Stories from August 6, 2022

Alex Jones' $49.3M verdict and the future of misinformation
The verdict is the first of three Sandy Hook-related cases against Jones to be decided and a punishing salvo in a fledgling war on harmful misinformation. But what does it mean for the larger misinformation ecosystem of election denial, COVID-19 skepticism and other dubious claims that Jones helped build?
Sat. night rain heaviest in far southern Minn.; shower/t-storm chance on Sunday
Far southern Minnesota could see some strong thunderstorms and heavy rain Saturday evening and overnight. We have details on the flood watch in that area, plus shower and thunderstorm chances elsewhere this weekend.
Tourists find safety after floods close Death Valley roads
The park near the California-Nevada state line weathered 1.46 inches of rain. That's about 75% of what the area typically gets in a year. About 500 visitors had been stuck inside the park.
Pentagon denies DC request for National Guard migrant help
U.S. defense officials say that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to provide Guard personnel and the use of the D.C. Armory to assist with the reception of migrants into the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the city may send an amended request.
Nicolae Miu is charged with first-degree homicide in the death of 17-year-old Isaac Schuman of Stillwater. Miu says he was defending himself. Miu has retained Madison, Wis. attorney Corey Chirafisi, who helped convince a jury that Kyle Rittenhouse acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two men and wounded a third in protests over the police shooting Jacob Blake.
Biden team, Eli Lilly condemn new Indiana abortion ban
Eli Lilly and Co. and the administration of President Joe Biden have condemned Indiana's new ban on abortions. The law takes effect Sept. 15.
New Pompeii finds highlight middle-class life in doomed city
The latest batch of discoveries in Pompeii are enriching knowledge about middle-class households in the ancient Roman city that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption. Early excavations at Pompeii mainly highlighted upper-class villas.
17 missing, dozens hurt as fire rages in Cuban oil tank farm
Cuban authorities say firefighters and other specialists are still trying to quell the blaze at the Matanzas Supertanker Base, where the fire began during a thunderstorm Friday night. Cuba's government said it has asked for help from international experts.
Taiwan says China military drills appear to simulate attack
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said Saturday that its armed forces issued an alert, dispatched air and naval patrols around the island and activated land-based missile systems in response to the situation.
Senate rules referee weakens Dem drug plan in economic bill
Democrats were told to remove language imposing hefty penalties on drugmakers that boost their prices beyond inflation in the private insurance market. Democrats plan to begin Senate votes Saturday on their package addressing climate change, energy, health care, taxes and deficit reduction.
Musk says Twitter deal could move ahead with 'bot' info
The billionaire and Tesla CEO has been trying to back out of his April agreement to buy the social media company, leading Twitter to sue him last month to complete the acquisition. Musk then countersued. Both sides are headed toward an October trial in a Delaware court.
Indiana becomes 1st state to approve abortion ban post Roe
Indiana was among the first Republican-run state legislatures to debate tighter abortion laws after the Supreme Court ruling that removed constitutional protections for the procedure.
Line 3 aquifer breach is leaking more groundwater
The site near LaSalle Creek in Hubbard County is one of three places where crews installing the Enbridge-owned pipeline last year caused uncontrolled flows of groundwater.
Periods of rain and thunderstorms Saturday, Saturday night
The highest weekend rainfall totals, 1 to 2 inches, are expected from the southern half of Minnesota eastward into Wisconsin. Localized higher amounts are possible. Northwestern Minnesota will see very little rain this weekend.
In the 'gray zone' outside Kherson, Ukraine's soldiers pay a terrible price
Ukrainian officials have vowed to retake the strategic city of Kherson. But the battlefield "gray zone," spanning more than 100 miles, is confusing — and danger can come in many forms.