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: Demolition work is underway to make room for new construction in Bemidji's blighted rail corridor; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can once again bid on government contracts; and Essentia Health St. Joseph's will host its annual Tree of Life memorial service on Dec. 16. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECounties, cities and school districts host these meetings at the end of each year, after proposed property tax statements are sent out with tax estimates based on the proposed levies. -
Contributed/Lake of the Woods County Sheriff's OfficeThe man reported being surrounded by 400 feet of open water while standing on thin ice with a portable fish house. -
Officials with the state's Environmental Quality Board heard more on how data center development could impact the state's water resources. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyRyan Moller allegedly shot his father in the head in Fayal Township after an argument. He was charged with attempted murder and assault Dec. 5, 2025. -
Contributed/Any Lane via PexelsIt's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others? -
Plus: A Bemidji forum explores the affordability of child care, health care and more for families, along with potential legislative fixes.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEChild care providers, local officials and families discussed the high costs of child care and the low wages of child care workers during the Bemidji Affordability Forum on Dec. 3, 2025. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety. -
Contributed/Kate Batten via WTIPFinancial records showed Bryce James Campbell’s companies near-due and past-due business debts amounted to more than $14 million when the fire destroyed the beloved North Shore resort.
