Morning Edition

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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 | Parting Thoughts

New Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne on cease-fire resolution, encampments
The Minneapolis City Council appointed Elliott Payne as its new president at its first meeting of the new year. He spoke with Morning Edition about the council’s resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, the future of policing in Minneapolis and how the city should handle homeless encampments.
As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy
Key Minnesota legislators say not to expect climate legislation as ambitious as last year in the upcoming session. In 2023, they passed a historic legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year their focus will be on making sure the state’s able to achieve its clean energy goals.
Coming soon to Minnesota roadways: Oral tests for marijuana, other drug use by drivers
The oral fluid test tools are set to be rolled out this month as part of a pilot project. Initial roadside tests will be able to detect THC, cocaine, opioids, amphetamine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines.
2023 is the 8th-warmest year in Minnesota history
December and November saw record-breaking weather extremes, making 2023 the eighth-warmest year in state history. And although January may feel cooler, it’s still above average.
Lawmaker: Raise fertilizer fees to help pay cost of nitrate pollution
DFL Rep. Rick Hansen says farmers should pay higher fees for nitrogen fertilizer, the source of the majority of nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota. Farm groups oppose the idea.
Twin Cities lawyer suspended for forging client's signature, urging another to skip court
The Minnesota Supreme Court has suspended the law license of Twin Cities attorney Michael B. Padden and is considering whether to disbar him after a judge found that Padden mismanaged and misappropriated client funds.
Minneapolis clears Camp Nenookaasi, an encampment of unhoused, mostly Native people
The city of Minneapolis began clearing Camp Nenookaasi, a large encampment of unsheltered people, just before noon Thursday. People living at the encampment in south Minneapolis are removing their belongings from the area. More than 100 people have been living in tents and other temporary structures at Camp Nenookaasi for months.
Sheriff speaks on ice safety, burden of continual rescues on Upper Red Lake
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs told MPR News this year has been an anomaly as people generally get stranded on the popular fishing lake during a two-week period: Thanksgiving to early or mid-December.
Art Hounds: Revisiting roots
The “Rooted Legacy” photo exhibit from Urban Roots, by and of Hmong-American youth, is on view at Indigenous Roots in St. Paul. Bold Choice Theatre presents the original country western musical “Sundown at the Jasper Jewel” at the Duluth Playhouse and “Off Book” opens Saturday at HUGE Improv Theater.  
Professional women’s hockey returns to Minnesota this week
Minnesota’s yet-to-be-named Professional Women’s Hockey League team will play its first game Wednesday before welcoming eager fans to its home opener Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.