As we step into 2025, the landscape of storage technology continues to evolve, particularly with the emergence of PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Two years have passed since the first gaming-focused PCIe 5.0 SSDs entered the market, and while initial offerings like the Crucial T700 struggled to impress, recent developments suggest that we might be on the cusp of a breakthrough. However, the journey to making PCIe 5.0 the new standard for gaming storage is still fraught with challenges.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has intervened to halt the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Judge Theodore Chuang issued a ruling on March 18, 2025, that prevents further actions to close the agency and mandates that the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Trump ally Elon Musk, cease the termination of USAID employees.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed on February 13, 2025, on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees. These employees alleged that Musk, who has not been formally appointed to any government position nor confirmed by the Senate, is leading a reckless campaign to dismantle vital government departments. The complaint argued that Musk’s influence over Doge is illegitimate and called for an immediate halt to their activities.

In a concerning turn of events for public health, federal support for mRNA vaccine research is facing significant challenges. Recent reports from KFF Health News revealed that officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have instructed scientists to eliminate all references to mRNA technology from their grant applications. This directive comes amid increased scrutiny from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time critic of vaccines.

In a significant development concerning the Duke of Sussex, U.S. officials are poised to release Prince Harry’s immigration records following a court order. This decision comes on the heels of allegations that the prince may have concealed past drug use when applying for his U.S. visa.

Prince Harry, who relocated to the United States in 2020 alongside his wife Meghan Markle after stepping back from royal duties, has found himself at the center of a legal battle initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. The foundation’s claims stem from revelations made in Harry’s memoir, Spare, published in January 2023, where he openly discussed his experiences with drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.

In a significant turn of events, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has decided to postpone his upcoming book tour, which was set to take him to major cities including Baltimore, Washington, DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This decision comes in response to mounting anger from within the Democratic Party regarding his recent handling of the government funding negotiations in Congress.

Schumer was scheduled to promote his new book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” but representatives announced that the events would be rescheduled due to “security concerns.” The backlash against Schumer intensified following his decision to vote in favor of a Republican-led funding bill last week, aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Many within his party viewed this move as a betrayal of Democratic values and a capitulation to Republican demands.

The film industry mourns the loss of Émilie Dequenne, the Belgian actress renowned for her remarkable talent and captivating performances. Dequenne passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 43, after a courageous battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news to the French news agency AFP.

Born on August 29, 1981, in Belœil, Belgium, Dequenne’s rise to fame began at the tender age of 18. She captivated audiences with her powerful portrayal of a struggling teenager in the Dardenne Brothers’ acclaimed film “Rosetta,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. Her performance earned her the prestigious Best Actress award, and “Rosetta” won the coveted Palme d’Or, solidifying her place in cinematic history.

In a recent leak from renowned leaker Sonny Dickson, a new set of nonfunctional iPhone 17 dummies has surfaced, providing an exciting preview of Apple’s next-generation smartphone lineup. Known for his reliable leaks, Dickson’s revelations are particularly valuable for case and accessory makers who are gearing up for the upcoming release. The images released showcase an intriguing design that aligns closely with the renders circulating in the tech community, especially highlighting the expansive camera bump expected to be featured on all models except the standard iPhone 17.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, making it crucial for individuals to be aware of both the risk factors and the early warning signs of a heart attack. While many are familiar with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking as contributors to heart disease, fewer are aware of the subtle symptoms that may indicate an impending cardiac event.

As the political landscape shifts with President Donald Trump’s tariff rhetoric against Canada gaining momentum, Vermont’s small businesses are already feeling the repercussions. The state, known for its close ties with its northern neighbor, is witnessing the effects of trade tensions firsthand, particularly in the spirits and tourism industries.

One notable example is Caledonia Spirits, based in Montpelier, where Ryan Christiansen serves as president and head distiller. A recent shipment intended for the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), which oversees the trade of alcoholic beverages in Quebec, has been stalled at the Barr Hill distillery for nearly a month. Following Trump’s announcement of tariffs against Canada in February, the SAQ canceled the order, leaving Christiansen and his team in a difficult position. “Customers are ready to buy, and we are in the peak of slow season,” he explained. “Now, it’s sitting on the dock. We missed our financial plan in February because of this.”

In a thrilling turn of events for both Cooper Kupp and Seattle Seahawks fans, the star wide receiver has officially signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the team. The announcement, made on March 14, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the NFL community, particularly in Washington, where Kupp’s journey began.

Kupp, who hails from Yakima, Washington, expressed his enthusiasm on social media shortly after the signing. With a heartfelt post on X, he declared, “Washington back across my chest. Let’s go!!!!!” This sentiment captures not only his excitement for joining the Seahawks but also his pride in representing his home state.