Iowa Senator Joni Ernst faced intense questioning from constituents over proposed Medicaid cuts in the Republican healthcare bill. When a constituent argued the cuts would lead to deaths, Ernst responded dismissively, “Well, we all are going to die.” Her comments sparked outrage, but she has thus far refused to apologize. (NBC News)

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed parts of the Midwest and Great Plains, leading to air quality alerts across several states. Over 90 uncontrolled fires in Canada have forced 17,000 people to evacuate, and the resulting smoke has reached as far as the Georgia-Florida border. Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activities. (NBC News)

Former President Biden said he and “all the folks are very optimistic” about successfully treating his prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bone. “The expectation is we’re going to be able to beat this,” he told the Washington Post. “There’s no — it’s not in any organ, my bones are strong, it hadn’t penetrated,” he added. (Axios)

Neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party has consolidated a majority of the public’s support, with over 40% saying neither party can get things done or has strong leadership. However, Americans increasingly see meaningful differences between the two parties: only 18% now say the parties are “pretty much the same.” (CNN)

LSU Shreveport became the first college baseball team to finish a season unbeaten at 59-0, winning the NAIA championship. The Pilots, one of the top NAIA programs for 25 years, dominated the season with an NAIA-record .982 fielding percentage and several team and individual statistical leaders. (ABC News)