Early and absentee voting for Minnesota’s presidential primary race begins today. The presidential primary differs from other elections in the state — voters have to request a party ballot first. Minnesota’s presidential primary is March 5.

And state economic officials say Minnesota lost 1,700 local government jobs between November and December. They blamed mild weather patterns which reduced the need for snow removal. The construction sector, meanwhile, gained jobs because the weather allowed workers to continue taking outdoor projects.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.