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Annunciation school shooting

On Aug. 27, 2025 gunshots broke out in Minneapolis during morning mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. Two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, died in the mass shooting. Twenty-eight other people were injured.

‘When you pray, move your feet': Annunciation community dances for healing

‘When you pray, move your feet': Annunciation community dances for healing

Tom Forchas’ 13-year-old daughter Sophia spent nearly two months in the hospital this year after being shot in the head during the August mass shooting. Now, Tom is giving back to the community that stepped in to help by taking his own steps as part of the annual “Dancing with Annunciation Stars” fundraiser.
by Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Merkel family, Annunciation community honor first birthday without Fletcher

Merkel family, Annunciation community honor first birthday without Fletcher

For the first time, third grader Fletcher Merkel’s parents celebrated his birthday without him, after he was killed during the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School.
by Feven Gerezgiher and Kerem Yücel

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Meet an Annunciation family helping move the community toward healing after tragedy

Meet an Annunciation family helping move the community toward healing after tragedy

Kristen Neville and Michael Burt’s blended family of seven have long been part of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School community. Now, the parents are stepping up in new ways to help their community heal.
by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Annunciation parents brace for hard conversations at Thanksgiving

Annunciation parents brace for hard conversations at Thanksgiving

A coalition of parents whose kids were present during the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting held trainings this month on how to approach difficult conversations about gun violence ahead of the holidays. 
by Feven Gerezgiher

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Cities should be able to make gun laws, says lawmaker who helped change Colorado law

Cities should be able to make gun laws, says lawmaker who helped change Colorado law

Under state law, Minnesota cities can’t regulate guns. St. Paul city leaders are introducing an assault weapon ban anyway. In Colorado, cities can now make gun laws after a statewide preemption law was overturned.
by Cathy Wurzer, Lukas Levin and Matt Sepic

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At Annunciation Church, lessons in grief, resiliency and the spiritual lives of children

At Annunciation Church, lessons in grief, resiliency and the spiritual lives of children

After the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School that killed two children in August, the church’s new pastor found himself navigating the grief of his congregation and the spiritual questions of children around life, death and God.
by Kyra Miles

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‘This is now our mission forever’: Father of Annunciation survivor pushes for change

‘This is now our mission forever’: Father of Annunciation survivor pushes for change

Ivan Ayala has three kids who attend Annunciation Catholic School. His 7-year-old son was injured during the mass shooting two months ago. Ayala, along with other parents, is now dedicated to making sure it never happens again.
by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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