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Stories from February 20, 2020

A trip to the CMAs gave this Minnesota teen a reason to keep living

February 20, 2020 5:30 PM

A trip to the CMAs gave this Minnesota teen a reason to keep living

When Jade Ochu was just a baby, she was diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis — a rare, painful and incurable blood condition. She was close to giving up on her treatments a couple of years ago. That’s when Make-A-Wish Minnesota stepped in with the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the Country Music Association Awards.

by Angela Davis and Katie Moritz

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Report: 40 percent of smokers haven't been told to quit by doctors

February 20, 2020 4:58 PM

Report: 40 percent of smokers haven't been told to quit by doctors

The U.S. surgeon general says Americans could use more help to quit smoking.

by Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg

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February 20, 2020 4:50 PM

Cube Critics Discuss "Beanpole" and "Olympic Dreams"

A Russian story of two women experiencing post-war recovery in “Beanpole” and an Olympic cross-country skier and a volunteer dentist look for love very awkwardly in the Athletes Village at the South Korea Winter Games in “Olympic Dreams.” Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Marcheta Fornoff explain why both movies are worth seeing.

by Euan Kerr and Marcheta Fornoff

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Your social media could give scientists a more accurate picture of climate change

February 20, 2020 4:40 PM

Your social media could give scientists a more accurate picture of climate change

A recent study found Twitter was a better gauge for minor flooding than tide gauges alone.

by Paul Huttner and Megan Burks

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February 20, 2020 4:31 PM

MPR News Update

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County attorney: St. Paul police justified in fatal shooting of Little Canada man in September

February 20, 2020 4:01 PM

County attorney: St. Paul police justified in fatal shooting of Little Canada man in September

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office says a St. Paul police officer who shot and killed a man last fall was justified in his use of force. Ronald Davis, 31, was shot to death by officer Steven Mattson after Davis advanced on him with a knife and did not drop it.

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February 20, 2020 3:45 PM

MPR News Update

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MN Senate GOP plan proposes tax cuts for all, initially using budget surplus

February 20, 2020 3:23 PM

MN Senate GOP plan proposes tax cuts for all, initially using budget surplus

The plan would use the projected $1.3 billion budget surplus to pay for the cuts initially, but the plan would create ongoing financial obligations for the state.

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February 20, 2020 3:22 PM

Coming up on Politics Friday: Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle on transit safety

On this edition of Politics Friday, host Mike Mulcahy sits down with Charlie Zelle, the new chair of the Metropolitan Council, on what he plans to do to improve safety on Twin Cities buses and light rail.

by Mike Mulcahy and Karen Zamora

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Tracking the thaw: How warm will it get?

February 20, 2020 2:22 PM

Tracking the thaw: How warm will it get?

A major February thaw is headed for Minnesota. How do forecasts models and meteorologists calculate temperature forecasts in different weather scenarios?

by Paul Huttner

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February 20, 2020 2:21 PM

MPR News Update

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February 20, 2020 2:15 PM

Crews cleaning up oil spilled in train derailment near Minnesota-Ontario border

Cleanup of crude oil continued Thursday at the scene of a train derailment in Ontario near the Rainy River, just across the border from Minnesota. Railway officials said the oil had been contained on-site.

by Andrew Krueger

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AP-NORC poll: More Americans worry about flu than new virus

February 20, 2020 12:38 PM

AP-NORC poll: More Americans worry about flu than new virus

A wide share of Americans are at least moderately confident in United States health officials’ ability to handle emerging viruses. The findings are encouraging to health experts who want people to get their flu shots while also staying informed about efforts to contain the new virus.

by The Associated Press

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Roger Stone sentenced to more than 3 years amid furor over Trump and DOJ

February 20, 2020 12:01 PM

Roger Stone sentenced to more than 3 years amid furor over Trump and DOJ

President Trump's political adviser was found guilty on all counts by a federal jury last year after he was charged with lying to Congress and obstructing its investigation.

by Ryan Lucas and Philip Ewing

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APM Reports documentary: 'Old Idea, New Economy: Rediscovering Apprenticeships'

February 20, 2020 12:00 PM

APM Reports documentary: 'Old Idea, New Economy: Rediscovering Apprenticeships'

An APM Reports documentary, “Old Idea, New Economy: Rediscovering Apprenticeships.”

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Becker recycling plant fire burns for 3rd day

February 20, 2020 11:39 AM

Becker recycling plant fire burns for 3rd day

Firefighters are battling a stubborn fire at a metal recycling plant for a third consecutive day. The fire at the Northern Metal Recycling plant in Becker is unleashing noxious, billowing smoke.

by The Associated Press

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February 20, 2020 11:34 AM

Weekend forecast: Mild temps, no signs of rain or snow

We aren’t expecting any arctic cold or heavy snow this weekend. We have your detailed weekend forecast and an update on Minnesota and Wisconsin snow depths.

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Strike slavery clause from Minnesota’s constitution, officials urge

February 20, 2020 11:11 AM

Strike slavery clause from Minnesota’s constitution, officials urge

Language in the state constitution still allows for slavery as punishment for a crime. On Thursday, Minnesota lawmakers, along with St. Paul’s police chief, called for that language to be purged by voters.

