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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'Everyone's overwhelmed at this point': Caregivers challenged by latest pandemic surge
State officials say this is a critical time in the coronavirus outbreak. This week, four Mayo Clinic staff members who have been working with COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic talked about their experiences on a call with reporters.
In International Falls, a rejection of backyard chickens
Keeping chickens has been on and off illegal in International Falls for the past 40 years. But a ballot measure in November put the question to rest — by a narrow margin.
Dec. 1 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Light at the end of the tunnel' as pandemic rages
Even as they brace for another wave of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, state public health authorities are laying the groundwork to distribute vaccines as soon as they’re available. On Tuesday, they sketched out their plan.
Minnesota short-term budget picture brightens; long-term deficit remains
The improved outlook — a $641 million surplus through June instead of a shortfall four times as big that was projected back in May — could lead to a quicker deal on a relief package for businesses and workers coping with fallout from COVID-19 and related restrictions.
Minnesota gives final green light to disputed oil pipeline
Minnesota regulators have approved the final permit for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement across northern Minnesota. The decision gives the company the green light to begin construction on the $2.6 billion project.
For nearly fifty years, if you lived near Albany, Minnesota and needed a doctor, there’s a chance you went to see Dr. Richard Salk. He died of COVID-19 earlier this month, at the age of 95. Many of the people who cared for him in his final days were people he once served, as a small-town doctor.
Nov. 30 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz expects no-gather guidance for Christmas
Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he’ll likely call on Minnesotans not to travel or gather for Christmas, as he did for Thanksgiving. Authorities are bracing for a jump in cases, hospitalizations and deaths in coming weeks originating from Thanksgiving celebrations.
Minnesota college students reflect on the semester, Thanksgiving holiday
Thanksgiving presents a tough decision this year for many college students. Some schools are asking students living on campus to head home, while others are asking them to stay. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with two college freshmen about how they’re spending the holiday, and what this semester has been like.
COVID spread causing 'surreal' staffing problems in nursing homes
Long-term care in Minnesota is in dire need of staffing support. With COVID-19 peaking, large numbers of staff are out sick or quarantining because of exposure. The situation is forcing state officials to take unusual measures to fill gaps.
Research: Older people resilient, but stressed by COVID-19 isolation
The pandemic has isolated many of us from friends, family and coworkers. But for older people who live alone, the loss of connection can cut even deeper. Researchers have been talking with dozens of older adults in Minnesota and North Dakota since the pandemic started, in an ongoing study of the impacts of isolation.