Stories from August 15, 2020

Biden faces a convention test, to offer a vision beyond beating Trump
Presidential elections are won by the candidate who presents the most compelling vision for the future, and the upcoming Democratic convention is an opportunity for Biden to convince voters not just that President Trump has failed today, but that Democrats will make Americans' lives safer and more prosperous tomorrow.
Parts of northern Minnesota may see some bumpy weather Saturday evening, then Sunday looks relatively quiet in most areas. We have details on that, plus a look at the week ahead. We also have an update on the Friday tornado total in Minnesota.
Trump to withdraw polarizing nominee to lead Bureau of Land Management
The Trump administration is planning to withdraw William Perry Pendley as its nominee to lead the agency. Pendley has faced criticism for past statements in support of selling off public land.
Clean-up continues Saturday after more than 100,000 Minnesotans lost power in Friday night’s severe storms. MPR News update for Aug. 15, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
 Poll: Reallocate money from MPD, but keep the department
A new MPR News/Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll of Minneapolis voters finds a majority want to shift money from the police department to other programs but many also say the department should still be funded.
It’ll be a fairly quiet weekend in most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Northern Minnesota could see some scattered thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening. We have your weekend forecast details, plus a recap of Friday’s severe weather.
Iowa governor defends storm response as residents struggle
About 65,000 customers in the Cedar Rapids area remained without power Friday, and 100,000 more across the state. Alliant Energy said it anticipates replacing 2,500 damaged poles in a week — work that would normally take eight months.
Forecasters look to learn from deadly Midwest derecho
Scientists say Monday's derecho traveled 1,000 miles from South Dakota to northwest Ohio. A wind gust of 112 mph was recorded in Iowa, placing the storm at the strength of a category 3 hurricane.
Giving autism some love in 'A Room Called Earth'
Author Madeleine Ryan was diagnosed with autism while she was writing her new novel — she says creating her main character helped her embrace the way she process her own thoughts and feelings.
Our weather will be much less bumpy today in most areas. Northern Minnesota may see some scattered late-day storms. We have your Saturday forecast details.
Aug. 16 update on COVID-19 in MN: Concerns about college students as cases increase
State public health leaders are increasingly worried about college students joining end-of-summer parties and other gatherings that could feed the spread of COVID-19 and bring it onto campuses this fall. They also fear people are using sanitizers that could kill them.
Storms leave thousands without power across Minnesota
Severe storms spawned tornadoes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and business across Minnesota on Friday.
Two juveniles charged in assault on imam in Bloomington
Imam Mohamed Mukhtar suffered two fractures in his left shoulder after two assailants kicked and hit him as he walked from his home to the Dar al Farooq Islamic Center. Two boys have been charged in connection with the assault.