Good morning! ⛈️ More weather always on the Updraft blog at @mprnews.org

Morning Edition is live from WTIP in Grand Marais today! @cathywurzer.bsky.social will speak with the mayor and Visit Cook County’s exec director, we hear from the state fire marshal about the Lutsen Lodge investigation, we go hunting for agates, and much more! Tune in @mprnews.org

Then Congress had to give back its tote bag

@birdchick.bsky.social lost her government job, but gained a government dog named Party Pants “who has given so much of her life to government service, and I just want to spoil her rotten in retirement.” Story from @cathywurzer.bsky.social on @mprnews.org www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...

Call to Mind is still gathering stories for an upcoming public radio special about military mental health. If you or someone you know is a veteran or member of the military and has a story to share... email [email protected] and we'll be in touch!

Yeah, April showers bring May flowers, but what does April sleet and snow bring? #mnwx Weather anytime in the Updraft blog at mprnews.org @mprnews.org

We had Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm on @mprnews.org Morning Edition with @cathywurzer.bsky.social today to talk about why the FDA cancelling flu panels matters. Shots take 6 mo to develop, often in eggs. We asked whether bird flu could complicate it, too. 📖 or 🎧: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...

Our latest health data roundup for @mprnews.org, by @craigstetter.bsky.social

Hospital admissions due to both COVID-19 and RSV during the last full week of December were up over 30 percent. Hospitalizations due to influenza jumped by just over 150 percent during that same week.

Meet Riley. #dogs #scottie #scottishterrier

Meet Leo. #dogs #pittie #pittiemix

High blood pressure disorders are the leading cause of maternal mortality in industrialized countries, and their prevalence is increasing.

Hundreds celebrated the winter solstice tonight with a lantern-lit parade through south Minneapolis with puppets from In the Heart of the Beast Theatre. After a snowy singalong around bonfires in the park, revelers returned to the theatre for hot soup and more musical performances.

I managed to mash out a few words that went on @mprnews.org tonight, you can read them via the link below. Always a privilege to share photos of the artists and community members that make my corner of the city so special. www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...

The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon.

NEW: After reviewing leaked documents, we have found UnitedHealth is strategically limiting access to a treatment for thousands of children with autism across the country in order to cut costs. Advocates say the company’s strategy may be illegal. www.propublica.org/article/unit... 👇

In August, Carter proposed a 7.9 percent increase in the property tax levy. Council members turned aside the measure supported by Carter, voting 5 to 1 to hold the levy hike to 5.9 percent.

The governor sat down with @mprnews.org for this first time since he lost his bid for VP. www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...

Well, we didn’t win but we got to see the Walter Cup! 29 more games to go!

Deja vu all over again. Newscasting this morning @mprnews.org

Very proud of this story. @mprnews.org #pwhl #mnfrost #womenssports In 1994, Minnesota became the first state to sanction girl’s high school hockey — and for 29 years, the Steve Carroll Goalie School has been training athletes ages 6 to 14, no matter their gender. www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...

Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis is rapidly forming ice today, after lows this morning in the single digits above zero #mnwx

On the mic this morning @mprnews.org

“For these young girls to set those goals is huge,” Minnesota Frost goalie Maddie Rooney said in October. “... youth can just come and see us play in person and on the TV screen and have role models.”

planned parenthood north central states reported a 150% increase in appts for long-acting birth control options after trump was reelected. it surpassed the number of appts when trump was first elected, and when roe v. wade was overturned. my latest ⬇️ www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...

Area of light snow drifting east/southeast will largely diminish but up to 1” possible in western MN midday, just dusting for Twin Cities afternoon. @mprnews.org

Get ready for the PWHL season opener! This story from @producergracie.bsky.social has great sound and interviews. 5/5 🎧s -> a must listen. (But reading it is good too.)