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Air Quality Alert: Hazardous smoke from Canada wildfires hangs over Philadelphia, Delaware Valley

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Air Quality Alert: Hazardous smoke from Canada wildfires hangs over Philadelphia, Delaware Valley


PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Air quality alerts are in effect in Philadelphia and across the Delaware Valley as hazardous smoke from the Canadian wildfires hangs over the region.

A Code Red Air Quality Alert is in effect for Pennsylvania and Delaware, while New Jersey is under a Code Orange.

A Code Red means that air pollution concentrations are unhealthy for the general population and outdoor activity should be avoided. A Code Orange represents unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those suffering from asthma, heart or lung disease.

The FAA has paused flights from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Ohio bound for Philadelphia International Airport due to low visibility.

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Travelers were encouraged to check with their airline for the latest information.

The US Air Quality Index has Philadelphia with some of the worst air quality in the world.

Overnight, Philadelphia peaked at 427 out of a maximum of 500. As of Thursday morning, that number was down to 361, but anything over 301 is still in the Hazardous zone.

It is a sign the region is making progress in getting out of the smoke.

Experts say, however, it is a good time to put off that yard work and outdoor exercise. If you do go out, you could also consider wearing an N-95 or KN-95 mask to reduce your exposure to pollutants.

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They also recommend staying inside, keeping your windows and fireplaces shut, and running the air conditioning on a recirculation setting.

“These are very, very fine particulates that can be breathed very deep into the lungs, and they can do damage to the lung,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “It can sometimes get into your bloodstream.”

6abc Air Quality Tracker

These images from Drone 6 show the Philadelphia skyline on Monday, June 5 and after the smoke from the wildfires in Canada moved in on Wednesday, June 7.

SEE ALSO: NYC’s air pollution among world’s worst as Canada wildfire smoke shrouds Northeast

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Health officials also warn residents to pay attention to their bodies. Anyone who may be having trouble breathing, feeling nauseous or dizzy, should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

“You can start feeling chest tightness. You may start coughing and may feel your eyes burning,” Bettigole said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke could linger for a few days.

An aerial view shows New York City in a haze-filled sky from the Empire State Building observatory, Wednesday, June. 7, 2023, in New York.

(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

How long will it last?

According to AccuWeather, the smoky conditions may improve over the next several days.

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Modeling shows this plume continuing to push southward with gradual improvement through Thursday.

Once the blocking breaks down and our winds shift out of the south, we will cut off that funneling of smoke into our area. That is expected to happen over the weekend.

As we get into Saturday, that block begins to ease some with low pressure exiting eastward. When this happens, we should begin to dilute the flow of particles and slowly improve air quality.

SEE ALSO: Why is smoke from Canada impacting the Philadelphia region and when will it go away?

Our next chance of a few showers comes on Friday afternoon and evening, but that doesn’t look very impressive.

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Our best chance looks to be on Monday when a more impressive system could move in.

Why are we smelling the smoke?

The reason we are seeing such concentrated smoke has everything to do with the weather.

We are stuck between low pressure out east of Maine with high pressure out west of us. That means wildfire smoke is being directly funneled through the northeast and into our region.

How to protect your pets?

Experts say that fine particles of burned debris in the air can be harmful to humans and animals alike.

One of the biggest things you can do for your pets is limit their outdoor exposure while the air quality is hazardous. This means keeping pets indoors as much as possible and keeping windows and doors shut.

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Cats and dogs should only be taken outside for brief bathroom breaks if air quality alerts are still in effect.

Birds are particularly susceptible to poor air quality and should not be allowed outside during hazardous conditions, experts say.

SEE ALSO: How to protect your pets as smoke from Canadian wildfires fill region

Outdoor events canceled/Schools make changes amid unhealthy air

The Philadelphia Phillies’ series finale against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night was postponed due to poor air quality.

The game was rescheduled for 6:05 p.m. Thursday, which was originally an off-day for both teams.

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In South Jersey, Haddonfield’s Little League canceled games out of precaution; the music venue at McLaughlin Norcross Memorial Dell in Camden County was also closed Wednesday night.

Earlier in the day, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health notified organizations and area schools about planning outdoor activities.

In response, the Philadelphia School District said that students and staff would remain indoors and limit time outside. The district repeated that announcement on Thursday morning.

“At schools, outside activities such as recess, outside field trips and field days will be moved indoors if possible, postponed or canceled. The District’s Athletics Office will support schools in rescheduling outdoor athletic games that were previously scheduled. In addition, all windows and doors at school buildings will remain closed to minimize air pollution,” the Philadelphia School District said.

School crossing guards in Philadelphia will also cover their corners on a modified schedule Thursday and Friday. Hours for coverage have been reduced to permit crossing guards to cross students during the most critical times connected to both the start of the day and dismissal.

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The district does not expect an early dismissal, as conditions are set to improve Thursday afternoon.

Schools in the suburbs also made changes.

Due to the hazardous air quality in Montgomery County, school officials announced Thursday that Cheltenham High School’s commencement has been postponed until Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Neshaminy School District has moved classes to online learning on Thursday.

The Black Horse Pike Regional School District in Camden County announced it will be closed Thursday due to poor indoor air quality.

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Canadian officials ask for help

Canadian officials asked other countries for additional help fighting more than 400 blazes nationwide that already have displaced 20,000 people.

Canadian officials say this is shaping up to be the nation’s worst wildfire season ever. It started early on drier-than-usual ground and accelerated very quickly, exhausting firefighting resources across the country, fire and environmental officials said.

