Stories from April 19, 2021

The prosecution and defense spent most of the day making closing arguments in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who’s charged with murder and manslaughter in the death last May of George Floyd. The jury began deliberations late in the afternoon. This is and MPR News evening update for April 19, 2021. Hosted by John Enger. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Feds weighing how to respond after verdict in Chauvin trial
The Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation. 
Frosty this week, 70s and thunder next week?
Frosty this week, 70s, and thunder next week? Freezing temperatures are still common in Minnesota in April.
Insurer to pay $8M to Black man paralyzed by Iowa officer
An insurer for the City of Cedar Rapids will pay $8 million to a Black motorist who was paralyzed after a white police officer shot him during a 2016 traffic stop, the city announced Monday.
Foxconn, Wisconsin reach new deal on scaled back facility
Foxconn Technology Group, the world's largest electronics maker, has reached a new deal with reduced tax breaks for its scaled back manufacturing facility in southeast Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers and the the company announced on Monday.
Attorney for Adam Toledo's family: 'Adam died because he complied'
The attorney for the family of the 13-year-old Chicago boy shot in an alley by police said he didn't need to die. "Adam may still be alive today had the officer given him the opportunity to comply."
'The Light of the Midnight Stars' doesn't shine brightly enough
Rena Rossner's YA novel, set in a magical version of medieval Eastern Europe, follows a rabbi and his three supernaturally-talented daughters. Unfortunately the characters never quite come to life.
The State Patrol says the car was traveling at a high rate of speed Sunday night when it struck a concrete median wall, which caused the fuel tank to rupture and the car to burst into flames in the Lowry Hill Tunnel along Interstate 94.
Colder weather has settled across Minnesota and will linger through the middle of the week.  The second half of the week turns milder, but also brings another chance for rain and snow.
Ask a Bookseller: 'The Copenhagen Trilogy' introduces Danish poet Tove Ditlevsen to English readers
Deborah Reed of Cloud and Leaf Bookstore in Manzanita, Ore., recommends “The Copenhagen Trilogy” by Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976), which was released as a single volume in English in February.
Asian American history is rarely taught in schools. Educators say that fuels anti-Asian violence
As the country faces a reckoning on systemic racism, advocates say a curriculum that better reflects the nation’s diverse history is crucial to molding empathetic residents who are poised to help solve the country’s complex challenges. They also argue it would help students of color feel valued in the classroom and engaged in their education.
Behind a storm that moved through on Sunday, Minnesota stays windy and much colder Monday.
The climactic chapters of Derek Chauvin’s murder trial begin Monday morning at the Hennepin County Courthouse. Prosecution and defense attorneys will deliver closing arguments and then hand the case to jurors to await perhaps the most consequential verdict in Minnesota history. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, April 19, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Success! NASA's Ingenuity makes first powered flight on Mars
The tiny helicopter took off and hovered briefly — the first such flight on another planet. The Perseverance rover kept tabs on the mission from a viewing point about 60 yards away.
Chauvin trial: Case goes to the jury; deliberations begin
Derek Chauvin’s fate is now in the hands of 12 jurors who must decide if the ex-Minneapolis police officer acted reasonably in his use of force to restrain and subdue George Floyd last May, or if his actions killed Floyd.
FAQ: America's new promise on climate
The U.S. is planning to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is America's return to the international climate stage. We break it down for you.
Half of U.S. adults have received at least one COVID-19 shot
Half of all adults in the U.S. have received at least one COVID-19 shot, the government announced Sunday, marking another milestone in the nation’s largest-ever vaccination campaign but leaving more work to do to convince skeptical Americans to roll up their sleeves.
European soccer split as 12 clubs launch breakaway league
A group of 12 elite clubs dramatically split European soccer on Sunday by announcing plans to walk away from the Champions League to create a breakaway midweek competition, called the Super League, despite the threat of legal action from UEFA.