New research shows ancient chili peppers were likely growing in Southwestern states like New Mexico millions of years earlier than previously thought. Scientists believe birds - which, unlike people, lack heat receptors and don t wince, or worse - when eating the spicy "berry-like" fruits, and spread their seeds across vast areas. Now, researchers at the University of Colorado say a previously collected fossil shows they were growing in the Americas as much as 50 million years ago - much earlier than the 15 million years ago previously thought. .
A U.S. Supreme Court case that began in Idaho has weakened protections across the nation under the Clean Water Act. The justices on Thursday handed down a 5-4 decision that will undo federal safeguards for wetlands. .
For the first time in nearly three years, the widespread drought that has had Iowa in its grip is predicted to end. The latest drought outlook says the tinder-dry weather pattern will lift later this year. The last time no part of Iowa was abnormally dry was in April 2020, according to the federal Climate Prediction Center s latest seasonal outlook. .
Locals will help steward two iconic locations on Oregon s coast. The Cape Foulweather Complex and Cape Lookout Marine Conservation areas were approved for designation in April by the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission. The Audubon Society of Lincoln City plans to recruit local residents for stewardship in 2025. .