Federal Budget Plans Threaten National Parks Climate Research

Dr. Doug Miller continues crucial weather research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park despite significant federal budget cuts under President Trump's administration that threaten to halt many national park projects. His work with rain gauges helps predict landslides and flooding, which became critical following Hurricane Helene's damage, yet ongoing trail closures highlight the park's vulnerability. Meanwhile, in sports, Australian rugby is showing marked improvement under coach Joe Schmidt, who has revitalized the Wallabies with a focus on skill and defense, setting the stage for a challenging British & Irish Lions tour. In a broader societal context, concerns about escalating political unrest and authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. are raised, with calls for coalition-building and real solutions to address the country's crises. These diverse issues, ranging from environmental research and sports resurgence to political tensions, underscore a national atmosphere at a tipping point requiring urgent attention and action.