Tuesday, Aug. 12, brought some relief of Canadian wildfire smoke across much of Minnesota, but a new band is expected to move in across the northern region.
Northwest winds will bring another narrow band of ground-level smoke from wildfires in Canada into Northern Minnesota, prompting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to extend its air quality alert through 11 p.m. Wednesday. Smoke will reach as far south as Detroit Lakes, Brainerd and Hinckley by the end of the day on Tuesday.
High pressure will move into the region on Wednesday and winds will become light. Ground-level smoke will stall and continue to impact the northern one-third of the state on Wednesday, the MPCA stated. The smoke should begin to disperse and air quality should improve by Wednesday evening.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across Northern Minnesota. In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.
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Plus: Bemidji is closer to being the next home of a YMCA after a ceremonial groundbreaking; and local governments receive assistance to replace emerald ash borer-damaged trees.
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Neighbors converge for fair fun: showing or judging livestock, enjoying classic or new foods on offer, admiring prize-winning artwork or baked goods or simply gathering in community.
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The driver of the semitruck is in custody as of Aug. 21, 2026, and is facing two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
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Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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Plus: Changes to 'roadless rule' could open areas of Superior National Forest to logging; and researchers consider climate change's impacts on pathogen spread.
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Public health experts said states can better prepare for future illness outbreaks by keeping a sharp eye on climate change.
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Stauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
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Events this week include a program on salamanders at the Sax-Zim Bog, a serenity stroll at Lake Bemidji State Park and a party at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids.
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The state reported the Glacier Ice House employee was one of several laid off during their disability leave. But while others were allowed to move to open positions, this employee was not.
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The Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application.