Stories from July 22, 2022

Nearly 1.2 million apply for 'hero pay'
Many more people than originally expected applied for bonus pandemic pay, and not all of the applications are likely to be approved.
Tour TV legend Don Shelby's ultra-green Excelsior home
From 80-foot wells, to a secret passageway leading to a state-of-the-art geothermal system, to a stone statue signifying the people most at risk from climate change, former WCCO news anchor and climate advocate Don Shelby has built a home meant to inspire others to act.
A majority of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has voted to eliminate a requirement that members have 25 percent tribal blood. In an advisory move, 64 percent of voters said the 25 percent blood quantum requirement should be removed from the tribe's constitution, which was adopted under federal government pressure in the early 1960s. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Friday, July 22, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Police: 3 fatally shot at Iowa state park; gunman also dead
Three family members were shot to death while camping in a state park in eastern Iowa Friday, and the suspected gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Lutunji's Palate is built with purpose, fortified with love
Lutunji Abram finally has her own kitchen after years of selling her famous cobblers at local markets. She took us inside her new cafe to share her secrets for the perfect cobbler and how she hopes to help others find their purpose.
City of Minneapolis and state's human rights dept. talking again about MPD reforms
After a delay, the city of Minneapolis and the state department of human rights have agreed to continue working together towards an agreement to address systemic issues within the Minneapolis Police Department.
Chippewa Tribe members vote to eliminate blood quantum
Members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe have voted in an advisory referendum to eliminate a requirement that requires enrolled members to have 25 percent tribal blood.
Steve Bannon convicted of contempt charges in 1/6 case
Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump has been convicted of contempt charges for defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
So far, Minnesota avoids recent national uptick in COVID cases
Statewide COVID-19 cases mostly hold steady; so far avoiding the recent national uptick, CDC county-level risk assessments tick up a bit, and Among Asian Americans, Minnesota has the 2nd highest known COVID-19 death rate.
Novelist Ann Hood recounts her days as a flight attendant in 'Fly Girl'
Ann Hood was a recent college grad in 1978 who couldn’t imagine a better way to see the world - and gather experiences for future writing - than being a flight attendant. Her new memoir, “Fly Girl,” chronicles her days flying the friendly and not-so-friendly skies.
Cleveland-Cliffs extends closure of Northshore Mining until April
Cleveland-Cliffs plans to extend the closure of its Northshore Mining facilities in Babbitt and Silver Bay, Minn., until at least April, 2023. About 410 workers were laid off when the closure began in May this year.
90s return Friday; storms Saturday
Heat and humidity return Friday. Scattered storms develop Saturday along with a risk of severe weather. More comfortable and normal temperatures return Sunday.
Ottessa Moshfegh's year of death and internet clout
The “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” author on feeling used, becoming an internet symbol for detachment, and how her new book has lightened her load of dead bodies.
Timberwolves sign guard Austin Rivers for depth
The Minnesota Timberwolves have finalized a contract with guard Austin Rivers. The 6-foot-4 son of Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers spent last season with Denver. 
Explainer: Not unusual for ex-cop to report later for prison
The federal judge who sentenced Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison on a civil rights charge in the killing of George Floyd says the former Minneapolis police officer won’t have to surrender until after his sentencing in a separate case in two months. Legal experts say that’s not unusual, even in an emotionally charged case like this.
Heat, humidity return; 1987 'Super Storm' anniversary
It’ll get hot and muggy again Friday into Saturday. Saturday also brings the threat of storms and possible severe weather. A prolonged stretch of seasonable temperatures follows.
Gary Hines and Sounds of Blackness stay on mission for more than 50 years
Sounds of Blackness is more than a band, it's a cultural institution. That, says the group's longtime director Gary Hines, was the mission given to them by a mentor at Macalester College in St. Paul, where the group was founded more than 50 years ago. 
Trump didn't act and didn't want to, plus 4 other takeaways from the Jan. 6 hearings
The committee, across eight hearings, has built a case — more political than legal — that Trump, who continues to lie about the election and teases he'll run in 2024, is not fit to hold the office.
3 common myths about the abortion debate that many people get wrong
Common misperceptions are that only abortion-seekers are affected, that Democrats could have codified protections before, and that Congress can easily get rid of federal laws restricting abortion.
A deal for Ukraine grain exports is due to be sealed in Istanbul
The deal would allow Ukraine to resume shipments of grain from the Black Sea to world markets and Russia to export grain and fertilizers, ending a standoff that has threatened world food security.
Books in Translation: Three tales touching on French colonialism
Mutt-Lon's “The Blunder,” '“Pina” by Titaua Peu, and Thuận's “Chinatown” all come from different continents and deal, glancingly or in depth, with French colonialism.