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

Amid surge of visitors, resort country struggles to find workers
A severe labor shortage has forced some businesses to boost wages, scale back services or reduce hours during the peak of a busy summer tourist season.
At the eye of the COVID-19 storm
An MPR News examination of more than 9,000 pages of documents shows who was putting pressure on DFL Gov. Tim Walz during the COVID-19 emergency and how the administration reacted. The governor’s handling of the crisis is sure to be an issue in next year’s campaign.
New Native-led grant program targets philanthropy inequity
Nationwide, less than 0.3 percent of philanthropy goes to Native American groups. A Duluth-based foundation is taking aim at that inequity with a new project that's designed to support the work of Native people who are already working to help their communities.
Art exhibit is a COVID retreat with layers of meaning
When artist Candice Lin looked for ways to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, she began building. The resulting structure — part tent, part retreat and part history lesson — is now on display at the Walker Art Center. 
Film documents efforts to protect people hardest hit by COVID
An aptly timed documentary film called “Trusted Messenger” highlights efforts to build confidence among Black, Latino and Indigenous communities about vaccines.
Cows go to market as pastures dry up
The worsening drought is affecting farmers and ranchers across much of the state. Many ranchers are watching pastures wither and turn brown. They’re trying to find enough feed to last through the winter. Some are already selling cattle they know they won’t be able to feed.
Art Hounds recommend magical, challenging theater and art
A new play “Aquilarres” weaves a magical political fantasy set during the Spanish Inquisition. A contemporary Minneapolis art show cedes everyone “the right to their own dystopinion.” Screen prints by Mai Tran reflect images from Vietnam and Mankato, Minn.
Senate DFLers seek outside look at harassment claim
A former staff member says her request that the Senate investigate a harassment claim went nowhere. DFL leaders who the woman says failed to adequately remedy the situation now have requested an outside investigation.