Stories from June 2, 2020

What do the George Floyd autopsies show?
The case of the death of George Floyd saw a big development Monday that will be key when former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is put on trial. The results of two different autopsies were announced: one performed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, and another by independent medical examiners hired by the Floyd family.
Reporter’s notebook: Hypervigilance, slashed tires and helping Jorge out
A reporter reflects on how heightened vigilance toward “outsiders” has resulted in unfortunate misunderstandings over the past few days in Minneapolis, including acts of vandalism toward their fellow community members.
Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that the state is launching a broad investigation into the civil rights record of the Minneapolis Police Department following the killing of George Floyd. The agency intends to probe the last 10 years of Minneapolis police actions and practices for patterns of discrimination against people of color. MPR News update for June 1, 2020, hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Russian-American Masha Gessen sees Putin in Trump, trouble in future
The New Yorker journalist says Putin and Trump were elected president without really wanting the job. They ran "not for president but for autocrat" and did not expect to settle for anything less.
The specific tactic used by former officer Derek Chauvin has been widely denounced — but according to analysis from NBC News, the Minneapolis Police Department has relied on some form of neck restraint at least 237 times in the past five years. In 44 of those instances, the people being restrained lost consciousness.
Despite curfews and heavy police presence, protests persist across the country
Protesters outraged over police brutality and systemic racism have spilled into the streets across the country, from Minneapolis to New York and in smaller cities such as Omaha, Neb.
'He did not pray': Fallout grows from Trump's photo-op at St. John's Church
"He did not pray. He did not offer a word of balm or condolence to those who are grieving," says the bishop who oversees the church. Washington's mayor was more direct: "Shameful!"
Tuesday brings dangerous heat and chances for severe weather to southern Minnesota. The week ahead continues to have above-average temperatures with occasional showers and storms.
A front moving across the state means slightly cooler temperatures in northern Minnesota, but in southern Minnesota, it will provide the instability needed for severe weather.
Tuesday's primaries: Races to watch and live results
Iowa Rep. Steve King faces a strong GOP primary challenger, after years of incendiary comments put him on the outs with his party. Eight states and the District of Columbia vote on Tuesday.
The Twin Cities saw its third night of calm Monday following last week’s unrest. With a curfew again in effect, the streets were mostly quiet, especially compared with the four chaotic nights that followed the killing of George Floyd, 46, while in police custody on Memorial Day. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday June 2, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions -- Open Flames
Quiet night in Twin Cities; state launches civil rights probe of Minneapolis
The streets of the Twin Cities were calm as a 10 p.m. curfew took effect on Tuesday. It was the fifth-straight night with a curfew, this one lasting until 4 a.m. The relatively peaceful night came hours after Gov. Tim Walz announced that the state is launching a broad investigation into the civil rights record of Minneapolis police.
U.S. cities erupt in more violence amid threats from Trump
Hours after a carefully orchestrated declaration by President Donald Trump to send out the military and "dominate the streets," American cities were engulfed in more violence and destruction that overshadowed peaceful protests demanding justice after generations of racism.
Death toll grows in national protests
Amid protests seeking justice for George Floyd, several people have lost their lives. They include a well-known and popular owner of a barbecue spot in Louisville, Ky., and a federal officer working security at a courthouse in Oakland, Calif.
Boxes of matches and jars of gasoline spook Minneapolis residents
A week after George Floyd was killed, and after days of protests, property destruction and arson, even normally inconspicuous household items are sparking fear when residents encounter them. That’s because authorities have asked Minneapolis residents to be on the lookout for accelerants stashed around their neighborhoods.
From jobs to homeownership, protests put spotlight on economic divide
Police brutality has sparked days of civil unrest. But the sparks have landed in a tinderbox built over decades of economic inequality, now exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Quiet night in Twin Cities; medical examiner rules Floyd’s death a homicide
As a 10 p.m. curfew took effect on Monday, there were few reports of violence or confrontations with protesters in Minneapolis or St. Paul. By 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, St. Paul police had arrested 65 people at the Capitol on curfew violations.
Charges: Illinois man went to Minneapolis to riot
An Illinois man who allegedly said he was traveling to Minneapolis to “riot” after the killing of George Floyd has been charged with federal counts.