Stories from July 11, 2023

Audio postcard: Roadside ditches full of floral riches
One of the best things about wildflowers is just that — they're wild. Which means they can crop up in the most unexpected places. Our latest postcard from wildflower chasers Kelly Povo and Phyllis Root reminds us to stop and check for flowers no matter where you might be.
A judge Tuesday handed a 37-and-a-half-year sentence to a Minneapolis man who admitted to fatally shooting a 9-year-old girl as she played on a trampoline. This is an evening update, hosted by Sarah Thamer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Bank of America to pay $250 million for illegal fees, fake accounts
An investigation found that Bank of America raked in tens of millions of dollars in resubmitted insufficient funds fees. The bank also illegally opened credit cards without customers knowledge.
'Barbie' is pretty in pink — but will she also be profitable?
Warner Bros. and Mattel set out to create a movie marketing machine — including more than 100 brand collabs and viral social media campaigns — to build excitement for the film’s July 21 release.
Why recent forecasts on northern lights might be spotty
You may have heard a lot of chatter in the media and among friends about spotting the northern lights in Minnesota this week. But some experts say those predictions may have been premature — or just wrong. Writer Bob King writes the blog “Astro Bob” for the Duluth News Tribune, and joins Cathy Wurzer to break down the science behind the dancing lights.
Man gets 37 1/2 years for killing girl caught in Minneapolis gunfire
Trinity Ottoson-Smith, 9, was at a friend’s birthday party in May 2021 when prosecutors said Dpree Shareef Robinson fired a gun from the alley at three people on the house’s back porch, hitting and killing the girl. Robinson was sentenced Tuesday.
Cooler with a few minor rain chances; why aurora forecasting is a challenge
It’s a cooler day Tuesday behind Monday’s cold front with highs mainly in the 70s. We have a few minor rain chances ahead and the possibility of auroras in northern Minnesota.
The St. Cloud DFLer, Rep. Dan Wolgamott, was arrested by a State Patrol officer Friday and booked on suspicion of impaired driving. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cooler Tuesday with morning sunshine; minor rain chances ahead
Cooler and much drier air has settled in behind a cold front for Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs will be mainly in the 70s. We’ll see a few relatively minor rain chances ahead. 
An old drug offers a new way to stop STIs
Taken after sex, the antibiotic doxycycline can ward off some sexually transmitted illnesses. Doctors are already prescribing it and the CDC is expected to share guidance soon for how best to use it.
Are Amazon Prime Day deals worth it? 5 things to know
Amazon's annual two-day sale for Prime members is here. Not all deals are as good as they seem, however. It pays to do some research to ensure you're getting the best price.
Minneapolis police chief says he was unaware of new hire's past excessive force allegations
Chief Brian O'Hara said he did not know a new officer allegedly used excessive force in a previous job before signing off on his hiring. Tyler Timberlake, who’s white, used a stun gun on Lamonta Gladney, who’s Black, and pressed his knees into his neck and back in 2020 in Fairfax County, Va.