Stories from August 20, 2024

Day 2 of the DNC will feature the Obamas and second gentleman Doug Emhoff
Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will speak at the DNC, a day after the unofficial farewell for President Joe Biden, who served eight years as Obama’s vice president.
Colder Alaskan air may reach Minnesota late next week
There are signs the first real fall cold front of the season may sweep through Minnesota in about 10 days.
As Democrats celebrate top leaders including Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Republicans in the state want to remind voters of Walz’s record of what they term excessive spending and regulations. Meanwhile, get out the vote campaigns ramp up.
Gov. Tim Walz and wife Gwen Walz detail experience with fertility treatment, explain it wasn’t IVF
The Walz family is sharing new details about how they used a fertility treatment called intrauterine insemination to conceive their children. Republicans say Walz misled the public on this aspect of his family history.
Minnesota Now and Then: Democratic National Conventions in 1984 and 2024 were momentous for women in politics
Women have reigned as lieutenant governor for Minnesota since 1983. A former lawmaker reflects on what it would mean for one to make it to the top.
As a tween remains in critical condition after Minneapolis shooting, questions renew on youth felonies
There’s a young girl from Minneapolis who remains in critical condition Tuesday after being shot over the weekend along with three other children. The minors in question are between the ages of 11 and 13 and were shot while joyriding in a stolen car.
A steamy first weekend at the Minnesota State Fair
It looks like a steamy first weekend at the Minnesota State Fair. But there are also cooler days in the forecast.
Another Minnesota school district is adopting the four-day week this year. Is it working?
Carlton is a district five miles south of Cloquet with about 500 students. They are one of the six school districts in the entire state with a four-day school week, and the only district making that move this school year.
Iowa abortion providers dismiss legal challenge against state's strict law now that it's in effect
Iowa abortion providers are opting to dismiss their lawsuit against the state since the Iowa Supreme Court allowed a strict abortion law to be enforced. The suit’s dismissal Thursday comes weeks after the law took effect, prohibiting most abortions after about six weeks and before many women know they are pregnant.
Harris maintains slight lead in presidential race in first Minnesota poll since Walz announced as VP
The latest poll of Minnesota likely voters — the first conducted since Walz was announced as the Democrat’s Vice Presidential candidate — shows Democrats leading Republicans.
Morning Announcements for Aug. 20
Here are the morning announcements for Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
Ensuring accessible, secure and fair elections
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests explore what we know about who votes, who is less likely to vote — and why — and what you can do to boost voter turnout this election year. 
Filtered sunshine through high clouds Tuesday; weekend heat ahead
Temperatures will be slightly cooler but right near normal Tuesday. Southwestern Minnesota will see scattered showers. The next chance of spotty thunder comes Thursday into Thursday night.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan helped gavel in the Democratic National Convention Monday night in Chicago. And one of the officers who held George Floyd down while Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck is being released from prison Tuesday. 
Stephon Gilmore joins the Vikings, the latest and biggest catch for cornerback group needing a boost
The Minnesota Vikings have finally assembled a proven group of cornerbacks after a series of setbacks. Stephon Gilmore was the latest and biggest catch. The Vikings signed the 13-year veteran Gilmore to a one-year, $10 million contract with $7 million guaranteed.
Padres beat the Twins 5-3 as Merrill hits a 3-run double
Jackson Merrill hit a three-run double, Michael King pitched six effective innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3 in an interleague matchup of playoff contenders.
Gov. Tim Walz made an impression in China, students and teachers say
Vice President Harris’ running mate has lived in China and traveled there many times. His relationship with the country has been under scrutiny, especially from Republicans.
Phyllis Wheatley summer camp continues in a new form — nature excursions along the Mississippi
The Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is preparing to rebuild and reopen its summer camp in Carver County. In the meantime, the center continues to teach young Minneapolis students about the great outdoors.
It’s the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. Except maybe in farm country
In Minnesota, there are fissures between rural and urban Democrats, and they’re front and center with Gov. Tim Walz emphasizing his rural roots as a vice-presidential candidate. Some Democrats feel like their party is out of touch with rural voters.
Ex-cop convicted in Floyd killing released from prison
One of the former Minneapolis police officers convicted in the 2020 killing of George Floyd was released from prison on Tuesday. Thomas Lane, who received the shortest sentence of the four ex-officers involved in Floyd’s death, is the first to leave custody.