Good morning, Minnesota. Happy Friday!

Here's the latest news from across the state to start your day.

But here is another look at some celebrations happening across Minnesota into the weekend to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.

Saturday

Juneteenth – A Family Celebration – St. Paul
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration – Brooklyn Park
Celebrate Juneteenth with Sounds of Blackness – Minnetonka
Juneteenth Pop-up Celebration – Richfield

WEATHER

🌡️ Excessive heat watch throughout the state until Sunday. Widespread thunderstorm chances are possible throughout the day and Friday night.

Get the latest weather news on Updraft.

‘Always had Melissa’s back’: Friends, family remember Mark Hortman as smart, funny, fierce protector

As they struggle now through their own grief, those who knew Mark Hortman say he loved mountain biking, music, his family and playing pool. He easily made friends and kept them close, and centered his life on Melissa Hortman and their kids.

NEWS ROUNDUP

University of Minnesota not holding Juneteenth event due to ‘budget constraints’ this year. The University of Minnesota quietly canceled its annual Juneteenth celebration this year due to budget constraints, drawing disappointment from community partners while encouraging attendance at other local events.

🚨 Is a new Minnesota law deterring copper wire theft? It depends on who you ask. There is plenty of disagreement on how to best deter copper theft. But regulators, scrapyard operators and public works officials welcome new stiffer penalties for the costly crime.

🎓 Minnesota State approves tuition hikes to close $52 million gap. Minnesota State colleges and universities will raise tuition by an average of 4.5 to 6.5 percent to address a $52 million budget gap driven by declining enrollment and uncertain funding.

‘A steadfast ally’: Tribal leaders remember Rep. Melissa Hortman. Tribal leaders in Minnesota mourn the loss of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who many consider an advocate for Indian Country.

MUST LISTEN

🎧 Tuition hikes on tap for University of Minnesota students this fall. Hannah Reynolds with the Minnesota Daily was at the meeting and joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Thursday to run down potential program cuts and recount community reaction.

🎧 Marking Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra. Black American composers are at the heart of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Juneteenth holiday concert tonight. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the concert’s organizer and the guest conductor about how African American music is expanding the classical tradition.

🎧Thank You, Stranger: The ‘Northfield Angel’ spreads random acts of kindness. MPR News producer Ellen Finn talked to Northfield, Minn. residents whose lives have been touched by Daryl, a man they call the “Northfield Angel.”

🎧 Extreme heat could stress Minnesota’s health care facilities this weekend. MPR News host Lisa Ryan spoke with Dr. Joey Durran, Chief Medical Director of Allina Emergency Medical Services.

🎧 Listen to today's headlines on our Minnesota Today podcast.