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Stories from July 31, 2025

St. Paul police say Suni Lee statue was stolen

St. Paul police say Suni Lee statue was stolen

The St. Paul Police Department said the bronze statue, along with the rock with her nameplate, were taken from Phalen Regional Park.
by MPR News Staff

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Carlos Correa is reuniting with the Astros after a trade from the Twins

Carlos Correa is reuniting with the Astros after a trade from the Twins

Carlos Correa is returning to Houston, giving the Astros a huge boost after they reacquired the shortstop from the Minnesota Twins just before Thursday’s trade deadline. Nine other players from the team were also traded.
by The Associated Press

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Plane diverted to MSP; Long-term effects of wildfire smoke

Twenty-five people were taken to Twin Cities hospitals yesterday evening after a Delta flight hit severe turbulence before making an emergency landing at MSP. Most of Minnesota continues to see unhealthy air quality today, as smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers. Dr. Andrew Stiehm is a pulmonologist with Allina Healt and describes the short-term and long-term side effects of the smoke.
by Emily Bright

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As some governments pull away from climate issues, others are working on solutions

As some governments pull away from climate issues, others are working on solutions

MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talked with author Alan Weisman about the innovative ways people across the globe are creating practical solutions to combat climate change.
by Paul Huttner and Matthew Alvarez

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Minnesota native, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum to compete on ‘Project Runway’

Minnesota native, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum to compete on ‘Project Runway’

Ethan Mundt grew up the small town of Utica, about 26 miles east of Rochester. He competed on season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as Utica Queen. And now he’ll be one of 12 contestants competing on season 21 of “Project Runway.”
by Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Albert Lea City Council blocks first cannabis retailer

Albert Lea City Council blocks first cannabis retailer

In a narrow vote, the Albert Lea City Council blocked the town’s first cannabis dispensary from opening. The move could incite legal action.
by Catharine Richert

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State student loan advocate seeing surge of borrowers seeking help

State student loan advocate seeing surge of borrowers seeking help

On Aug. 1, thousands of Minnesotans who are on the SAVE plan will see their balances go up, as interest gets reapplied. That’s just one of the numerous changes coming to federal student loan programs. Minnesota has a state student loan advocate who helps borrowers navigate the many changes on the horizon.
by Chris Farrell and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Morning Announcements for July 30 and July 31

Morning Announcements for July 30 and July 31

These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
by MPR News Staff

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There’s magic at work in this new batch of books

There’s magic at work in this new batch of books

We don’t just mean literary sorcery by which words summon worlds for readers, but also literal, honest-to-goodness magic: angels, conjurers, otherworldly attractions and dances of mysterious power.
by Colin Dwyer

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Minnesota Orchestra honors $15 million in support with auditorium renaming

Minnesota Orchestra honors $15 million in support with auditorium renaming

The Minnesota Orchestra is renaming its auditorium to the Lindahl Auditorium this fall in honor of longtime supporters Nancy and John Lindahl, who have pledged $15 million to the organization.
by Jacob Aloi

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Trapped under high pressure: Air quality alert through Saturday

Trapped under high pressure: Air quality alert through Saturday

Under the influence of high pressure, we’ll enjoy cooler air and abundant sunshine to end the work week. Highs will reach the mid to upper 70s with comfortable dew points in the 40s and 50s. Despite the pleasant weather, an air quality alert remains in effect through Saturday.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Trump announces 90-day extension of prior trade deal with Mexico

Trump announces 90-day extension of prior trade deal with Mexico

President Trump, who has insisted Aug. 1 is a firm deadline for countries around the world, said that "the complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different from other Nations."
by Danielle Kurtzleben

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Ranchers say expanding herds to take advantage of record retail beef prices isn’t so simple

Ranchers say expanding herds to take advantage of record retail beef prices isn’t so simple

South Dakota rancher Calli Williams wants to benefit from high beef prices, but it's not so simple. She and her husband have faced challenges like drought, limited grass for grazing, and rising land costs.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota craft beer brewers feeling federal pressures

Minnesota craft beer brewers feeling federal pressures

Bob Galligan, director of government and industry relations with the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to share a better sense of what’s affecting these small businesses.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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Minneapolis cites progress addressing homelessness in new report

Minneapolis cites progress addressing homelessness in new report

The city reports fewer encampment closures, more shelter placements and fewer 911 calls. At least one community organizer is questioning how Minneapolis measures success. 
by Feven Gerezgiher

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High pressure brings lots of sun, cooler air and smoke

High pressure brings lots of sun, cooler air and smoke

Surface high pressure out of Canada has brought cooler, dry and sunny air but also smoke and poor air quality. We’ll see dry weather until early next week when isolated thunder chances return. 
by Sven Sundgaard

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Minnesota Historical Society lays off 7 percent of its workforce

A man charged with entering the Minnesota state Capitol after-hours will remain in jail. The Minnesota Historical Society is laying off seven percent of its workforce. The historical society says 36 employees are losing their jobs.
by Phil Picardi

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Collier scores 30, McBride 24 as Lynx beat Liberty 100-93 in Finals rematch

Collier scores 30, McBride 24 as Lynx beat Liberty 100-93 in Finals rematch

Napheesa Collier had 30 points and nine rebounds, Kayla McBride added 24 points, Courtney Williams had a career-high 13 assists, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the short-handed New York Liberty 100-93 in a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals.
by The Associated Press

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‘Dumpling Passport’ takes you on a delightful culinary journey through St. Paul

‘Dumpling Passport’ takes you on a delightful culinary journey through St. Paul

Imagine a world where eating enough dumplings wins you a pair of socks. That’s a reality in St. Paul, where the city’s tourism bureau, has a “Dumpling Passport” — rewarding check-ins at 34 restaurants across the city.
by Emily Reese and Gretchen Brown

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New U med school in St. Cloud hopes to train doctors who will live, practice in rural areas

New U med school in St. Cloud hopes to train doctors who will live, practice in rural areas

The regional campus is a unique partnership between the university and CentraCare, the region’s largest health care provider, which is facing an urgent need for more doctors in rural Minnesota.
by Kirsti Marohn

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7 new Minnesota laws that take effect Aug. 1

7 new Minnesota laws that take effect Aug. 1

Lawmakers toughened DWI laws aimed at repeat offenders, extended housing protections to service dog trainers and clarified property sale rules for joint tenants. They also increased the speed limit for vehicles hauling uncovered trash or debris.
by Peter Cox

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Minnesota recycling made simple: What to know before you throw

Minnesota recycling made simple: What to know before you throw

For some residents, recycling is tedious, for others, it’s just a matter of not knowing how to properly navigate the process. 
by Jaylan Sims

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