particle pollution

Industries and cities used to pollute rivers so heavily that at least one caught fire a dozen times. But like the Spring River in Kansas, some waterways are now bouncing back. Plus: Residents in a small Kansas town are upset about a smelly landfill.

The annual “State of the Air” report from the American Lung Association shows some progress for the region and the nation in smog reduction but reports that particulate pollution levels are deadly.

The American Lung Association's latest “State of the Air” report card shows cities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska have cleaner air than they used to. But soot from wildfires continues to pose a risk.