ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate passed a bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. The vote was 57-8. The bill earlier passed the House. June 19 will be a holiday for state government workers. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Bobby Joe Champion, D-Minneapolis, said he hopes that private employers will honor the holiday too.

Earlier: Drazkowski frets on Juneteenth fiscal effect

Earlier: Elevating Juneteenth to Minnesota state holiday