Morning Edition

A profile photo of Cathy Wurzer

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

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Gazelka tests positive for COVID-19
The Republican majority leader of the Minnesota Senate has tested positive for COVID-19, and is facing calls from the DFL minority to resign his leadership post over his handling of a COVID outbreak affecting the GOP caucus.
Minneapolis City Council approves police staffing proposal
The Minneapolis City Council narrowly approved a $500,000 measure Friday that will add emergency staffing to the city’s Police Department. The city will get help from Hennepin County sheriff's deputies and Metro Transit police officers.
Overwhelmed by cases, health departments struggle to trace virus' spread
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, testing and tracing have been two key parts of the state's strategy for slowing the spread of the virus. Now, more people are getting tested than ever before. But as COVID-19 cases surge, the contact tracing side of that equation is getting overwhelmed.
COVID-19 crashes Minnesota wedding plans
As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota have climbed, Gov. Tim Walz has put into place new restrictions on large gatherings, including weddings. For Minnesotans who’ve been planning weddings, or who work in the industry, it’s one more change in an already tumultuous year.
How to holiday: A guide to navigating Thanksgiving and COVID-19
Minnesota is seeing its worst COVID-19 numbers since the start of the pandemic — just in time for the winter holiday season. As the state clamps down on large gatherings and social settings, many Minnesotans are wondering where that leaves their holiday traditions. 
 As COVID-19 takes dire turn, Minn. lawmakers avoid clash
The Legislature convened and adjourned a special session without taking a vote to reel back Gov. Tim Walz’s executive powers. It followed news of another record day of COVID-19 infections.
Art Hounds explores art 'Out of the Box'
Art Hounds explores an interactive theater-in-your-home production for kids, an interactive “outstellation” at Modus Locus, and public art by Winona’s Creative Laureate.
More Minnesota schools halt in-person classes as COVID-19 cases rise
Schools across the state are beginning to suspend in-person learning as COVID-19 case rates rise. Duluth, Bloomington and Hopkins public schools have announced plans to transition their students to distance learning. 
What you need to know about Minnesota's new limits on bars, restaurants, gatherings
It has been a difficult few weeks in Minnesota, as COVID-19 continues its rampant spread across the state, leaving record-smashing case numbers and a devastating toll of hospitalizations and deaths. Gov. Tim Walz announced an effort Tuesday to tamp down the spread, as he imposed new statewide restrictions on bars, restaurants and social gatherings.