Stories from June 1, 2021

A video shows a man suddenly hitting an Asian Woman in NYC's Chinatown
A video shows a man raising his arm to hit a woman passing by on the sidewalk. Police said the man was charged with assault as a hate crime, assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Minneapolis lifts mask mandate, leaving few COVID restrictions still in place, and the Line 3 pipeline replacement is about to pick up again, for both builders and opponents. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Improper work-from-home setups, a more sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and stress are some of the many reasons that people may be feeling more pain during the pandemic.  Host Angela Davis spoke with a pain specialist, a music therapist and a holistic health practitioner about what we can do about it.
Fences comes down at Minnesota Capitol; layoff notes go out
The fence that has surrounded the Minnesota Capitol since the unrest over the death of George Floyd is coming down, although officials have yet to set a date for reopening the statehouse to the public. Crews removed the fence from the front Tuesday and expect to haul away most of the rest soon.
 Seals and sea lions adapt to a new, year-round home at Como Zoo
Harbor seals are getting used to one of the new pools at Como Harbor, part of a custom-built, 250,000-gallon outdoor tank that's been in the works for nearly a decade.
Talking farming with Field Work podcast hosts 
Host Angela Davis talks with farmers Zach Johnson and Mitchell Hora about sustainable agriculture and the third season of their podcast Field Work
Mapping a path forward for the Asian diaspora in 'Imagine Us, The Swarm'
In her latest collection, Chinese American poet Muriel Leung considers what it means to assimilate, and ultimately heal, against the collective memory of grief and vulnerability.
The lawsuit filed Thursday says this was a violation of his civil rights, given that journalists were exempt from the curfew and Cooper had a press credential and a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm.
Why migrant children cross the U.S.-Mexico border alone
A record breaking number of migrant children and teenagers have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border this year. As in years before, many children make the perilous journey without their parents only to face an uncertain future. Why they do it is complicated.
MN government begins planning for potential shutdown
Layoff notices were mailed to state employees to inform them most will be furloughed if no new budget is approved by June 30.
Staff at an Anoka County wildlife center are hoping three wolves that recently escaped their enclosure can be safely returned. “We’re devastated, the wolves are scared. They’re not dangerous to anybody they just want to go home,” said animal care coordinator Megan Beckel.
100 years after Tulsa Race Massacre, the damage remains
The Tulsa Race Massacre is just one of the starkest examples of how Black wealth has been sapped, again and again, by racism and racist violence — forcing generation after generation to start from scratch while shouldering the burdens of being Black in America. All in the shadow of a Black paradise lost.
What's in a genre name? The trouble with 'Asian fantasy'
Asian fantasy has been increasingly popular over the past few years, but some authors shelved in that category are wondering whether it's really a useful way of describing a vast and varied subgenre.
The month begins with building heat and most of the state seeing 90s by the end of the week. Combined with predominantly dry conditions, this will exacerbate already dry conditions across much of Minnesota. 
A few 'take to the lake' crime novels
Kerri Miller is here just in time for the official start of the summer with a bunch of “take it to the lake” crime novels & thrillers that you can find in your local library.
The first day of June brings relatively quiet weather with mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures.
Vatican law criminalizes abuse of adults by priests, laity
Pope Francis has changed church law to explicitly criminalize the sexual abuse of adults by priests who abuse their authority and to say that laypeople who hold church office can be sanctioned for similar sex crimes.
30-year-old Marc Bell Gonzales pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to commit arson, for his role in helping burn down a Minneapolis bank during last year’s riots. Federal prosecutors have charged at least 16 people with arson related to the riots. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Sinéad O'Connor has a new memoir ... and no regrets
Fiery singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor became a star in the MTV era, rewriting the rules while courting controversy. Now, she reclaims an influential legacy with a new memoir, “Rememberings.”
To prevent spread of chronic wasting disease, DNR temporarily halts movement of farmed deer
In response to what Commissioner Sarah Strommen called a concerning outbreak of chronic wasting disease in the northern part of the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has imposed a statewide ban on the movement of farmed white-tailed deer Tuesday and through the end of July. 
End of recruiting pause has football programs catching up
Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck spoke for many coaches nationwide last December when he noted he still hadn’t shaken the hands of about half the prospects who were about to sign with his program. Those days finally are coming to an end.
New Mexico Democrats kept control of the U.S. House seat left vacant by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, in one of the party's earliest tests of its messaging during the administration of President Joe Biden.
June 1 COVID-19 update in MN: Minneapolis drops mask mandate
The positive trends in Minnesota’s COVID-19 data continue as the state rolls into June. The Health Department on Tuesday reported only 134 new cases, the lowest daily count in more than a year.
Benjamin Percy novel re-imagines Minnesota as meteor-strewn center of geopolitics
While prolific novelist and comic book writer Benjamin Percy moved to Minnesota almost a decade ago, it's only now he's written a book based in his adopted state. "The Ninth Metal" delves into the politics and environmental battles of northern Minnesota, but it does so as science fiction.
Scofflaws or victims? Businesses that broke COVID rules seek amnesty
The Minnesota business restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic are gone. But the battle over license suspensions and fines against establishments that violated them isn’t over. In the Legislature and the courts, the validity of the enforcement actions is still being targeted.
Friendship, health, community: Twin Cities Latino cyclists on a roll
Latino Social Biking is a Twin Cities group helping Latino people connect, get healthy and get past the isolation and sedentary influences of the pandemic. MPR News recently tagged along for a ride.
How Tulsa Race Massacre shaped today's most successful Black CEOs
Ariel Investments CEO John Rogers, TIAA CEO Thasunda Duckett, and former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault reflect on what the Tulsa events a century ago has meant to them.