Sun Aug 03 10:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article.

**Summary:**

Canadian wildfire smoke has blanketed parts of the Midwest, including Chicago, causing poor air quality. Air quality alerts are in effect for several states (Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Indiana and Illinois), and officials warn the smoke may persist into Sunday. Minneapolis has experienced some of the worst air pollution in the world due to the smoke. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached unhealthy levels, particularly in Minnesota. The smoke can spread as far south as Tennessee and Missouri. Vulnerable populations are advised to take precautions. While some improvement has been observed, unhealthy conditions could persist.
Health officials advise people with asthma and other lung disease, heart disease, children and older adults to avoid prolonged exposure to smoke and limit strenuous activities.

**News Article:**

**Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.**

**Canadian Wildfire Smoke Chokes Midwest, Triggering Air Quality Alerts**

CHICAGO (AP) — A thick haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to blanket much of the Midwest, prompting air quality alerts across multiple states, and poor air quality in Chicago, experts said. The smoke, which has been lingering for several days, is expected to persist into Sunday, raising concerns about respiratory health.

Air quality alerts are currently in effect for Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, eastern Nebraska, and parts of Indiana and Illinois.

Minneapolis has been particularly hard hit, with the city experiencing some of the worst air pollution levels globally. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached “unhealthy” levels in many areas, especially throughout Minnesota. The AQI, a system used to communicate air pollution levels, ranges from “good” to “hazardous.”

Meteorologists say the prolonged period of smoke particulates near the surface is creating the sustained poor air quality. People are reporting being able to taste and smell the smoke outdoors.

While some improvement in air quality was noted across the Twin Cities and southwestern Minnesota, health officials warn that conditions may remain unhealthy for sensitive groups through Monday. There are fears the smoke could spread as far south as Tennessee and Missouri.

Health officials are urging individuals with lung or heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women to take precautions, including limiting outdoor activities and keeping windows and doors closed. Avoiding burning activities that could worsen air pollution is also advised.

“This is something that’s become part of our summer here the last few years,” said Joe Strus, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Strus added people are looking forward to seeing winds disperse the smoke out of the region in the next few days.

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