Public land‑grant research university in Fort Collins, flagship of CSU System
El Niño has strengthened and is forecast to reach the strongest category by fall, bringing droughts, heavy rains, heat waves, and shifts in hurricane activity. Forecasts indicate the event will influence global weather patterns this fall and winter, with warnings of significant regional impacts.
A new analysis shows a 57% rise in accidents involving dangerous chemicals from 2021 to 2025, with injuries and fatalities climbing. More than 650 incidents have occurred since 2020, affecting millions living near facilities, as regulators face pressure to tighten safety rules amid aging infrastructure.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires is driving hazardous air across multiple U.S. states. Health officials urge people to stay indoors and protect indoor air quality, with guidance on HVAC use and DIY filters. Experts warn that smoke can affect the heart, brain and pregnancy, and that air quality can remain poor for days.
Wildfire smoke is harming public health at multiple levels: it spikes asthma and heart issues within hours, increases emergency visits, and poses long-term risks for pregnant women and cognitive health. Studies link smoke exposure to higher stroke rates, dementia risk, and preterm births. Experts urge stronger fire-prevention measures as fires grow more frequent with warming temperatures.
Climate models have shown an unusually powerful El Niño forming in the tropical Pacific that has a high chance of peaking this year or into 2027. Forecasts have indicated record ocean temperatures, widespread risks to food and water supplies across Africa and Latin America, and added pressure on prices and supply chains already strained by conflict and heatwaves.
A federal analysis shows Lake Powell could fall to 3,491 feet by March 2027, risking hydropower as the reservoir nears the minimum power pool. Authorities are moving water from Flaming Gorge to stabilize levels while talks among Western governors intensify.
The Colorado River system is under mounting stress as Lake Mead and Lake Powell reach record low levels. Federal plans call for flexible, biannual adjustments and deeper cuts in the Lower Basin, balancing conservation with electricity needs amid a multi-decade drought and climate change.
Arizona State University has launched a bachelor’s degree in content creation through the Walter Cronkite School, overlapping with existing programs but featuring electives in podcasting, studio production, and on-camera work. The program has drawn criticism about its practicality, but universities are expanding such majors to align with evolving careers in media and the creator economy.
Scotland faces a growing wildfire threat as authorities escalate prevention efforts. Following Cairngorms blazes, firefighters and land managers are expanding fire breaks, boosting water sources, and accelerating peatland restoration to curb future fires.
Atlantic hurricane activity has remained unusually low this season, with no hurricanes forming yet. Forecasters say El Niño, Sahara dust, and high wind shear are suppressing development, while Pacific activity remains high. The season has seen record-breaking delays in hurricane formation, with experts cautioning that a single system could still cause damage.
Colorado State University has apologized for chants directed at BYU players and fans during a recent football game, saying mocking anyone’s faith has no place. BYU won 41-23, and CSU says it is addressing the incident with students. The incident echoes prior penalties in college football against other programs.
Polo has strengthened into a major Pacific hurricane with winds reaching Category 5 at times, threatening Mexico’s Pacific coast and prompting evacuations, shelter preparations, and heavy rain forecasts. Officials warn of life‑threatening flooding and mudslides as the storm tracks toward Baja California and may affect parts of the U.S. Southwest.
Harvard has completed a dramatic comeback, rallying from a 17-14 deficit with four seconds left to beat Colgate 20-17 in Cambridge. Teigan Pelletier caught a last-minute pass at the 5, then pitched to Nate Bailey for the game-winning score. Bailey finished with 197 receiving yards and a touchdown on 16 receptions as Harvard improves to 3-0.