General

As an atmospheric river-fueled storm makes its way across the West Coast, Southern California is bracing for heavy rain that poses significant risks of mudslides and debris flows. This storm, which began impacting the region early Wednesday, has already led to evacuation orders in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, and its effects are expected to escalate as the week progresses.

The storm is forecasted to develop into a formidable March powerhouse, putting millions at risk of a variety of weather hazards, including wildfires, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, powerful winds, and blizzard conditions.

In the wake of the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a flexible approach, stating that the UK will “keep all options on the table.” This comes as the US imposes a 25% levy on steel imports, a significant move affecting the UK’s substantial export market, which sees hundreds of millions of pounds worth of steel shipped to the US annually.

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Islanders have traded veteran forward Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche, a move that underscores both teams’ current trajectories in the NHL. While the Islanders grapple with the reality of likely missing the playoffs, the Avalanche are making a statement about their championship aspirations.

Brock Nelson, who has been a cornerstone of the Islanders’ lineup, has enjoyed a stellar season, netting 20 goals and accumulating 43 points in just 61 games. At 33 years old and a pending unrestricted free agent, the Islanders faced a tough decision. Despite his importance to the franchise, the inability to secure a contract extension, combined with the team’s playoff struggles, ultimately led to his departure.

In a bold move to address its staffing challenges, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a voluntary separation payment initiative aimed at reducing its workforce by approximately 7,000 employees. As of March 1, 2025, the SSA is offering financial incentives of up to $25,000 to encourage employees to leave voluntarily, alongside options for early retirement.

The agency is currently grappling with a staffing crisis, having reached a 50-year low in employee numbers while the demand for Social Security services continues to rise. With 56,645 employees reported as of March 2024, down from 66,967 in 2010, the SSA is seeking to streamline its operations through a significant reorganization.

In a troubling development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a mysterious illness that has claimed at least 53 lives and sickened hundreds more. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported two clusters of this unknown disease in northwestern DRC, raising alarms about its potential public health implications.

As of mid-February, the WHO has documented 431 cases associated with this illness, with the most significant outbreak occurring in Bomate Village. Here, at least 419 individuals have fallen ill, resulting in 45 fatalities. A previous cluster in Boloko Village and the nearby Danda has also been reported, with 12 cases and eight deaths attributed to the illness.

As of February 23, 2025, Pope Francis is receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Holy See Press Office reported that the Pope had a restful night, providing a glimmer of hope amid ongoing concerns about his health. While the Pope is responding to therapy, he is not yet out of danger, according to his medical team.

On Friday afternoon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical team caring for the Pope, along with Dr. Luigi Carbone, Vice-Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, addressed journalists in a press conference that lasted about forty minutes. They shared insights into the Pope’s condition, indicating that he is expected to remain hospitalized for at least the entirety of the upcoming week. Importantly, they clarified that while the Pope is not in immediate danger of death, he is still facing significant health challenges.

As the countdown to the 2025 Daytona 500 approaches, excitement is palpable among racing fans and bettors alike. Scheduled to kick off on Sunday, February 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET, this iconic race promises thrilling competition and high stakes, particularly for seasoned drivers like Denny Hamlin, who boasts three Daytona 500 victories. His impressive track record places him among the elite contenders for this year’s race.

With the latest odds showing Hamlin at +1200, he stands as one of the top choices alongside fellow drivers Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano, all of whom are also in the mix with similar odds. Notably, Kyle Busch leads the pack as the favorite at +1100, while Hamlin’s past successes at Daytona make him a compelling option for bettors looking to place their wagers.

In a surprising move, the Trump administration has directed states to halt spending on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, a decision that has sparked widespread concern among industry experts and advocates for sustainable transportation. This directive, issued late Thursday, puts a significant question mark over the future of the EV charging network in the United States, which was bolstered by funding allocated under former President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In an exciting development for fans of strategy gaming, Firaxis has announced the launch of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 - VR, marking the franchise’s first venture into the realm of virtual reality. Set to launch in spring 2025, this immersive experience will be available exclusively on the Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

The game is being developed by PlaySide Studios, known for their work on popular VR titles such as The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and Meta Horizon Worlds. With this new addition, the beloved strategy series promises to deliver a unique gameplay experience that brings the world of Civilization to life in a way never seen before.

On February 7, 2025, the California State Capitol in Sacramento became a focal point for public dissent as hundreds gathered to protest against the policies of President Donald Trump, particularly his recently announced Project 2025. This demonstration is part of a larger movement, with similar protests taking place across the nation, uniting voices from all 50 states in a display of collective frustration.

The atmosphere at the Capitol was charged, with attendees expressing their discontent over a range of issues, prominently including immigration policies and the ongoing ramifications of the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. Many protesters held signs and chanted slogans, clearly articulating their grievances against the administration’s actions in the early weeks of Trump’s presidency.