Record fireworks display choked Washington in toxic smoke

Phys.org Monday 06 July 2026, 20:10 UTC 1 min read

Key Points

The U.S. capital, Washington, saw its worst air quality of the year over the July 4 weekend, as smoke from a massive fireworks display sent pollution soaring to levels considered very unhealthy for the entire public, data showed Monday.

Washington (LOCATION) U.S. (LOCATION)

Originally published by Phys.org Read original →

The timing – on the day the Ocean of Peace Alliance treaty was signed with Fiji – reads as provocation at best, coercion at worstChinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism growsAt 12.01pm on Monday, a People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine test fired a ballistic missile into the South Pacific nuclear-free zone. This is the second time China has conducted a ballistic missile test in the Pacific in two years. Coming on the day Fiji became...

The Guardian Environment 1h ago

Raft of targeted conservation efforts may help boost leopard numbers in sub-Saharan Africa, study suggests

There could be fewer leopards living across sub-Saharan Africa than previously believed, according to a new study that has analyzed suitable habitat and conditions. It is hoped that the research, led by conservation scientists at Nottingham Trent University, could be used to help plan vital recovery efforts and focus conservation where it is most needed.

Phys.org 3h ago

Britain and other countries with lower emissions must not pass the climate buck | Letters

Oliver Mason, Katie Williams and Molly Berry respond to an article by Ajit Niranjan on how small but wealthy countries claim they cannot stop extreme weather events worsening Thank you for Ajit Niranjan’s article (‘But we’re just 1% of emissions’: do smaller countries’ climate efforts matter?, 30 June). This helpfully examines arguments frequently used to undermine the UK’s and other nations’ plans for emission reduction. In my opinion this article misses an important counter-argument:...

The Guardian UK 10h ago

Cuban zoo celebrates birth of Bengal tigers amid energy crisis

Arrival of endangered cats, including rare white cub, revitalises team straining under fuel and medicine shortagesFor the Cuban zookeeper Ángel Cordero, the sight of four Bengal ⁠tiger cubs playing in a cage at the Cuban national zoo is a small miracle on an island stifled by shortages ⁠of fuel, medicine and ⁠days-long power outages. The birth of these endangered big cats – including an exceedingly rare white tiger – has revitalised a team of zoo workers, he said.

The Guardian UK 10h ago

Record fireworks display choked Washington in toxic smoke

Related Stories

What does China’s long-range missile test in the South Pacific mean for Australia? | David Vallance

Raft of targeted conservation efforts may help boost leopard numbers in sub-Saharan Africa, study suggests

Britain and other countries with lower emissions must not pass the climate buck | Letters

Cuban zoo celebrates birth of Bengal tigers amid energy crisis