Chicago Residents Urged to Protect Themselves as Air Quality Remains 'Very Unhealthy'

Chicago continues to experience "Very Unhealthy" air quality due to wildfire smoke from Canada and an atmospheric inversion. The city had the worst air quality of any major city in the world on Tuesday and remains among the top three worst on Wednesday. The National Weather Service advises limiting outdoor activities, and Chicago Public Schools has moved summer programs indoors. Mayor Brandon Johnson urges residents, especially vulnerable individuals, to take precautions such as wearing masks, limiting outdoor exposure, and using air purifiers. The air quality is expected to gradually improve by the weekend, but long-term solutions require the wildfires to subside.