Podcasts about mpr news

Prosecutors say a Twin Cities man charged earlier this week with threatening to kill a federal judge also threatened a U.S. Supreme Court justice and a defense attorney. Robert Ivers, 72, went to prison in 2019 after a jury convicted him of threatening to kill Judge Wilhelmina Wright, now retired, after she ruled against him in a civil suit.Also, organizers of Farm Aid say they won't cross a picket line at the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium until there's a resolution in the strike by custodial, food service and maintenance staff. U officials say they want the strike to stop so the benefit concert can go on next weekend.This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Gracie Stockton. Theme music is by Gary Meister.

In the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, questions about political violence in America are once again front and center. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests ask: Why is political violence on the rise and how do we respond?Guests:John Hinderaker is the president of the Center for the American Experiment, a conservative policy advocacy group based in Minnesota.David Schultz is a professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University.Shannon Watson is the executive director of Majority in the Middle, a Minnesota nonprofit that promotes civility in public life.

Climate scientists have known about connections between oceans and the atmosphere for decades, but new research indicates warmer oceans may change ocean currents and atmospheric patterns in a big way. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talked with John Abraham of the University of St. Thomas about shifting ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean. The following has been lightly edited for clarity. Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode, or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.This study finds a higher chance than previously thought that the Atlantic Ocean may see some big changes. What do we need to know here?There's what's called a conveyor belt in the ocean, and this is water that travels up the East Coast of the United States and then goes toward Greenland, Iceland and Northern Europe. The water gets cold, sinks to the bottom of the ocean and then it travels backward. It sort of goes in a like a loop — or a conveyor belt. That passageway of water is really, really important because it brings heat up to Europe, and it's the reason why England's temperatures are much more mild.These scientists discovered that this conveyor belt of water is slowing down, and it will likely stop in the future. It's going to have really crazy consequences for our climate. If that current were to slow down or collapse, how is that going to affect the weather in Europe?This event will likely make Europe colder. If this current shuts down, the heat from the ocean won't go up all the way to Europe. But the paradox is that this is a result of global warming. So, as the Earth warms, we're going to have some parts of the planet get really, really hot, and we're actually going to have some parts get colder. Europe will be one part of the planet that will have this paradoxical outcome of getting colder as the rest of the world gets warmer. What do you think could happen here in Minnesota? How might it affect our daily weather maps?It's going to make our weather more wild. We're going to have more extremes, especially the hot extremes. It's going to increase temperatures in the Midwest, and it's going to also make precipitation events more extreme. In Minnesota, we've seen this weather whiplash recently — where we go from cold and dry to hot and wet, back to maybe hot and dry — and we go from one extreme to the other. That is going to become even more significant as climate change continues. But one of the problems we've found is what's called a tipping point. And it's a tipping point where, once you cross it, you can't stop. It's like a locomotive going down a train track. You can't just pull the brakes and stop it instantaneously. So this process has started, and it's going to evolve over about 100 years. Even if humans take drastic action to reduce greenhouse gasses, that's not likely going to stop this shutdown of this current. It looks like we've passed over a threshold, and the natural tendency of the ocean is to change its circulation in a way that redistributes heat. It looks like there's not much we can do to stop it. The second part of this conversation about shifting ocean currents and climate change will be published next week.

Gov. Tim Walz says when the regular legislative session starts next February, he'd like to revisit legislation that did NOT get passed in 2023. Walz says a tax credit for child care could help ease the high cost for families.And leaders of a Minnesota Senate working group on gun violence prevention are gearing up for meetings next week.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The latest vaccines for COVID-19 have reached Minnesota. But should you get one? Can you find one? And will your insurance pay for it?These are just some of the questions flying around following turmoil at federal health agencies.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laid off workers, overseen changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and replaced the committee that sets broad vaccine guidance for the nation.Former leaders of the CDC under both Republican and Democratic administrations recently warned that the nation's public health system is a “raging fire” under Kennedy's leadership.MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with a pediatrician and a professor of public health about what this means for public health in Minnesota and for people just trying to get their fall shots.Guests: Dr. Rebecca Wurtz is a professor in the division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota. She is also a board-certified infectious disease physician and has worked in public health roles in government and private sector settings.Dr. Gigi Chawla is a pediatrician and the chief of general pediatrics at Children's Minnesota.

