NPR News: 07-17-2026 8AM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Windsor Johnston· Host0:13

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Wildfire smoke from Canada is seeping into large parts of the United States, pushing air quality to unhealthy levels from the Dakotas to the Midwest and East Coast. NPR's Kristin Wright reports pollution has reached dangerous levels in some areas, with the Washington Monument sitting behind a haze of smoke.

Kristin Wright0:37

The air quality is expected to get worse throughout the day in D.C., where you can smell the smoke at times. Officials issued a Code Red alert and categorized the air quality as very unhealthy. Detroit, Chicago, and New York are experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world, according to rankings by IQ Air. And meteorologists say it's among the worst in years. Parts of Pennsylvania hit Code Purple, which is worse than red. Smoke from more than eight hundred wildfires burning in Canada is able to travel long distances, and the summer heat can make the air quality even worse. Officials are advising people to stay indoors, especially older adults, children, and those with health issues. Kristin Wright, NPR News, Washington.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:19

President Trump used a primetime speech from the White House last night to address election security. The White House also released declassified documents it says support