Author: Justin M. Larson

Strong winds across parts of Washington state have kicked up volcanic ash deposited during the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, creating hazy conditions and reducing air quality.The phenomenon, known as ash resuspension, occurs when dry, loose ash is lifted back into the air by gusty winds, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.The vicinity of Mount St. Helens has been experiencing persistently dry weather and is currently facing severe drought conditions.Mount Saint Helens erupts, May 18, 1980, in Washington State.John T. Barr/Getty ImagesCommercial pilots in the area have reported the resuspended ash, which the USGS warns should be considered hazardous…

As Israel mounts a major Gaza offensive, President Trump has neither urged restraint nor endorsed the action, which Israel’s leader has taken as an implicit green light to proceed. Source link

We bring together pieces of Times journalism to help you understand the big picture. Source link

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries and veins is higher than normal. Along with medications and lifestyle changes, drinking enough water may help manage blood pressure. Drinking water may help lower blood pressure in some cases—primarily, if you’re dehydrated. And those with high blood pressure tend to be less hydrated, according to research published in 2022. Experts believe that drinking water helps control blood pressure by preventing dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, your blood—which is made mostly of water—loses volume, which may lead to electrolyte imbalances,…

The health benefits of prickly pears (also known as cactus pear or barbary fig) include that they are highly nutritious and provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, plus powerful plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit of the prickly pear plant is oval-shaped and typically grows between two and five inches in length. When ripe, the pulp has a sweet taste often described as melon- or berry-like. Prickly pears contain vitamins, antioxidants, and plant pigments like carotenoids and betalains that may help reduce inflammation. Some research suggests consuming prickly pear may help reduce certain inflammatory markers. A small…

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, carbonated sodas, tea, and energy drinks. Coffee—the most common source of caffeine—may have anti-inflammatory effects. However, caffeine alone doesn’t appear to have the same effect against inflammation. Research is mixed on how caffeine affects inflammation. Inflammation occurs when your immune system releases chemicals to fight off harmful substances. Chronic (long-term) inflammation can lead to asthma, heart disease, and some cancers. People often get caffeine from coffee, which is generally believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. One study found that consuming more coffee was associated with lower inflammatory markers (blood tests that detect inflammation).…

The long-anticipated military assault is aimed, the Israelis said, at routing the militants of Hamas, but it deepened the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Source link

At least 13 people have been wounded, five critically, in two shootings that erupted over a span of 12 hours at homeless encampments in Minneapolis with the city’s mayor saying he wouldn’t be surprised if they are connected.The shootings on Monday marked the fourth and fifth mass shootings to occur in Minneapolis in the past three weeks, including one on Aug. 27 at Annunciation Catholic School that left two children dead and 21 people injured.”This is tragic. It’s horrible. It’s unacceptable, and, sadly, it’s not surprising,” Mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference early Tuesday.Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara…

The healthiest type of bread may depend on your personal health needs. Sprouted grain, whole wheat, rye, and sourdough are among the best options, since they provide fiber and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Sprouted grain bread is made from whole grains that have been soaked until they begin to sprout, or germinate. Since sprouted grain bread is made of whole grains, it provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white bread. Sprouting increases the protein in some whole grains and makes them easier to digest. It boosts antioxidants and reduces “antinutrients” (like phytates) that block mineral…

Robert Redford, the actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker, who at his peak was simultaneously one of Hollywood’s most critically lauded directors and bankable leading men, has died at age 89. Source link

The development followed reports that the Israeli military has stepped up its ground offensive in Gaza City, ordering residents to leave the area.Speaking from the south of the enclave, UNICEF’s Tess Ingram described the forced mass displacement of families as a “deadly threat for the most vulnerable”. “It is inhumane to expect nearly half a million children battered and traumatized by over 700 days of unrelenting conflict to flee one hellscape to end up in another,” she insisted.150,000 go south in a monthAccording to the UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, over the past few days, partners monitoring the movement…

