Beijing Races to Clear Its Skies Before the Olympics (NPR) China's capital faces an uphill fight to solve its notorious air pollution problem in time for August's Olympic Games, and the government is preparing to ban traffic to keep skies blue. Meanwhile, athletes are bracing for at least some bad air. [News Source]

The Grounded Gardner: You need a light touch for your houseplants (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) The benefits of houseplants -- reducing indoor air pollution and calming the nerves -- may prompt you to take a second look at that cutleaf philodendron at your local nursery, especially during the winter when outdoor garden activities often are restricted by the weather. [News Source]

“Horrible Chemical Smell” Originates From Alco Chemical (WTVC Chattanooga) The Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau has sent investigators to the downtown Chattanooga area in an effort to find the source of what some are describing as a "horrible chemical smell." [News Source]

Downwind of a Windfall (Fort Worth Weekly) Air pollution settlement will provide seed money for “green” projects. Generally speaking, when small environmental groups take on gigantic corporations, it usually doesn’t end well for the little guy — or the environment, for that matter. [News Source]

Antioxidant booster: Pomegranates are worth the effort (Carroll County Online) Pomegranates are a delicious source of antioxidants. Free radicals are abundant in the environment (air pollution, alcohol, pesticides, sunlight, tobacco smoke, drugs and even fried foods), and the body produces them as well. [News Source]