Stories from February 24, 2020

A storm that will slide south of Minnesota is bringing minimal chances for snow, but it is going to impact the state with the return of colder temperatures.
U.S. appeals court upholds Trump rules involving abortions
The rules ban taxpayer-funded clinics from making abortion referrals and prohibit clinics that receive federal money from sharing office space with abortion providers — a rule critics said would force many to find new locations, undergo expensive remodels or shut down.
What did the Becker recycling plant fire do to air quality?
A pile of junked cars at the metal recycling plant in the central Minnesota city burned for most of last week as more than 100 fire departments helped fight the fire. As of Saturday, it was finally out. But, for the people of Becker and towns downwind from the blaze, questions of air and water safety remain. MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn, who has been covering the story from the beginning, will join Angela in the studio to talk about the incident and what’s next.
Minnesota experts: It’s time families plan for COVID-19 outbreak
People should consider whether they have enough food at home and who will care for a sick family member, infectious disease experts in Minnesota say.
Benjamin Jealous, former NAACP president, joins the program to talk about a new public safety app called Citizen, which helps translate 911 scanner information into plain language.
Thousands attend Kobe Bryant memorial in Los Angeles
Some 20,000 people got tickets to say farewell to NBA great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. People without tickets were being urged to watch at home.
The continued spread of COVID-19 cases
As the outbreaks causes by coronavirus pops up in different countries, world health officials warn of a possible pandemic.
Across races, religions, coalitions organize for solidarity
In more than 100 U.S. cities, people of faith are choosing to come together across historic racial and religious boundaries to address daily problems where they live. From Miami to Minnesota, they are mobilizing outside of weekly worship services to address issues like affordable housing, white nationalism and Islamophobia.
Minnesota schools face deficits despite budget increase
Many Minnesota school districts face budget deficits despite the biggest single spending increase in last year's bipartisan two-year $540 million budget deal in education funding.
Dow tumbles more than 1,000 points on coronavirus fears
U.S. stocks fell sharply Monday as investors worried about a growing number of coronavirus infections outside China, and possible fallout for the global economy.
Panel: Mental health, crisis training needed to curb fatal police shootings
The group of police, legal and policy experts that also included the uncle of Philando Castile released 28 recommendations on Monday but did not call for any changes in Minnesota law governing the use of force by police.
They fell in love helping drug users. But fear kept him from helping himself
Sarah and Andy were in love and also advocates, determined to keep drug users from dying. But when his own addiction reemerged, Andy's fear of returning to prison kept him from the best treatment.
Changes to the ‘public charge’ rule: 8 key questions, answered
Starting this week, the federal government is expanding the scope of its “public charge” rule, a move that will make it tougher for some immigrants to access public aid. Here’s what you need to know.
Coronavirus has 'pandemic potential' but isn't there yet, WHO says
"Does this virus have pandemic potential?" Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. "Absolutely, it has. Are we there yet? From our assessment, not yet."
Harvey Weinstein found guilty of rape, but acquitted of most sexual assault charges
A Manhattan jury has found Harvey Weinstein guilty of one count of rape and one count of criminal sex act but acquitted him of the most serious charges against him. The mixed verdict means the former Hollywood producer will likely spend time in prison.
An Airbnb for farmland hits a snag, as farmers raise data privacy concerns
The internet startup Tillable wants to match farmers with farmland available for rent. The problem? Farmers already on that land fear their farm data is being used against them.
Judge rejects Roger Stone's attempt to remove her from his case
In a scathing order, Judge Amy Berman Jackson refused to disqualify herself, two days after the longtime Trump ally's defense team argued that Jackson was biased against him.
Virus pushes beyond Asia, taking aim at Europe, Mideast
The leader of the World Health Organization says the recent developments have shown "just how quickly a new virus can spread around the world and cause widespread fear and disruption."
Monday is starting off with a few areas of fog, while temperatures remain above average.
February 24. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
Scientists gather to study risk from microplastic pollution
Scientists say "microplastics" are turning up everywhere in oceans, from the water itself to the guts of fish and the poop of sea otters and giant killer whales. Research into the impact of these tiny bits of broken-down plastic is just getting underway.
Hormone blocker sticker shock: Kids drug costs 8 times more than one for adults
Two nearly identical drug implants have very different prices. The one for kids has a list price of $37,300. For adults, it's $4,400. A dad fought for his daughter to be able to get the cheaper drug.
Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News includes two poll stories — one on who Minnesota Democrats are leaning with so far in the presidential race and one looking at how all Minnesotans view Donald Trump’s job as president.