A major North American mountain range
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.
The FAA has moved to replace its 1973 ban on overland supersonic flights with new, noise-based standards. Initial proposals could allow faster cross-country travel and reduce flight times, while NASA tests aim to refine how sonic booms are perceived. Final rules are targeted for mid-2027.
The Interior Department has finalized rules that require individualized protection plans for species added to the threatened list and mandate economic analyses for critical habitat. Critics warn the move could hamper wildlife recovery, while supporters say it balances conservation with development. Several species, including monarch butterflies and the grizzly bear, are cited in ongoing debates.
A heat dome has kept temperatures at dangerous levels across much of the U.S. from the deserts to the Gulf Coast, with some records likely to fall. Forecasters warn that heat stress will persist as nights fail to cool significantly, while relief remains uncertain for the central U.S. later in the week.