BREAKING NEWS Travel chaos as multiple major US airports ground ALL flights
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced ground stops for flights leaving New York's John F Kennedy Airport, New Jersey 's Newark Liberty Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Severe thunderstorms throughout the country caused to temporary pause. A ground delay at Philadelphia International Airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport has also been issued through Tuesday night.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
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BBC News
24 minutes ago
- BBC News
How to keep dogs cool in hot weather
From burnt paws to heatstroke, dogs and other pets can suffer in the heat. Here's how veterinarians recommend keeping them cool. As heatwaves break out this summer, many pet parents may become concerned about their companions. Our pups may eagerly join us on a sunny trip to the park, but they can have a hard time cooling off and can sustain heat injuries even when temperatures may not feel very hot to humans. While some other pets, such as cats, generally fare better when it comes to avoiding overheating, they can be at risk of too much Sun too. That said, it's possible for pets to enjoy time outside safely in the summer. Here's what experts recommend for keeping dogs and cats safe from the dangers of the heat. Watch out for sudden temperature rises Even when the weather isn't blazing hot, pets can get heat injuries, catching owners off guard. Veterinarians say they often see a spike in heat injuries in dogs during late spring. "We can start seeing heatstroke pretty early, even if the weather itself isn't extraordinarily hot," says veterinarian Amanda Cavanagh, who leads urgent care services at the Colorado State University veterinary hospital. Pet dogs often suffer heat injuries in late spring or early summer for two reasons: their physical fitness is down and they are not acclimatised to the heat. Some owners reduce walks during the colder months, says Katherine Farrell, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at the University of California, Davis. Then, when the days warm up, they are eager to take their dogs for a long hike, which can expose them to excessive heat. "They didn't anticipate the weather and their pet is not in that great of shape," says Farrell. Canines can be conditioned to endure the heat, with military and police dogs often working through the summer heat, notes Cavanagh. But those German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are exercised throughout the year, maintaining peak physical fitness. Consider your pet's risk factors Some dogs are poorly equipped to shed heat. You might be picturing a fluffy Samoyed, but they are not the worst-suited to the summer. Instead, squish-faced or brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs top the list of dogs most likely to suffer in the Sun. One study found these canines had a risk of heat illness more than four times higher than dogs with longer snouts. Their short snouts are to blame. Dogs mainly get rid of heat through panting, which moves heat out of their airways and into the environment, explains Cavanagh. The water vapour from their respiratory system evaporates, producing a cooling effect. (While dogs can sweat through their paws, this is of minimal significance for cooling, says Farrell). "When you open up the mouth of a German Shepherd or a Labrador, you can see right down into their airway," says Cavanagh. "If you open the mouth of a bulldog, all you'll see is a giant tongue and a big soft palate, and it just looks like jowls and tissue back there." That means they can't open up their airway and get rid of heat. "Having an obstructed airway from being a squishy-face breed is really the highest risk factor," adds Cavanagh. For some dog breeds, a trip to the groomers may help with heat tolerance, as taking off extra length their coats can help them shed heat more easily, says Farrell. But always consult your veterinarian for advice on what's best for your dog. While long coats may be warmer, they are more functional than they seem. A double coat, with short hairs beneath a layer of long fur, can insulate a pet from the heat, provided it's well-groomed and free of mats, says Cavanagh. For dogs with these thick double coats, including huskies and malamutes, the insulation they provide works better if the coat is left intact – meaning a shave can actually make them more vulnerable to overheating, says Farrell. All dog breeds, as well as other furry animals like cats, will benefit from regular brushing to prevent build-up of fur and matting, allowing better airflow and cooling. Overweight pets are also at greater risk of overheating, adds Farrell (it's estimated that over half of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese). Certain medicines can also reduce pets' ability to tolerate heat, she adds. Go outside prepared When the weather warms, start with shorter walks and don't push your dog if they are panting heavily: allow them a few weeks to acclimatise to warmer temperatures. In hot weather it's safer to keep your outings to the early morning and evening, avoiding the middle part of the day. (Read about the science-backed ways to keep yourself cool in a heatwave too). During the midday heat, your pet may not be able to shed the heat they are producing through exercise, leading to a risk of overheating, says Cavanagh. In general, pets can overheat at air temperatures over about 77F (25C), and this risk is far greater when humidity is over 65%, says Ronald