Stories from August 25, 2022

California will ban sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035
The measure is the first in the nation, but other states are expected to follow. The aim is to curb emissions that contribute to global warming and health issues.
Against the odds: How Blondie shattered the conventions of punk and pop
From unreleased music to promotional flyers, photos, a mirrored dressing room sign, and even a stray Andy Warhol print, Blondie's out with a new box set, Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982.
Judge puts hold on North Dakota trigger law banning abortion
A judge has again blocked a trigger law banning abortion in North Dakota as he weighs a lawsuit from the state’s lone abortion clinic. The clinic argues that the law violates the state constitution.
 PUC approves site permits for solar, wind hybrid projects in SW Minn.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission this week approved site permits and related transmission routes for the Big Bend Wind and Red Rock Solar projects in southwest Minnesota. It will be the state’s largest hybrid renewable energy project.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?
Each year the Minnesota State Fair stocks a pond full of fish at the Minnesota State Fair. But what happens to the fish after the fair is done? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson set out to reel in the answer.
Judge orders unsealing of redacted affidavit in Trump search
A judge has ordered the Justice Department to make public a redacted version of the affidavit it relied on when federal agents searched the Florida estate of former President Donald Trump to look for classified documents.
Hennepin jury convicts Jerry Westrom in cold case killing
Jerry Westrom, 56, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder in the stabbing death of Jeanne Ann Childs in 1993.
Life on the Mississippi
In his new book “Life on the Mississippi,” author Rinker Buck writes about floating to New Orleans in a wooden flat boat from a bygone era. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell explores Mississippi River history with Rinker and John Anfinson, retired superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Minnesota State Fair Weather Quiz 2022
It’s time once again to test how much you know about Minnesota weather and climate.
Fair fans flock through the gates as Minnesota State Fair begins its 12-day run
Crowds started filling the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Thursday. Whether they're there to exhibit livestock, catch a concert or try some of the dozens of new food and drink concoctions, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend this year's fair.
Minnesota set to become 'abortion access island' in the Midwest, but for whom?
Out-of-staters have long traveled to Minnesota for abortions, but as neighboring states restrict access to the procedure, data suggests patients of color may not make the trip.
As the rest of Minnesota prepares for two weeks in the sun at the State Fair, Gerry Kulzer is preparing his parka, gloves and carving tools. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Cooler Thursday; storms possible this weekend
Highs will be mainly in the 70s Thursday with more comfortable air settling in and decreasing clouds north to south. Friday will bring lots of sun but more storms are possible this weekend.
Isle Royale wolf population surges after nearly dying off
The gray wolf population at Isle Royale National Park is healthy once more. Scientists reported Wednesday it has reached 28, only a few years after it had fallen to two. 
Once a heavyweight champion, Kyiv's mayor now fights the Russians
Mayor Vitali Klitschko was known as Dr. Ironfist when he dominated the boxing ranks. Now he leads Ukraine's capital city with an equally fierce determination in the battle against Russia.
Uvalde school police chief fired 3 months after botched response to school shooting
Families of the 21 victims of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary had been demanding Arredondo be fired since details became clear of the law enforcement failures that day.
Appetites: Predicting the Minnesota State Fair hits and misses
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us, and all of that food can be daunting. So we called on Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine food writer Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl to get us prepped for what to eat — and also what to avoid.
Minnesota State Fair's new butter carver prepares to create 'dairy' good art
As the rest of Minnesota prepares for warm summer days at the State Fair, Gerry Kulzer is preparing his parka, gloves, and carving tools. He’ll be spending the fair in a 40-degree cooler, carving a new larger-than-life sculpture every day — in butter.
 As surplus sits, governor candidates diverge on taxes
While not as flashy as other issues driving their governor’s race exchanges, there’s lots of distance between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican Scott Jensen on taxes.
Art Hounds: Otter Tail county teens document return of ‘normal life’; North Mankato painter’s landscapes honor Minnesota 
Teens ask what it means to “Return to Normal?” in their multimedia show at Otter Tail Historical Society in Fergus Falls, Minn. Northfield-based professors and bandmates mix clever lyrics and sampled styles on their new kids’ album “The Greats.” North Mankato landscape painter Andrew Judkins’ solo show runs through this weekend at Owatonna Arts Center.