Stories from February 25, 2020

Study begins in U.S. to test possible coronavirus treatment
The first clinical trial in the U.S. of a possible coronavirus treatment is underway in Nebraska and is eventually expected to include 400 patients at 50 locations around the world.
Disney CEO Bob Iger steps down in surprise announcement
Disney CEO Bob Iger is stepping down immediately. The surprise announcement Tuesday makes Iger executive chairman, a role he'll keep through the end of his contract at the end of 2021.
America's mental health crisis hidden behind bars
Overcrowding, understaffing and poor treatment for inmates with mental health issues held in Los Angeles jails underscore growing failures in America's mental health and justice systems.
'Momma on a mission' backs Walz's call for farm safety money
Gov. Tim Walz has proposed more funding to reduce farm accidents by reimbursing farmers who retrofit their tractors and grain bins with safety equipment. He was joined at a news conference by Michele Gran, the mother of Landon Gran, who was 18 when he died in a grain bin accident last August.
COVID-19 brings disinformation war to health care
The director of the World Health Organization recently said, “we’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic,” when it comes to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The medium-range weather maps favor a mild start to March in the Upper Midwest.
Fire destroys 4 buildings in downtown Alexandria
“People that work in these buildings are totally devastated. They don't know what to do,” one downtown merchant said. No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation.
Sabrina Ionescu sets NCAA record — hours after speaking at Bryant memorial
The Oregon star spoke with deep respect for Gianna's game. "She had a fadeaway better than mine," she said. "If I represented the present of the women's game, Gigi was the future, and Kobe knew it."
Some U.S. farmers boxed in by coronavirus outbreak
Fewer ships from China are docking in the U.S., which hurts U.S. farmers who send exports on the ships' return trips. And perishables that do make it sometimes rot on the docks in China.
Temperatures stay above average Tuesday before colder air returns Wednesday. Precipitation chances in the week ahead remain very limited.
Trump says Sotomayor, Ginsburg should recuse themselves from cases involving him
The president's remarks came in apparent reference to a dissent by Justice Sotomayor who wrote that the government had claimed "one emergency after another" to seek an "unprecedented number of" stays.
February 25. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
Egypt state TV: Ex-President Mubarak has died at 91
Hosni Mubarak, who was in power for almost three decades, was forced to resign on Feb. 11, 2011, after 18 days of protests around the country.
5 things to watch for in Tuesday's South Carolina Democratic debate
A lot is on the line in the 2020 primary debate. It might be the last chance for moderates to slow Bernie Sanders' momentum. And who comes out better — Joe Biden or Michael Bloomberg? Here's a guide.
Seeing isn’t always believing: How to spot fake, edited images online
For the most part, high-quality image manipulation will be impossible to detect, especially when using the naked eye. However, there are some best practices to follow when you’re suspecting an image might not be legitimate.
How to tell if a political poll is credible
Polls have long been a standard-issue tool of election year prognostication. But can you trust them? Here are some tips on becoming a savvy poll-reader.
How to vet a news source
With more news outlets than ever online, it’s crucial to evaluate the source of information before taking it into consideration. Here are five questions to test a news site’s credibility.
How to speak disinformation: A glossary of terms
If you want to navigate disinformation, you’ll have to learn the language. Here’s a guide to some of the jargon you’ll likely hear when people talk about disinformation campaigns.
How to spot a 'deepfake' video
“Deepfakes” are a high-tech way to fool voters, and experts are warning social media users to be on the watch. Here are some tips for spotting this latest tool of disinformation.
Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News summarizes a new poll showing approval for DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Also, a new toolkit on disinformation from the Can You Believe It? team includes tips on spotting fake or altered images.
Author Margot Lee Shetterly speaks about 'Hidden Figures' like Katherine Johnson of NASA
Margot Lee Shetterly, author of "Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race," was the Distinguished Carlson Lecturer at the University of Minnesota on Friday.
MPR News/Star Tribune poll: 56 percent approve of Walz performance
A new Minnesota Public Radio/Star Tribune Minnesota Poll finds a majority of state voters like how DFL Gov. Tim Walz is doing his job. The survey also found support for legalizing marijuana and more spending on education and health. But most Minnesotans have concerns about proposed new mining projects and their potential impact on the environment.
U of M investigating ex-hockey assistant sex allegations
The University of Minnesota is investigating allegations that a former men's hockey assistant sexually abused players more than 30 years ago. Athletic director Mark Coyle sent a letter to members of the 1984-85 hockey team after The Athletic sports website reported the allegations against former assistant Thomas “Chico” Adrahtas.
'Why would I get out?': Democrats brush off calls to quit
Bernie Sanders' ascendance in the Democratic presidential primary has brought louder calls for some of his rivals to drop out of the race. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said during a stop in Arkansas the day after she came in sixth in Nevada that dropping out was “not even a close call" for her.