Stories from August 24, 2021

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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.