Stories from October 11, 2024

A federal jury Friday convicted a Twin Cities man on drug and gun charges. The jury found Derrick Thompson was transporting fentanyl and cocaine in an SUV that crashed into a car with five young women last year. Also a critical access dental clinic expands in northeast Minneapolis.
Enrollment is up at Minnesota State colleges, a new fund helped
The state’s new program, North Star Promise, guarantees lower-income Minnesotans can attend public colleges or universities tuition-free. Nearly 17,000 students received North Star scholarships this fall, according to preliminary data for Minnesota State, tribal colleges and the University of Minnesota.
Battle to shore up bases remains as Election Day nears
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guest talks about deadly conflicts in the Middle East and how those have factored into domestic politics. Plus, we follow up with two Generation Z voters about how they’re approaching the election.
Jury convicts Derrick Thompson on gun, drug charges in 2023 crash that killed 5
A federal jury on Friday returned guilty verdicts against a Brooklyn Park man in connection with a crash last year that killed five young women on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Thompson’s conviction in this trial wasn’t for the crash itself, but the cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills, and gun that police found in the SUV.
Yes, that is the scent of manure in the Twin Cities
You aren’t imagining things if you’re in the Twin Cities and catch a whiff of what smells like manure. That scent is coming from farms in the southern parts of the state.
Understanding aurora colors; the science behind the display
The Aurora Borealis is a spectacular spectacle, but what's even more fascinating than its vibrant colors is the science that explains them.
Hastings to receive 3M settlement money to treat 'forever chemicals'
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced it's linked PFAS contamination in one of Hastings’ wells to 3M's Cottage Grove facility. City officials say the money will help, but won’t cover the full $70 million to build three new treatment plants.
Morning Announcements for Oct. 11
Here are the morning announcements for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Beyond books: How a public library in Ohio’s Rust Belt is spurring economic growth
The public library in Toledo, Ohio, is one of a number across the U.S. that have become entrepreneurial hubs. Business-specialist librarians are helping aspiring small-business owners and nonprofits for free.
Although Milton has moved on, at least 8 are dead and millions remain in the dark
Rescue teams are plucking Florida residents from the flotsam of Hurricane Milton after the storm smashed through coastal communities. The storm tore homes into pieces, filled streets with mud and spawned a barrage of deadly tornadoes. At least eight people are dead. 
Nobel Peace Prize given to Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo for its work against nuclear weapons
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said Friday the award was made as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.”
SpaceX wants to go to Mars. To get there, environmentalists say it’s trashing Texas
With each launch, SpaceX has been discharging tens of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater into sensitive wetlands. Environmentalists say an increase in launches will only make things worse.
Elon Musk unveils Tesla's 'Cybercab,' plans to bring autonomous driving tech to other models in 2025
Tesla unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi at a Hollywood studio Thursday night, though fans of the electric vehicle maker will have to wait until at least 2026 before they are available. CEO Elon Musk said the “Cybercab” doesn’t have steering wheels or pedals.
Minnesota-based magnetics company scales up greener options
Minnesota-based Niron Magnetics who makes magnets without rare-earth elements has opened a commercial pilot plant in Minneapolis.  
Seasonably chilly air moves in for the weekend
Two successive cool fronts will finally drop temperatures to below normal readings Sunday and Monday. These will be the first below normal temps in more than a month. 
In some Minnesota schools, artificial intelligence gets a seat in the classroom
Teachers at Bloomington Kennedy High School are taking a practical view on artificial intelligence, teaching students how to use the technology and helping them understand where it can spin out of control, a sort of driver’s ed approach to AI.
Cube Critics discuss ‘Heartstopper’ season three
MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi and digital editor Kaila White review season three of “Heartstopper” which is available now on Netflix.  
Q&A: Local actor Ryan London Levin talks about taking on a 1-man show about Jewish identity
Six Points Theater in St. Paul is producing “Just for Us,” the Tony and Emmy award-winning one man show by comedian Alex Edelman, about Jewish identity. Twin Cities actor Ryan London Levin plays “Alex” in this new production, the first to perform the role other than Edelman.
Photos: Northern lights dance across Minnesota skies
Lady Aurora made an appearance once again on Thursday evening. MPR News staff and some of our readers captured some photos from across the metro area and beyond.