The world's oldest Douglas fir trees have lived over 1,000 years

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is erupting spectacularly, with lava fountains reaching 1,000 feet as part of "Episode 26" at Halemaʻumaʻu crater, according to the USGS. The eruption began on June 20, 2025, and is confined to the crater area, prompting a code orange volcano watch due to potential hazards including volcanic gas emissions and ground instability. Need More Context? 🔎

Anthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentGetty ImagesDonald Trump has escalated US involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict by ordering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming a "spectacular success" while warning of further attacks if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions. Critics, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warn of a potential "spiral of chaos" in the Middle East, as tensions rise and retaliation from Iran looms. Need More Context? 🔎

At least three people died in North Dakota due to tornadoes and severe weather that caused extensive damage in the Enderlin area. Governor Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster, activating emergency resources as first responders conducted searches and well-being checks among residents impacted by the storms. Need More Context? 🔎

A Virginia woman, Amanda Kempton, 32, was arraigned for a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of luxury real estate agent and former Netflix star Sara Burack, 40, in the Hamptons. Burack, known for her role in "Million Dollar Beach House," was found unresponsive on Montauk Highway and later pronounced dead at a hospital; Kempton pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. Need More Context? 🔎

As the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) faced dismantlement in early February, aid workers and officials took urgent steps to preserve vital programs, particularly those aligned with the "America First" agenda. Despite these efforts, the remaining initiatives primarily address immediate crises like disease and hunger, neglecting long-term stability and development, raising concerns among aid experts about the future effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid. Need More Context? 🔎

Tens of millions of Americans are facing extreme heat alerts this week, particularly in the Northeast, with warnings for Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston starting Sunday, and a heat watch for Washington, D.C. and Baltimore on Monday. New York City officials are activating emergency heat plans, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and power usage as temperatures are expected to peak at 100 degrees on Tuesday. Need More Context? 🔎