Stories from September 9, 2022

Judge tosses Trump's Russia probe suit against Clinton, FBI
A federal judge in Florida has dismissed Donald Trump's lawsuit against 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and former top FBI officials, rejecting the former president's claims that they and others acted in concert to concoct the Russia investigation that shadowed much of his administration.
Think about it: how often do you find a book that has both magical creatures and modern technology?
A Hennepin County judge on Friday sentenced an Isanti, Minn. man to life in prison for a nearly 30-year-old cold case killing. A jury convicted Jerry Westrom in August in the murder of Jeanne Ann Childs. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Sept. 9, 2022. Hosted by Dan Kraker. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Swine, seed art and solar: State Fair offers chance to learn about climate solutions
Minnesota farmers weren’t just eyeing the latest tractors on display at the State Fair this year. Many made their way over to the Eco Building to ask how they can rent their land out to solar developers.
California: Drought, record heat, fires and now maybe floods
The record-breaking heat that has pushed California's electrical grid to the breaking point for more than a week is almost over but it's a sign of things to come. Scientists say a warming planet will lead to hotter, longer and more wildfire-plagued heat waves.
What will happen to Queen Elizabeth's beloved corgis?
The British monarch was known for her love of animals, and had a particular fondness for corgis. Elizabeth had at least four dogs under her care when she died on Thursday.
Jerry Westrom sentenced to life in prison for cold case murder
A jury in August convicted Westrom of murder in the death of Jeanne Ann Childs in Minneapolis in 1993. DNA evidence helped link Westrom to the killing. He must serve 30 years before a chance of parole.
Elected officials, police chiefs on leaked Oath Keepers list
A new report says that the names of hundreds of U.S. law enforcement officers, elected officials and military members appear on the leaked membership rolls of a far-right extremist group that’s accused of playing a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
'If I Survive You' is a sweeping portrait of a family's fight to make it in America
Jonathan Escoffery's If I Survive You is an intensively granular, yet panoramic depiction of what it's like to try to make it — or not — in this kaleidoscopic madhouse of a country.
For many of us, fall is a good excuse to do a thorough housecleaning before we close everything up for the winter. Perhaps you have a pile of old tech: tablets, phones, a tangle of cords. Don’t toss that tech in the trash.
Temperatures so far this month are averaging 3 to 5 degrees warmer than normal around the state. It’s also been quite dry in many areas.
Science journalist Ed Yong on how animals sense the world
Award-winning science journalist Ed Yong is out with a new book about the ways animals perceive their surroundings. In “An Immense World,” he shares fascinating stories that help us understand and appreciate the many creatures who share the planet with us but live in entirely different sensory spheres.
Noem sought to avoid ethics hearing, seal off records
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem asked a state ethics board to dismiss a complaint against her without a public hearing and to seal off certain records.
Investigative reporter Jeff German took on the powerful in four decades of writing about the Las Vegas underworld and government corruption. But police say it was one of his latest targets, a county administrator, who fatally stabbed German last weekend. 
Republican Joe O'Dea is pitching himself as independent-minded in his campaign against Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. But on the key issue of abortion, Democrats say he's out of step with the state.
Gabby Rivera: Writing the story of Marvel's first queer Latina superhero
In Marvel's "America," Gabby Rivera wrote a superhero who's queer, Latina, and punches portals across dimensions. She shares why it's empowering to write characters that mirror her identity.
Showers, falling temperatures Friday; cooler weekend
Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms Friday with temperatures falling from the low 70s into the 60s. North winds will usher in cooler temperatures for the weekend. Brighter skies develop by late Saturday and Sunday.
Ellen Hart began writing her first mystery novel in the summer of 1987. Over thirty years and three dozen novels later, she's become one of the most prolific and respected mystery writers in the business. She reflected on her craft and career with MPR News host Tom Crann ahead of this weekend’s Bouchercon mystery writers' convention where she will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
56-year-old Jerry Arnold Westrom faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Jeanne Ann Childs in 1993. The evidence lay dormant for decades until investigators used a family history website to connect crime scene DNA to Westrom. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Much cooler with showers Friday; brighter Sunday
Scattered showers with much cooler temperatures on Friday. Most places will stay in the 60s. Some sun will peek out late Saturday with more on Sunday.
Trump documents probe: U.S. ready to appeal judge's hold
The Justice Department is preparing to appeal a judge’s decision to name an independent arbiter to review records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.
Correa answers boos with go-ahead HR, Twins top Yanks 4-3
Carlos Correa responded to booing Yankees fans with a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning, and the Minnesota Twins beat New York 4-3 to avoid a four-game sweep.
Vikings open O'Connell era, aim for LaFleur-like Packers run
When Kevin O'Connell takes the field with the Minnesota Vikings for his first game as a head coach, the 37-year-old will carry with him the blank slate that's one of the benefits of being a rookie in this high-pressure, much-coveted job.
As King Charles III takes the crown, here's how he may focus his reign
Throughout her 70 years as queen, Elizabeth II sought to maintain strict political neutrality. While Charles has been careful not to tread too publicly, he does have a history of wading into politics.
Cooks say outdated regulations hold back ethnic food vendors
In Rochester, the Night Market focuses on promoting ethnic food vendors and it gets more and more popular by the year. But behind the scenes, the annual event underscores how food production regulations for up-and-coming cooks can hamper their ability to build a business.
St. Cloud mosque break-in prompts calls for increased security
The incident marks the fifth time this year a mosque in Minnesota has been targeted, the most in the state's history, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Minnesota.