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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Soon to retire, Kris Ehresmann looks back on 30 years in public health
As the state Health Department’s director of infectious disease, Kris Ehresmann has become a familiar face to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. She gave an exit interview to MPR News ahead of her February retirement.
Forest Service slashes BWCA permits to protect wilderness. Some say the cuts go too far
Canoeists eager to take a summer trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can start making reservations Wednesday. But competition for those permits could be more intense this year after the Forest Service slashed the number of available slots.
Osterholm: Twin Cities emerging from 'viral blizzard'
University of Minnesota infectious disease specialist Michael Osterholm predicted a “viral blizzard” due to the omicron variant of COVID-19 a few weeks ago. He says the Twin Cities is beginning to emerge from that, with case counts dropping daily.
Meet the Minnesotan who wrote a novel in Japanese — and then got it published
When Marnie Jorenby sets herself a challenge, she doesn't hold back. Not only did she decide to write a novel, she decided she’d write it in Japanese and get it published in Japan. It took a while, but she did it.
Rep. Garofalo: ‘There’s a better chance than not’ that sports betting passes this session
Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer he thinks the Legislature will pass a bill legalizing sports betting this session. He said lawmakers in Minnesota would need to decide who would be able to offer sports gambling at what facilities and what taxes and regulations would apply.
Prosecutor: Cops could have stopped Chauvin, saved George Floyd
Defense attorneys described Floyd's death as a tragedy, but not a crime by their clients as opening arguments began Monday in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating Floyd’s constitutional rights.
Vintage winter ride recalls snowmobile glory days
A father and son from Fargo are riding vintage snowmobiles 500 miles across Minnesota. The duo are raising money for charity and drawing attention to the International 500 — a snowmobile race from Winnipeg to St. Paul that was a big part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival decades ago.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Surge path unclear as backlogs worsen
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 data remains clouded by severe post-holiday reporting lags, making it difficult to know if the state’s past the current surge peak, or still climbing.
A Minnesota kindergarten program takes learning outside
The new initiative at Gatewood Elementary of Hopkins Public Schools is part of the school’s effort to become more environmentally focused.
Art Hounds recommend tales for young audiences
The Minnesota Children’s Theatre presents the world premiere of “Bina’s Six Apples.” A ceramics sale at Franconia Sculpture Park shows off the artistry of St. Croix Valley potters. And drummer Josh Lubavich of Duluth launches a solo EP.