Stories from February 4, 2023

U.S. downs Chinese balloon over ocean, moves to recover debris
An operation was underway in U.S. territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean to recover debris from the balloon, which had been flying at about 60,000 feet and was estimated to be about the size of three school buses.
Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deaths
3M, the maker of Post-it Notes, industrial coatings and ceramics, told the AP it was continuing its partnership with state transportation agencies to identify the best technology to make road signs and lane markings more visible and reflective.
Mild temps into next week; rain-snow chance Monday night
The weather will cooperate with most outdoor winter activities this weekend. Temperatures will be mild for the next several days. We have details on that, plus who could see some Saturday evening flakes and a rain/snow shower chance on Monday.
Here's why you should make a habit of having more fun
Happiness can sometimes feel just out of reach. But having more fun? You've got this — and those giggles and playful moments can make a big difference to your health and well-being.
Magic beat Wolves 127-120 after fight, 5 players ejected
The brawl broke out in front of the Orlando bench late in the third quarter, when Minnesota guard Austin Rivers and Magic center Mo Bamba got into an altercation. Bamba came off the bench and Rivers threw punches at him in a tussle that spilled over to include several others on the court.
Gas stove makers have a pollution solution. They're just not using it
Gas utilities and cooking stove manufacturers knew for decades that burners could be made that emit less pollution in homes, but they chose not to. That may be about to change.
A Wife of Bath 'biography' brings a modern woman out of the Middle Ages
Dreamed up by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales more than 600 years ago, the Wife of Bath was known for her lusty appetites, gossipy asides and fondness for wine.
Activist Alice Wong reflects on 'The Year of the Tiger' and her hopes for 2023
In the Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life, Alice Wong shares pieces of her story and experience as a disabled Asian American through a collection of essays, interviews, photos and illustrations.
This week’s recommendation comes from Qwultultun Robert Goldsmith of Strong Nations, an indigenous-owned bookstore and publisher on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Milder temps into next week; rain-snow showers possible Monday
Temperatures will be much milder this weekend than they were last weekend. We have details on that, plus a look at the week ahead and an updated Minnesota snow depth map.