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

Holiday season helps COVID-19 spread, older Minnesotans feeling increase in cases
Susan Kline is an infectious disease doctor with University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview. She says older Minnesotans are feeling the increase in cases the most. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about the COVID trends heading into the holidays.
Judge vacates Marvin Haynes’ nearly 20-year-old murder conviction
A judge Monday vacated the murder conviction of a Minneapolis man serving life in prison for a 2004 killing. Marvin Haynes, 36, was sentenced for the murder of Harry “Randy” Sherer at Jerry’s Flower Shop in Minneapolis. Haynes was 16 at the time.
Minnesota farmers want help fending off voracious deer
Farmers across the state want the Department of Natural Resources to do more to curb damage from large herds of white-tailed deer. A DNR official said it would be difficult for the state to compensate farmers for all wildlife losses. But agency staff are drafting regulatory proposals to address the deer problem that they could unveil during the upcoming legislative session.
'Unbelievably warm' December continues upward temperature trend
A lack of snow on the ground for much of Minnesota has been just one indication of warming temperatures during the winter months. Minnesotans aren’t just seeing low precipitation, they’re feeling it, too. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with retired climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley about the upward trends in their weekly weather chat.
DOJ alleges city of Anoka discriminated against tenants with mental health disabilities 
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges the city of Anoka notified landlords of potential nuisance calls and encouraged landlords to evict tenants who were the subject of the calls. Sometimes those communications included personal details about tenants’ mental illnesses.
North Dakota researchers find cost-effective way to extract rare-earth elements from coal
The U.S. is trying to reduce its dependence on China for the critical minerals and rare-earth elements needed to build everything from batteries for electric vehicles to military weapons systems. Part of the solution might come from a new extraction process developed in North Dakota.
DFL, GOP leaders weigh in on 2024 budget forecast, bonding bill and spending cuts
Minnesota is projected to have a $2.4 billion budget surplus in 2024, but that’s far less hefty than the one lawmakers had to work with last year. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, spoke with Cathy Wurzer about it.
Art Hounds: Holiday recommendations
It’s a holiday line-up this week for Art Hounds. La Grande Bande presents a French Baroque Christmas in St. Peter and St. Paul this weekend, St. Croix Valley Chamber Chorale performs its Christmas concert this weekend in Stillwater, and Trekkies unite for the play “It’s an Honorable Life,” a Klingon take of the George Bailey classic, at Mounds Theatre in St. Paul. 
A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip has surfaced a wide spectrum of emotions for Jews. Some know where they stand, others are changing their perspectives, and some are unsure where to even begin. But people are guarded. Amid the tension, Jews are seeking opportunities to come together and they’re looking for guidance.
Accessibility advocates thrilled over Minneapolis' investment in sidewalk snow removal
The Minneapolis City Council Tuesday night passed a $1.8 billion budget for next year which includes a $595,000 funding package to help clear city sidewalks of snow. It’s intended to target high-traffic areas and residents who don’t shovel their walks.