Thursday is the second day of the federal government shutdown. We learn how Minnesotans could be impacted.

There are now 18 measles cases confirmed in Minnesota. We talk to an infectious disease expert with the state health department about efforts to stop the dangerous disease.

We learn about the Lower Sioux Indian Community's work building homes out of hemp.

Since the U.S. started a trade war with China, making magnets in the U.S. has been difficult. A new plant in Minnesota could change that.

We hear how a woman was comforted after a huge loss in our “Thank You, Stranger” series.

Plus, we go to MPR’s archives for a conversation with the late Jane Goodall.

And it's the 75th anniversary of Charles Shulz's “Peanuts” comics! We look back at the St. Paul cartoon that changed the world.

Minnesota Now’s series called “Thank You, Stranger” explores the small acts of kindness that make a big impact.

Minnesota Now producer Ellen Finn spoke to Becky Miest in Northfield. A stranger helped pick her back up after an emotional journey with her cat.

In our series Thank You, Stranger, we hear the stories of how strangers can make our lives a little brighter or lift us up in a difficult moment. If you have a story to share about a stranger who made your life a little brighter, we want to hear it.

Contact us at minnesotanow@mpr.org or ‪(612) 361-1252‬.

The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed 10 new cases of measles since Monday, bringing the total to 18 cases in the state.

Meanwhile, national health officials reported there is a total of more than 1,500 cases across the country. That’s the highest number since the disease was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

Jessica Hancock-Allen, the director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division at the Minnesota Department of Health, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain the situation.