Explore

Urban Heat Island Effect: Why Cities Stay Hotter at Night

Urban Heat Island Effect: Why Cities Stay Hotter at Night

The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, particularly at night. This occurs because urban infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, absorbs and retains heat during the day, releasing it slowly after sunset. Limited greenery in cities exacerbates the issue by reducing natural cooling and shade. As climate change intensifies, urban heat islands pose increasing risks to human health, especially for vulnerable populations. According to UNU-EHS senior expert Simone Sandholz, urban design can play a critical role in mitigating these effects by incorporating more greenery and reflective materials into city planning. [Source: UNU-EHS, Source time: not specified]

7 Sounds Restoration Offers Comprehensive Remediation Services in Norfolk, VA

7 Sounds Restoration Offers Comprehensive Remediation Services in Norfolk, VA

7 Sounds Restoration, a company based in Norfolk, VA, provides a range of remediation services to address environmental contamination and damage. These services include mold inspection and safe removal, biohazard cleaning, water damage restoration, and fire damage recovery. The company emphasizes adherence to industry protocols, such as IAMAQ for mold remediation, and uses specialized equipment like HEPA filtration for air quality protection. For water damage, they utilize thermal imaging and moisture meters for thorough inspections and employ drying equipment to restore properties. In cases of fire damage, they focus on neutralizing smoke odors with hydroxyl generators and thermal fogging, alongside debris removal and structural cleaning. Biohazard cleaning services are also offered for sensitive situations like sewage backups and trauma scenes, with strict adherence to health regulations and proper disposal of waste. The company highlights its 24/7 availability for emergency responses.

The Columbus Dispatch

Franklin County to spray for West Nile mosquitoes. Here’s when and where

Franklin County to spray for West Nile mosquitoes. Here’s when and where

Franklin County Public Health will spray for mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus Sept. 14-15, 2026.

King County Public Health Responds to Claims of Facilitating Overdoses Amid Fentanyl Crisis

King County Public Health Responds to Claims of Facilitating Overdoses Amid Fentanyl Crisis

King County Public Health has addressed allegations that its current policies contribute to higher overdose numbers rather than preventing them. Sharon Bogan from Seattle & King County Public Health stated that the influx of fentanyl has led to a sharp rise in fatal overdoses across the U.S. and in King County. She emphasized that the county's comprehensive approach to overdose response and recovery is focused on increasing access to treatment and preventing more overdoses. This response comes amidst scrutiny of programs like the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which has been criticized for potentially inflated success rates. Nick Martin, a spokesperson for Representative DelBene, defended LEAD, highlighting its proven track record in reducing recidivism and its support from various stakeholders, including police officers, prosecutors, local leaders, businesses, and participants. Martin expressed disappointment that a recent report questioning LEAD's methodology was published without all...

One Fatality, Two Firefighters Injured in Staten Island Barge Explosion

One Fatality, Two Firefighters Injured in Staten Island Barge Explosion

An explosion occurred on a barge in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island, resulting in one confirmed fatality and minor injuries to two firefighters. The incident, which prompted a hazmat response from the FDNY, took place on Thursday afternoon. Emergency personnel, totaling 160, responded to the scene on Richmond Terrace between South and Arlington avenues after the initial call at 2:37 p.m. and a second alarm at 3:18 p.m. Video footage from the scene shows significant damage, with the top of the barge torn open. Residents in the vicinity reported hearing three explosions, with the first being the most powerful, followed by a fire on a container aboard the barge. The fire has since been extinguished, and units remain on site to secure petroleum from the shipping container. The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been released, and the cause of death is unknown. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast and urged residents to avoid the immediate area.

California Leads U.S. in Lost Lakes Due to Water Diversions

California Leads U.S. in Lost Lakes Due to Water Diversions

California has experienced the highest loss of large, historically significant lakes in the United States, primarily due to human water development. Lakes such as Tulare, Buena Vista, Kern, and Owens have largely disappeared as their water sources were diverted for agriculture and urban use. Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, supported steamboat traffic and fisheries until irrigation diversions in the late 19th century caused its decline. Owens Lake, drained for the Los Angeles Aqueduct starting in 1913, became the largest source of PM10 dust pollution in the U.S., necessitating over $2.5 billion in dust-control measures. While some of these lakebeds, like Tulare, have temporarily refilled during exceptionally wet years, their normal open-water conditions have been eliminated.

