Air quality across the Midwest remains critically low as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to blanket major cities. Minneapolis reported the second worst air quality in the world, while Chicago experienced the worst conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing Lollapalooza music festival. Alerts have been issued for all of Minnesota, as well as for Illinois, Wisconsin, and parts of Kansas and New York, urging residents to limit outdoor activities. Experts are advising safety precautions for those affected, particularly vulnerable populations. As smoke spreads, regions like the Carolinas are also facing flood threats, complicating the health risks from deteriorating air quality.