Hundreds of University of Minnesota workers are on strike at campuses across the state.Teamsters Local 320, which represents food service, custodial and maintenance workers, rejected a final contract offer from the University of Minnesota last week. The union represents about 1,400 employees.Reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox was at the picket line on the Twin Cities campus this morning and joins MPR News host Nina Moini to share more. Read the full report at MPRNews.org.

As students and teachers are settling into a new school year, Minnesota Now is looking at how artificial intelligence is changing teaching, learning and wellbeing in the classroom. We have talked with a consultant working on AI policy at the district level and a high school English teacher. Next, we hear from a student. High school seniors in this year's graduating class were freshmen when Chat GPT launched in November 2022. Every year since then, AI chatbots have become more prevalent. Elianah Dollar-Simmons is a high school senior who has done a lot of work with AI, but not in the way you might assume. She built AI models as part of summer programs at MIT and Carnegie Melon University. Dollar-Simmons joins MPR News host Nina Moini from Tartan High School in Oakdale, a suburb east of St. Paul.

Farmers in Minnesota and Iowa are banding together to add oats to their usual soybean and corn crop rotations. And they are working to open an oat processing plant in Albert Lea in 2026.Their movement is rooted in responding to climate change and unpredictable markets. But the farmers need to bring on board big food companies, who usually source most of their oats from Canada. Journalist Erin Jordan reported on the push for oats in the area for Investigate Midwest and she joins MPR News host Nina Moini to explain.

Sunday is a “Day of Hope” for Yue Wu, music therapist and founder of a Twin Cities nonprofit called Light in the Well. Dancers, singers and musicians with and without disabilities will come together for a performance at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Wu joins MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the event and her work.

Legislative leaders and the governor met today to discuss a special legislative session to forge a response to a Minneapolis mass shooting, which could include votes on gun bills. Custodians, maintenance staff and food service workers are now on strike at several University of Minnesota campuses... including Duluth, Crookston, and Morris.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster — equal parts joy and chaos.We often second-guess ourselves: Am I doing this right? Am I messing my kid up forever?Trust us, you are not alone.And maybe you've heard the term “attachment” thrown around in parenting circles — the deep emotional bond that can form between a child and their primary caregivers.But what does it really mean? And how does it shape a child's development?MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon and early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles talk with a developmental psychologist about how to create parent-child attachment and how to know if we're getting it right.

A Minneapolis spoken word poet is out with her first book of poetry, all about growing up on the south side of Minneapolis near Lake Street. The collection is called “Before I Lie.” Its author Dralandra Larkins joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about her identity in south Minneapolis and shared part of her poem called “I Am Black.”

It's a confusing time in public health. Some states like Minnesota have started new vaccine policies with the goal of protecting people's access. Other states have moved in a different direction. Florida plans to end vaccine requirements for children. These changes at the state level are happening as the federal government's approach to vaccines is in upheaval. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as a committee of advisers who influence vaccine policies. Kennedy then filled some of those roles with people who, like him, have spread misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines. Dr. Nathan Chomilo is a practicing pediatrician and chair-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Health Equity. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how Minnesota pediatricians are considering federal and state guidance.

As students and teachers are settling into their school year routines, Minnesota Now is looking at how artificial intelligence is changing teaching, learning and wellbeing in the classroom. MPR News host Nina Moini dove into one English classroom at Humboldt High School in St. Paul. She spoke to English teacher Carl Haefemeyer about how AI is showing up at his school.

The Minnesota House DFL Caucus has a new leader after losing their last one to a tragic act of political violence. Rep. Zack Stephenson has been chosen to lead the caucus as the House remains incredibly close. The decision to elevate Stephenson comes almost three months after Melissa Hortman, the prior caucus leader and a former speaker, was killed in her home. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about Stephenson and some immediate challenges that await him. 

The administration of Gov. Tim Walz will take steps to maintain access to vaccines, including for COVID-19, as moves by federal regulatory officials raise doubt over availability. And a Ramsey County Court judge has ordered two state agencies to review the effectiveness of rules in place protect Minnesota's drinking water.Thoe stories and more from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Monday, Sept. 8 (or 9/8) is National 988 Day. It's a day meant to boost national awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Minnesota Department of Health has four call centers throughout the state to support the mental health of anyone who calls. The biggest of those centers is in the Twin Cities, operated by United Way. Julie Ogunleye is the director of that call center. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the program and its future.If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 to get connected with trained counselors who can help. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7. 

