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When will air quality improve? Tom Skilling explains

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

The smoke and poor air quality extends into another day across the Chicago area and much of the Midwest.Chicago's air quality index from the Illinois EPA comes in at 215 as the day gets underway indicated very unhealthy air quality. There's only one level designating poorer air quality on the EPA's air quality scale. Unhealthful air quality readings have persisted continuously in Chicago since 4pm Monday afternoon. More: Wednesday updates on Chicago's Air Quality The question which is front and center: When is improved air quality on the way?As a dome of blazing heat which has broiled an area from Arizona to Texas for well over a week expands northward, the jet stream running around the heat dome's northern periphery shifting northward into the Midwest. This raises the potential for storm clusters to begin organizing and rotating through the Chicago area. The first comes in potentially Wednesday night. Others are likely to follow, no doubt separated by extended rain/storm-free pe...

Millions of Illinois residents drinking forever chemical-contaminated water

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

(WTVO) — Recent tests have shown that millions of people in Illinois get their drinking water from sources that have been contaminated with toxic forever chemicals.The tests showed that close to a million get their drinking water from municipal wells containing the chemicals, while another 1.4 million depend on private wells, according to the Chicago Tribune.There is no systematic approach in the state to determine if residents are unknowingly ingesting these chemicals, which can eventually cause cancer. It has instead been up to well owners to decide if they want to test their water, which costs around $500.The Winnebago County Health Department said that it was difficult to persuade residents on the south side of Rockford to get their water tested for free in the one of three times when health officials have stepped in.“These are huge challenges we face in the modern world,” said Dr. Sandra Martell, administrator of the Winnebago County Health Department. “How do we ensure ou...

Even with smoke-filled skies, the Cubs played on at Wrigley Field

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

CHICAGO — There was talk that the game could be postponed, but in the end, the air was just good enough to play on. But it did make for a bit of an eerie night at the Friendly Confines as smoke from the Canadian wildfires made for a hazy return for the Cubs from their trip to London.CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 27: A general view prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field on June 27, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. A air quality alert was issued due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 27: Fans arrive prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field on June 27, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. A air quality alert was issued due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 27: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch to Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies during the first i...

Sick sea lions biting people at California beaches

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

DANA POINT, Calif. (KTLA) -- Sea lions have been attacking people who get too close at some California beaches, and marine wildlife experts believe the mammals may be acting aggressively after being sickened by poisonous algal blooms. At the entrance to Dana Strands Beach in Dana Point is a warning to visitors about an aggressive sea lion in the area, one of at least three beaches where people have been bitten in the last several days.  “We’ve actually seen a number of surfers in the water that have been bit by sea lions, and those sea lions are more likely to be sea lions that have had a seizure and are completely unaware of their surroundings, just erratically swimming and then they bump into somebody and bit somebody,” Dr. Alissa Deming, of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, told KTLA.  Deming also said the aggression in the sea lions is likely related to the dramatic increase in sick marine mammals needing rescue because of a toxic algal bloom in Southern Californian wa...

Dean grills for Fourth of July

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

It's grilling season! And the Fourth of July is peak grilling season! Dean Richards shares a few recipes to try on the grill!Watermelon GazpachoIngredients:4 heaping cups cubed seedless watermelon1 English cucumber, diced, reserve half3 medium tomatoes, diced, reserve half1 small red bell pepper, diced, reserve half⅓ cup chopped green onions, diced, reserve half1 garlic clovesmall handful basil3 to 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper½ jalapeño pepper, optionaldiced avocado, optionalInstructions:Set aside the reserved half of the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper and green onions and place the remaining half in a blender. Add the watermelon, garlic, basil, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and jalapeño pepper, if using. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.Pour into a large bowl and stir in the reserved chopped vegetables.Chill for 3 to 4 hou...

UT scientists discover fossils of Jurassic sea creatures that used to swim across Texas

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Researchers recently made a major discovery in Texas by finding the state's first known Jurassic vertebrate fossils. A team led by scientists from the University of Texas at Austin discovered the bones in the Malone Mountains of West Texas. The fossils are believed to have belonged to an underwater dinosaur called the plesiosaur. The scientists said this discovery "filled a major gap in the state's fossil record."According to a release from UT, the bone fragments are from the limbs and backbone of a plesiosaur, an extinct marine reptile that, around 150 million years ago, would have swum the sea that covered what is now northeastern Mexico and far western Texas. Dinosaurs! Fossils found by UT team could help explain final days Steve May, a research associate at the Jackson School of Geosciences, holds a fossil from a plesiosaur, an extinct marine reptile. (Photo Credit: Jackson School of Geosciences/The University of Texas at Austin)The bones were discovered durin...

Food Truck Fridays returning to Brant Lake

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

HORICON, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Food by the water and live music are in store by Mill Pond in the hamlet of Brant Lake. Food Truck Fridays are back starting Friday, June 30. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Food trucks will pull up to the Horicon Community Center every Friday until Sept. 1. Starting at 5 p.m. weekly, a variety of offerings will be paired with exciting live music options.Exact offerings may vary by the week. Food trucks set to attend this summer include:ADK Mobile HibachiAlaturco GyroBig Bear ADKBuena ComidaChick MagnetFull Cord PizzaGrace Family FarmHigh NoonHops, Chop and RollMac FactorMoby Dick's Fish FryRed Wagon BBQVashti's Kitchen DelightsSip 'n SlurpADK OlykoeksChilly WillysKoko ChariotDawn's Delights 4th of July celebrations in the North Country Several artists and bands will visit over the season, perfect to enjoy while tasting an old favorite or trying something new. A new acoustic stage has been added i...

Women's Care closing in Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Women's Care, an OB/GYN practice with offices in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, is set to permanently close on August 30. In a press release, Hudson Headwaters Health Network and Saratoga Hospital said they are working to keep these services in these areas. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “It has been an honor taking care of our patients and their families,” said Diana Sustar, M.D., a physician and partner of Women’s Care. “While closing the practice is a difficult decision, we are heartened that Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and Hudson Headwaters have engaged in critical conversations and planning to ensure our community has access to comprehensive OB/GYN services.”According to the release, four Women’s Care physicians will be joining existing OB/GYN practices after the closure. Jennifer Bashant, M.D. and Diana Sustar, M.D. will join Women’s Health at Hudson Headwaters Health Net...

Leaders of camping group ticketed in Ulster County

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

SHANDAKEN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- What started as a camping trip for roughly 60 people from New Jersey resulted in the group leaders being ticketed for illegal camping in Ulster County. The incident occurred on Giant's Ledge in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On Wednesday, June 21, around 3 p.m., forest rangers received reports of a group consisting of nearly 60 people setting up camp on Giant's Ledge in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area. Multiple rangers made contact with the large group, who were from New Jersey, and helped educate the trip leaders on certain regulations. Rangers say that while primitive camping is allowed, campsites must be at least 150 feet from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Also, camping for more than three nights or in groups of 10 or more requires a permit. Two children pulled, rescued from Hoosic River Trip leaders were ticketed for exceeding the permit...

St. Louis man drowns at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:58 GMT

REYNOLDS COUNTY, Mo. - An investigation is underway after a St. Louis man drowned Tuesday afternoon at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that Emigdio Cuevas, 24, drowned while swimming in the Black River. Next of kin have been notified. Air quality alert for St. Louis from Canadian wildfire smoke Investigators say Cuevas began to struggle at one point in the river and was unable to resurface. A coroner later pronounced him deceased. MSHP Troop G, which covers parts of south-central Missouri, has investigated five drownings this year.