New study finds outside sources lead to not-so-pine-fresh breathing in two of America's most popular parks.
Two national parks on opposite sides of the country were found to have air quality levels worse than such major cities as New York City and Washington, DC. For Sequoia, the combined pollution of Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley obscures views and triggers asthma in visitors. While a natural blue haze may have given the Great Smoky Mountains its name, a new kind of smoke - this time from power plants and heavy industry to the north and west - has caused the natural park to violate ozone standards set by the EPA.
Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman
FULL STORY: Park's Air Dirtier Than NYC's

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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