Stories from February 19, 2021

Mars landing team 'awestruck' by photo of descending rover
The world got its first close-up look at a Mars landing on Friday, as NASA released a stunning picture of its newest rover being lowered onto the dusty red surface.
Trump repeats election claims in interviews, is unchallenged
Former President Donald Trump repeated false claims about election results 10 times during interviews this week on Fox News Channel, Newsmax and One America News Networks. The claims were unprompted but also unchallenged in each case. 
How to deal with pandemic-induced insomnia
Stress, anxiety, a lack of routine — and in some cases, COVID-19 itself are contributing to a surge in insomnia. What can we do about it?
The milestone comes as the pace of vaccinations ticked up recently. Other promising COVID-19 trends this week included fewer weekly deaths on average and hospitalizations at levels not seen since September. This is an afternoon MPR News update for Feb. 19, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Investigators say alleged clinic gunman angry after being denied opioids
Newly unsealed search warrant applications indicate that Gregory Ulrich, 67, had sought pain pills at multiple clinics and was the subject of a “threat assessment” by Stellis Health.
Extreme winter weather creates backlog of 6 million vaccine doses
The White House COVID-19 Response Team said Friday that while this week's storm affected deliveries to all 50 states, it is confident it can make up the backlog within the next week.
Sports and community with Tony Sanneh and La Velle E. Neal III
MPR News host Angela Davis talks to the Star Tribune’s newest sports columnist and a former professional soccer player whose organization is helping boost the ranks of teachers of color. 
Weekend forecast: 20s, then 30s; Sunday flakes
Are you ready for a warming trend? If so, you’ll like the weekend forecast. Snow lovers will be interested in our updated Sunday snow forecast and the Minnesota snow depth map.
Biden to authorize broader disaster relief for Texas
The state has for the last week suffered through a major winter storm that left many of its residents without heat, power or potable water.
COVID drives home schooling surge; public school enrollment drops
The COVID-19 crisis is driving dramatic changes in Minnesota public school enrollments, including a drop of some 17,000 students in the past year, with families delaying kindergarten and choosing options outside the public system, the state Education Department says.
An MPR listener wanted to know whether Feb. 14 set any records for cold in Minnesota.
Twin Cities artist Lady Midnight moves from stage to virtual reality
Her latest project, “Practice for Relief,” is an immersive virtual reality experience featuring sounds meant to promote calm, peace and healing.  
Back in Paris accord, U.S. vows no more sidelining of climate
The United States officially returned to the Paris global climate accord on Friday, and U.S. leaders declared the nation could not afford to ever sideline the growing climate crisis again.
The warmup continues, with the state expected to be another 20 degrees warmer by early next week. Meanwhile, a weekend storm could bring a couple inches of snow to southern Minnesota.
It's final: Harry and Meghan won't return as working royals
Buckingham Palace confirmed Friday that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will not be returning to royal duties, and Harry will give up his honorary military titles.
A $35 million plan to pay for an additional police presence during the trial of one of the former officers charged in the death of George Floyd failed to pass in the Minnesota House on Thursday. It was the second time this week Democrats tried to pass the bill. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Temperatures continue their slow warmup on Friday, and the state sees a bit more sunshine.
Biden takes his 'America's back' message to the world in Munich speech
President Joe Biden will try to turn the page on the Trump administration's "America First" ethos in a speech to the Munich Security Conference where he'll try to repair frayed transatlantic ties.
Why Native Americans are getting COVID-19 vaccines faster
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is vaccinating its community at rates faster than the rest of South Dakota. That mirrors a trend in Indian Country which has been hard hit by the coronavirus.
Southern cities hit hard by storms face new crisis: No water
Busted water pipes ruptured by record-low temperatures have created a shortage of clean drinking water, forced the closure of the Memphis airport for passenger flights on Friday and left hospitals scrambling to maintain sanitary conditions.
Texas officials warn of price gouging as state faces food, water shortages
Houston-area residents are reporting exorbitant prices of food, water and hotel rooms while the state continues to deal with shortages of essential items after a winter storm hit the state.
Security funding plan for Chauvin trial fails in Minnesota House
A $35 million plan to pay for an additional police presence during the trial of one of the former officers charged in the death of George Floyd failed to pass in the Minnesota House Thursday. It was the second time this week Democrats tried to pass the bill.