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Stories from July 30, 2026

The voting process: Answers to your voting and election questions in Minnesota

The voting process: Answers to your voting and election questions in Minnesota

Midterm Election Day is approaching quickly. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the upcoming election. Learn more about when and where to vote, how to register, voting early and absentee ballot details in Minnesota.
by MPR News Staff

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Rain on target despite drought rising

Rain on target despite drought rising

Thunderstorms and heavy rain roll in later Thursday, wrapping up for most by noon Friday.
by Ben Cathey

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'It's Wyoming's toad': Inside a multi-state effort to save a humble species from extinction

'It's Wyoming's toad': Inside a multi-state effort to save a humble species from extinction

A rare species of toad native to the high plains of Wyoming went basically extinct more than 30 years ago. Como Park Zoo is part of a group of zoos across the Midwest that are raising tadpoles and toads to help keep the species on the planet.
by Alanna Elder

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Minnesota choir set to head to South Korea for choral cultural exchange

Minnesota choir set to head to South Korea for choral cultural exchange

On Friday, the music of Korea will be showcased in a special performance by the Oratorio Society of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota School of Music. Then in August, members of the choir will travel to South Korea for a cultural exchange.
by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Months after surge, some families struggling to pay for DACA, work permit fees

Months after surge, some families struggling to pay for DACA, work permit fees

Many families during the federal surge of immigration agents were unable to work as they went into hiding. Now, they’re having trouble paying the fees to renew their DACA protections and work permits due to the lost income.
by Nina Moini and Ellen Finn

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Slate of new laws aimed at addressing domestic violence in Minnesota take effect Aug. 1

Slate of new laws aimed at addressing domestic violence in Minnesota take effect Aug. 1

State lawmakers passed various measures this legislative session to address domestic violence, including new laws around warrants, guns, and survivor support. We heard more about the changes from a domestic violence prevention expert.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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After court reversal, Albert Lea reconsiders cannabis dispensary it had denied

After court reversal, Albert Lea reconsiders cannabis dispensary it had denied

Jacob Schlichter, owner of The Smoking Tree in Albert Lea, is hoping to open after an appeals court ruled the city improperly denied his registration. Now, the city is reconsidering his business application.
by Nicole Ki

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Forest Service to open more of the Boundary Waters to canoeing as wildfire concerns ease

Forest Service to open more of the Boundary Waters to canoeing as wildfire concerns ease

Several popular lakes in the Boundary Waters will reopen to day use beginning July 31, including Moose Lake and the Number Chain of lakes near Ely, and Saganaga and Seagull Lakes at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
by Dan Kraker

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Morning Announcements for July 30

Morning Announcements for July 30

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

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Flash drought in Minnesota thanks to recent hot, dry weather

Flash drought in Minnesota thanks to recent hot, dry weather

Due to two rounds of hot, dry weather this month, flash drought has taken hold in the state. Areas of drought have doubled in the last two weeks.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Fraud and funding delays are threatening Medicaid in Minnesota

Fraud and funding delays are threatening Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota's Medicaid program is facing funding freezes as the state steps up efforts to fight fraud. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about fraud and threats to programs with the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Parts of the BWCA reopen to overnight camping

State legislators from across the country are vowing to introduce legislation that makes it possible for residents to directly sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights. Meanwhile, parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is reopening to overnight camping.
by Phineas Pope

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Much needed rain and thunder could be on the way

Much needed rain and thunder could be on the way

Thursday will be another very warm and muggy day, but some rain and thunder is on the way for many of us — and we could really use it. Slightly cooler, more seasonable temperatures follow.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Back into the BWCA: Canoeing campers return to the wilderness after wildfire closure

Back into the BWCA: Canoeing campers return to the wilderness after wildfire closure

The Forest Service Thursday reopens about 40 percent of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to overnight campers. But some outfitters say more access should be allowed as the wildfire risk wanes.
by Dan Kraker

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The American Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas declares blood crisis due to shortage

The American Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas declares blood crisis due to shortage

Factors contributing to this crisis include extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses, all of which the Red Cross said have contributed to lower donor turnout this season. The Red Cross is requesting donations of all blood types, but there is an urgent need for O negative and O positive blood.
by Erica Zurek

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Minnesota, other states, will push for ICE protections 

Minnesota, other states, will push for ICE protections 

Lawmakers from Minnesota and other states met in Chicago Wednesday to discuss plans to introduce laws designed to hold ICE officers accountable for violating people’s rights.
by Jon Collins

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