.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Inspired by 'The Decameron,' these poems are a modern pandemic time capsule

Inspired by 'The Decameron,' these poems are a modern pandemic time capsule

If you, like many people, are getting through the dragging months of the pandemic by being Very Online, you'll find poet Leigh Stein's new book is a perfect encapsulation of that experience.
by Jeevika Verma

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New census data will shake up Minnesota politics

New census data will shake up Minnesota politics

Thursday afternoon the Census Bureau finally releases detailed information from the 2020 census, which will show how Minnesota has changed over the past decade, and also impact how political power and government spending will be distributed over the next decade. Here’s what to look for.
by David H. Montgomery

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Areas of light rain Thursday morning

A weak cold front moving across Minnesota is causing a few showers and will also create windy conditions that increase the fire danger.
by Nicole Mitchell

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On-site MN state employees face vaccine-or-test choice

Minnesota approximately 40,000 state employees will face a choice after Labor Day: They’ll either have to prove they’ve been vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing to be back in the office. Officials with Gov. Tim Walz’s administration informed union leaders of the new rule on Wednesday. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, August 12, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Do the COVID-19 vaccines affect my chances of pregnancy?

Do the COVID-19 vaccines affect my chances of pregnancy?

Medical experts say there's no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, influence your chances of getting pregnant. That's despite a myth suggesting otherwise. Experts say there's no biological reason the shots would affect fertility. And real-world evidence offers more assurance for anyone worried about their chances of conceiving.
by The Associated Press

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Census data kicks off effort to reshape U.S. House districts

Census data kicks off effort to reshape U.S. House districts

Redistricting season officially kicks off with the release of detailed population data from the U.S. Census Bureau that will be used to redraw voting districts nationwide — potentially helping determine control of the U.S. House in the 2022 elections and providing an electoral edge for the next decade.
by The Associated Press

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Rochester high school teacher named MN Teacher of the Year

Rochester high school teacher named MN Teacher of the Year

An English language and ethnic studies teacher at Century High School in Rochester has been named the Minnesota Teacher of the Year for 2021. Natalia Benjamin is the first Latinx educator to receive the award.
by The Associated Press

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Why the new census data won't give a full picture of race and ethnicity in the U.S.

Why the new census data won't give a full picture of race and ethnicity in the U.S.

No census has been perfect. COVID-19, Trump officials' interference and the Census Bureau's new privacy protections have raised concerns about the reliability of demographic data from the 2020 count.
by Hansi Lo Wang

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Not a luxury: Rural residents want better broadband

Not a luxury: Rural residents want better broadband

COVID-19 forced many people to shift from working in an office to working from home, but unreliable internet makes telecommuting a challenge for those living in rural parts of Minnesota.
by Hannah Yang

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Art Hounds has imagination-stretching ideas for summer viewing and listening

Art Hounds has imagination-stretching ideas for summer viewing and listening

This week’s Hounds recommend “phantasmagorical” art at Minneapolis’ Gallery 360, Lanesboro’s summer music festival and the “ethereal sound” of Serious Machine.
by Emily Bright

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