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Stories from July 20, 2026

More than 700 firefighters work to contain wildfires in and near the Boundary Waters

More than 700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Storms Monday brought rain to the fire zone, but also lightning and gusty winds.
by Emily Reese

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Minnesota getting a breather on air quality after unhealthy week

Minnesota getting a breather on air quality after unhealthy week

The entire state is expected to be in the moderate air quality category. However, that could change in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region if fires worsen, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said.
by MPR News Staff

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Loons return to action after World Cup break

Loons return to action after World Cup break

Minnesota Now sports contributors talk about the return of the Loons as the regular MLS season continues after the World Cup, plus much more.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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More firefighters, more worries as NE Minnesota wildfires burn

More firefighters, more worries as NE Minnesota wildfires burn

Added rain, more firefighters and a temporary reprieve from skies clogged with heavy smoke have helped crews better pinpoint and attack the fires. But officials continued to caution against complacency as they warned of a fire season that’s expected to slog on into the fall.
by MPR News Staff

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Minnesota wildfires could burn underground into winter

Minnesota wildfires could burn underground into winter

The wildfires scorching northeastern Minnesota now are especially challenging because they’re burning deeply into the ground. “Everything below your feet is on fire,” an expert tells MPR News.
by Cathy Wurzer and Lukas Levin

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Fewer Canadian shoppers leave border businesses struggling

Fewer Canadian shoppers leave border businesses struggling

Border businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota say fewer Canadian visitors are cutting into sales, forcing some to reduce hours, staff and spending.
by Harshawn Ratanpal

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The college enrollment cliff is here: Now what?

The college enrollment cliff is here: Now what?

Colleges are preparing for what's known as the enrollment cliff — a coming drop in student enrollment. MPR News guest host Kerri Miller and her guests talk about what's behind the decline and what it means for the future of higher education.
by Kerri Miller and Nikhil Kumaran

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Over a dozen wildfires are still burning in Superior National Forest and BWCA

Over a dozen wildfires are still burning in Superior National Forest and BWCA

More than a dozen wildfires are still burning in the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The BWCA remains closed until at least Friday.
by Dan Kraker

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1 killed, 4 wounded in Minneapolis shooting

Sunday night’s gunfire was the second mass shooting in Minneapolis in less than 24 hours. Police said they are not aware of any connection between the two.
by MPR News Staff

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Hot with storm chances Monday, then a cooler break

Hot with storm chances Monday, then a cooler break

It’ll be steamy Monday with early morning storms and more storms developing southeast later in the day. Behind that cool front, we’ll get a few days of nice weather before heat returns.
by Sven Sundgaard

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9 people injured, 2 with life-threatening conditions, after shooting at Minneapolis Nightclub

Nine people were hospitalized — two with life-threatening injuries — after a Sunday morning shooting outside a nightclub in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood. Meanwhile, jury selection begins in Rochester Monday in the trial of a woman accused of hurling racial slur at a young Black child on a Rochester playground.
by Phineas Pope

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In Grand Marais, summer tourism takes a plunge as BWCA fires burn

In Grand Marais, summer tourism takes a plunge as BWCA fires burn

Smoke and Boundary Waters closures are driving tourists away from Grand Marais during the height of summer, leaving local businesses scrambling during their busiest season.
by Catharine Richert

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Need for speed? Driving above the speed limit costs you — and doesn't actually save much time

Need for speed? Driving above the speed limit costs you — and doesn't actually save much time

Racing to work, to pick up your children from school, or go from one errand to the next not only wastes money and sends harmful emissions into the air, it barely saves you time, new research says.
by The Associated Press

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Trial begins Monday for woman who called Black child a racial slur in Rochester

Trial begins Monday for woman who called Black child a racial slur in Rochester

Jury selection begins Monday morning in the trial of a woman who hurled a racial slur at a young Black autistic child on a Rochester playground last year. Up for debate — whether her actions were unlawful disorderly conduct or protected free speech.
by Molly Castle Work

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Andy Burnham becomes U.K. prime minister

Andy Burnham becomes U.K. prime minister

In a transition of power presided over by King Charles, Andy Burnham has replaced Keir Starmer as the United Kingdom's prime minister. Both are from the center-left Labour Party.
by Lauren Frayer

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