Delhi Pollution Curbs, Diwali Air Tips and Spokane Fire Recovery — November 7, 2026

Today's news centers on northern India, where winter smog is building just before Diwali. Closer to home, Spokane is still raising money for families rebuilding after the Spokane Complex fires.

Delhi moves classes online as air worsens

India ordered schools in and around Delhi to offer online classes on Friday, and encouraged people to work from home and postpone private gatherings, Reuters reports. The capital recorded an air quality index of 382 that day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The Commission for Air Quality Management imposed the restrictions under a graded plan that adds stronger curbs as pollution rises.

The commission said forecasts show air quality could slip into the "severe" category in the coming days. Delhi's environment minister said winds are expected to stop completely, which would make it worse. Diwali, usually marked by widespread firecrackers, falls on Sunday.

How people in South Asia are protecting themselves during Diwali

Diwali arrives as hazardous winter air returns to northern India, and experts have practical suggestions for limiting exposure, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Traffic, factories, construction dust, and the burning of crop residue and waste all foul the air, and weak winter winds let that pollution build. Fireworks add a sharp burst on top.

The advice starts with checking the air before heading out, using data from a nearby monitoring station and noting when it last updated, because a citywide average can hide a polluted neighborhood. A chest surgeon quoted in the piece recommends properly fitted N95 or N99 masks. The article also covers what to look for in an air purifier and lower-cost ways to keep indoor air cleaner without one.

Spokane art sale raises money for fire recovery

Spokane philanthropist Dave Clack donated four paintings by Eastern Washington artist Kathleen Gemberling Adkison to help families rebuilding after the Spokane Complex fires, The Spokesman-Review reports. All proceeds go to Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners' fire relief and recovery work.

Two of the paintings sold for $7,500 before Friday's unveiling at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. The museum's director expects $18,500 to be donated once all four sell.

Sources

• India orders Delhi schools to offer online classes as air quality worsens ahead of Diwali — Reuters
• Diwali celebrations coincide with worsening air. Here's how to stay safer — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Spokane businessman and philanthropist donates four paintings to support ongoing wildfire recovery efforts — Spokane Spokesman-Review

Canairy aggregates publicly reported air-quality and wildfire news and summarizes it in plain English, with links to the original sources. This is educational information, not medical or emergency advice. In a wildfire or air-quality emergency, follow guidance from local authorities.