Li, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at North Carolina State University. "High humidity in the air negates the ability of dogs to cool down by panting," he says, as the humid air reduces evaporation from the dog's tongue. Don't leave your pet in the car or any other enclosed space that could easily heat up to dangerous temperatures, adds Cavanagh. Even on a mild, 70F (21C) day, the temperature in a car can climb almost 20F (11C) in just 10 minutes. Conservatories, sunrooms and caravans can pose a similar risk to both dogs and cats. And outdoor cats looking for a warm spot can end up trapped in overheated sheds and greenhouses, so make sure to check them before locking up. When you do take your dog out, carry water for them and seek shadier spots. Lapping up some water outside recoups water lost through panting and reduces the chance they will guzzle their whole bowl when they get home, which can increase the risk of bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition, says Cavanagh. And remember to check pavement temperatures. While the pads on dogs' feet may seem tough, they can still suffer burns from hot surfaces, says Farrell, who has seen burned paws in canine patients from walking on a hot pavement. If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 30 seconds, chances are it could burn your pet's paws, she says. Try to stick to places where your pet can walk on cooler surfaces like grass or dirt. Choose heat gear wisely If you can't avoid walking on hot pavements, outfitting your dog's paws with boots can help, says Farrell. Be sure to find a good fit, however – ill-fitting ones can create sores on their feet and ankles, adds Cavanagh. Some pet companies market "cooling vests" designed to cool dogs through evaporation. There is some evidence in military working dogs that these vests can cool down canines – at least during a short bout of physical activity. But Cavanagh cautions that the effect doesn't last long: "They work for the first 10 minutes as they absorb all your heat, and then they're like this hot, wet blanket on top of you." If your pet has a pink nose or sparse fur, they might benefit from a coat of children's sunscreen in those areas, says Cavanagh. Cats tend to get skin cancer on their less furry parts such as their ear tips and noses, she says, so sunscreen may benefit pets that like to sunbathe, such as felines that sun themselves by windows. Spot the signs of overheating One of the earliest signs of overheating in dogs is heavy panting beyond what your pet normally sounds like after some zoomies on a cooler day, says Farrell. Noisier breathing, with snoring or high-pitched sounds, is especially concerning – it could mean the airway is swelling and having difficulty dissipating heat. Cats may also start to breathe with their mouth open when they're too hot or otherwise need medical attention, added Farrell. Heatstroke sets in when the body temperature becomes dangerously elevated; in canines, that cut off is generally above 105.8F (41C). When pets get this hot, the nervous system is affected, and you might see them appear disorientated or weak and wobbly, says Cavanagh. In dogs, pink gums turn bright red during heat stroke, she adds. If you see these signs of heatstroke, bring your pet to a veterinarian. If the clinic is more than 10 to 15 minutes journey away, it can help to cool them down at home first, says Farrell – the faster you can bring their temperature down, the lower the risk of serious injuries. A splash of cool water is your best bet – in fact, one 2024 study found that voluntary head dunking in water (by dogs trained to do this by themselves) is more effective than wearing ice packs or wet towels. Hose your pet down with cool water, or dunk them in the bathtub, and run a fan across their wet fur, recommends Farrell. Still, be careful with very cold water or ice, which can cause blood vessels to get smaller, reducing heat dissipation from the body, says Farrell. "Wide open blood vessels help dissipate heat." More like this:• The simple ways cities can adapt to heatwaves• Why your dog loves to roll in poo• The complicated truth about a cat's purr It's important to take action if you think your pet is overheating. Heatstroke can lead to kidney injuries, bruising and internal bleeding, and brain injuries, says Cavanagh. She has seen dogs with heatstroke hospitalised for days to weeks, and many need blood transfusions. "The biggest challenge with heat stroke is not necessarily cooling the animal back down," says Cavanagh. "Being hot can have consequences to all of the organs." The vast majority of pets Cavanagh and Farrell see for heatstroke are dogs. "Cats often times don't get heatstroke from being outside or exercising too vigorously because they're kind of smarter than that," says Cavanagh. "They won't run themselves into a heat stroke episode like our Labradors will." Both mentioned, however, that they occasionally treat felines who have suffered heat stroke from getting trapped in the dryer – a risk to be aware of for the heat-loving creatures. Eager to be at our sides, our canine companions will endure the heat even when it's a risk to their health. It's up to us to prepare them for warm outings and to be on the lookout for signs of overheating. -- For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
The glaring reason why those in royal circles are so 'bemused' Harry and Meghan are desperate to keep their children's official titles
