Stories from August 11, 2023

Severe storms sweep across Minnesota, drop large hail in Twin Cities
A line of severe thunderstorms raked a wide swath of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, early Friday evening — dropping large hail in the heart of the metro and knocking out power to thousands.
Charges will not be filed against two Stillwater police officers in the fatal shooting of a man earlier this year. Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced Thursday that the shooting death of 21-year-old O’Kwan Sims in March was justified.  This is an evening update for Friday, August 11, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
Arts Briefs: Apparently cats can be trained
In this week’s Arts Briefs: Hmong culture and opera, watery fun at Lake Superior and performing cats. Also, in Absolute Bleeding Edge: Wibbly wobbly timey wimey.
COVID-19 on the rise in Minnesota
While the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remains among the lowest in the pandemic, the uptick warrants vigilance — especially given that the state is also seeing some increases in COVID-19 detected in wastewater.
Garland names special counsel in Hunter Biden investigation
David Weiss, a Trump appointee as U.S. attorney who was retained during the Biden administration, has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019.
Small wildfire near Ely is now fully contained
A small wildfire detected earlier this week in the Superior National Forest southeast of Ely, Minn., is now fully contained.
Potential strong storms Friday afternoon with more rain Sunday; extreme rainfall in Norway
Sunshine and steamy conditions Friday will lead to more storms developing in the afternoon and evening. Those storms could become severe. Saturday will be sunny with more rain Sunday.
Boil water advisory issued for city of Brainerd
A boil water advisory is in effect for the city of Brainerd, Minn., after testing found bacterial contamination in the city water system.
More storms develop Friday afternoon; more rain Sunday
We’ll see sunshine break out with steamy conditions south Friday leading to more thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Some storms could be severe.
Thousands of Minnesotans can’t seem to curb their need for speed, according to the State Patrol. Shutterfly is shutting down its Shakopee facility and laying off employees. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Parliament of the World's Religions seeks understanding and action
The Parliament of the World's Religions is about to begin in Chicago. The first Parliament took place in 1893 and is considered the beginning of the modern interfaith movement.
Ecuador arrests 6 Colombians in slaying of presidential candidate
Ecuador's evolution into a major drug trafficking hub and the ensuing surge of violence weighs on the nation following the killing of a presidential candidate whose life's work was to fight crime.
Teens strive to earn long-term tech positions in the Twin Cities
Through its Tech Geeks program, 30,000 Feet offers paid training and a pathway to lucrative careers, in particular for young people of color.
Biden vs. Trump rematch doesn’t excite some Minnesotans
As the 2024 campaign begins, some Minnesotans say the prospect of a presidential rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump makes them wish there were alternatives.
Trans pro disc golfer suing sport's top league for discrimination in Minnesota
A professional disc golfer who is a trans woman is suing the sport’s top organization over its gender-based rules for competition. A Minnesota judge cleared the way for Natalie Ryan to play in the state earlier this year.
Making sure Minnesota gets its share of green energy money
As part of our “Getting to Green” series, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Pete Wyckoff talks about the amount of federal funding available to accelerate the transition to a clean economy, and his role in making sure Minnesota gets its share of the money