America’s beach lovers contend with fecal contamination warnings on Labor Day weekend

Four hikers in New York's Catskill Mountains, who had taken psychedelic mushrooms, were rescued after straying off the trail and calling for help due to one member's severe disorientation. The group was located by rangers and firefighters, guided back to safety, and none required hospitalization, highlighting the risks of hiking under the influence of hallucinogens in treacherous terrain. Want More Context? 🔎

A 36-year-old woman participating in a YouTube survival challenge was rescued after nearly 18 hours in the Michigan woods. She went missing while searching for water, prompting a coordinated search that located her in a swampy area; she was unharmed and praised by authorities for her rescue, while YouTube stated it had no involvement in the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

House Democrats shared an alleged birthday card from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein from 2003, which Trump denies sending, claiming it was part of a book compiled by Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The card features a provocative drawing and a conversation about shared interests, amidst ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's estate and the investigation into his sex trafficking activities. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine visited Puerto Rico to support military operations against drug cartels, coinciding with ongoing Marine training on the island. While locals protested against increased military presence, citing historical concerns, Puerto Rico's Governor Jenniffer González emphasized its strategic importance in combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Want More Context? 🔎

GoFundMe removed fundraising campaigns for Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska to death on a Charlotte light-rail train, citing a policy against fundraisers for individuals charged with violent crimes; donors were refunded. Zarutska, a 23-year-old artist who fled Ukraine, was remembered by her family and local community for her creativity and kindness, while calls for increased public safety have been renewed following the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

North Carolina police are investigating the stabbing death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman who had recently fled the war. Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect identified in the incident on a Charlotte Area Transit System train, will be charged with first-degree murder after recovering from his injuries, as the case has drawn national outrage, including remarks from President Trump and others. Want More Context? 🔎