Stories from February 25, 2021

A new polar bear is taking charge at Como Zoo
The Como Zoo has brought a 25-year-old female bear from Chicago, to join the St. Paul zoo’s male bear, Neil. He’s been alone since his brother had to be euthanized last summer.
North Dakota officials block wind power in effort to save coal
Across the country, coal plants are shutting down. Wind turbines are going up. But the transition can be rocky. In North Dakota, some officials are trying to defend coal by blocking new wind turbines.
Walz lays out the state's long-term vaccination plan, with a goal of wrapping up this summer, with guidance about when to expect yours. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
 NOAA update to cement warmer climate as new normal
But will the routine update mask the magnitude of climate change when we hear our daily forecasts?
Highly variable snow cover across Minnesota
Snow cover is highly variable across Minnesota in late February.
MPR News and partner Tech Dump presents a conversation hosted by Angela Davis about the challenges faced by Minnesota’s formerly incarcerated residents upon re-entry into the community and how we can become a more welcoming state. 
AG: Olympics gymnastics coach dies by suicide after charges
A former U.S. Olympics gymnastics coach with ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar has died by apparent suicide after being charged with two dozen crimes, including forms of human trafficking. 
Manhattan prosecutor gets Trump tax records after long fight
A New York prosecutor has obtained copies of Donald Trump’s tax records after the Supreme Court this week rejected the former president’s last-ditch effort to prevent them from being handed over.
Teaching students a new Black history
An innovative education startup is offering culturally responsive learning to Black students across the country.
Despite a cooldown over the weekend, the trend will be higher than average temperatures into early March. Meanwhile, precipitation chances stay limited.
Minnesota music legend Peter Ostroushko dies at 67
Celebrated fiddler, mandolinist and Minnesota music legend Peter Ostroushko has died. He was 67. Ostroushko’s career and range was widespread and eclectic — he appeared on Bob Dylan’s legendary “Blood on the Tracks” album, played with the Minnesota Orchestra and was a regular on A Prairie Home Companion for 40 years.
'Hunt, Gather, Parent' offers lessons collected around the world
NPR's Michaeleen Doucleff found that parenting books she read after becoming a mom left a lot out. When she went through a tough period with her daughter, she traveled the world in search of guidance.
Thursday brings another day of mild temperatures and widespread sunshine.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the U.S.
February is usually the peak of flu season, but not this year. Health officials say flu cases and hospitalizations have been at their lowest levels in decades. Experts say that measures put in place to fend off COVID-19 are a big factor. Some think it's also possible that the coronavirus has essentially muscled aside not only flu, but also some other bugs usually seen in the fall and winter.
GOP rallies solidly against Democrats' virus relief package
Republicans rallied solidly against Democrats' proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill as lawmakers awaited a decision by the Senate's parliamentarian that could bolster or potentially kill a pivotal provision hiking the federal minimum wage.
Minnesota public health officials are asking families to get tested for the coronavirus every two weeks from now until the end of the school year, in an effort to limit the impact of the disease. The state Department of Health campaign announced Wednesday it is reaching out to families, health professionals, schools and youth organizations to help encourage regular COVID-19 testing. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
'The Mighty Ducks' coaxes Emilio Estevez back into acting
Emilio Estevez reprises his role as youth hockey coach Gordon Bombay for the Disney+ streaming service's "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers," debuting March 26.
It's all about Trump: CPAC seems poised to ignore Republican identity crisis
The former president will headline the annual conservative conference with a Sunday address, his first speech since leaving office. His baseless election fraud claims could also get heavy play.
Feb. 25 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz vows shots for all by summer; State Fair 'within reach'
As the state’s vaccination effort struggles for short-term traction, Gov. Tim Walz says every Minnesotan should be able to get a shot by the summer and that a 2021 State Fair is definitely possible.
Art Hounds recommend abstracts and stand-up
This week's Art Hounds recommend abstract landscapes created by a Twin Cities artist with the help of his feet, a new stand-up comedy special with magic, and a North Mankato artist’s detailed designs.
Sex ed bill moving in Minn. House draws GOP opposition
Legislation is moving in the state House that would require school districts and charter schools to have comprehensive sexual health programs in elementary and secondary grades. Some Republican lawmakers are strongly opposed and say sex education — especially for elementary school kids — should be left up to parents. 
Darrell Bricker: Why the U.S. needs more immigrants
Darrell Bricker of Ipsos Public Affairs speaks at the College of St. Scholastica about immigration and demographic trends.
CDC launches web tool to help Americans find COVID-19 vaccines
The process of trying to get vaccinated can be confusing. A new platform from the federal government and private sector partners makes it easier to find a provider where you live.
Left out of #MeToo: New initiative focuses on Black survivors
A coalition of three groups vital to the #MeToo movement is collaborating on an initiative to focus on a population that has often felt left out of the conversation: Black survivors of sexual violence.