Since the Sussexes' dramatic exit from the Royal Family, they have devoted a lot of time and energy to publicising their unhappiness with royal life. It's hard to forget Harry's grin on a video recording as he described their so-called 'freedom flight' to Los Angeles when they began their American adventure in 2020.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've visited every country in the world - here's the tourist hotspot that's SO overrated
An American-Mexican radio DJ who has visited every country in the world has revealed which he thinks is the most dangerous - and the tourist hotspot that's overrated. Randy Williams, better known as R Dub!, completed his decade-long challenge to visit all 193 UN-recognised countries in 2023 when he finally ticked off Turkmenistan. Since finishing his epic mission, Randy has even founded his own country - the Republic of Slowjamastan, an 11-acre micronation in Southern California with its own currency and a strict ban on Croc shoes. Now in an exclusive chat with MailOnline Travel, he reveals his favourite countries, the popular holiday destination he thinks is overrated and the city that deserves more Michelin stars... Least favourite country Randy explains that it would be unfair to 'write off an entire country based on one rough visit' as travel is always a 'gamble' that's dependent on timing, weather and people. However, there is one which just 'didn't click' for the intrepid traveller. 'Cameroon', reveals Randy. 'It was blisteringly hot, the city felt joyless and the locals wore scowls like armour. One guy even shouted at me for snapping a photo of a rundown house. 'Maybe I'll go back someday, give it another shot. I know there's beauty and kindness there, I just didn't find it that time.' The world's most dangerous country 'If I had to sum up what I've learned from visiting every country in the world in a single sentence, it'd be this: "The world isn't nearly as dangerous as the media would have you believe",' says Randy. He explains that some of the countries he was 'warned about', including Libya, Syria, Iraq and North Korea, actually ended up being some of his favourite destinations. But Randy does class one place he visited as 'truly dangerous'. He claims: 'Somalia. It's a failed state where looking like an outsider makes you a walking target. You don't get far without a security detail - literally. The government mandates it. 'I had an armoured vehicle and a truck full of armed guards just to move around. It's tense. Terrorism is real. And yet, despite it all, most of the people I met there were kind, generous, and curious. That's the paradox. Even in the most broken places, humanity still shows up. I'd go back. Carefully.' Favourite countries Randy has previously described Brazil as his favourite country and even quit his job to move there. But it's not the only destination that left an impact. Top of the list? The Philippines. 'No contest,' says Randy. 'The people are pure gold - kind, warm, generous in ways that make you question everything you thought you knew about hospitality. It's my favorite place to just disappear for a while. No agenda. Just vibes.' Armenia also 'hit hard', reveals the traveller. 'Old-school values, ancient stones that whisper stories if you stand still long enough. It left a mark. I'm already itching to go back.' Japan grabs a place in the top five, with Randy explaining: 'What can you say that hasn't been said? 'A hundred visits wouldn't scratch the surface. The food, the rituals, the reverence for detail - even their chaos is elegant. It's another planet, and I never want off.' If it's food you're looking for, Lebanon is Randy's 'ride or die' culinary capital with restaurants that the traveller says deserve more recognition. 'Beirut has this electricity pulsing through its streets, and the flavours? Unreal. Two bucks gets you a spread fit for royalty,' explains Randy. 'Breakfasts that border on spiritual, falafel that rewrites the rules, and ice cream that belongs in museums. I keep a list of Beirut joints that should have Michelin stars.' And while it's one of the world's least visited countries and the last that Randy ticked off, Turkmenistan in Central Asia also makes the top five. He reveals: 'My final country, and the one that blindsided me. I walked in thinking I'd seen it all. I hadn't. That place is weird in the most beautiful, intoxicating way. A fever dream of white marble, folklore, and formality. The culture is closed off, but what you do see? Mesmerizing.' The traveller also awards honourable mentions to Madagascar, North Korea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Switzerland, Turkey, Syria, and Venezuela. The most overrated destination 'Travel, like art, is personal,' says Randy. 'I've learned to ease up on judging how others do it. Some want the all-inclusive bubble: pool, buffet, repeat. 'No shame in that. But for me? I want discomfort. I want my senses lit up like a pinball machine.' And while Randy says there isn't a single country he wouldn't return to under the right circumstances, there is one popular holiday destination he thinks is overrated. Since finishing his epic mission, Randy has even founded his own country. The Republic of Slowjamastan is an 11 acre micronation in Southern California with its own currency and a strict ban on Croc shoes 'Dubai? No hate, but it just didn't move me. Felt like one giant luxury showroom - glass, steel, gold, logos,' he claims. 'It's a shrine to consumption more than culture. I get why people like it, I really do. 'But flying halfway around the world to sit in traffic surrounded by Lamborghinis and Louis Vuitton? Not my jam.' On the flipside, Randy says that 'so many places get overlooked', including Benghazi in Libya, Eritrea and Iraq.
