Morning Edition

Cathy Wurzer
Cathy Wurzer
MPR

Morning Edition, with Cathy Wurzer in St. Paul and NPR hosts in Washington and Los Angeles, brings you all the news from overnight and the information you need to start your day. Listen from 4 to 9 a.m. every weekday.

Morning Announcements | Weather chats with Mark Seeley

COVID-19 causes surge in food shelf visits among older Minnesotans
As the COVID-19 pandemic bore down on the state, the number of older adults seeking food assistance swelled across Minnesota. The state’s largest increases in food shelf use over the last year happened in the Twin Cities metro areas. But in some rural places, there has been a more than fivefold increase in visits among people who are 65 or older.
Walz: Students can return to middle, high school buildings Monday
The decision follows new federal protocols on how schools should operate during the pandemic. “It’s time to get our students back in school, and we can do that now safely,” the Minnesota governor said.
Growing pains: How one southern Minnesota city is taking steps to address diversity, inclusion
As part of the city’s strategic plan, Marshall has formed a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Its goal: To launch tough conversations, so that, eventually, the city becomes a more welcoming place for all of its residents.
Security funding for Chauvin trial hits roadblock at Capitol
Security planning around the upcoming trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin remains in doubt amid divisions over who should pay and what standards police should be held to as they respond to protests.
Minnesota schools plan to continue virtual learning options in fall 2021
Many Minnesota students, parents and school leaders are hoping the next school year will look more normal. But the pandemic has transformed the face of education and some schools are planning to keep virtual learning as an option come fall. 
Bemidji pharmacy's first day of COVID vaccinations offers glimpse of hope — and a step toward normalcy
Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout has hit another milestone: People are now getting vaccinated at their local retail pharmacies. And with appointments opening up at some Thrifty White, Walmart and Walgreens pharmacies, it’s one step closer to normalcy.
It was a week of bitterly cold temperatures around the state. St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota saw several days of thermometer readings below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.   MPR News host Phil Picardi talked with retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley about the cold, and what to expect this weekend.
Water, electric utilities watch unpaid bills pile up during the pandemic
As subzero temperatures persist across Minnesota, utilities are watching unpaid heating bills pile up. Because of the pandemic’s impact on personal finances, most utilities have not disconnected customers for about a year despite unpaid bills. Moorhead officials have a plan to start collecting the mounting customer debt.
Walz OKs more guests at weddings, private gatherings as COVID ebbs
People planning wedding receptions and other group celebrations got some good news Friday when Gov. Tim Walz raised his limit on the number of people who can attend private indoor gatherings from 10 to 50.