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Stories from July 17, 2026

In Ely, submerged canoes are symbol of hope

In Ely, submerged canoes are symbol of hope

Photos are circulating Friday afternoon of canoes submerged in lake waters near Ely. The photos were taken by Owen Schlehuber, a staffer at the YMCA camp Widjiwagan.
by Clay Masters and Gretchen Brown

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Minnesota wildfires continue, creating record high air quality readings

The wildfires burning in the northern regions of the state are incredibly destructive, but experts say they're a natural and important part of Minnesota's ecosystem. They say the focus shouldn't be on eliminating wildfires but instead on preventing them from turning catastrophic. And air quality readings are breaking state record after state record, due to the wildfire smoke.
by Elena See

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Weekend forecast: Less humid, storm chances and smoke

Weekend forecast: Less humid, storm chances and smoke

Cooler air moves in this weekend as isolated storms, possible wildfire smoke and improving conditions shape Minnesota's forecast.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez quits Democratic governor's race over campaign finance problems

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez quits Democratic governor's race over campaign finance problems

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez has abandoned her Democratic primary campaign for governor, citing financial concerns. Rodriguez said Friday the campaign financial issues would be a distraction were she to continue running in the Midwestern battleground state.
by The Associated Press

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Wildfire smoke spreads: Air quality alert issued through Monday for most of Minnesota

Wildfire smoke spreads: Air quality alert issued through Monday for most of Minnesota

Friday morning, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert from 10 a.m. on Friday until 11 a.m. on Monday for east-central, west-central, north-central, northwest, central and northeast Minnesota.
by Molly Castle Work

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As wildfires burn, an Ely theater opens its doors to community

As wildfires burn, an Ely theater opens its doors to community

The Northern Lakes Arts Association continues with its Broadway in the Boundary Waters production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” July 17-26, with lowered ticket prices, to provide an escape for community.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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‘Still very extreme’: Officials see little reprieve as wildfires burn across NE Minnesota

‘Still very extreme’: Officials see little reprieve as wildfires burn across NE Minnesota

Authorities on Friday estimated the summer fires have burned some 77,000 acres so far. As in prior briefings, they made it clear they expect to be fighting wildfires through the fall and that the work may not end until it snows.
by MPR News Staff

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Talking Volumes 27th season announced for fall 2026

Talking Volumes 27th season announced for fall 2026

Talking Volumes, a collaboration between MPR News and the Minnesota Star Tribune, returns for a landmark 27th season at a new location, the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.
by MPR News Staff

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Big Books and Bold Ideas hits the road. First stop: 'The Road to Tender Hearts'

Big Books and Bold Ideas hits the road. First stop: 'The Road to Tender Hearts'

Big Books and Bold Ideas is embarking on a three-week virtual road trip, talking with authors who’ve written about this scenic, sometimes quirky and often eye-opening way to see America.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Morning Announcements for July 17

Morning Announcements for July 17

These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, July 17. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
by MPR News Staff

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Air quality conditions remain poor in northern Minnesota

Air quality conditions remain poor in northern Minnesota

Air quality indexes in northern and central Minnesota are forecast to be in the unhealthy or very unhealthy range, with heat exacerbating the impacts.
by Annie Baxter

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How weather and climate shape wildfire risk

How weather and climate shape wildfire risk

MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with MPR News meteorologists about the weather conditions that make wildfires more likely to ignite and spread and how a changing climate is influencing fire seasons in Minnesota.
by Kelly Gordon and Cari Dwyer

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Air quality index due to wildfire smoke hits hazardous levels

Wildfire smoke contains microscopic fine particles known as PM 2.5. These tiny droplets are small enough to wiggle into lungs and enter the bloodstream. Meanwhile, permits for entry into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are canceled through Sunday as fires in the area continue to grow.
by Phineas Pope

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Smoke retreats some for now, heat continues Friday

Smoke retreats some for now, heat continues Friday

The smoke continues to retreat some Friday. It will be another hot day before temperatures very subtly drop into early next week. Only spotty rain chances ahead.
by Sven Sundgaard

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‘We gotta go’: Brothers tell of harrowing wilderness escape as wildfires closed in

‘We gotta go’: Brothers tell of harrowing wilderness escape as wildfires closed in

Tom and John Connelly put in on Saturday for what was supposed to be a 10-day fishing trip through Quetico Provincial Park, across the Canadian border from the Boundary Waters. Then came the fires and a heart-pounding struggle to make it out.
by Dan Kraker

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Reaching a record level, Duluth's hazardous air quality forces many tourists indoors

Reaching a record level, Duluth's hazardous air quality forces many tourists indoors

Smoke from the wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and in Canada is creating the worst air quality on record in many cities across Minnesota and the entire Great Lakes region. One of the worst spots has been Duluth, which is in the height of the city's busy tourist season.
by Dana Ferguson

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Boundary Waters closed? These alternatives can deliver a wilderness fix

Boundary Waters closed? These alternatives can deliver a wilderness fix

There’s no perfect substitute to the BWCA. But paddlers and campers can still find peaceful water, star-filled skies and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Here’s where to look.
by Kirsti Marohn

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MN Shortlist July 17-24: An arcade tourney, a Guthrie romance, art of the border and a new art space

MN Shortlist July 17-24: An arcade tourney, a Guthrie romance, art of the border and a new art space

An arcade tournament, exhibitions openings in the Twin Cities and Grand Marais, a new gallery in downtown Minneapolis, a musical play in Alexandria and a feisty romance at the Guthrie.
by Jacob Aloi and Alex V. Cipolle

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In heated Minnesota Senate primary, barrage of political ads is omen of more to come this fall

In heated Minnesota Senate primary, barrage of political ads is omen of more to come this fall

In a closely contested battle for DFLers in the U.S. Senate primary, candidates and their backers are spending big on advertising. They’re bringing their case to every available screen they can find.
by Peter Cox

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