Minnesota Now with Nina Moini

Minnesota Now: July 16, 2026

Nina Moini from Minnesota Now
Nina Moini.
Chris McDuffie for MPR News

Wildfires burn on in parts of northeast Minnesota. The resulting smoke has reached much of the state, creating hazardous air quality for millions. We have the latest on the fires, plus the smoke forecast for the rest of Thursday and Friday.

Minnesota is home to thousands of immigrants from all over the continent of Africa. A new coalition is working to unite the African diaspora in the region.

Plus, residents of St. Paul's west side neighborhood are working on a new name for César Chavez Street after women alleged he sexually assaulted them. We learned about the renaming process.

And the Minnesota Orchestra is diving into a wide-ranging festival. We listened to some music with an organizer.

The Minnesota Music Minute was “Never Right” by Faith Boblett. And “This Just In” by Dilly Dally Alley was the Song of the Day.

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