Aid

The National Cancer Institute estimates nearly 40 percent of all people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Apart from the stress and emotional burden, the disease can take a heavy financial toll on families as well.

Despite some much needed recent rain in the Missoula area, many Montana counties have been dubbed "natural disaster areas" due to severe drought conditions the state has faced in the past few weeks—Missoula being one of them.

Federal agencies have pledged another $110 million in drought aid after President Barack Obama talked to the leaders of seven western states.

A New Mexico judge has ruled some patients can choose a physician's aid in getting prescription medications to peacefully end their lives.