<div>>>Wildfire Acreage Tops 65,000 Acres in Northern Minnesota(Ely, MN) — Wildfires burning across northern Minnesota have now scorched more than 65,000 acres, with 848 firefighters assigned to the incident. Crews are making progress in remote areas, allowing some equipment to be shifted to more active fires. The Little Knife Fire is now 90 percent contained, while containment has also improved on the Camp, Bear Trap, and Thumb fires. Officials say evacuation zones continue to change, and portions of the Superior National Forest have reopened with reduced fire restrictions. Dry weather expected through next week could increase fire activity.>>Severe Drought Raising Wildfire Risk in Northeastern Minnesota(Duluth, MN) — Severe drought is increasing wildfire concerns across northeastern Minnesota. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought conditions continue to expand statewide, with severe drought affecting parts of the Arrowhead and north-central Minnesota. State officials say below-normal rainfall and persistent heat have dried vegetation and lowered water levels, prompting drought warnings in several watersheds and water conservation measures around Duluth. Federal forecasters say northern Minnesota is the only part of the country expected to face elevated significant wildfire potential into November.>>Duluth Schools Seek Voter Approval for Two-Part Referendum(Duluth, MN) — Duluth Public Schools is asking voters to approve a two-question operating referendum this November. The school board unanimously voted Thursday to place both questions on the November 3rd ballot. District leaders say they face a budget shortfall that could require $15 million to $20 million in cuts over the next three years, in addition to $12 million already reduced since 2023. The first question would help address the immediate funding gap, while the second would provide additional operating revenue if the first measure passes. If both are approved, the owner of a $300,000 home would pay about $15 more per month in property taxes. Even if the referendum passes, the district says it still expects about $5 million in budget cuts this school year.>>Heliene Lays Off 93 Workers at Mountain Iron Plant(Mountain Iron, MN) — Solar panel manufacturer Heliene is laying off 93 employees at its Mountain Iron facility. A WARN notice filed with the state says the layoffs were triggered by “unforeseen business circumstances.” The workers were notified Wednesday, but will continue receiving pay through October 4, when their employment officially ends. The cuts come nearly three years after Heliene announced a $10 million expansion to increase production at the Mountain Iron plant.>>Immigrant Rights Group to Hold Sanctuary State Rally Ahead of Primary(Minneapolis, MN) — An immigrant rights organization is holding a rally Monday ahead of Minnesota’s primary election, urging gubernatorial candidates to clarify their positions on immigration enforcement. The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, or MIRAC, will hold its “Know Before You Vote: Demand a Sanctuary State” rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s downtown Minneapolis office at 5:30 p.m. Organizers are calling for policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE and expand protections for immigrants. According to MIRAC, some candidates have responded to its questionnaire, while others have not.>>Regions Hospital ER Earns National Recognition(St. Paul, MN) – The Regions Hospital Emergency Department has earned a prestigious national honor. The department received the 2026 Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association. The award honors ER’s that demonstrate excellence and innovation in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research. Regions is one of 126 emergency departments nationwide to receive this award this year.</div>

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>Wildfire Acreage Tops 65,000 Acres in Northern Minnesota. (Ely, MN) — Wildfires burning across northern Minnesota have now scorched more than 65,000 acres, with 848 firefighters assigned to the incident. Crews are making progress in remote areas, allowing some equipment to be shifted to more active fires. The Little Knife Fire is now 90 percent contained, while containment has also improved on the Camp, Bear Trap, and Thumb fires. Officials say evacuation zones continue to change, and portions of the Superior National Forest have reopened with reduced fire restrictions. Dry weather expected through next week could increase fire activity.

Afternoon Headlines – August 7th, 2026

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>Wildfire Acreage Tops 65,000 Acres in Northern Minnesota. (Ely, MN) — Wildfires burning across northern Minnesota have now scorched more than 65,000 acres

Afternoon Headlines – August 7th, 2026

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