PORTAGE, Ind.—Indiana Dunes National Park closed its beaches and a northwest Indiana water utility shut down an intake facility after an orange substance apparently spilled from a U.S. Steel plant into a Lake Michigan tributary, a mayor said. Portage Mayor Sue Lynch said she began receiving calls about 5:50 p.m. Sunday reporting that an unknown…

Dozens of beaches across the United States were forced to close this month following reports of an increase in toxic bacterias contaminating the water. An advisory against bathing at beaches in states nationwide like California, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts and Washington State was issued by health officials this month after they determined swimming…

NEWPORT BEACH—Weather forecasters warned July 2 that higher surf and stronger rip currents are coming to Orange County and other south-facing beaches, increasing the danger for hordes of visitors expected during the Fourth of July weekend. The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement effective the morning of July 3 through the evening of…

Orange County beaches are continuing to experience a “frustrating” amount of litter, with some waste brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental advocates say. During a study of the impact of the pandemic on beaches, the Southern California Surfrider Foundation found personal protective equipment (PPE) to be amongst common waste. “The COVID-19 pandemic led to an almost…

We’ve arrived at the precise moment when the winter starts to feel a little long, when we’ve had a bit too much of all the snow and cold—and when sunshine and sand dominate our thoughts. But with many beach destinations still closed (or at least, uncertain) right now, international island-hopping may be out of the…