Residents in the eastern U.S. and Canada are now facing unhealthy air due to smoke from wildfires. Previously, only residents in western parts of North America had to bear the annual summer smoke. In fact, in New York City, the air quality was the worst it has ever been with a reddish haze enveloping the city. Shows were canceled and pro sports teams postponed events. Other areas, such as Binghamton and Toronto, were covered in ash as a result of the wildfires in Quebec and Ontario, which have been burning for weeks. Climate change has worsened the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
Environmental activist Bill McKibben stated that the Canadian fires may give millions of North Americans a sense of what it feels like to live on a fossil-fueled planet. He likened the smoke to what billions of people around the world have to deal with daily. The effects of the wildfires have even led some people to have headaches.
The rest of the newsletter contains the best coverage about the situation, as well as a forecast for the next few days and advice on how to deal with the poor air quality.
More Details
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Climate change continues to show itself throughout the U.S. via warming oceans in Puerto Rico and, currently, major wildfires.
What to Expect
Moving forward, New York City’s low air quality is expected to spread to southern and western parts of the country, affecting millions more individuals. Unfortunately, Philadelphia has been one of the most polluted cities. The pollution could shift away from the Northeast by Friday with progress in extinguishing the wildfires.
Nonetheless, the current wildfire season could bring the haze back this summer, according to Times meteorologist Judson Jones.
Lionel Messi: The coveted soccer free agent opted to play in Miami, turning down a monumental offer from Saudi Arabia, according to The Times. As a result, ticket prices across Major League Soccer have surged, says The Athletic.
N.B.A. History: During Denver’s Game 3 win, Nikola Jokic made history with the first-ever recording of 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a finals game, writes The Athletic.
ARTS AND IDEAS
Body Liberation
For the past several years, California has been increasing its arts programs for those incarcerated. While music and visual arts have been the more popular options, dance has surprisingly taken off in a few prisons. One such prison is in Los Angeles County, where Dimitri Gales, a former inmate, started a prison dance class. Despite initial pushback due to perceptions of dance being “weak,” the class has gained popularity.
