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Stories from August 24, 2021

Greenwood fire blazes through area that includes homes and cabins

The Greenwood Fire in northeastern Minnesota has nearly doubled in size in the last 24 hours, and burned through an area dotted with dozens of homes and cabins. The blaze has now burned more than 30 square miles of forest south and west of the town of Isabella. This is the evening MPR News update for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
by Hannah Yang

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Minnesota Supreme Court delivers blow to Line 3 opponents

Minnesota Supreme Court delivers blow to Line 3 opponents

The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by opponents of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline, letting stand a key decision by independent regulators to allow construction to proceed.
by The Associated Press

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Virus fears lead around 150 vendors to skip Minnesota State Fair

Virus fears lead around 150 vendors to skip Minnesota State Fair

Around 150 vendors will be missing when the Minnesota State Fair returns Thursday from a one-year layoff due to the pandemic. Many pulled out due to COVID-19 fears, staffing shortages and supply chain issues.
by The Associated Press

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The ACLU sues over South Carolina's ban on school mask mandates

The ACLU sues over South Carolina's ban on school mask mandates

The lawsuit claims the mask mandate ban "illegally forces parents of children with underlying conditions to choose between their child's education and their child's health and safety."
by Clare Lombardo

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Brooklyn Park Mayor-elect on gun violence, narrow margin of victory

Brooklyn Park Mayor-elect on gun violence, narrow margin of victory

Monday night, Brooklyn Park City Council Member Lisa Jacobson won the city’s special mayoral election by just two votes. The new Mayor-elect spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about how she plans to curb a recent rise in gun violence in the Twin Cities suburb.
by Cathy Wurzer, Lindsay Guentzel, Julia Franz and Alex Cheng

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Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80

Watts, famous for his potent beat and unflappable style, featured on all 26 Rolling Stones studio albums and numerous live albums.
by NPR Staff

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What’s your song of the summer?

What’s your song of the summer?

Every summer has a song that defines it. Brandt Williams talked with two music journalists about what makes the perfect summer song and their picks for 2021’s song of the summer.
by Brandt Williams and Samantha Matsumoto

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What’s your song of the summer?

What’s your song of the summer?

Every summer has a song that defines it. Brandt Williams talked with two music journalists about what makes the perfect summer song and their picks for 2021’s song of the summer.
by Brandt Williams and Samantha Matsumoto

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COVID-19 in MN: No signs of a peak; officials worry over State Fair crowds

COVID-19 in MN: No signs of a peak; officials worry over State Fair crowds

Concerned about viral spread at the Minnesota State Fair, health officials on Tuesday implored people to stay vigilant against the disease. “We aren't going to wish away this virus,” the state’s infectious disease director told reporters.
by MPR News Staff

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Crews working to assess damage from Greenwood Fire that moved like a ‘freight train’

Crews working to assess damage from Greenwood Fire that moved like a ‘freight train’

The Greenwood Fire nearly doubled in size Monday, growing to more than 30 square miles. Fire officials are now working to confirm damage to an area of cabins and homes through which the fire wildfire burned.
by Dan Kraker

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GOP donor Lazzaro denied release after federal court hearing

GOP donor Lazzaro denied release after federal court hearing

New details about the charges against Anton Lazzaro emerged in court as he sought release from custody pending trial. His arrest on sex trafficking charges contributed to upheaval in the state Republican Party’s leadership.
by Brian Bakst and Matt Sepic

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Widespread strong thunderstorms Tuesday morning; Wednesday looks pleasant

Widespread strong thunderstorms Tuesday morning; Wednesday looks pleasant

More showers and storms are likely Tuesday afternoon, mainly from west to east across the northern half of Minnesota. Expect cooler temperatures and less mugginess Wednesday. Multiple weather disturbances are likely to bring significant rain Thursday and Friday.
by Bill Endersen

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CIA head meets Taliban leader as fears for Afghanistan grow

CIA head meets Taliban leader as fears for Afghanistan grow

The director of the CIA met with the Taliban’s top political leader in Kabul, an official said Tuesday, as more reports emerged of abuses in areas held by the fighters, fueling concerns about Afghanistan's future and the fate of those racing to leave the country before the looming U.S. withdrawal.
by The Associated Press

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Paralympics open in empty stadium — just like Olympics

Paralympics open in empty stadium — just like Olympics

The Paralympics began Tuesday in the same empty National Stadium — during the same pandemic — as the opening and closing ceremonies of the recently completed Tokyo Olympics.
by The Associated Press

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Disappointed outfitters, paddlers adjust to BWCA closure

The Superior National Forest’s decision to close the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was a shock to the many canoeists with trips planned this week, and to the many businesses in northeastern Minnesota that outfit those paddlers with gear and food. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Strong, possibly severe thunderstorms Tuesday morning

Strong, possibly severe thunderstorms Tuesday morning

Strong to severe thunderstorms have been crossing central Minnesota early Tuesday morning. Expect a steamy day after they blow through.
by Bill Endersen

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Hochul, NY's 1st female governor, inherits vast challenges

Hochul, NY's 1st female governor, inherits vast challenges

Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York on Tuesday, inheriting immense challenges as she takes over an administration facing criticism for inaction during Andrew Cuomo’s distracted final months in office.
by The Associated Press

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University of Minnesota mandates COVID-19 vaccinations

University of Minnesota mandates COVID-19 vaccinations

President Joan Gabel and Jakub Tolar, dean of the university medical school, issued a news release Monday hours after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer version of the vaccine saying shots will be mandatory.
by The Associated Press

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2021 Paralympics are here: Meet the Minnesota athletes

2021 Paralympics are here: Meet the Minnesota athletes

Fifteen athletes with Minnesota ties will compete in the Tokyo Paralympics games. They range in sports from basketball to swimming to judo. The action starts Tuesday.
by Matt Mikus

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Why Pfizer's FDA approval matters and what it means for vaccine mandates

Why Pfizer's FDA approval matters and what it means for vaccine mandates

The FDA announced the Pfizer vaccine is the first in the U.S. that is now fully approved. Here's what that means for vaccine mandates and convincing vaccine-hesitant people to get vaccinated.
by Deepa Shivaram

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Disappointed outfitters and paddlers adjust to BWCA closure

Disappointed outfitters and paddlers adjust to BWCA closure

The Superior National Forest's decision on Saturday to close the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was a shock to the many canoeists with trips planned this week, and to the many businesses in northeastern Minnesota that outfit those paddlers with gear and food.
by Dan Kraker

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