A new report from the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute asked the question: how many adults and youth identify as transgender in the United States? And it found Minnesota has the highest percentage of adults who identify as transgender in the country at 1.2 percent of the population. The national average is 0.8 percent. Jody Herman is a Williams Institute scholar of public policy and co-author of the report. And Kat Rohn is the executive director of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Outfront Minnesota. Herman and Rohn joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the report.

Minnesota lawmakers from both parties say they're open to returning to the Capitol to consider policy changes after last week's deadly school shooting in Minneapolis. But what might come out of a special session — if one materializes — is harder to gauge.MPR News guest host Catherine Richert talks with a pediatrician and a researcher about what we know about what works to prevent gun violence and what steps policymakers might take. Guests:James Densley is a professor and chair of criminology and criminal justice at Metro State University. He is also co-founder of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University.Dr. Marc Gorelick is a retired president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. He is a pediatrician, former pediatric emergency medicine physician and author of “Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc's Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis.” He also serves on the MPR Board of Trustees.

MPR News has several bureaus across Minnesota to serve people from every corner of the state. Two new reporters are now settled in greater Minnesota.Molly Castle Work is based in the Rochester bureau with a focus on health reporting. Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval is based in the Moorhead bureau and will have a focus on agriculture. They joined Minnesota Now to share more about their backgrounds.

The parents of one child who was injured in the Annunciation mass shooting last week pleaded with visiting Vice President Vance to find solutions to mass shootings in the U.S. We dive deeper into potential solutions with an expert.We explore how and why officials are looking into whether the mass shooting at Annunciation could be classified as a hate crime. And a woman who has spent the week tending to the Annunciation memorial shares what it's been like to shepherd support pouring in from across the globe. Plus, MPR News is welcoming two new reporters who are based in Moorhead and Rochester. Join us as we get to know them.And the bar trivia empire Trivia Mafia is out with a new trivia podcast. We talk with one of the hosts, Sean McPherson.Today's Minnesota Music Minute was “Hand in the Air” by The Gated Community. The Song of the Day was “Almost Home” by Hannah Hammond.

With just a little over a year until the 2026 midterms, office-seeking Minnesotans are building their campaigns for the state's top political positions.On the Republican side, several candidates are vying for a GOP nomination to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, although Walz has yet to state if he'll try for an unusual third term.Some prominent DFLers are campaigning hard for an open U.S. Senate seat as Sen. Tina Smith prepares to retire at the end of her term.MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst introduces us to two candidates: Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Craig, a member of the U.S. House currently representing the state's 2nd District.Also, how likely is a special session for state lawmakers? Walz has hinted at a potential emergency legislative session to address gun possession, mental health care access and school safety issues. MPR News reporters Clay Masters and Dana Ferguson break down the latest from the state Capitol.Guests: Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is pursuing a Senate seat in 2026. Rep. Craig represents Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District and handily won her fourth term in 2024.Kendall Qualls is an Army veteran and a Republican candidate running for Minnesota's 2026 governor's race. Qualls is a former business executive who has led conservative advocacy groups in recent years and ran for the post in 2022. The discussion with Rep. Craig was recorded at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 28 and was lighted edited for the broadcast. The full conversation can be heard on the Politics Friday podcast. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   

Vice President JD Vance came to Minnesota today to meet with some families affected by last week's shooting at Annunciation Church and School.The U.S. Coast Guard says it responded yesterday to a spill of up to 30 gallons of oil in the Duluth harbor.A city council meeting last night in Harwood, North Dakota, near Fargo, got heated over a proposed AI Data Center.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Reading is often called the gateway to learning. It opens the door to almost every subject, from history to science.But what happens when the words on the page or screen don't come easily — when they blur, flip, or just don't make sense?For as many as one in five students, that's the reality of dyslexia. It's one of the most common learning differences, yet it's still widely misunderstood.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests will talk about how dyslexia is assessed and how resources and teaching approaches can make reading easier for children and adults with dyslexia.Guests:Liz Adams is a neuropsychologist who owns and manages Minnesota Neuropsychology, which specializes in assessing dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences in children and adults. Evelyn Haselmann is the CEO of the 20% Club, a dyslexia tutoring center based in White Bear Township, Minn. She also serves as a board member for Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, an organization that advocates for awareness, teacher training and stronger policies to support students with dyslexia across Minnesota.  

One week after the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and school, JD Vance is in Minneapolis to meet with families of the victims. Archbishop Bernard Hebda shares next steps for the church. And as Gov. Tim Walz considers calling a special session of the Legislature in response to the shooting, MPR News looks into the changes that could be coming to state law.