Smoke from the blazes in various parts of the country has been lapping into the U.S. since last month but intensified with recent fires in Quebec, where about 100 were considered out of control Wednesday – which, unsettlingly, was National Clean Air Day in Canada.

The smoke was so thick in downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital, that office towers just across the Ottawa River were barely visible. In Toronto, Yili Ma said her hiking plans were canceled and she was forgoing restaurant patios, a beloved Canadian summer tradition.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault said the province currently has the capacity to fight about 40 fires – and the usual reinforcements from other provinces have been strained by conflagrations in Nova Scotia and elsewhere.

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Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre spokesperson Jennifer Kamau said more than 950 firefighters and other personnel have arrived from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and more are due soon.

Man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The Associated Press contributed to the story.



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Delaware

Delaware Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 25, 2024

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Delaware Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 25, 2024


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The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3

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Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-05-40-42-52, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
  • Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
  • Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
  • Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
  • For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
  • Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
  • Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

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State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Wilmington

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State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Wilmington


The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On December 24, 2024, at approximately 7:28 p.m., a blue 2009 Hyundai Elantra was traveling northbound on Thompson Bridge Road, north of Guyencourt Road. For reasons under investigation, the Hyundai traveled into the southbound lane of Thompson Bridge Road, and into the path of a black 2015 Mazda 6 that was traveling southbound. As a result, the front of the Hyundai struck the front of the Mazda in the southbound lane of Thompson Bridge Road. After the initial impact, the Mazda traveled in a northeast direction and came to a stop near a tree line. The Hyundai remained in the roadway due to being disabled and was subsequently struck by a white 2018 Kia Sportage traveling southbound on Thompson Bridge Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed the two occupants of the Hyundai were outside of the vehicle after the initial collision, and one of the occupants was struck by the Kia.

The driver of the Hyundai has not been determined at this time. The Hyundai was occupied by a 22-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, and an unidentified man. The 22-year-old man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. The second occupant of the Hyundai was taken to an area hospital by EMS, where he was admitted for critical injuries.

The driver of the Mazda, a 45-year-old man from West Chester, Pennsylvania, was not injured.

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The driver of the Kia, a 31-year-old woman from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

 

State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Wilmington

 

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling 302-365-8417. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

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The post State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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Bob Dylan’s ex-wife is from Delaware? He has family history with the First State

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Bob Dylan’s ex-wife is from Delaware? He has family history with the First State


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Bob Dylan’s new biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” is a reminder that an ex-wife of the music legend is from Delaware, although she doesn’t appear to be in the film.

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But more than that, Dylan, who is now 83, has also performed in the Small Wonder multiple times, and his son has gigged here, too.”A Complete Unknown” hits theaters Christmas Day. Whether or not you plan to see the film, here’s a look at Dylan’s history with Delaware.

Bob Dylan takes Firefly record from Paul McCartney

Most Delawareans probably recall Dylan’s last concert in the First State, held at Firefly Music Festival in The Woodlands of Dover on June 17, 2017. Dylan became the oldest performer to headline the festival at age 76, a title previously held by Sir Paul McCartney, who played Firefly on June 19, 2015, just one day after his 73rd birthday.

Bob Dylan’s ex-wife Sara Dylan is from Delaware

Just like Dylan’s new movie is titled “A Complete Unknown,” very little is “known” about his ex-wife Sara Dylan. But we do know she was born in Wilmington as Shirley Noznisky and married the folk legend in 1965. The couple divorced in 1977, according to People.com. The pair had four children together, including The Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan and director Jesse Dylan.His ex-wife inspired songs such as “Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” from Bob Dylan’s landmark double-album “Blonde on Blonde” and “Sara” from 1976’s “Desire.”

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Sara Dylan was directed by Bob Dylan in his movie  

Sara Dylan played the role of Clara in the 1978 film that Bob directed and starred in titled “Renaldo and Clara.” The film is described on IMDB as “Bob Dylan on tour with the Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975; concert footage, documentary interviews and bizarre improvised character scenes.”

Jakob Dylan followed in Bob Dylan’s Delaware footsteps

Like father like son, Jakob Dylan’s band The Wallflowers also performed on the main stage at Firefly (although they didn’t headline it as the elder Dylan did). But Jakob has bragging rights for being the first Dylan in the family to play Firefly because he was there in the festival’s inaugural year, which is the first and only year it was held in July. The Wallflowers played Firefly on opening day: July 20, 2012.

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Bob Dylan played other Delaware concerts before Firefly

Although Firefly was Dylan’s biggest concert in the First State, it certainly wasn’t his first rodeo here. The superstar graced the stage at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark on Nov. 20, 1999, and April 12, 2013. Sandwiched between those shows, he played a concert at the legendary Kahunaville in Wilmington on June 8, 2004, per Setlist.fm.

What is Bob Dylan’s ‘A Complete Unknown’ about?

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“A Complete Unknown” is a biopic about Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning. The film follows Dylan’s four key years from 1961-1965. According to IMDB’s cast list, it looks like Sara Dylan isn’t featured in the film.  

The project includes footage shot nearby in Cape May, New Jersey, this past May. Vintage cars took over the streets for the film, and signage changed the Jersey city into the scene of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.

That Folk Festival scene was inspired by Dylan’s historic moment when he famously flipped the script and played an electric set at the festival, a move that was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, History.com reported.

Where can I watch Bob Dylan’s ‘A Complete Unknown?’

For theater locations, visit fandango.com.

News Journal reporter Ryan Cormier contributed to this report, and so did Kaitlyn McCormick of the Cherry Hill Courier-Post, a sister publication of The News Journal.

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If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 





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