Air quality alerts in Minnesota due to Canadian wildfire smoke
Parts of northeastern Minnesota are under air quality alerts due to raging wildfires in Manitoba, Canada.
Watch CBS News
Parts of northeastern Minnesota are under air quality alerts due to raging wildfires in Manitoba, Canada.
WCCO has been reporting for weeks about the impacts of the northeastern Minnesota wildfires on the ground and in the air, but new research shows it could also impact the state's waterways.
Three massive wildfires continue to rage north of Duluth in northeastern Minnesota. Crews are also battling colossal wildfires just north of Minnesota in Canada's Manitoba and Ontario provinces.
A round of smoke will roll through Minnesota on Friday after several wildfires developed in Canada.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has released its latest air quality forecast for the summer season.
Almost half of Minnesota is under air quality alerts on Monday due to hazardous wildfire smoke blowing south from Canada.
Canadian wildfire smoke is impacting air quality again across parts of Minnesota this week. This time, the Arrowhead is the bullseye, where an alert remains in place until Thursday morning.
When a wildfire rips through your community, your life and home are likely top of mind, but what about your brain health?
If you're in the western half of Minnesota on Wednesday, you could see some wildfire smoke, and it could end up spreading to the metro.
A hazy city skyline and quiet sidewalk strip tell part of the story up north in Canada, where dozens of wildfires rage.
The Twin Cities metro and southern parts of the state are still under an air quality alert until 11 p.m. Monday due to raging Canadian wildfires.
More than 80 active wildfires burning across Canada are sending wildfire smoke back to Minnesota and Wisconsin Sunday. The smoke has prompted an air quality alert for all of Minnesota — the first of 2024.
Many Minnesotans woke up to a smoky scene on Monday morning.
The town's mayor warned residents who haven't evacuated may "find that the resources that they need are gone" if they fail to leave before the Parker Lake Wildfire arrives.
The blaze in northeastern British Columbia started Friday and almost doubled in size by the following day, reaching about 4,200 acres.
Last year, 22 air quality alerts were issued for Minnesota — 13 of them were orange, which means bad for people with pre-existing conditions. Nine were red — bad for everyone. Those 22 alerts spanned 52 days.
Canadian wildfires in 2023 caused multiple days of smoke and poor air quality in Minnesota.
It's the middle of the winter, but there are still 149 wildfires burning across Canada, including 2 deemed out of control.
New research suggests the record amount of smoke is either reversing or stalling several gains made across the country when it comes to reducing air pollution.
There might be snow outside right now, but it was just a few months ago when the air was filled with smoke. Now, there's new information about how that smoke continues to threaten our clean Minnesota air.
Smoke from wildfires is not the only reason for poor air quality this year. It turns out, those wildfires created another kind of pollution: Ozone.
Canadian authorities are warning while we could be dealing with this smoke, they could be dealing with more states of emergency until October.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an orange-level air quality alert for northern and central Minnesota this week due to more Canadian wildfire smoke.
The devastating fires in Canada have been creating hazy skies in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We've had several air quality alerts issued this summer. Our skylines, thick with pollution, have been slow to clear.
There are new discoveries about the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke that's polluting our skies and threatening our health. Investigative reporter Jonah Kaplan and photojournalist Mike Durenberger traveled to Canada for a closer look at this North American crisis.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
As an author and law professor, Stephen Young knows a lot about U.S. history because for him, it's family history.
In a matter of minutes, a storage shed at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, went up in flames early Tuesday.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
Minnesota's DFL governor is pledging to stand by transgender kids following a setback for trans rights at the Supreme Court. The justices today ruled that states "may determine eligibility for women's and girls' sports based on biological sex." State Republicans applauded the decision, calling it a "win for fairness and safety." WCCO's Esme Murphy is here with what won't change in Minnesota for now.
President Trump earned more than a billion dollars from crypto-related ventures alone last year, according to a financial disclosure, including from his meme coin business and his family's cryptocurrency firm.
Whether it's celebrating or saluting, July 4 is one of America's biggest days. This Independence Day marks 250 years since 40 East Coasters decided to sever their colonies from English control. As an author and law professor, this Vietnam veteran and St. Paul resident knows a lot about U.S. history because for him, it's family history.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down President Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Summer workouts are underway for the Gophers men's basketball team, and Isaac Asuma is back for his third year with the program. To some, it's a bit of a surprise.
After the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled states can restrict transgender athletes' participation in school sports, some Minnesota officials are voicing their support for trans youth.
Royce Lewis and Victor Caratini hit back-to-back homers, Zebby Matthews pitched seven stingy innings and the Minnesota Twins held off a late rally by the Houston Astros for a 5-4 victory.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will see a round of rain/storms early tomorrow around commute time.
There's no doubt your AC unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota. Xcel Energy even held an Energy Action Day this evening asking customers to unplug electronics due to high demand. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explores our need to stay cool indoors.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will see a round of rain/storms early tomorrow around commute time.
There's no doubt your AC unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota. Xcel Energy even held an Energy Action Day this evening asking customers to unplug electronics due to high demand. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explores our need to stay cool indoors.
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. Five of the justices ruled the order violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship regardless of the parents' immigration status. The president is now pushing for lawmakers to change the policy instead. Ashley Grams talked with a Minnesotan who says the policy changed her life.
When it's hot enough to buckle concrete, it also puts our bodies under pressure. For those who don't have a place to escape the heat, it can be dangerous, or even deadly. Conor Wight gives us a first-hand look at the people offering help during the heatwave.
The Gopher basketball team is back on court. Gearing up for year two under Niko Medved. Ren Clayton has more on a key returning piece.