Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Canadian and Minnesota wildfires are pushing hazardous air into the Twin Cities and much of Minnesota, with an MPCA alert running through Friday morning and heat making it worse; CBS Minnesota reports an extreme heat warning plus dangerous air for Thursday, with only slight improvement expected Friday. Regional Health Alerts: The smoke is also triggering Code Red air quality actions beyond Minnesota, including Pennsylvania’s statewide Code Red PM2.5 alert and Wisconsin’s advisory in places like Sheboygan. Local Housing Help: Minnesota Housing will distribute $40 million to help about 11,000 households avoid homelessness or stay housed through the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. State Policy: DHS is extending a pause on enrolling new Medicaid providers in 12 high-risk service areas for at least six more months. Invasive Species: Zebra mussels were confirmed in two more Crow Wing County lakes, prompting new reminders for boaters to clean, drain, and dry equipment. Roads & Transit: MnDOT begins stage 1C detours for Highway 197 in Bemidji starting July 17, and it opened a public comment period for the Greater Minnesota Transit Plan. Sports: The Minnesota Lynx beat the Los Angeles Sparks 96-87, while the St. Cloud Rox fell 2-0 to the Mankato MoonDogs.