MPR News UpdateAM edition
Good morning! And now it's time for the warmup! Highs around 20 today, 30s and 40s this weekend. Celebrate that we've now put the cold spell behind but also remember that not everyone is as fortunate in escaping the deep freeze. Jay Mitchell is at the hospital right now being treated for severe frostbite. He had nowhere to go except his truck -- all because he r efused to give up his 10-year-old dog, Hero. He drove by the humane society a few times to give Hero up, but couldn't do it. Hero is like a son to him, and is all he has left after his wife passed away recently. | What's on MPR News today? | Forecast
Minnesota schools ready to teach, feed kids after cold snap
School leaders across the state reopened their doors Friday after days of double-digit subzero temperatures kept many buildings closed -- and many students from needed meals. State officials have applauded the districts' cautious approach. | Are school districts going 'soft'?
Preparing to return to work, after a life derailed by drugs
Johnny Petty uses a volunteer job and counseling to prepare for the work life he wants. | Minnesota's opioid epidemic
Candidates race against time, apathy in critical Senate special election

A critical state Senate special election is set for Tuesday, but a compressed schedule is making it difficult for candidates to get the word out to voters.

Why did Xcel ask its customers to keep things chilly in the deep freeze?

Why did Xcel need to ask its customers across the state to lower their thermostats at a time when air temperatures across the state dropped into the minus 20s and wind chills were significantly lower? It comes down to distribution -- and pressure.

Lincoln billboard removed in Duluth after outcry over forgotten history
A billboard featuring an image of Abraham Lincoln was intended to portray a positive message. But its placement near a Native American mural created a stir over the president's role in a dark chapter in Minnesota history. 
ChangeMakers: Farji Shaheer wants to treat gun violence 'like a cancer'
Every weekday in February, MPR News is featuring black Minnesotans making history to celebrate Black History Month. We kick off the series with Farji Shaheer, who created the Next Step program. It helps victims between 12 and 26 who have been shot or suffered other violent injuries. | Who is making things better in your community?
Cory Booker makes it official: He's running for president in 2020

The New Jersey Democrat is the fourth senator to announce a run for president, joining Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Kamala Harris.

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