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Stories from July 18, 2026

Southeastern Minnesota air quality alert issued; stormy forecast ahead

Southeastern Minnesota air quality alert issued; stormy forecast ahead

Temperatures will warm back into the upper 80s and low 90s Sunday while wildfire smoke lingers across eastern and northeastern Minnesota. By late Sunday night, attention shifts to our next round of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Air quality concerns continue for the Arrowhead, storm chances ahead

Air quality concerns continue for the Arrowhead, storm chances ahead

Wildfire smoke and air quality alerts remain our focus through the weekend, with some smoke intrusion possible Saturday night. Our next best chance of showers and thunderstorms comes Sunday night into Monday.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Towboats, which are often controversial in the BWCA, praised for their role in fire rescues

Towboats, which are often controversial in the BWCA, praised for their role in fire rescues

Resort owners and outfitters in Ely played a critical role this week in helping evacuate canoeists from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as they used their motorized towboats to get people and their gear out. But there's long been a controversy over the use of noisy towboats in the quiet and pristine wilderness.
by Dan Kraker and David Schaper

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Heat can damage instruments. Here’s how to protect yours

Heat can damage instruments. Here’s how to protect yours

With high temperatures this week, we asked a violinist and an instrument craftsman for tips to maintain instruments during hot weather.
by Jacob Aloi

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