Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Illinois Travel: Canadian wildfire smoke is keeping Chicago’s air in the hazardous range, with an Air Quality Alert through Friday night; officials warn everyone to limit time outdoors, note low visibility that could affect O’Hare, and say major events (including Millennium Park’s summer music series and a Chicago Fire match) were rescheduled while beaches and outdoor pools were closed. Health Tips for Travelers: As smoke lingers across the Midwest, experts say an N95 mask is the best option for filtering fine particles (PM2.5). Road-Trip & Outdoor Planning: If you’re heading out this weekend, expect smoky skies to return on Sunday even as some conditions ease Friday. Local Travel Infrastructure: Illinois and Missouri celebrated completion of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge in Chester, restoring a key Route 150/Route 51 crossing with a safer, wider replacement. Family-Friendly Weekend Ideas: Classic jets will be visible outside the fence at Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport as aircraft stage for Oshkosh AirVenture. Tourism Watch: A local tourism report highlights strong early summer visitation and rising hotel and Airbnb/VRBO occupancy in the region.