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Coronavirus is contagious, but kids seem less vulnerable so far

February 20, 2020 10:24 AM

Coronavirus is contagious, but kids seem less vulnerable so far

A small study from China finds infected babies have only mild symptoms. And a study of pregnant women who were infected with the virus evaluates whether it can be passed on to their babies.

by Allison Aubrey

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February 20, 2020 9:55 AM

MPR News Update

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California lawmakers apologize for U.S. internment of Japanese Americans

February 20, 2020 9:35 AM

California lawmakers apologize for U.S. internment of Japanese Americans

The bill's sponsor says he was "disturbed by the striking parallels" between the treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II and current U.S. immigration policy.

by Laurel Wamsley and Colin Dwyer

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Churchill's first year as prime minister is electric in 'The Splendid And The Vile'

February 20, 2020 9:14 AM

Churchill's first year as prime minister is electric in 'The Splendid And The Vile'

One of America's best storytellers does it again: Erik Larson's gripping account of Winston Churchill's leadership through Hitler's bombing campaign against England is nearly impossible to put down.

by Michael Schaub

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February 20, 2020 8:47 AM

A big warmup Thursday afternoon; 30s this weekend

Temperatures are finally on the rise after another brutally cold morning, setting us up for a mild and sunny weekend.

by Nicole Mitchell

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February 20, 2020 8:39 AM

MPR News Update

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Shootings in Germany kill 10; police suspect far-right extremism

February 20, 2020 7:09 AM

Shootings in Germany kill 10; police suspect far-right extremism

The suspected gunman, who was later found dead at his apartment, reportedly opened fire at two hookah bars frequented by Kurdish customers in the city of Hanau, near Frankfurt.

by Rob Schmitz and Scott Neuman

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White House appoints outspoken ambassador as new acting head of intelligence

February 20, 2020 6:59 AM

White House appoints outspoken ambassador as new acting head of intelligence

Richard Grenell, the vocal and frequently controversial U.S. envoy in Berlin, replaces another acting director. Grenell, a Trump loyalist, has no background in intelligence.

by Scott Neuman

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February 20, 2020 6:39 AM

Another brutally cold morning, but a warming trend begins by afternoon

After another dangerously cold start Thursday morning, temperatures will rise into the teens and 20s by the afternoon under southwesterly winds and sunshine.

by Nicole Mitchell

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February 20, 2020 6:22 AM

MPR News Update

February 20. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

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Art Hounds: Champagne Confetti in Red Wing

February 20, 2020 6:00 AM

Art Hounds: Champagne Confetti in Red Wing

Art Hounds recommend music by Aby Wolf and friends, "From Puerto Rico… With Love?" and a celebration of gospel music.

by Marianne Combs

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Rural lawmakers push back against 'clean cars' proposal

February 20, 2020 4:39 AM

Rural lawmakers push back against 'clean cars' proposal

The Walz plan would create a rule managed by the state Pollution Control Agency designed to make more low- and zero-emission vehicles available for sale in Minnesota. But rural Republican state senators say the proposal should have gone through the Legislature instead of an agency rule-making process.

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Caught in the epicenter of the coronavirus, Minneapolis man finally comes home

February 20, 2020 4:00 AM

Caught in the epicenter of the coronavirus, Minneapolis man finally comes home

After a visit to his parents in Wuhan, China, unexpectedly turned upside down because of the novel coronavirus, Yulin Yin was cleared to leave quarantine in California and arrived in Minnesota Wednesday.

by Brandt Williams

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Carleton College researcher uncovers the Boston Massacre’s human element

February 20, 2020 4:00 AM

Carleton College researcher uncovers the Boston Massacre’s human element

An infamous moment in American revolutionary history takes on new meaning after research by professor Serena Zabin reveals new details about the lives of the women and children living in Boston 250 years ago.

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February 20, 2020 12:31 AM

Thursday a.m. update: ‘Are you trying to say that I'm dumb?’

Plus more from the latest Democratic debate and your forecast.

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February 20, 2020 12:00 AM

Policast: Democratic debate recap plus lots and lots of Capitol happenings

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News includes a recap of the Las Vegas Democratic debate, plus lots of news on legislation being discussed at the Minnesota Capitol — from loon protection to fireworks to paid family leave to whiskey plates.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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February 19, 2020 8:50 PM

MPR News Update

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Key takeaways from the Nevada Democratic presidential debate

February 19, 2020 6:49 PM

Key takeaways from the Nevada Democratic presidential debate

Six Democratic presidential hopefuls met on the debate stage in Las Vegas, but it was the newcomer who received the most attention. Mike Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York, came under withering attack from all of the other five, with varying degrees of heat.

by The Associated Press

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Video: Musician plays her violin during brain surgery

February 19, 2020 6:38 PM

Video: Musician plays her violin during brain surgery

Doctors wanted to ensure they didn't compromise parts of the brain necessary for playing the violin, so they asked their musician patient to play for them midoperation.

by Merrit Kennedy

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Fire in Becker scrap metal yard continues to send smoke over a wide area

February 19, 2020 6:15 PM

Fire in Becker scrap metal yard continues to send smoke over a wide area

After 40 hours battling a blaze in a scrap metal yard, fire crews in Becker, Minn. are changing tactics that they expect will create even more intense smoke conditions, as the fire is expected to burn for several more days.

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Rep. Hagedorn says he has cancer but will run in November

February 19, 2020 6:13 PM

Rep. Hagedorn says he has cancer but will run in November

Minnesota U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn said he is being treated for stage 4 kidney cancer but is running for reelection in November.

by MPR News Staff

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'Here we go again': Chaska High School students involved in another racist incident

February 19, 2020 6:01 PM

'Here we go again': Chaska High School students involved in another racist incident

A pair of Chaska High School students posted a blackface video to social media over the weekend. It’s the latest in a long line of recent racist incidents involving the Twin Cities school.

by Elizabeth Shockman

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