Stories from June 17, 2022

Local government officials and construction groups are among those expressing disappointment with failed negotiations for a special legislative session after Governor Walz declared an impasse. The state prepares for a heatwave, and supporters of the historic Manfred House in Blue Mounds State Park hope a federal designation will help them make the case for preservation. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted ny Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
COVID in slow decline across most of the state, but some 9 Minnesota counties still rated high-risk by CDC
 COVID-19 metrics across the board — wastewater data, cases, hospitalizations and deaths — are stable or slightly declining. But that doesn’t mean it’s declining everywhere. Nine counties, including St. Louis and Olmsted, are rated as high-risk by the CDC, meaning that masking indoors is recommended.
FAQ: What Minnesota and neighboring states could do now that Roe is overturned
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there is no federal constitutional right to abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade. Here are common questions, and answers, about access to abortion in Minnesota and nearby states.
Allina Health clinic attack: Ulrich gets life in prison, and more
Judge Catherine McPherson told Gregory Ulrich Friday she had no words to describe the “horror and tragedy” of his attack on the Buffalo, Minn., clinic last year. Ulrich shot five people and set off three pipe bombs. Medical assistant Lindsay Overbay, 37, died from her wound.
'Pivotal moment' for the Manfred House
As the Manfred House in southern Minnesota is listed on National Register of Historic Places a preservation group hopes to restart conversations with the Department of Natural Resources about reconsidering demolition plans.
The third victim of a church shooting in Alabama has died. The Vestavia Hills Police Department identified the victim in a Friday post on Facebook as an 84-year-old white female who died at a hospital. They did not release her identity.
Weekend weather: Warm Saturday, hot on Sunday
Most of Minnesota will have typical June weather on Saturday, then Sunday will be very hot. An excessive heat watch begins on Sunday and continues through Monday.
Meet the team behind The Current's Carbon Sound
The Current launched Carbon Sound on Thursday. The new music stream, website and app is dedicated to celebrating Black musical expression across genres — including hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, funk and electronica. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with the team behind Carbon Sound.
A guide to Juneteenth celebrations in the Twin Cities
Long before it became a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been an important day of remembrance around the country. There's no shortage of Twin Cities festivities this year.
FDA authorizes 1st COVID-19 shots for infants, preschoolers
U.S. regulators have authorized the first COVID-19 shots for infants and preschoolers. That paves the way for vaccinations for children under age 5 to begin next week. The Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization Friday follows a unanimous recommendation by its advisory panel. 
The Iowa Supreme Court has made it easier for lawmakers to limit or outlaw abortion in the state, reversing a decision by the court just four years ago that guaranteed the right to abortion under the Iowa Constitution.
Nice Friday; several hot days ahead
Friday will be nice with lots of sunshine. On Saturday, temperatures rise into the 90s in western Minnesota. It will be hot across much of the state Sunday through Tuesday.
Omicron poses about half the risk of long COVID as delta, new research finds
Some scientists estimate that cases of long COVID from omicron will still rise, however, because of high transmissibility and the misconception that people don't have to worry about catching it.
Chances for a special legislative session to divide up Minnesota’s budget surplus went from slim to none late Thursday after a meeting among legislative leaders broke up. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Beautiful Friday; heat builds over the weekend
We have another nice summer day Friday with warm — but not hot —temperatures, lots of sun and dew points still in the comfortable 50s. Heat builds in the west Saturday and spreads across the state Sunday.
Special session talks at 'impasse'
Minnesota’s multi-billion dollar budget surplus will remain unspent after talks on a special legislative session broke down. Talks “reached an impasse,” said Gov. Tim Walz.
Northfield farm expands land access for immigrant, newly emerging farmers 
It’s hard to get into farming if you are starting from scratch. Now, just south of the Twin Cities, a nonprofit is helping a group of new farmers grow food to support their communities and families, while also giving the environment a helping hand. 
In campaign, Jensen vents over medical board
The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Dr. Scott Jensen, has been publicly sparring with a state board that has repeatedly reviewed his medical license. This week, he suggested board members will lose their positions if he becomes governor.