Thursday Headlines: Hold Your Breath Edition
If you’ve been outside or even looked out of a window recently, you are rightfully alarmed. Canadian wildfire smoke has blanketed the northeast in a hazy deluge reminiscent of summer 2023, and it’s regular air quality advisories.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has placed an advisory on the entire state from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m, warning of fine particulate matter in the air.
Several wildfires are burning in Canadian provinces, with the worst flames taking place in Ontario – just northwest of New York’s border with the country.
Exposure to fine particulates can cause basic allergy symptoms like coughing and wheezing, and it can inflame respiratory tissues. Breathing in the hazy air can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
While it’s unlikely to shave years of the average person’s life, perhaps today is not the day for a long stroll in the summer air.
Elsewhere in the Empire State:
- Apparently, ties happened in Democracy, and in Webster, the mayor was called on to pick a winner to appoint to the Village Board in a quirk of election law. (The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- State DOT owes the Syracuse Housing Agency nearly $4 million, which could be used to paper over some budget constraints. (Central Current)
- Politicians, they’re just like us. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon accidentally signed legislation that would place term limits on his position. He meant to veto the bill…(Syracuse.com)
- Democratic nominee Blake Gendebien is trying to catch up to Republican Anthony Constantino’s fundraising lead in the 21st Congressional District. (The Times Union)
- Public transit options for the World Cup final will begin earlier than usual on Sunday. (Times Herald-Record)
- A federal study argued that if track improvements were made at Penn Station that get passengers on and off faster, the rail hub could handle 8 more trains during peak commuting hours. (The New York Times)
- Nail-biter Assembly primary races were decided in Manhattan and Queens. (amNY)
- Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Rockland County) spoke about his arrest for Driving While Ability Impaired. (News 12)
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s announced fundraising totals don’t match official records. (City & State)
- The MTA will hold Interborough Express workshops for the upcoming light rail project in Brooklyn and Queens. (amNY)
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