Many people rely on a caffeine boost to kick-start the morning—but while coffee or tea may be an energizing way to start the day, drinking too much can backfire. For most adults, the Food and Drug Administration says consuming up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine each day—the amount found in two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee—is considered safe. Anything above that could cause negative effects, and for people sensitive to caffeine, even smaller amounts may trigger symptoms. Wondering if you might be overdoing it on the caffeine? Here are eight signs to watch out for—and the safest ways…

Critics question what a risky advance can achieve that nearly two years of war have failed to accomplish. Source link

Romanian far-right former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has been charged with attempting to stage a coup after the first round of the presidential election was annulled last December.Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire and militia chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 20 other people were also charged.The case rests on a planned raid on the Romanian capital Bucharest on 8 December, which police foiled.Romanian prosecutors describe a plot targeting Romania’s constitutional order, involving Georgescu, Potra, their group, and alleged foreign intelligence links.Potra and others have been charged with instigating the coup, while Georgescu is accused of conspiring with…

Attention, Costco shoppers: If you’ve recently purchased Kirkland brand sparkling wine, you may want to check your bottles. Unopened bottles of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene run the risk of shattering, even when not handled or in use, according to a recent product notice sent to customers. The potentially dangerous products are labeled with the item number 1879870. Costco has advised customers to dispose of Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene because of a shattering risk. Costco The prosecco was sold at Costco stores between April 25, 2025 and August 26, 2025 in the following 12 states: IowaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyMichiganMinnesotaMissouri North DakotaNebraskaOhioSouth DakotaWisconsin Costco…

Amid reports of intensifying bombardment in Gaza City overnight, the Middle East crisis took centre stage at the UN on Tuesday, starting at the global body’s Geneva headquarters, where Israel rejected allegations of genocide by an international panel of independent human rights investigators. The development came ahead of an urgent debate at the Human Rights Council prompted by Israeli strikes on Hamas political leadership last week in Doha. UN News app users can follow live here.   Source link

The images show Israeli armored vehicles in multiple places along the outskirts of the city on Tuesday morning, after Israel said it had begun its armed offensive into the city. Source link

In a new report published against the backdrop of intensifying Israeli military operations in Gaza City, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, urged Israel and all countries to fulfil their obligations under international law “to end the genocide” and punish those responsible.“The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” insisted Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”Israel’s Ambassador…

Satellite images show Israeli military buildup around Gaza City on Tuesday morning. Source link

What you eat before a workout can make a real difference in how you feel and perform. Curious what fuels our editorial team before they sweat? We asked a few of our editors to share their go-to pre-workout snacks and why they swear by them. I like to eat something that will give me a good source of energy and nutrition without making me feel too full, like a banana or granola bar. I also try to sip on water for the hour or so leading up to a workout to make sure I’m hydrated and to avoid chugging water…

President Donald Trump is seeking $15 billion in damages from The New York Times and Penguin Random House in a defamation lawsuit that alleges the newspaper and publisher engaged in a campaign to damage his reputation ahead of the 2024 election. Alleging that the Times has become a “leading, and unapologetic, purveyor of falsehoods,” Trump’s attorneys argued that a series of articles about Trump — including a report that Trump’s former chief of staff John Kelly warned the president would rule like a dictator, an article about the making of “The Apprentice,” and a report about the controversy that has followed…

The long-planned take over of the city began early Tuesday, according to officials, despite hundreds of thousands of people still sheltering there. Source link

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will remain disqualified from prosecuting the election interference case against President Donald Trump and others, after the Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear her appeal of the matter.”Members of the public may well be interested in the case underlying this petition for certiorari,” the concurring opinion read. “But our focus in assessing whether to grant review under our certiorari jurisdiction is on the law of Georgia.”In a dissenting opinion, Justice Carla McMillian wrote the case “warrants reconsideration, and the issue is likely to recur.”Tuesday’s ruling on the criminal racketeering case appears to…

Critics question what a risky advance can achieve that nearly two years of war have failed to accomplish. Source link