Minnesota Now

It’s a club no parent wants to be a part of: parents of a school shooting survivor. Hundreds of parents at Annunciation Catholic Church and School are grappling with that reality.

Monday marks two months since a gunman opened fire, killing two children and injuring 28 others. And in that time, parents have been gathering together to grieve, heal and “move their feet.”

Ivan Ayala has three kids who attend Annunciation. His pre-kindergartener and kindergartener were not in the church at the time of the shooting. But Ayala’s 7-year-old son was. He was injured by debris.

Ayala sat down for a conversation with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about how his family has been healing and how he and other parents are mobilizing to call for change.

From food shelves to energy assistance, we explore how different social services around the state are affected as the federal government shutdown drags on and becomes the second longest in history.

A Minnesotan made a documentary about Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers who are working together. We talk to her about navigating those conversations.

We check in on rural healthcare out of Rochester with MPR News reporter Molly Castle Work.

And do Minnesota's upcoming municipal elections have you overwhelmed or confused? We hear from the creator of the MPR News voter guide for some clarity.

And we explore bronze Cambodian sculptures in a new exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The Minnesota Music Minute was “Tjärnblom" by Nicollett Island Waltz. The Song of the Day was "817 Oakland Ave" by Charlie Parr.

A new exhibition of Cambodian bronze sculptures from the Khmer Empire and other significant pieces opens at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on Saturday.

It’s the first time some of these pieces have been on display in the U.S. and Mia is the only U.S. museum that will host this exhibition. The exhibition is part of a collaboration between Mia, the National Museum of Cambodia and the Guimet, the National Museum of Asian Arts, in France.

Virajita Singh, Mia’s chief diversity officer, and Chhay Visoth, the director of the National Museum of Cambodia, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about the exhibition’s significance.

Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine is at Mia from Oct. 25 to Jan. 18, 2026.

This week, MPR News reported Mayo Clinic Health Systems is ending labor and delivery services in Owatonna. But a few rural hospitals are bucking the trend of closing in maternity wards and have birthing centers that are thriving.

Rochester reporter Molly Castle Work joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about this trend as part of a check in with regional reporters in Greater Minnesota.

When hearing stories about the war in Gaza, it’s often filled with conflict. But in a documentary by Minnesota native Joy Sela, she’s telling the stories of Israelis and Palestinians who are working together towards peace.

"The Other" follows peace activists, who despite personal loss, have chosen connection with the other side. The film is showing this Sunday as part of the Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival. Director Joy Sela joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about the film.

Several government assistance programs are under threat due to the federal government shutdown.

WIC, a nutrition program for mothers and young children, is funded in Minnesota through mid-November. But SNAP, a wider food benefit program, won’t have funds starting Nov. 1. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps Minnesotans heat their homes, is also delayed.

All together, these programs help hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. Tammy Alto, Director of the Energy Assistance Program for Hennepin County, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share how that energy program has been impacted by the shutdown.

Election Day is less than two weeks away. So the clock is ticking for voters to make decisions on local seats and ballot measures. MPR News producer Ellen Finn explored how you can make an informed choice using the MPR News Voter Guide.

Our ask: Help me be an informed voter

Our professional: Anika Besst, MPR News Digital Producer

St. Paul city leaders are expected to introduce an ordinance in a city council meeting Wednesday that would ban assault weapons in the city.

It’s also an ordinance that — even if passed — would not go into effect unless the state repeals a law that prevents local governments from regulating firearms.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter sat down with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the reason city leaders are looking into a local ordinance.

The Minnesota Supreme Court handed down its ruling in the case of a transgender weightlifter who sued USA Powerlifting for not allowing her to compete in the women's division. Reporter Matt Sepic breaks down the case.

The city of St. Paul will introduce an ordinance Wednesday to ban assault weapons. But it can only move forward with action at the state level. Mayor Melvin Carter shares why the city is making the move.

Plus, a new series from MinnPost looks at how the state is revamping the nursing home industry.

We get an update on chilly fall weather from meteorologist Paul Huttner and a report from New York City about Ojibwe artist George Morrison's solo exhibition at The Met.

The Minnesota Music Minute is “Here We Go Crazy” by Bob Mould and “Elvis Presley’s Autograph by Joe Tougas & Associates is the Song of the Day.

Minnesota is working to stabilize its nursing home workforce, which has long struggled with high turnover, especially in rural communities.

MinnPost state government reporter Matthew Blake published a series looking into the state’s plan to revitalize the nursing home industry. His reporting looks at the retainment of employees, the complicated financial situations of nursing homes and labor standards. Blake joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share what he learned.