The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar

We are learning more information about the servicemembers killed in Iran as there are new developments surrounding the war. Dr. Renee Buhr is a political science professor and international studies expert at the University of St. Thomas and breaks down what Americans can expect in the coming weeks.

A Minnesota Native was among the first Americans killed in the war in Iran. Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison testify about fraud. We pick some favorites for the state hockey tournament.

The Supreme Court made a momentous decision about transgender care in California, plus here's how pets can improve your quality of life and why so many of us are headed out on spring break.

The Hibbing/Chisholm’s boys hockey team is making another run at the state tournament after a decades long drought Hibbing High School Hockey Coach Aaron Jamnick talks about the work that has gone into reaching this point and why its more than just a hockey game for the community.

Online gambling has become more accessible than ever. And it’s become a problem for thousands of children in Minnesota. Susan Sheridan Tucker is the executive director the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and talks about the trends she is seeing and what is being done about it.

A new movie from Pixar is set to be released this week and there is a Minnesota connection. Emily Fairfax is a beaver expert at the University of Minnesota Duluth and she helped on the movie Hoppers. She talks about her role in the film.

There is a new proposal for renovations at Grand Casino Arena. Henry weighs in on this debate that is just getting started as well as the Wolves and Wild game set for tonight.

Lou Raguse is a journalist at KARE 11 but did y he’s also an author. His books are about real-life crimes that he’s covered and he talks about his latest work titled Mastermind.

Life Time is looking to lift up the community by creating a fundraiser to benefit Gillette Children’s. Sarah Emola is the Senior Director of Life Time Foundation and talks about the initiative happening this Saturday.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth is the latest lawmaker to receive threats. Kendall Qualls is announcing his running mate in the Minnesota Governor's race. Gas prices are going way up in Minnesota as the war in Iran continues, will that have a political impact?

Oil and gas prices are already rising in the days following the U.S. going to war with Iran. The stock market will be looking more volatile as this conflict goes on. Jill Schlesinger breaks down what consumers can expect.

The Rosemount Irish defeated the St. Thomas Academy Cadets and will head to the state high school hockey tournament for the first time in over 30 years. Head Coach Ricky Saintey talks about their road to get to this point and how they hope to secure the championship.

Chief Meteorologist Belinda Jensen from KARE 11 has announced she will be retiring after decades in television. She is talking about how she is giving back to the community after a long career.

There is a special event happening this week at the Minnesota Zoo that gets students involved in zoo-based engineering challenges. Kristi Berg is the STEM Specialist at the zoo and talks about how you can see their projects and the goals behind the initiative.

There was a a lot of sports happening in Minnesota over the weekend and Henry Lake covers it all. The Wild lose, Wolves and Gophers win and the Twins need to figure it out.

The first week of March brings some very mild weather to the Twin Cities. Chris has a look at the temperature change.

There is a bipartisan bill in the state legislature that would implement a statewide ban on student cellphone and smartwatch use in schools. Dr. Joshua Stein from PrairieCare talks about the pros and cons of this measure.

There are many unknowns and uncertainties surrounding the new war in Iran. Tom Hanson is a former diplomat, chair of the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations and explains the latest on the situation and where Americans will be feeling the most impact.

Can Do Canines recently helped a victim of a crime receive a new service dog to help be more independent after being injured in the incident. Jeff Johnson is the Executive director of the nonprofit and talks about how they work to make a difference in the community.

Blois considers the local impacts of the attack on Iran both politically and economically. The state budget forecast also shows some slight improvements for Minnesota's budget.

Dustin Morse is the Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs with the Minnesota Twins. He gives an inside look at the team and how he handles both positive and negative press.

The brackets for the Minnesota Boys State Hockey Tournament will be decided soon and there is sure to be some good match ups when it gets started. Olivia Hicks from the Star Tribune highlights the teams to watch this year.

As we await the Minnesota's budget outlook, there are many political implications that could come with it when the numbers come out. Former state senators Amy Fredrickson and Jeff Hayden talk about what they can expect in the legislature.

