Stories from August 23, 2020

FDA authorizes convalescent plasma as emergency treatment for COVID-19
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the FDA granted emergency use authorization to treat COVID-19 patients with plasma from people who have recovered from the virus, based on "promising" results.
Was Sunday warm enough for you? Another steamy day is on tap for Monday, and some areas may see strong or severe thunderstorms late Monday afternoon or Monday evening. We have the details, plus updates on Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura.
Trump says COVID-19 plasma treatment is authorized
Even as it issued the “emergency authorization,” the FDA said “COVID-19 convalescent plasma does not yet represent a new standard of care based on the current available evidence.”
Transgender, nonbinary artists need a place they can call home
With the announcement that 20% Theatre Company will close in 2021, transgender artists are once again forced to search for venues that will support their work in meaningful, long-lasting ways.
Leaders of more than 150 Minnesota-based nonprofits are looking to Washington for financial relief. They recently sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation saying they need more support to get through the coronavirus pandemic.  This is an MPR News weekend update for Sunday, August 23, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A steamy Sunday, with best PM thunder chances north
It’ll be a steamy Sunday afternoon, with thunderstorms chances highest in northwestern Minnesota. Those scattered thunderstorms spread eastward this evening and overnight. We have the forecast details, plus a look at the week ahead. Also, California wildfire smoke will paint our sunset reddish/orange.
Aug. 23 update on COVID-19 in MN: New cases climb, ICU needs dip
Sunday’s numbers continue to send a mix of hopeful and concerning signals, and state public health leaders remain concerned that Minnesotans are becoming numb to the disease’s risk.
It’ll be a steamy Sunday across much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin are starting out with areas of dense fog. We have details on that, and the thunderstorm chances later today in the north.
A boy avenges his murdered father, with the help of a magical 'Ikenga'
Nnedi Okorafor found her superpower — storytelling — when she was a teenager. She draws on her own past and her connection to Nigeria in her latest novel, about a 12-year-old finding his own powers.
Biden courts older white voters who helped Trump win in 2016
Polls suggest movement in this key demographic toward Joe Biden, but some white seniors in battleground states tell NPR they're sticking with the president.
'Luster' shines with sharp wit and dark humor
Raven Leilani's new novel will make you cringe for all the right reasons. It's an intergenerational, interracial love story with a heart of noir and gallows humor, so honest it will make you squirm.