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Questions or requests? Contact MPR News editor Michael Olson at molson@mpr.org.

Bill making Juneteenth a MN holiday is headed to Walz
June 19 will soon be a state holiday in Minnesota. Known as Juneteenth, it’s the day in 1865 when slavery was viewed as finally abolished in the United States, even though it came years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
Voting-restoration bill gets House OK; Senate action due soon
A push to restore voting rights to people with active felony records as long as they have served their prison time is close to final passage. It’s been tied up in the Legislature and courts for years.
New Wolves PA announcer finds there’s more than one way to the NBA
The Minneapolis native with a baritone voice beat out a competitive field last summer to become the youngest public address announcer in the team's history. 
Minnesota's carbon-free electricity bill: 8 questions, answered
The measure that sets ambitious standards for clean energy in Minnesota over the next 17 years cleared its final legislative hurdle late Thursday night, and is headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.
Winter Play: Ice fishing — learning family tradition hook, line and sinker
Our staff across the state set out to try a new-to-them winter pastime. MPR News’ southwest Minnesota reporter Hannah Yang spent her first day ice fishing with her father-in-law and husband in Faribault, Minn.
Advocates team up to recognize women and girls in sports
Leaders in advancing girl’s and women's sports in Minnesota received recognition for National Girls and Women in Sports Day at a ceremony inside the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul on Wednesday.
Watch out, Minneapolis: The tow truck cometh
Minneapolis has handed out more than 2,000 tickets in the last three days and towed more than 200 vehicles off of the even sides of non-snow emergency streets, as they pick up enforcement of a winter parking ban instituted last week. 
Teen pleads guilty to murder in shooting outside Richfield school
Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 19, of Minneapolis, admitted in court to shooting and killing 15-year-old Jahmari Rice and wounding another 17-year-old outside the South Education Center in Richfield on Feb. 1, 2022, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Beargrease sled race winner, runner-up talk dogs, cold, competition
Keith Aili crossed the finish line about eight minutes ahead of second-place musher and past champion Ryan Anderson. They spoke to MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday about dealing with 20-below race temps and coaching dogs that aren’t all that keen on people.
Winter Play: Ice climbing on the North Shore
As part of MPR News’ Winter Play series, reporter Dan Kraker tried ice climbing for the first time on a cliff north of Two Harbors, an experience he found challenging, rewarding and — when it was over, at least — fun.