Introduction

The eastern U.S. has been blanketed in smoke from Canadian wildfires over the past few days. It’s gotten so bad that many places, like New York City, broke air quality records. We have what you need to know.

• Plus, preparing for student loans to come back this summer.

Guests: Axios' Javier David and Jacob Knutson, The Washington Post’s Danielle Douglas-Gabriel.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Lydia McMullen-Laird and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go deeper:

• Smoke from Canadian wildfires leads to record poor air quality in East U.S.
• How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
• The student loan payment pause will end soon. Here’s what to know.