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

U of M considers budget cuts due to COVID-19 pandemic
Among the first steps, U of M President Joan Gabel announced a possible tuition freeze, one full week of unpaid work for approximately 200 of the university’s senior leaders, and her own temporary 10 percent pay cut starting July 1.
Therapists forge ahead with telehealth — not knowing if they'll be paid
With the stay-at-home order, mental health care has moved from therapists’ offices to the internet or the phone. Private insurance companies are still figuring out exactly what telehealth services they will cover. But when they do, those changes could stick after the coronavirus pandemic ends.
Lawmakers pass workers’ compensation bill — with cost unresolved
The Minnesota House and Senate passed legislation Tuesday to help first responders, health care workers and others get workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19. However, lawmakers say it’s not clear how the state will pay for the expected costs.
In Minnesota, thousands of families are trying to adapt to new economic conditions and fears about access to economic and medical aid – in some cases with limited English proficiency. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Ruby Lee and Bo Thao-Urabe for more on the situation faced by immigrant communities around the state.
Minnesota’s stay-at-home order encourages getting outside, but how far away?
Outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and biking are explicitly allowed under Minnesota’s stay-at-home order. But that order also limits nonessential travel. So, just how far can people travel to get outside?
Andy Slavitt, who led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services during the Obama administration, recently launched a podcast about the COVID-19 pandemic called “In the Bubble.”
Tens of thousands of health workers have answered New York’s call for help as the city’s hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed, with medical staff falling sick. Elizabeth Shafer, of South St. Paul, is one of the many nurses who put their lives on hold to offer a hand.
Minnesota bracing for possible budget deficit because of COVID-19
A simulation comparing now to the prior recession shows concern of a multi-billion dollar tax drop. The state’s finance agency plans to accelerate the next economic forecast to judge how bad things are and to free up use of reserves.
 Is it safe — and ethical — to send your child to day care?
Parents of Minnesota’s littlest learners are facing a dilemma: Do they continue sending their kids to child care during the COVID-19 pandemic? Minnesota’s stay-at-home order does not prohibit families from taking their kids to day care, but officials note that the goal is to keep providers open specifically for the children of emergency workers.
Minn. nonprofits serving people with disabilities hustle to stay connected
Arts organizations that offer day programs to keep their clients with disabilities engaged have had to shutter their physical classrooms and spaces. But they’re working to find creative ways to reach out to their clients while fighting to keep their businesses alive.