Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Heat Closes Schools; Storms Hit Midwest

Heat baked parts of the nation’s midsection, closing schools in Missouri as temperatures topped 100 degrees, while heavy rain, lightning and floods struck the Midwest and the northern plains. The St. Louis health commissioner said six people had been treated for heat-related illnesses. Heavy rains flooded northeastern Minnesota as more than 9 inches fell during the night in Cloquet and 3 inches in Duluth. There was widespread flooding in Carlton, St. Louis and Aitkin counties. Severe weather also hit other states bordering on the Great Lakes as heavy thunderstorms moved across northern and central Lake Michigan.