Stories from July 14, 2022

Thousands more doses of monkeypox vaccine are expected to soon begin shipping to the U.S. after federal health officials said they had completed an inspection of the overseas plant where they were manufactured.
Minneapolis police fatally shot a man early this morning at an apartment building in the Seward neighborhood. It happened after an hours-long standoff that started last night with a report of gunfire in the building.
A woodpecker's brain takes a big hit with every peck: study
A new study refutes the popular idea that a woodpecker's brain is cushioned from the violent impacts of pecking. It offers a different reason the birds avoid brain damage.
Duluth mural project connects city to its Ojibwe history
A mural project in Duluth honors an Ojibwe chief and the vital trip he took 170 years ago to preserve tribal homelands.
In our third pandemic summer, blockbusters are back
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two movie critics about their favorite summer movies, the state of movie theaters and their recommendations on what to watch. Plus, she talks with MPR Cube Critics Aron Woldeslassie and Samantha Matsumoto.
Osterholm: There's a new COVID variant. Should we be worried?
There’s a new COVID-19 variant on the radar called BA 2.75. MPR News Reporter Catharine Richert talked with veteran epidemiologist Michael Osterholm about the latest insights.
Ep. 9 The economics of ethnic enclaves
Va-Megn Thoj of the Asian Economic Development Association, says some immigrants and refugees who start their own businesses, do so out of necessity, not because they want to be their own boss. He says some would rather not have to work the long hours for small profits. But too many can’t get hired for other jobs. 
Weekend weather: Summery warmth and a bit humid
Our weekend weather will be a bit warmer than average, but it shouldn’t interfere with too many outdoor plans.
A former Nahan employee, who is Black, said management ignored or minimized his complaints that two white employees repeatedly made racist comments and used racial slurs.
Humid air returns late Thursday; thunderstorms overnight
Temperatures will be warmer Thursday and humid air will start to return to southwestern Minnesota and spread east overnight into Friday, touching off scattered thunderstorms.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is rolling out a new system to help survivors of sexual assault track information about their cases. The BCA will begin using the Track-Kit system statewide this week. The system gives survivors of sexual assault 24/7 online access to information about their sexual assault kit. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Warmer, more humid Thursday; storms possible overnight
We’ll have a fair amount of sunshine but warmer temperatures and higher dew points return. We’ll also have the chance of some overnight showers and thunderstorms Thursday night.
Johnny Russell scored in the 63rd minute and Sporting Kansas City overcame an own-goal by goalkeeper John Pulskamp to earn a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United.
Defendant: Ex-governor ordered payments to NFL's Brett Favre
A defendant in a Mississippi welfare fraud case says she directed $1.1 million in welfare money to former NFL star Brett Favre at the direction of former Gov. Phil Bryant. Favre has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing and has repaid the money.
Mpls. man seeks reparations from the church that enslaved his ancestors
Elton Wright-Trusclair’s ancestors were among the more than 1,000 people enslaved by the Society of Jesus, many of whom toiled at Georgetown University. The church has pledged $100 million towards scholarships and other charitable causes designed to benefit descendants of the enslaved and Black communities. However, Wright-Trusclair and others say they want direct reparations.
Animal rescue groups across the U.S. band together to rescue 4,000 beagles
A federal judge ordered thousands of dogs to be rehomed from a Virginia research facility after several inspections revealed poor conditions. Animal rescue groups are working to do just that.
There's a massive housing shortage across the U.S. Here's how bad it is where you live
Hundreds of cities and towns are seriously short of housing, both homes to buy and rentals, according to a new study. It's the main reason that home prices and rents are so high.
Doctors press Minnesota health systems for more access to abortion medication
As Minnesota abortion care providers ramp up to serve an expected influx of patients from across the Midwest, some doctors are pushing their health care organizations to do more now, including improving access to a drug that’s also used for medication abortions.
Art Hounds celebrate community theater and music
Theatre 55 stages “Jesus Christ Superstar” in the open-air at Caponi Art Park amphitheater in Eagan. The Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra performs in several upcoming shows around the Twin Cities. Participants make the drama happen in “The Show Must Go On,” an escape room set at Daleko Arts in New Prague.