A steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona
The National Park Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the Grand Canyon’s inner canyon, predicting 105–110+ degree conditions at the bottom. Officials are urging hikers to avoid mid-day trails as several heat-related incidents have already occurred, with fatalities reported on Kaibab trails. Fire danger is rising nearby amid dry conditions.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
Kelsey Pfendler has completed a solo row from California to Hawaii, finishing in under 44 days and setting records as the first American woman, youngest woman and fastest to complete the journey unassisted. Supporters greeted her upon arrival in Honolulu after a 2,400+ mile transit, with extensive social-media documentation of the voyage.
Trump's orders have reduced national monument sizes in Utah, reopening decades-long battles over land protections under the Antiquities Act. Biden previously restored boundaries and expanded protections, while legal questions about unilateral changes persist. The shift has sparked backlash from conservationists and tribes, and from Utah officials seeking more development room.
The Colorado River and its two major reservoirs, Mead and Powell, remain at historic lows amid record snowpack deficits and prolonged drought. Federal officials have proposed flexible, staged water cuts for the Lower Basin while keeping extra time for agreement among states. The development could affect millions who rely on the river for drinking water, agriculture, and power.