It is time to get out your fall clothing for the rest of the week and weekend. The start of September has brought significantly cooler temperatures to the state. Some areas of Minnesota could soon see snowflakes. MPR News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard joins MPR News host Nina Moini with details.

The mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School that killed two students and injured 21 others in Minneapolis has reignited calls for gun reform and policy changes at the city, state and federal levels. A group of Twin Cities-area mayors gathered at the Capitol Tuesday to call for more authority to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines if the Legislature refuses to do it at the state level. Gov. Tim Walz is mulling whether to call lawmakers back for a special session to address gun violence. Megan Walsh, the director of the Gun Violence Prevention Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School, joins MPR News host Nina Moini with more on the state's gun laws.

On Minnesota Now, we hear from many different people in Minnesota over the phone and in the studio. But we don't often meet them in the community, where news and life happens. In our Out to Lunch series, MPR News host Nina Moini sits down for a meal with people from across Minnesota.Akram Osman is entering his third year as principal of Mankato East High School. He also graduated from the school in 2009. Osman was one of the first Somali principals in the country. And he was recently awarded a Bush Fellowship to help increase representation in school leadership and reduce systemic barriers in education.

The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul are calling on Governor Tim Walz to schedule a special session where gun restrictions would be considered. And as school started in many locations in the metro today, Minneapolis police have increased patrols around schools and places of worship. St. Paul's police department offered extra police presence to all public and private schools in that city.A new program in St. Cloud will provide free school supplies to some students this year.All that and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

It's back-to-school time, and for many families, the excitement is mixed with worry. Will my child make friends? Keep up with the schoolwork? And underneath it all — will they be safe? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the signs and causes of back-to-school anxiety and what parents can do to support their children and teens.Guests:Katie Lingras is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a licensed child psychologist with M Health Fairview.Amy Klinger is co-founder and director of programs for the Educator's School Safety Network, a non-profit that works with schools nationwide to identify and meet safety needs. She is also a professor of educational administration at Ashland University in Ohio. And she is a former elementary and middle-school principal.

Across the country, international students are returning to a new normal on campus — as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement efforts. In part because of new restrictions on student visas and bans on citizens of certain countries traveling to the U.S., some students aren't returning to campus at all. Modeling from the National Association of International Educators projects a 30 to 40 percent decline in new international student enrollment this fall. The cost of that decline to Minnesota's economy is projected to be $77 million.Tuesday is the first day of classes at Macalester College in St. Paul. MPR News host Nina Moini caught up with President Suzanne Rivera about what she's been observing as students return to campus.

Minnesota schools are welcoming students back to class this week. Many started Tuesday morning. It's a difficult time for some as they deal with the news and impact of the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School.Districts are focused on keeping kids safe and meeting their needs. MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman and MPR News correspondent Kirsti Marohn, who covers central Minnesota, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what schools, students and parents are saying about the start of classes.

On Thursday, the NFL season will begin with the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia. They'll play the Eagles, who are, of course, the defending Super Bowl champions. The Minnesota Vikings will be late to the party. Their first game is on Monday and it's the last game of opening week.Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what to expect for the Vikings' season, plus the latest with the Loons, Lynx and more.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Watch the prosthetic knee in action here: https://youtu.be/ZQCVmuirYSI?si=kFp0VCUwyVvEt1jq News sources for this episode: Madeline Ashley, Erica Cerutti, “CDC names acting director: 7 notes,” August 28, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/cdc-names-acting-director-7-notes/, Becker's Hospital Review. Lauren Dubinsky, “Alphabet's Verily shuts down medical devices program, cuts staff,” August 28, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/medical-devices/mh-alphabet-verily-layoffs-medical-devices-ai/, Modern Healthcare. Kirsti Marohn, “Health care provider CentraCare to lay off 535 employees,” August 12, 2025, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/12/health-care-provider-centracare-to-lay-off-535-employees, MPR News.  Jakob Emerson, “27 payers cutting jobs | 2025,” August 20, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/workforce/5-payers-cutting-jobs-2025/, Becker's Payer Issues. Tom Murphy, “Expect health insurance prices to rise next year, brokers and experts say,” https://apnews.com/article/health-insurance-drug-costs-2026-rates-c4d865ec09c7088ecc6b55dc520f3566, Associated Press.  Becker's Hospital Review, Commerce Bank, “Progress amid uncertainty: A mid-year update on 2025 healthcare finance trends.,” August 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/progress-amid-uncertainty-a-mid-year-update-on-2025-healthcare-finance-trends/?origin=CFOE&utm_source=CFOE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C.  Alice Burns et. al, “How Will the 2025 Reconciliation Law Affect the Uninsured Rate in Each State?,” August 20, 2025, https://www.kff.org/uninsured/how-will-the-2025-reconciliation-law-affect-the-uninsured-rate-in-each-state/, Kaiser Family Foundation. NIH Medline Plus Magazine, “Prosthetics through the ages,” May 11, 2023, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/prosthetics-through-the-ages.  Andy Corbley, “This New Bionic Knee Is Changing the Game for Lower Leg Amputees,” August 21, 2025, https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/this-new-bionic-knee-is-changing-the-game-for-lower-leg-amputees/, Good News Network. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

