Wildfire smoke raises air pollution

SACRAMENTO - Hundreds of lightning-sparked wildfires have turned the air of Northern California into an unhealthy stew of smoke and ash, forcing the cancellation of athletic events and other outdoor activities. Air pollution readings in the region are two to 10 times the federal standard for clean air, the California Air Resources Board said yesterday. Some areas are experiencing the worst air quality on record, with the smoke blanketing the ground like a fog. Changing weather brought smoke-clearing breezes and brief relief to some areas, but it could also bring lightning storms similar to the ones that ignited fires a week ago. (AP)

President Bush said yesterday that religious charities, partly financed with federal money, have helped reduce homelessness, found jobs for former inmates, and helped combat malaria and HIV/AIDS overseas. Bush used his weekly radio address to trumpet the "remarkable difference these groups have made over the past eight years." The president said he wants to level the playing field so religious charities and secular charities compete for government money on an equal footing. (AP)

OMAHA - Nebraska's largest city struggled yesterday to restore power to thousands of residents a day after a severe storm damaged homes, uprooted trees, and killed two people in a neighboring community. It will probably take days to restore electricity after high winds from Friday's storm, officials said. The storm is one of the worst the Omaha Public Power District has dealt with, said chief executive Gary Gates. About 49,500 customers remained without power yesterday, utility spokesman Jeff Hanson said. At the peak of the failures, 126,000 customers lacked electricity. (AP)