A linked freshwater system shaping travel, trade and environment across North America
A sweeping heat dome has kept tens of millions under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are failing to cool, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
Canadian wildfire smoke is spreading toward the Great Lakes and Northeast, pushing air quality into unhealthy ranges. Officials warn residents to stay indoors, wear masks where needed, and prepare cooling options as heat intensifies.
Smoke from more than 800 active wildfires in Canada has blanketed parts of the US Midwest and Northeast and made air quality hazardous in cities including Chicago, Detroit and New York. Officials have issued health alerts, advised people to stay indoors, and warned that smoke will linger into the weekend before forecast rain helps disperse it.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires has blanketed the northeastern United States, affecting air quality ahead of the Spain-Argentina final in East Rutherford. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast to improve conditions, but health warnings remain in place for players, fans and residents.
Heavy wildfire smoke has darkened skies from the Midwest to the East Coast, prompting health warnings and indoor-only guidance as air quality remains unhealthy to hazardous. A lingering high-pressure system is trapping smoke near the ground, with Philadelphia reporting smoky, hazy skies. A major league game start times were adjusted accordingly.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires continues to affect the US Midwest and Northeast, with air quality remaining unhealthy in several cities. Authorities warn that smoke will transport east and south in coming days, and residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and seal homes where possible.
Air quality alerts from Canadian wildfire smoke have eased in much of the northeast ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina, with forecasts expecting further improvement and temperatures around 27C.
A tornado has struck the Fox Cities region in Wisconsin, impacting Appleton, Menasha and Neenah. Officials say the tornado traveled about 12 miles, caused widespread damage to roofs, power lines and vehicles, and prompted shelter openings. Despite the scale of damage, there have been no confirmed deaths or missing persons as crews continue assessments.
Federal permitting for Enbridge Line 5 tunnel advances amid court battles and tribal rights concerns, with opponents pledging new lawsuits as regulators revisit key permits. Officials say the project will undergo environmental review while tribes warn of sacred lands and endangered species impacts.
The Liberal Party has claimed victories in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Beaches-East York and North Vancouver-Capilano, signaling a solidifying stance against US tariffs and trade pressure. The performances are strongest in Quebec, where the Liberal candidate has secured a decisive win, while results in Ontario and British Columbia reinforce the party s parliamentary strength.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has unveiled a two-storey billboard reading “Lake Ontario. Now and Always” after US President Trump issued an executive order directing US federal agencies to call the shared body of water “Lake America.” The move follows collapsed trade talks, reciprocal tariffs and a series of inflammatory social posts by Trump.
Apple has updated Apple Maps to display “Lake America” to U.S. users after President Trump ordered the U.S. geographic names database to rename Lake Ontario. Google had already rolled out the change for U.S. viewers; Canada and many services continue to display Lake Ontario. MapQuest has refused to change and has seen a surge in downloads.
The Bills will stage a dual anthem ceremony with both Canada and U.S. national anthems before their season opener, reflecting ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada trade. Barenaked Ladies will sing O Canada and Auliʻi Cravalho will perform the Star-Spangled Banner as Buffalo hosts Detroit at Highmark Stadium.