TALKERS081621

TOP STORIES

• Biden to address nation on Afghanistan: President Joe Biden will speak at 2:45 CT about the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan, after the planned withdrawal of American forces turned deadly at Kabul's airport as thousands tried to flee the country after the Taliban's takeover. At least seven people were killed while Afghans so desperate to escape the Taliban capture of their country held onto an American military jet as it took off.
• Breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Minnesota: More than 7,000 fully vaccinated Minnesotans have suffered breakthrough coronavirus infections, but state health officials said that remains a low rate and that more immunizations are the state's best defense against the latest COVID-19 wave.
• UnitedHealthcare acquiring local insurer: PreferredOne, a health insurer based in Golden Valley, is being acquired by UnitedHealthcare in a deal that will give the nation's largest insurer a significantly larger competitive presence in its home state.
• Tesla Autopilot problems investigated: The U.S. government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla's Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.
• Construction on Obama Center begins: Five years after former President Barack Obama chose Chicago as the site for his legacy project, construction officially began today on the Obama Presidential Center.

WATCH THIS

A special National Anthem: Ninety-six-year-old WWII veteran wowed the crowd when he sang the National Anthem at a Michigan baseball game.

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TRENDING

• Cardamom provides a taste of the Mediterranean: The Walker Art Center's new restaurant offers diners a touch of the Riveria, both on the menu and in the decor.
• Minnesota State Fair and its vendors scramble to find workers: Less than two weeks before the State Fair opens, the businesses inside it and the fair itself need hundreds more workers.
• Despite the internet, Twin Cities zines continue to flourish: Tired of scrolling through art feeds on Instagram? Get your hands on a zine at one of Minneapolis' festivals.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

• Reusse on the genius of Tom Kelly, the anger of Mike Zimmer: Columnist Patrick Reusse joins Daily Delivery host Michael Rand for a look at two of the more interesting figures who have led Minnesota teams. What made Kelly successful? What makes Zimmer mad?
• Can Mike Zimmer trust the players he needs the most this year? That's what the 2021 season — and perhaps the Vikings coach's tenure with this team — is all about, writes Michael Rand.
• Fiala agrees to one-year deal with Wild: The Wild avoided arbitration with Kevin Fiala, re-signing the winger to a one-year, $5.1 million contract.

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WORTH A CLICK

Current look at vaccinations in the U.S.: At least 198.1 million people have received one or both doses of the vaccine in the U.S. Where does Minnesota stand in comparison with other states?

FROM THE ARCHIVES

August 16, 1984: Holly Rogers, a receptionist in the state treasurer's office, catalogued some of the 5,000 record albums acquired by the state. (Photo: Stormi Greener/Star Tribune)