Agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture overseeing national forests and grasslands
Two Forest Service biologists were kidnapped near Gumboot Lake in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Joseph Charles Henrichsen and his son Phoenix have been charged with kidnapping federal employees after a near daylong standoff that ended with the hostages released and the suspects in custody. A large multiagency response was mounted, and prosecutors say the pair face life in prison if convicted.
Fire officials report multiple wildfires across the Western U.S. have intensified, with the Old Trails Fire in Washington near Spokane expanding rapidly and prompting evacuations, while Oregon faces closures and near-term risk as crews contend with hot, dry, windy conditions.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near Salado, Texas, killing two crew members. Fort Hood is leading the investigation. A grass fire sparked by the crash has prompted evacuations and road closures; authorities say the situation is developing as responders work to secure the site.
The Hawk Fire near Reno has reached about 27% containment and stretched over roughly 23 square miles. Officials say Modest progress is being made as evacuation orders remain for tens of thousands. The fire is considered human-caused, with questions still surrounding its origin. Schools are closed and residents face ongoing danger as winds shift.
Fire has raged across two states, destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate. In Texas, the Ross Fire is spreading through ranchland, with several structures lost. In Nevada, the Hawk Fire near Reno has damaged dozens of homes and prompted resettlement efforts as evacuation orders remain in place.
California lawmakers oppose a proposed land exchange that would grant a private developer a short access road to Yosemite National Park in exchange for lands elsewhere in California. Kingsbarn Realty Capital argues the plan would ease congestion and cut emissions, while opponents warn of privatizing public land and impacting conservation. The proposal is under federal review with public comment ongoing.
Elm scientists have injected 6,000 young trees with Dutch elm disease spores to test resistance. Survivors will feed a breeding program to boost disease-tolerant elms for forests, riverbanks and yards. Separate injections aim to protect ash trees from emerald ash borer through targeted insecticide treatments along the Appalachian Trail.
A fossil from 324 million years ago suggests insects had more legs than today and may reshape understanding of early arthropods during the hexapod gap.
Three hikers stranded on Mount Shasta after relying on AI for planning have been rescued. Officials say the incident underscores risks of overreliance on Gemini and other AI tools, and emphasize planning with local guidance and weather data.
The Los Angeles mayor has not appeared at a congressional hearing on homelessness, citing a busy schedule as scrutiny over the city’s handling of funds and the LAHSA board intensifies. Lawmakers have shown frustration as funding discussions pivot and questions remain about accountability.