Stories from August 3, 2023

Reducing the carbon footprint of the cannabis industry
Recreational marijuana is now officially legal in Minnesota but this may not be great news for the climate given the intense greenhouse gas emissions of growing the plant indoors. So as the cannabis industry continues to expand, how can it reduce its massive carbon footprint?
State officials have released new details on the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a Minnesota State trooper early Monday. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says one of the three troopers at the scene fired his handgun, identifying him as Ryan Londregan, who had about a year and a half of law enforcement experience. The BCA says he was assisting another trooper, Brett Seide, who stopped Ricky Cobb II after seeing Cobb drive by on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis without taillights. This is an MPR News evening update hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he tried to overturn the 2020 election
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.
Pittsburgh synagogue gunman has been sentenced to die in the nation’s deadliest antisemitic attack
The man who killed 11 congregants at a Pittsburgh synagogue was formally sentenced to death Thursday, one day after a jury determined that capital punishment was appropriate for the perpetrator of the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.
Bud Light boycott takes fizz out of brewer's earnings
The company lost big sales in the U.S. after the boycotts over its collaboration with a transgender influencer. CEO says things have now stabilized “with signals of improvement” for the brand.
Minneapolis adds two new MPD deputy chief positions
A state law that passed this session removed a cap on the number of new deputy chiefs and the Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday morning to create two new deputy chief positions.
This Minneapolis library has a hidden gem for record lovers
There’s an impressively extensive vinyl record collection located in downtown Minneapolis that not many know about. Available by reservation, the Vinyl Revival Listening Room is a free listening space open to the public located on the third floor (room N-301) of Minneapolis Central Library.
Stillwater Main Street throws dance party inspired by 1901 photograph
In Stillwater, Minn., on the St. Croix River, a two-and-a-half block section of Main Street is closed for the next two months for construction. Local businesses are coming together to throw a dance party.
White Earth Nation dispensary becomes second in Minnesota to sell recreational cannabis
It was a bit of a last-minute rush, but just after 10 a.m. Thursday morning White Earth Nation’s tribal dispensary in Mahnomen, Minn., opened for sale of recreational marijuana.
Prince Memorial Highway makes debut in Chanhassen
State transportation officials on Thursday posted bright purple road signs, officially rebranding a seven-mile stretch of road near Paisley Park as Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway.
Weekend weather: Cooler; highest rain chance Saturday evening into Sunday
We’ll have some periods of rain this weekend, especially Saturday evening through Sunday. We take a look at weekend temperatures and rain opportunities, plus the latest drought report.
New details released in State Patrol fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb on I-94
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Thursday identified the trooper who shot Cobb during an early morning confrontation Monday along I-94 in Minneapolis. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed or has video of the incident to contact them.
Racial justice activists joined with relatives of Ricky Cobb II Wednesday in calling for the firing and prosecution of the state troopers involved in the killing of the 33-year-old Black man during a traffic stop. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister
Petting other people's dogs, even briefly, can boost your health
You don't even have to own one. Research shows just 5 to 20 minutes interacting with other people's pooches can reduce stress hormones and increase well-being.
Michigan’s lessons for Minnesota on legal cannabis
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana use in 2019. What can Minnesota learn from another Midwestern state’s experience? 
Texas Medicaid drops 82% of its enrollees since April
Medicaid is shedding enrollees for the first time since the pandemic started. But rolls in some states are shrinking much faster than in others. Nearly 4 million people have lost coverage so far.
Activists call for firing, prosecution of state troopers involved in fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb
Racial justice activists joined with relatives of Ricky Cobb II Wednesday in calling for the firing and prosecution of the state troopers involved in the killing of the 33-year-old Black man during a traffic stop.