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

July 23 update on COVID-19 in MN: 9 more deaths; new cases, hospitalizations up
The newest counts come a day after Gov. Tim Walz ordered Minnesotans to wear masks in restaurants, stores and other public indoor gathering spaces beginning Saturday to help stem the spread of the disease.
How decision to resume school might affect Minnesota’s communities of color
Minnesota officials have told schools to prepare for three different scenarios for resuming classes in the fall. None of these options is an ideal choice for most students. And the reality for students of color is likely to have a disproportionate impact on their health, families and education.
Nekima Levy Armstrong on passage of police accountability bill
Gov. Tim Walz is calling the police reform package passed by state lawmakers earlier this week a step in the right direction. But many Democrats and activists say the bill does not go far enough.
Arts board announces simplified grant program for MN artists struggling in COVID-19 economy
The Minnesota State Arts Board has approved a trio of new grants meant to help artists and organizations weather the economic turmoil created by COVID-19. But artists say the new grants don't go far enough to serve historically marginalized communities.
Minnesota food shelves, already busy, brace for bigger demand
The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge demand for free or reduced-cost food across the state as Minnesotans have lost jobs and children missed out on school lunches. Food shelves anticipate even more people will rely on them to get enough to eat.
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Twin Cities restaurateur Jared Brewington about the crowdfunding platform he’s developing, and his own experience as a Black business owner in Minnesota.
July 21 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz lauds drop in long-term care deaths; hospitalizations rise
A state “battle plan” to safeguard Minnesotans living in long-term care facilities is paying off, Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday. The governor took reporter questions on a range of COVID-19 issues, including schools and a possible statewide mask order.
Legislature passes policing bill, ends special session
Minnesota lawmakers passed a sweeping bill early Tuesday designed to change the culture and oversight of Minnesota police officers. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the legislation, which was the only notable accomplishment of the second special legislative session.
Park officials remove remainder of Powderhorn east encampment after most people leave
A sprawling homeless encampment that had hundreds of tents at its peak is gone from Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. Sanitation workers hauled away the last few tents Monday, and police arrested about 20 people, residents and activists, who refused to leave.