Midwest and Chicago grapple with historic wildfire smoke and air quality alerts

Minnesota is experiencing its longest air quality alert on record due to heavy wildfire smoke from Canada, with the alert expected to last seven days. The wildfires in Canada, burning over 16 million acres, are impacting air quality across multiple U.S. states, leading to health advisories and restrictions on burning. Despite poor conditions, some people continue outdoor activities, risking health issues, especially for those with respiratory problems. The smoke is expected to gradually clear as weather patterns shift, but the situation remains serious.