Stories from May 4, 2021

Juror questions trail Derek Chauvin verdict as defense asks for a new trial, citing misconduct by the court, prosecutors and jurors. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to sell weapons to Hamas
A New Brighton man who admitted being part of the far-right Boogaloo Bois militia group has pleaded guilty to a federal terrorism charge.
Chauvin seeks new trial, impeachment of verdict
The motion cites reasons Chauvin should be granted a new trial, including judicial abuse of discretion over granting a change of venue and sequestering the jury before deliberations. It also requests a hearing to “impeach the verdict … on grounds that the jury committed misconduct.”
Biden aims for vaccinating 70 percent of adult Americans by July 4
The new goal comes as demand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their vaccine doses unordered. Biden calls for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and will direct many pharmacies to do the same. 
Police and traffic stops: When should officers pull drivers over?
Host Angela Davis examined the role traffic stops and searches play in policing, when they are necessary and how those interactions with police can affect the communities they are serving.
Trees talk to each other. 'Mother Tree' ecologist hears lessons for people, too
Ecologist Suzanne Simard says trees are "social creatures" that communicate with each other in remarkable ways — including warning each other of danger and sharing nutrients at critical times.
U.S. to reallocate COVID shots to states with greater interest
The Biden administration will begin shifting how it allocates COVID-19 shots to states, moving doses from states with lower demand to those with stronger interest in vaccines, an administration official said Tuesday.
Facebook board readies for its biggest decision yet: Whether to reinstate Trump
The independent Oversight Board on Wednesday is expected to say whether Facebook should uphold or reverse a ban on the former president put in place after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
What is redistricting and how are states trying to improve the process?
The Census Bureau has released its first batch of 2020 census data that determines how many U.S. House seats will be allocated to each state. Host Kerri Miller talks to two experts about the newly released data, the power of partisanship in redistricting, and the impact designated electorates have on local and national elections.
Arm damage sidelines Bemidji's Paul Bunyan statue
The huge, iconic lakeshore statue suffered a major separation in its right arm on Monday, the city’s mayor said in a Facebook post.
Why lagging COVID vaccine rate at rural hospitals 'needs to be fixed now'
When it comes to persuading people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, health care professionals are influential. But in some rural communities, hospital staff themselves are hanging back.
Minnesota temperatures stay slightly below average over the next week, and much of the state could see morning frost. Rain chances are limited but include some wet weather by Wednesday.
Minneapolis police had asked for the public’s help earlier Tuesday, believing the missing 2-year-old girl may have been abducted by her older sister. Officials say the toddler has been located safe near Syracuse, N.Y.
The women’s recession isn’t over — especially for moms
One year since the start of the women’s recession, hundreds of thousands of moms have been forced to leave their jobs — and grapple with the consequences.
State Fair food, music — and giant slide are back for Memorial Day minifair
The fair says the “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” will feature about two dozen food vendors — yes, Sweet Martha’s and Pronto Pups are on the list — with music at several locations around the fairgrounds. The giant slide is also planning to open for the event, weather permitting.
Although still slightly below average, Tuesday stays pleasant with mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies.
'The Parted Earth' traces the impact of India's partition across generations
Partition split India and Pakistan in 1947 and affected millions of lives across decades. Journalist Anjali Enjeti's new novel explores the way people who don't process their trauma can pass it on.
Elizabeth Warren stitches the stories she says 'help us learn to persist'
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says she isn't looking to be president. She's looking for change, she tells NPR, which happens when we talk about our stories — from sexual harassment to child care troubles.
Police accountability legislation continues to be a contentious part of budget negotiations. Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled state House included several policing provisions in its public safety budget bill for the 2020 session but the Republican-controlled state Senate included no police accountability measures in its version of the budget bill. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
May 4 update on COVID-19 in MN: Active cases recede; Walz set to ease curbs
Active case counts are at their lowest since late March, but so are vaccination levels. Still, Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday is expected to unveil looser capacity restrictions on bars, restaurants and other indoor gathering spaces.
Overpass collapse on Mexico City metro kills at least 24
Of the 24 killed, the mayor said 21 died at the scene, while the others died at hospitals, and children were among the fatalities. Of the more than 70 injured, 27 remained hospitalized
Comic: Teaching kids to make art out of what they have in the pandemic
It's been a year since teachers were handed an unprecedented request: educate students in entirely new ways, amid the backdrop of a global pandemic. This week is a first grade teacher in Los Angeles.
Jelani Cobb at Westminster Town Hall Forum series: 'The Arc Toward Justice'
New Yorker writer Jelani Cobb is the first speaker in a new four-part series from the Westminster Town Hall Forum: “The Arc Toward Justice: Taking Stock One Year After George Floyd’s Death.”
Minnesota Legislature struggles for compromise on policing
The Republican-controlled Senate included no police accountability measures in its budget bill and has already rejected several House proposals. A House-Senate conference committee on Monday began trying to find out whether any compromises are possible.