Daily Skimm: At least 16 states have issued air quality advisories.

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The Story

At least 16 states have issued air quality advisories.

Tell me more.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. For weeks, Canada’s been experiencing one of its worst fire seasons on record. So far, the flames have burned 8 million acres, and there are about 150 wildfires still burning in Quebec. Earlier this week, billows of smoke from those blazes began blanketing parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Yesterday, NYC had the worst air quality ranking in the world. The smog also prompted officials across the country to cancel some flights, outdoor playtime, and sporting events. Now, many Americans are reaching for the mask again as officials encourage people to stay indoors.

When will this ease up?

Officials say that could take days as the weather pattern changes. Today, air quality could plummet in parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, as the smoke moves south. In the meantime, health experts say sensitive groups (like the elderly and those with asthma) should limit their outside exposure. Keep indoor air pollution at bay by closing all doors and windows and not burning candles or using aerosol sprays. If you have to go outside, the EPA recommends digging up some N95 face masks. You can monitor your area's air quality here.

theSkimm

Just when we thought the days of masking up were almost over, millions of Americans are being advised to bring them back as climate change makes the impact of Canada’s wildfires worse. Now, many are waiting for the dust to settle.

What people are talking about…

Parkland, FL. Yesterday, opening statements began in the trial of a former sheriff's deputy. In 2018, Scot Peterson was on duty when a gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — killing 17 people. State prosecutors say Peterson failed to follow his active shooter training by taking cover for at least 45 minutes outside the school. Peterson claims he didn’t enter the building because he couldn’t figure out where the shots were coming from. Now, he's on trial for 11 counts, including felony child neglect. Legal experts have reportedly called the charges against Peterson unprecedented.  

Who people are remembering…

Ajike Owens. Earlier this week, Florida police arrested 58-year-old Susan Louise Lorincz in the fatal shooting of her Black neighbor — 35-year-old Owens. Police said last week's shooting stemmed from an alleged abusive dispute involving Lorincz, who is white, and Owens’ children. Protestors put pressure on authorities to make an arrest and press charges. However, police said they had to make sure Lorincz wasn’t protected under Florida’s stand your ground law. Now, Lorincz is expected to appear in court today on manslaughter and assault charges. 

Who’s out…

Chris Licht. Yesterday, he was fired as CNN's CEO after just 13 months on the job. The move comes less than a week after The Atlantic published a 15,000 word profile highlighting Licht’s bumpy ride at the network.

Who’s bringing down the House…

The House Freedom Caucus.

While Lionel Messi’s getting ready for the Miami sun…

Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté are heading to Saudi Arabia.

What’s growing up…

Fireball.