As we step into February 2025, the tech world is buzzing with anticipation for Apple’s next major software update, iOS 18.4. Following the public release of iOS 18.3 in late January, reports indicate that the first beta of iOS 18.4 is just around the corner, promising significant enhancements, particularly for Siri and Apple Intelligence features.

According to Bloomberg’s renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman, developers can expect the first beta of iOS 18.4 to be available between mid-next week and early the following week. This timeline aligns with previous beta releases, as seen with last year’s iOS 17.4 beta 1, which debuted on January 25, and iOS 16.4’s beta, released on February 16.

As we find ourselves deep into the winter season of 2025, the United States is grappling with an unprecedented surge in viral infections, particularly influenza. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current flu season is the most intense seen in 15 years, with alarming statistics that highlight the urgency for public health measures.

Flu activity is typically measured by the percentage of doctor visits attributed to flu-like symptoms. Recent figures reveal that this percentage has surpassed the peak levels of any winter flu season since 2009-2010. This spike in flu cases has led to significant disruptions, including school closures in several states. For instance, the Godley Independent School District in Texas had to shut its doors for three days after an outbreak left 650 students and 60 staff members absent.

As Major League Baseball (MLB) teams prepare to open their spring training camps across Florida and Arizona, excitement is building for the upcoming season. With the exhibition games on the horizon and Opening Day fast approaching, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the landscape of free agency. Despite the flurry of recent signings, several high-caliber players remain unsigned, creating intrigue as teams finalize their rosters.

Recent signings have included right-handed starter Jack Flaherty returning to the Detroit Tigers and first baseman Pete Alonso rejoining the New York Mets. Additionally, Yoán Moncada has secured a deal with the Los Angeles Angels. However, eight players from CBS Sports’ top-50 free-agent rankings are still exploring their options. This article highlights five of the best unsigned players, showcasing their potential contributions and speculating on their future destinations.

In the vast depths of the ocean, the struggle for survival takes on many forms, even among the largest creatures on Earth. Recent research has shed light on an intriguing aspect of whale behavior: the use of sound as a stealthy method of avoiding predation by killer whales. This study categorizes different whale species into two distinct groups—those that choose to fight and those that prefer to flee.

The fight group includes species such as North Atlantic right whales, bowhead whales, humpbacks, and grey whales. These whales tend to be slower-moving and often give birth in shallow waters, where they can defend their calves against the formidable killer whales. In contrast, the flight group, which includes blue, fin, sei, minke, and Bryde’s whales, opts for a different strategy. These whales are faster and typically have their young in the open ocean, where they can quickly escape from approaching orcas.

As February rolls in, gamers everywhere are bracing themselves for an avalanche of new titles from subscription services, and Amazon Prime Gaming is no exception. This month, Amazon has announced an exciting lineup of 20 new games, set to enhance the gaming experience for its subscribers and expand their already extensive backlogs.

In keeping with its tradition, Amazon will release these titles in several scheduled drops throughout the month. Kicking off the offerings, subscribers can now enjoy BioShock Infinite Complete Edition, a critically acclaimed first-person shooter that continues the franchise’s legacy of engaging storytelling and immersive gameplay. Along with it, players can also dive into The Talos Principle: Gold Edition, a thought-provoking puzzle game that challenges players with philosophical questions while they navigate through its intricately designed levels.

Parents have long been aware of the potential risks associated with high sugar consumption in their children, but recent studies underscore the extent of the damage that excessive sugar intake can inflict—not just in childhood, but extending into adulthood. A pivotal study published in the journal Science highlights alarming correlations between early exposure to added sugars and the development of health issues such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes later in life.

In an exciting development for technology enthusiasts, Amazon is gearing up to unveil a significant upgrade to its voice assistant, Alexa, during a highly anticipated event on February 26 in New York. The event will feature Panos Panay, who leads Amazon’s Devices and Services team and joined the company after a successful tenure at Microsoft, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the Surface product line.

The spotlight of the event is expected to be on Alexa’s generative AI voice capabilities, which have been the subject of speculation for some time. This upgrade could revolutionize the way users interact with their devices at home by enabling Alexa to engage in more natural and contextual conversations while also executing complex, multistep tasks.

As the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, has caused recent egg shortages, many consumers are left wondering about the safety of consuming eggs. The good news is that if you can get your hands on a carton, fully cooked eggs are safe to eat. Experts emphasize that the chance of infected eggs reaching grocery shelves is minimal due to rigorous inspection protocols in place for chicken flocks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reassures consumers that properly cooking eggs effectively destroys pathogens, including H5N1. According to a 2010 risk assessment by the FDA and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the likelihood of humans contracting the virus through contaminated shell eggs is low. This is largely because infected hens typically become ill or die quickly, ceasing to lay eggs, and because of the strict safeguards implemented, including flock testing and federal inspection programs.

In the glitzy world of 1990s hip-hop, Sean “Diddy” Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, emerged as a powerhouse with his label, Bad Boy Records. However, a recent investigation by the BBC reveals a troubling underbelly to Combs’s musical empire, as former employees recount a culture rife with inappropriate behavior, threats, and allegations of sexual misconduct.

Daniel Evans, a former music executive, recalls a chilling encounter in 1997 when Combs threatened a colleague, stating, “I have so much money now that I could hire someone to kill you, and nobody would know.” At the time, Combs was basking in the glow of his label’s success, having just received a $6 million bonus. Yet, as his wealth and power grew, so too did the unsettling accounts from those who worked alongside him.

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.