Rock of Yosemite, a 3,000-foot granite monolith
Jacob Daniel Whisenant, a Mammoth Lakes climber known for speed ascents, has died in an August 3 accident in the Sierra Nevada, Tulare County. The coroner has ruled blunt force trauma as the cause and the death an accident. He gained fame for a rapid El Capitan ascent in 2024 and leaves behind friends and family who describe his devotion to climbing.
The Interior Department is evaluating a land exchange with Kingsbarn Realty Capital to allow a short access road from the developer’s parcel to Yosemite National Park. Public opposition has surged, with environmental groups calling the move a privatization of national land. Officials say any exchange will undergo environmental review and public notice before a decision is made.
A guide to lesser-known fall landscapes across the United States, highlighting offbeat spots from the Midwest to New England and beyond, with practical tips on crowds, reservations, and hidden gems.
Two Precision pilots have died in a helicopter crash near Ostrander Lake while supporting the Dome Fire. The AS332 Super Puma went down with no other people aboard. Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are underway as incident responders honor the pilots and continuing firefighting efforts proceed.