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.

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CentraCare seeks partnership with U of M for rural medical school
A major health care provider in wants to partner with the University of Minnesota to establish another medical school in the state. CentraCare CEO Dr. Ken Holmen speaks about the plan for a rural medical school on Morning Edition.
'A huge concern': December storm did long-term damage to state's forests
The winter storm that smacked much of the state just before Christmas cut off power to thousands of homes, but also left long-lasting damage to the state’s forests. It’s damage that won’t be fully documented until the snow melts.
Hamline student, former instructor at center of debate over religion, academic freedom speak out
Two people at the center of the controversy at Hamline University over academic freedom that has gained international attention spoke Wednesday about how the incident has impacted their lives.
Legal cannabis bill clears first committee, many more ahead
Debate on a bill designed to legalize marijuana in Minnesota in its first committee stop framed up the arguments for and against a big shift in state drug policy.
Muslim professor: Showing Muhammad wasn’t offensive, but Hamline response is
In October, an adjunct professor showed her students a slide of a 14th century painting of the Prophet Muhammad after giving a trigger warning. The professor’s teaching contract was not renewed. Here’s Carleton College history professor Amna Khalid for perspective.
Will heavy winter snows quench Minnesota's drought?
The Twin Cities is on track for its third snowiest winter ever, but that doesn’t mean the drought is over. The speed of the spring thaw will dictate how much of that needed moisture makes it into the ground. Slower is better, University of Minnesota professor Jeff Strock tells MPR News.
Federal crackdown continues as violent crime ebbs
Minneapolis reported significantly fewer homicides and carjackings last year after a big spike in 2021. Federal authorities continue to push forward with an initiative targeting violent crime, which Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger announced in May.
MN Legislature charges ahead on quick-strike bills
The oaths, introductions and organizing are done in the Minnesota Legislature. Now lawmakers are moving ahead with decisions that will set the state’s direction for years to come. 
Artistry in crisis: Arts organization struggles to recover from financial shortfall
A Bloomington arts organization is trying to continue with the help of the city council, but its future looks tenuous after a financial meltdown that has ripple effects in the theater community and among patrons.