Extreme Heat Warning Issued for San Diego County Amid Stifling Heat Wave

Extreme Heat Warning Issued for San Diego County Amid Stifling Heat Wave

San Diego County is currently under an extreme heat warning, which was in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday for coastal areas, inland valleys, and deserts. Temperatures in these regions are expected to be 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit above average. Following the expiration of the extreme heat warning, a heat advisory will immediately take effect through Thursday evening, also covering the mountains. Coastal temperatures, typically in the upper 70s this time of year, are projected to reach the mid-80s. NBC 7 Meteorologist Greg Bledsoe indicated that Tuesday was likely the hottest day, with Wednesday not offering significant relief. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues these warnings due to an anticipated increase in heat-related illnesses during such extreme conditions. Residents are advised to drink ample fluids, stay in air-conditioned environments, and avoid direct sun exposure. Additionally, the NWS warns against leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, as interior temperatures can rapidly become...

Algae Outbreaks and Mosquito Concerns Amid Weather Changes in Wisconsin

Algae Outbreaks and Mosquito Concerns Amid Weather Changes in Wisconsin

Recent weather patterns in Wisconsin have led to several environmental and public health concerns. Popular water recreation spots have been forced to close due to algae outbreaks, which are often exacerbated by warm temperatures and stagnant water. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued a warning after a horse in Portage County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease. Meanwhile, the weather forecast for September 9th-13th indicates a mix of conditions, with some opportunities for outdoor activities like yard work and a few chances of showers or storms.

Wildfire Smoke Impacts 120 Million Americans Amid Record Heat

Wildfire Smoke Impacts 120 Million Americans Amid Record Heat

Wildfire smoke has significantly affected air quality across the United States and Canada during the summer of 2026. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 53,233 fires have burned over 8.3 million acres in the U.S., while Canada has seen 11.1 million acres burned. Mid-July marked the peak of the crisis, with 120 million Americans experiencing air quality levels classified as 'unhealthy' or 'hazardous.' The smoke contains dangerous toxins and particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks. Scientists are working to understand the short- and long-term impacts of wildfire smoke, which has been linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. The situation is exacerbated by reduced funding for climate-related health research, raising concerns about the ability to address these growing challenges effectively. Source time: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:30:04 GMT.

Cleanup Operations Set to Commence at Tremont City Barrel Fill in Clark County

Cleanup Operations Set to Commence at Tremont City Barrel Fill in Clark County

Cleanup efforts are anticipated to begin this year at the long-contaminated Tremont City Barrel Fill in Clark County, Ohio. The site, which has been under U.S. EPA monitoring since 1997, contains 300,000 gallons of industrial waste, including volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and metals, buried in drums. Local residents have expressed ongoing concerns about potential contamination of the nearby aquifer, which serves as their drinking water source. Preparatory work, such as road upgrades, fencing, and setting up a staging area for removed barrels, is scheduled to start as early as mid-September. Project manager Bob Rule stated that recent testing indicates the pollution is not migrating, assuring that groundwater remains protected. The removal of contaminated drums could commence as early as December, pending U.S. EPA approval. Seven companies are financially responsible for the cleanup, as mandated by a 2022 consent decree, with project costs already exceeding the initial $27 mil...

New delays hold up military's PFAS cleanup. See where on our map.

New delays hold up military's PFAS cleanup. See where on our map.

With the latest delays announced Sept. 2, the Pentagon has delayed toxic PFAS cleanup at hundreds of sites, often by decades.

Wilmington Star-News

NOAA proposal could change protections for NC right whales, turtles

NOAA proposal could change protections for NC right whales, turtles

The Trump administration is proposing rule changes to boost US seafood competitiveness. But some fear they could endanger N.C. whales and sea turtles.