The Minnesota TImberwolves sneak a win in against the Clippers. The Minnesota Wild are back on the ice after the Olympics and make a statement against the Avalanche. Henry breaks down the games.

After another nice day in the Twin Cities Chris sees some snow and cold temperatures making their way into the state. He has what we need to know.

Business owners will be closely watching Minnesota's latest budget forecast which will be announced today. Doug Loon is the president of The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and shares what he is hoping to see when the new numbers are revealed.

Minnesota Twins player Josh Bell is the author of a new children's book titled “What Color is the Sky" with proceeds going to charity. He talks about the book and the inspiration behind it.

Twins player Brooks Lee talks with Vineeta about all his big updates during the offseason and how he plans to work extra hard this year with the club.

Minnesota's latest budget forecast is coming out today and it will reveal a lot about finances in the state. Esme Murphy from WCCO TV talks about what the public can expect when the updates are announced.

Dan Cook is marking his 25th year at WCCO Radio. He tells a couple stories and reflects on his long career in the business.

Kelly Pannek is a member of the Minnesota Frost and has just won her second gold medal in the Winter Olympics. She talks about her hockey career and the work she has put into getting to this point as well as what she hopes her success means for future hockey players.

Byron Buxton is coming off a great season last year and wants to do even better this year. He talks about his leadership role and what he wants to do to exceed expectations for fans.

Rusty saw the movie EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert and could not recommend it more.

As we are learning about the new developments surrounding Pablo Lopez and his elbow surgery another pitcher may be injured. Henry also breaks down the controversy behind the Women's Olympic Hockey team.

We are having a warm up today but Chris the forecast cools down as we head into the weekend.

The Minnesota Twins have an update on Pablo Lopez after he had surgery to repair his elbow. Dan Hayes from The Athletic explains what the new developments mean for him and the team as well as his perspective on how the Twins are doing at spring training so far.

Twins outfielder Walker Jenkins talks with Vineeta about his early baseball career and how he hopes to make a difference on the team this season.

Vice President JD Vance is taking action on fraud in Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz is responding. Is it too little too late? Blois has some thoughts on the issue.

Minnesota Twins Pitcher David Festa is getting ready for another season with the team. He talks about what he has learned since his rookie year and what he is looking forward to as he continues his development in the MLB.

We have a long discussion with Jeremy Zoll, the new general manager of the Minnesota Twins. We learn about his life and his managing style and the impact he wants to make on the team. We also get an update on Pablo Lopez as he undergoes surgery and what the pitching plans for the Twins this season.

This Saturday teams will race down Buck Hill in Burnsville on mattresses for a good cause. Bedrace for Bridging raises money to help people transition into stable housing. Shunzyu Haigler is the Director of Development at the non profit and talks about the event and the impact it has for those who need help.

The Timberwolves played tough against the Trailblazers and cam away with a late night win. The Gophers also did decent with top ranked Michigan. And former Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah lands a new job in San Francisco.

There are big swings in temperatures happening all across Minnesota this week. Chris has what we can expect.

As we are still processing what was said during President Trump's State of the Union Address, Political Science Professor David Schultz from Hamline University offers some analysis on the event and the impact it may or may not have on voters.

Blois breaks down what went well and and what did not go so well for President Trump during the State of the Union Address last night.

Minnesota Twins owner Tom Pohlad talks about what he is learning about taking over the team and his plans to start winning games this baseball season.

There is some uncertainty surrounding TSA Precheck as well as the unrest in Mexico that is leading to big questions if you have a trip booked. Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler shares some insight and advice.

There is some confusion over the SAVE Act making its way through congress and the impact it could have on voting across the country. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon clarifies what is in this bill and talks about other voting issues being seen in around the nation.

Olympic skier and Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn shares an update on her recovery and says she nearly had to get her leg amputated. Henry talks about her career and his hopes to see her walking again soon.

Before it warms up for a little bit in Minnesota, a blast of winter makes its way to the state. Chris has the forecast.