The Cheat Sheet is The Murder Sheet's segment breaking down weekly news and updates in some of the murder cases we cover. In this episode, we'll talk about cases from Minnesota, South Carolina, Indiana, New York, and Mexico.CBS News's report on Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's decision to overturn the murder conviction of Bryan Hooper Sr., who was convicted of murdering Ann Prazniak, after a confession from original case witness Chalaka Young: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/mary-moriarty-murder-conviction-1998-vacate/MPR News's report on Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's decision to overturn the murder conviction of Bryan Hooper Sr., who was convicted of murdering Ann Prazniak, after a confession from original case witness Chalaka Young: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/12/jailhouse-confession-in-1998-murder-speeds-request-to-vacate-mans-convictionWRDW's report on a complain from Ty'Ran Dixon against the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office over his arrest in the Jasmine Roach murder case, which involved a different man named Ty'Ren Dickson: https://www.wrdw.com/2025/08/14/football-player-files-second-lawsuit-over-wrongful-murder-accusation-barnwell-county/A press release on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's recent discovery around the papers of Hernán Cortés: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/fbi-returns-historic-manuscript-to-the-mexican-governmentWHSV's report on the charges against Franklin Elmore Jr. and Cheyenne Elmore in the death of Elmore's six-year-old son: https://www.whsv.com/2025/08/12/father-accused-beating-6-year-old-death-his-playroom-stepmother-also-charged/Check out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsPre-order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer is in its waning weeks and weather at the Great Minnesota Get-Together has been fair — for the most part. MPR News meteorologists Paul Huttner, Sven Sunggard and Mandy Thalhuber hosted their annual Climate Cast conversation in front of an audience at the Minnesota State Fair. Together, they reflected on weather patterns from all four seasons. Audience members shared their questions, too, about Minnesota's changing climate and shifting climate patterns.This discussion was recorded at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 27. To hear the full conversation, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Beyond the two children who were killed during the attack at Annunciation Catholic Church Wednesday, 18 people were wounded. Fifteen were children as young as six and three parishioners in their 80s were shot. First responders took the injured to HCMC and Children's Minnesota for treatment. Dr. Tom Wyatt is the chair of emergency medicine at HCMC. He joins MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what he and his colleagues have been dealing with at the hospital.

The grieving process is just beginning for families, friends and community members of Annunciation Catholic Church and School. Even for people who aren't close to the victims, hearing of a tragedy this close to home can be difficult to process. Cara Mearns-Thompson, clinical director and co-founder of The Grief Club of Minnesota joins MPR News host Nina Moini with guidance and resources for healing.

After Wednesday's mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, parents are now grappling with how to talk to their children about grief.MPR News health reporter Erica Zurek spoke with a psychologist at Children's Minnesota just a few hours after the mass shooting. Erica joined Minnesota Now to share more about their conversation.

A shooter opened fire on a Wednesday morning mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in south Minneapolis. Minneapolis police say two children were killed and 17 other people were injured. Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara told reporters the shooter died by suicide.MPR News host Nina Moini talks with reporters on the scene and several others, including:U.S. Sen. Tina SmithState Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL) State Sen. Zaynab Mohamed (DFL)Stacy Remke, licensed clinical social worker Bradley Schmeling, senior pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran ChurchVincent Francoual, parent of Annunciation student Continuing coverage: 2 kids dead, 17 hurt, gunman dead in mass shooting at Minneapolis Catholic church, schoolUse the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

West Nile virus cases are increasing across the state. The Minnesota Department of Health reports 20 cases of West Nile virus so far this year. Two of the affected people have died. Monday's daily attendance at the Minnesota State Fair hit a record. The daily attendance creeped just past 145,000 people yesterday -- about 500 more people than the record set in 2017.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Students are getting ready to head back to school next week. Some have already started classes.As teachers kick off the new school year, they may ask themselves, “Will I be able to reach that one struggling student? Will I make the difference they need?”MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Education who says teachers saved his life. Join Angela when she talks with John B. King Jr., who says the best teachers didn't just teach him subjects — they taught him that he mattered, that his voice had value and that his dreams were worth pursuing. Guest:John B. King Jr. is the chancellor of the State University of New York. He was secretary of the U.S. Department of Education during President Barack Obama's administration. He has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal and a college professor. He served as New York State Education Commissioner and was the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. And he is the author of "Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.”

