Stories from July 31, 2022

Ridin’ and ropin’: Gay rodeo makes its triumphant return in Minnesota
Hundreds sat in the bleachers of Dead Broke Arena in Hugo, Minn., to watch cowboys and cowgirls compete across 13 events, drag shows and line dancing at this weekend’s rodeo. It was the North Star Gay Rodeo Association’s first event since 2018.
Scattered strong to severe t-storms possible into Sunday evening
The chance of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms lingers into Sunday evening in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have details on that, plus a look at the week ahead.
It's a plot that sounds like a Hallmark movie, but the narrator handles it with a knowing wink and a nod, both celebrating and challenges the tropes of romance.
Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek,' dies at 89
Nichols broke ground and paved the way for Black actors in Hollywood as Uhura. Her castmate George Takei wrote, "We lived long and prospered together."
Bill Russell, basketball legend with record 11 NBA titles, dies at 88
Bill Russell was one of basketball's all-time greats. He won a record 11 NBA titles, all with the Boston Celtics. But his dominance didn't stop off the court — he was a voice for racial justice, too.
17-year-old killed, 4 hurt in stabbings on Wisconsin river
A 17-year-old boy from Stillwater died and four other people were in critical condition after they were stabbed while tubing down a Wisconsin river Saturday afternoon.
Scattered severe thunderstorms possible late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening
Our chance of thunderstorms increases late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin could see some severe weather. We have your Sunday forecast details, plus a look at the week ahead.
Millions of Americans have long COVID. Many of them are no longer working
An estimated 4 million workers in the U.S. are struggling to work due to debilitating symptoms from long COVID. The government is urging employers to provide accommodations to keep them on the job.
The officer who shot the man has been with the department for more than a year but has previous law enforcement experience, authorities said. He has been placed on administrative leave.
U of M study: Without protections, many Midwest lakes will lose coldwater habitat
The study of more than 10,000 lakes in eight Upper Midwest states concluded that protecting or restoring forests within some lakes’ watersheds could help conserve critical coldwater habitat, even amid warming temperatures.