Stories from June 25, 2021

It's dry. Who has the best chance of rain this weekend?
We’re in a drought and looking for rain. Here’s a look at our weekend rain opportunities as well as temperature trends into next week and beyond.
A judge Friday sentenced Derek Chauvin to 22 and a half years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. The former Minneapolis police officer’s sentence is 10 years more than what state guidelines recommend. Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill said in court Friday that he departed from the recommendations because of Chauvin's abuse of authority. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Friday, June 25, 2021. Hosted by Dan Gunderson. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Senate moves again to end Walz emergency powers
Gov. Tim Walz said Friday he would end the state’s COVID-19 emergency on Aug. 1, but that wasn’t good enough for Senate Republicans who moved to remove Walz’s emergency powers on July 1. 
Appetites: What does restaurant life look like following the pandemic?
For the last year, we have had endless conversations about what changes restaurants and service industry establishment had to change to keep up with COVID-19 restrictions. Now that those guidelines are easing up, what might we see stick around?
Teens participating in MPR's Radio Camp share what they've learned
This year 16 students from around the state learned to make radio. Host Angela Davis meets them and learns all about their personal stories as well as their audio stories. Plus, senior economics contributor Chris Farrell joins us as he does most Mondays to explain why the current trend of people quitting their jobs may be good news for the economy.
Congress votes to reinstate methane rules loosened by Trump
Congressional Democrats have approved a measure reinstating rules aimed at limiting climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas drilling, a rare effort by Democrats to use the legislative branch to overturn a regulatory rollback under President Donald Trump.
Let's go thrifting! Discover the history and fun of buying secondhand
Every generation thinks they discovered thrifting. It’s an inexpensive way to express yourself, and it supports your community. But the history of secondhand shopping is more complicated than you might think. 
Xcel Energy changes course, new plan does not include Becker gas plant
Bowing to calls to speed up its transition away from fossil fuels, Xcel Energy is proposing a new energy plan for the next 15 years that does not include building a controversial new natural gas plant in Becker.
Surfside condo owners are suing the collapsed building's association
As of Friday morning, 159 people remain unaccounted for, as rescue crews work at the scene. The suit says the condo association failed to "secure and safeguard" the owners' lives and property.
The weekend brings some chances for needed rain, although amounts are likely to stay low for most. The forecast indicates a return to hot and dry by the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Already a month late, the Legislature plodded along in its approval of a state budget, with agreements reached in all but one key area. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, June 25, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Allina Health makes flu shot for employees mandatory
Allina Health says the flu shot will be mandatory for all employees, starting this flu season. The new policy will also include students, contracted staff and volunteers across the Allina Health system, which includes more than 90 clinics, 11 hospitals and 15 retail pharmacies throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin
Rain chances stay limited Friday, with most of Minnesota seeing warm weather and sunny skies.
Minnesota weighs more cameras in courts after Chauvin case
Minnesota's court system could allow expanded camera coverage of criminal proceedings following the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd's death. Chief Justice Lorie Gildea says it's time to consider amending the current rules to accommodate broader public access.
June 25 update on COVID-19 in MN: Hospitalizations fall; vaccinations stall
With new and active cases and hospital admissions trending at or near their April 2020 lows, Minnesota’s most recent COVID-19 data continues to paint a picture of a receding pandemic. Vaccinations, however, are stuck at crawl.
Harris heads to border after facing criticism for absence
The vice president has faced months of criticism from members of both parties for declining to make the trip thus far and for her muddied explanations as to why.
Opinions plentiful on Xcel’s plan to cut coal, add natural gas
Advocacy organizations, state agencies, counties, cities and residents have weighed in with strong opinions on the resource plan, which requires approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Minnesota crops showing drought stress at a crucial time
Conditions are dry all across Minnesota. Severe drought is spreading into the northwest and south. Crops are showing signs of stress, and without widespread rains over the next few weeks, crops will continue to deteriorate.