A landlocked Mountain West state in the U.S.
David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse, has survived a pole impalement on Granite Peak in Montana. After self-assessing the injury and with friends’ support, he decided to descend about 10 miles over rugged terrain using a Garmin inReach to call for help. He reached a clinic, then a hospital, and was discharged within days, with plans to return to work.
The Pacific Northwest has seen a lightning-driven outbreak of wildfires that has burned more than 1.6 million acres and forced evacuations across Oregon and Idaho. Dry thunderstorms in mid‑July produced thousands of strikes that ignited dozens of blazes. Fire crews from across the region have mobilised as hazardous smoke degrades air quality across several states.
A Montana teenager has saved a man from drowning in the Yellowstone River after a raft and paddleboard were knocked into the water by a bridge collision. The teen used a lariat to rope the victim to shore; authorities credit the救援 as life-saving.
The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed deregulation of Head Start, shifting many requirements to state and local authorities while adding new dietary and fitness rules. The plan aims to free up billions to expand slots, but critics warn it could erode safeguards for vulnerable children.
The administration has finalized a rule that ends federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Mental health services remain funded. Seventeen states currently cover some degree of gender-affirming care under Medicaid and CHIP, while many hospitals have paused treatments.
The Trump administration has announced a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days, with a pledge to sell at 25% below market prices. Officials say the move aims to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and ease inflation, but ranchers and some lawmakers warn it could hurt domestic producers. Several outlets report on the development with various details and feedback from stakeholders.
Beef prices have risen as U.S. cattle numbers shrink and imports face constraints. The White House is moving to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of lean ground beef to be imported for 90 days at a 25% discount, seeking to ease consumer costs ahead of the midterms. Ranchers warn the measure could undermine long-term herd growth and U.S. cattle profitability.
The US has opened a border crossing for Mexican cattle as concerns over the New World screwworm lessen. Authorities plan a phased reopening of additional crossings while Trump pushes a 90-day tariff-free import surge of ground beef to lower prices, though ranchers warn it risks hollowing domestic herd expansion.
Justus Kelley has won Miss USA 2026, becoming the first married woman, first mother, and the first contestant in her 30s to win the pageant as the 75th edition crowns her in Miami. The Virginia native uses the platform to champion foster care and reflects on her family’s dedication.
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.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce over after cases have fallen sharply. Federal investigators have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico by Taylor Farms; about 12,800 people were infected, 570 were hospitalised and two people died.
Trump has pledged a $5,000 dividend for every American if Republicans retain control of Congress; the plan faces legal, fiscal and political hurdles and is criticized by experts and opponents as economically risky.
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.
Pantheon Regeneration plans to restore peatlands from Virginia to Florida, blocking ditch networks to raise water levels, reduce carbon emissions, and sell credits to fund conservation; the project seeks to protect biodiversity and defend large coastal and inland peat systems from degradation.
Scientists have used tooth enamel chemistry to estimate Tyrannosaurus rex’s body temperature at about 36°C, placing it among warm‑blooded animals. The research, based on clumped isotope thermometry, is published in Science Advances and relies on enamel from three teeth from Hell Creek Formation fossils.
Rescued bears from South Korea have been moved to a new reserve in Suffolk after a 5,500-mile journey, reflecting a broader push to improve welfare. In the United States, Great Smoky National Park warns visitors as elk and black bears become more active with the onset of autumn, urging strict safe distances.
Conservationists are building ark populations of Myxas glutinosa, a critically endangered snail, in Wales and across England. Ian Hughes has long studied them in Llyn Tegid, aided by his family, with eggs spotted after months in captivity. The project aims to restore the species to the wild under government support.
Flash flooding across the Navajo Nation has claimed three lives in New Mexico, as monsoon moisture drives heavy rain and widespread road damage. Officials warn residents to avoid flooded roads and to follow emergency guidance; updates indicate multiple communities remain isolated.
A well-preserved dinosaur-era feather has been found in fossilised dinosaur dung, shedding light on why birds survived the mass extinction. The find, described in Current Biology, shows a feather with bones and fish scales, offering new clues about the neonith birds’ resilience.
Oil markets face renewed volatility as Iran-aligned attacks tighten supply routes. China has leveraged a large strategic reserve to weather disruption, while Saudi Arabia faces pipeline outages, prompting regional and global safeguards.
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.
The Speaker is campaigning across multiple states to defend Republican-held seats while pursuing a broader message on cost of living and reform. The push follows a six-week sprint across 20 states, with a focus on key battlegrounds as November nears.
Democratic candidates in swing districts are breaking with party leadership on issues from transgender sports to governance, signaling a rift as the 2026 midterms approach. The disputes highlight tensions between ideology, campaign messaging, and district-specific priorities as Republicans push for accountability on social issues.
Two adopted sisters, separated as babies, have discovered each other after a baseball-style rocommend?; the fire answer: They found each other during a Montana softball tournament when a teammate noticed the striking resemblance. Their mothers share names and birth hospital, confirming the bond. The siblings are now building a family connection across 400 miles.
Democrats have surged in unusual Senate and governor races in red states, leveraging outsider candidates to challenge incumbents. Texas, Kansas and South Carolina show tossups in closely watched races, while independents and unconventional figures reshape the field. The broader map hints at a potential expansion of the political playing field, though outcomes remain uncertain.
Multiple states have filed lawsuits alleging OpenAI’s ChatGPT poses safety risks to children, including dangerous medical guidance and coercive behaviors. The actions seek changes to how the product works for young users and to surrender profits tied to minors’ usage. OpenAI says safeguards are in place and is engaging with states.
Voters are facing high prices and inflation ahead of the midterms. Polls show broad concern about the economy, with independents and Democrats signaling demand for change. Trump’s approval remains low, while Democrats gain a narrow edge on congressional control ahead of November elections.
A migrant vessel carrying about 27 people has capsized roughly 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico. Coast Guard and Navy assets have rescued 16 Mexican nationals. Eleven remain missing as search operations continue along a route frequently used by smugglers.