Stories from August 26, 2021

How a doctor talks to people who are hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccines
Dr. Zeke McKinney has been fighting COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in the community by talking to people face-to-face. He showed host Tom Crann how he approaches conversations with people who are vaccine hesitant.
The Minnesota State Fair opened Thursday after a yearlong hiatus with minimal COVID-19 precautions in place, and crowds lined up at the gates to get in. Also, the state of Minnesota is expanding COVID-19 testing as demand increases statewide. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Drought drives good grape year in Minnesota
The drought has challenged many in Minnesota. But for grape growers, it’s the silver lining to a difficult 18 months.
More rain is on the way — but it might not break the drought
The drought in Minnesota only got worse last week, but more rain is on the way. Host Cathy Wurzer asked a climatologist what it will take for the state to pull out of this severe drought.
Electric cars are revving up in Minnesota
What do Minnesotans need to know about electric cars as federal and state policies expand the number of models available in coming years. 
Electric cars are revving up in Minnesota
What do Minnesotans need to know about electric cars as federal and state policies expand the number of models available in coming years. 
Some consider it a geological wonder. A crack in the soil of a bean field in northwestern Minnesota has caused the ground to collapse 25 feet, creating a quarter-mile-long ravine.
Seven people were injured, including one critically, after two people began shooting at each other outside a business in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood early Thursday, police said.
Hit or miss: Greenwood Fire levels some cabins, spares others
The Greenwood Fire has now torched more than 40 square miles of forest in northeastern Minnesota, including 12 homes or cabins caught in the path of the swift-moving fire earlier this week.
Take a magical mystery tour with this Chinese comic artist
"If I could put it into words, I wouldn't be drawing it," says one of the characters in Zuo Ma's surreal graphic novel “Night Bus,” a collection of stories that drives through every literary boundary.
Expect thunderstorms Thursday; severe weather possible
Stay sky-aware through Thursday evening. Thunderstorms are expected and some severe weather is possible. We have details on the severe weather outlook, plus a look at our weekend weather.
An Afghan author on losing her homeland — for the second time
"It is too cruel to ask if it hurts more the first or second time a homeland is lost," says Afghan American author Nadia Hashimi, whose parents are from Kabul. "I know one never becomes numb to it."
A few changes, a bit of familiarity: Minnesota State Fair returns
Scoping out the fair’s first morning in two years, MPR News reporter Tim Nelson writes that diehard fans walking onto the fairgrounds may feel like someone rearranged the furniture in their home. Here’s what he found.
A Ramsey County judge has ruled against gun permit owners who sought the right to carry weapons at the Minnesota State Fair. The ruling won’t be the last word in the case, but comes as the 2021 fair opens on Thursday. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, August 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Australian mourns beloved aunt with heart-shaped love ewes
An Australian farmer couldn’t go to his aunt’s funeral because of pandemic restrictions so he paid his respects with a novel alternative: dozens of sheep arranged in the shape of a love heart.
President Biden tells Kabul attackers: 'We will hunt you down and make you pay'
Two explosions, one just outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and another at the nearby Baron Hotel, caused several casualties Thursday. The attacks came less than a day after the U.S. Embassy warned U.S. citizens to get out of the area.
U.S. says up to 1,500 Americans await airlift as threats grow
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as many as 1,500 Americans may be awaiting evacuation from Afghanistan, a figure that suggests the U.S. may accomplish its highest priority for the Kabul airlift — rescuing U.S. citizens — ahead of President Joe Biden’s Tuesday deadline despite growing warnings Thursday of terror threats targeting the airport.
Art Hounds hearken back to the 60s
“Summer of Love” is a live, 1960s music and light show. “The Uncertainty Principle” explores the ripple effect of the Vietnam War. Plus, the Austin Artworks Festival is back this weekend with music and art.