It's possible this school year is one of the last before a federal program changes the face of public and private schools in Minnesota. President Donald Trump's sprawling budget bill that passed in July included a program that amounts to school vouchers that can be used for private schools. It signals a new era of the school choice movement. While legislation like this usually originates in conservative circles, nonprofit advocates in traditionally Democratic-leaning states, like Minnesota, have a new opportunity to strengthen their movement. Here to explain how the bill could change things for school choice in Minnesota is one such advocate. Ricky Austin is the president of the Aim Higher Foundation in St. Paul. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain what his organization does and how the federal tax credit works.

Critics of Minneapolis policies around encampments for unhoused people spoke out Tuesday morning. A property owner said allowing people to stay in tents on his private land in south Minneapolis should be allowed. On Wednesday, Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to brief the city council on possible legal action against the encampment and property owner. MPR News reporter Cari Spencer was at a press conference with the property owner and joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini from Minneapolis.

On the south end of Como Lake in St. Paul, there's a street called Nagasaki Road. And in Nagasaki, Japan, there's a street named after St. Paul. They are sister cities, an official relationship that began in December 1955. That was only 10 years after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, 80 years ago this month. Nagasaki's current mayor, Shiro Suzuki, recently visited Minnesota for the first time. His grandfather was mayor of Nagasaki when the sister-city relationship was formed. MPR News host Nina Moini talked to Mayor Suzuki at the Minnesota History Center about his visit.

There's a chill in the morning air, the air feels drier and the evenings are getting darker. These are some of the first signs of football season. The Vikings are making changes to their roster in the gap between the preseason and their opening game on Sept. 8. The University of Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota high school teams will start their seasons in just a couple days. Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what to expect.

The city of Minneapolis is at odds with a property owner who is allowing people to stay on his land in an encampment. We heard how politicians are considering their own safety at the State Fair, following the shootings of two lawmakers. Under a budget bill that Congress passed this summer, it could soon be easier for families to send their kids to private schools. We'll learn about the shifting environment of school choice in Minnesota. St. Paul and Nagasaki were the first sister cities in the U.S. and Japan. The mayor of Nagasaki was recently in St. Paul to commemorate 70 years of this relationship, and he joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about his visit.We got a football season preview from our sports contributors.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Molly's Tune” by Steam Machine and our Song of the Day was “Dental Implant” by The Steve Kenny Quintet.

Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face — and here in Minnesota, it's among the highest in the nation.Infant care in the state averages nearly $1,900 a month — that's more than most families pay for a mortgage and is more than the cost of in-state tuition at some public colleges. And Minnesota isn't alone. In more than 40 states, parents say child care is the single biggest expense in their households. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders in early childhood education and child care policy to help us understand what's behind these rising costs and what families are doing to make it work. Guests:Angela Clair is the director of early childhood services for the Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul, an early childhood facility that provides care, education and family support to families across the Twin Cities. Clare Sanford serves as Government Relations Chair on the board of the Minnesota Child Care Association. She is also vice president of government & community relations for New Horizon Academy, a family-owned, Minnesota-based child care provider.    Here are some more resources that were mentioned during the show:Kids Count on Us CoalitionKids Count on Us Newsletter Sign Up

Will Gov. Tim Walz run for a third term? That's still up in the air. That story and more in today's evening news update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

We've all been there — you get the invitation for dinner at a friend's place. Maybe it's a backyard barbecue, a holiday gathering or a spur-of-the-moment picnic.Because you're a thoughtful guest, you ask, “What can I bring?” And then you freeze. You wonder what you can pull off that everyone will love and will disappear from the table first.So, what will you bring?MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a cookbook author who shares recipes designed to travel well, taste amazing and win you the title of ‘best guest ever.'Guest:Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer and cookbook author whose writing has appeared on Tasty, Epicurious, Food Network Kitchen, Delish, and Food52. His first solo cookbook is “What Can I Bring? Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life.” Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.