The New Yorker: The Crisis in the Skies of San Francisco

The New Yorker: The Crisis in The Skies of San Francisco

By Anna Wiener and my personal experience

    Over the past few days in the Bay Area and up and down the West Coast, this has been the view outside the window. A reddish haze that looks like it's out of some Martian movie. People who have lived here their entire lives say they've never seen this. It's all because of the record-breaking California fires. 

    Fires were already burning more than 2 million acres last weekend when temperatures broke records, and more fires broke out. Then, the temperature suddenly dipped again, creating what is called a marine layer - a kind of dense, humid air that usually becomes fog. The smoke from the fires was lifted on top of that, creating an odd sky but leaving the air quality moderately okay. Then, as the smoke drifted down, ash came with it. Checking the air quality became a part of everyday life, just like masks, and a grayish film dusted everything.

The Washington Post: On 9/11, a temporary pause in presidential hostilities

By Matt Viser and Philip Rucker

    Today is the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Over 2,000 civilians and first responders died that day, and I wish the families who lost loved ones well.

    Both incumbent President Trump and Democratic nominee Biden visited Shanksville, Pennslyvania, where the final plane that was headed tower the Capitol was crash-landed by its brave civilian passengers. In a rare moment, the two put aside politics and exchanged greetings.

    After a ceremony and moment of silence, they consoled and talked to the small gathering of family members. The Vice President and Senator Harris also visited fire stations to commend the first responders to saved lives that day.