As wildfires continue to burn across northeastern Minnesota, many people are worried about the smoke and air quality, as well as the danger to communities and the damage left behind.

But for many who love the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the north woods, there's another overwhelming feeling: grief. Grief over watching a place filled with memories, traditions and a sense of peace change before their eyes. And not knowing when, or how, it will recover.

Duluth-based nature writer Stephanie Pearson experienced that firsthand. She was forced to evacuate a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters because of the fires. She just published an essay about it in Outside Magazine. Pearson spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about her piece.

All hands have been on deck to contain more than a dozen wildfires across northeastern Minnesota. That includes young adults who are members of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, who usually spend their service term restoring habitat and managing natural resources in the region.

Brian Miller, field programs director with the Conservation Corps, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what the Conservation Corps crew is up to and how they’re managing this difficult time in northern Minnesota.

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.

Four months ago when a New York Times investigation alleged that César Chavez – an icon of the Latino civil rights movement – had sexually assaulted young girls, the Latino community began to contend with his legacy.

In St. Paul’s West Side, which is a vibrant Mexican neighborhood, that means renaming César Chavez Street.

Some of that work begins Thursday. The West Side Community Organization is hosting its first of three community input sessions to rename the street.

West Side Community Organization Executive Director Monica Bravo spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about the renaming process.

If you think an orchestra only plays Beethoven and Brahms, think again. The Minnesota Orchestra's festival called "Summer at Orchestra Hall" opens Thursday night with a lineup that stretches far beyond the classical canon — from Grammy winning bluegrass musician Chris Thile to jazz singer John Holiday to movie scores from Star Wars and E.T.

Grant Meachum is the orchestra's director of productions and engagement and joined MPR News host Nina Moini with details on the festival.

Many Minnesotans woke up to a smoky sky Thursday morning with much of the state blanketed under unhealthy levels of wildfire smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has categorized most of the state’s air quality as hazardous and unhealthy. To cope, some people are wearing N-95 masks or breaking out air filters to circulate fresh air.

But is that enough? Should we avoid going outside? And how much smoke is too much for the body? For more on the best ways to handle the smoke, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Dr. Dylan Wyatt, chair and medical director of the emergency department at Aspirus St. Luke’s in Duluth.

A new coalition has launched to bring together members of the African diaspora in Minnesota. The Pan-African Leadership Coalition will work to address challenges that affect Pan-African communities.

For more on the effort, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with the group’s president and chair, Habon Abdulle, who is also the founder of the nonprofit Ayada Leads.

Wildfire smoke is nearly inescapable across most of Minnesota today. Fires burning on the northern edge of the state and in Canada have filled the air with particles, not only down to the Twin Cities, but as far as Detroit and Toronto. Northern Minnesota has broken previous records for poor air quality by a long shot.

MPR News host Clay Masters joined Minnesota Now from Ely. The town is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which paddlers have been evacuating due to the fires. MPR News reporter Dan Kraker spoke to outfitters about the impact on the local outdoor industry. And Chief Meteorologist Ben Cathey shared the latest on fire and air quality conditions as well as possible rain in the forecast.

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have exploded in size. We'll get the latest update from our reporter Dan Kraker in Ely. We'll also hear from an outfitter that sends people on trips to the Boundary Waters and normally counts on big summer business.

The wildfires are bringing smoke and unhealthy air quality to much of the state. MPR's chief meteorologist, Ben Cathey, will share when and where smoky skies are spreading.

We'll learn about a different approach to criminal justice called mental health court.

A local chef is planning a special dinner to bring relief to Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes.

This weekend brings a big celebration for St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood: Rondo Days.

Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Tears in Voice” by Why Cry and our Song of the Day was “Don’t Leave” by Peter Wolf Crier.

Gov. Tim Walz is extending the peacetime emergency for wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 30 more days. The extension allows the state to continue assisting communities impacted by wildfires in northern Minnesota.

As many as 17 fires continue burning in the region. Paddlers have been evacuating, some in dramatic fashion from their campsites in the one million acre wilderness.

Covering it all is MPR's Dan Kraker. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it along with Ryan Kari, owner of Ely Outdoors Company, who talked about the strain of the fires on his business.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.