Stories from June 22, 2020

Rain over the past week helped some parts of Minnesota in drought, while providing little relief to other portions of the state.  Upcoming rain accumulation chances stay limited until the end of the week.
The Thread: Great novels that celebrate the Midwest
Many of us are staying close to home for summer vacation. With that in mind, Kerri Miller brings us novels to remind you of the glories of the Midwest.
Authorities say they’re working on identifying the people responsible for gunfire that hit 12 people in the Uptown area of Minneapolis early Sunday morning, killing one of them. This is an MPR News evening update for June 22, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
The 'coronavirus slide' in education and what to do about it
The summer slide — when students lose some of what they’ve learned over the summer months — is being compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. What can be done about it?
'Together' NASCAR looks to move forward after noose found in driver's garage
The FBI has joined the investigation into who left a noose inside NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace's garage at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. NASCAR plans to ban the perpetrators from the sport for life.
How recommendations of an Obama task force have, and haven't, changed U.S. policing
The co-leaders of the task force, Charles Ramsey and Laurie Robinson, say their 2015 report is still a valuable playbook. But there are things — for instance, about hiring practices — they would add.
Get a comfortable chair: Permanent work from home is coming
After three months with much of the country working from home, many employers and their workers say the benefits of remote work — cost savings and a more relaxed atmosphere — outweigh the drawbacks.
Psychiatrist explores possible benefits of treating PTSD with ecstasy or cannabis
Dr. Julie Holland thinks psychedelic drugs can be used in psychiatry to make treatment more efficient and effective. "This is sort of a new paradigm," she says, "a revolutionary way to treat trauma."
Fact check: Trump spreads unfounded claims about voting by mail
President Trump tweeted a conspiracy theory that foreign countries could print and send counterfeit absentee ballots. Election officials from both parties say those concerns aren't based in fact.
John Bolton's big paycheck for his book may be in jeopardy
Bolton was reportedly paid a $2 million advance for the book, and could receive even more in royalties. But a judge says Bolton made a risky bet by publishing it without government approval.
What it would take to close the racial housing gap
The Twin Cities have one of the largest gaps in the country when it comes to homeownership rates between black and white residents. Two experts share their ideas on closing the gap.
Temperatures for the first week of summer stay very close to average and occasional showers and storms remain in the forecast.
Officers responded to reports of shots fired about 8 p.m. Sunday and found the victim without a pulse. First responders were able to revive the teen, but he died after being taken to North Memorial Hospital.
Monday brings below average temperatures and dry skies across most of Minnesota.
Police say they have leads on suspects, but no arrests, in the terrifying mass shooting in Uptown early Sunday morning. This is an MPR News Morning update for June 22, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.  Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
June 22 update on COVID-19 in MN: Worries grow as vaccinations, ER visits fall
State health officials say they’re increasingly concerned that people with serious health problems who need emergency room care are not seeking that care because of COVID-19 concerns. They’re also alarmed by a drop in regular vaccinations, especially among kids.
Waiting for justice for Floyd, north siders work the land as an act of healing
An urban garden in the Hawthorne neighborhood in north Minneapolis has been in the works for months. But after the police killed George Floyd, it has become a healing space — particularly for Black residents who often feel targeted and criminalized. 
The worrisome link between deforestation and disease
Scientists say accelerating deforestation and development may increase the risk of pandemic diseases. The current economic crisis may also make that trend worse if more people cut down trees for fuel.
When crisis workers, not traditional police, respond to calls about mental health
Police are often called on to respond to mental health emergencies. That could change, though, as cities across the country — including Minneapolis — consider defunding the police. What would an alternative model look like?
The symbol of violent white racism was found in Bubba Wallace's stall. The only Black driver in the top stock car racing circuit, he had led the campaign to ban Confederate flags from NASCAR events.