EWS

New data shows the current El Niño is the strongest ever measured, driving a major shift in global weather patterns. The warming of Pacific Ocean surface waters is expected to bring droughts, floods and heatwaves to different regions worldwide. Scientists and news outlets are watching closely as the event intensifies, with forecasters warning of record temperatures and disruption to agriculture and weather systems into the coming months.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is dealing with a calf injury ahead of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. After it first appeared he would miss the series, Judge is now aiming to play. His availability remains one of the biggest storylines heading into the postseason matchup.

Minnesota keeps stacking up wins, but analysts argue the team's offense, now linked to quarterback Kyler Murray, needs to raise its level for the Vikings to sustain their success. NFL.com's piece suggests the winning streak has papered over underperformance on offense, with sharper play needed against tougher opponents ahead.

Firefighters in Sacramento responded to a shed fire involving dozens of golf carts. Crews worked to contain the blaze, with no details yet on injuries or the cause. The unusual combination of a fire and a large number of golf carts has drawn local attention, with KCRA reporting from the scene and residents following updates as more information emerges.

New research points to a specific brain circuit implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to a study announced via Newswise. The findings add to growing scientific understanding of the neurological basis of OCD and could inform future targeted treatments. Details of the study, including the researchers and institutions involved, have not been provided.

An NFL insider has provided an updated timeline for Josh Jacobs' return to the Green Bay Packers, addressing how long the star running back is expected to be out. Jacobs' absence is a significant blow to Green Bay's ground game, and fans are watching closely for confirmation of the report and what it means for the team's offensive plans in upcoming games.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the latest injury news on Giants linebacker Brian Burns, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Dolphins running back De'Von Achane during an appearance on Good Morning Football. The update covered each player's current status and outlook as teams manage key starters through the season, giving fans a sense of availability for upcoming games.

A survey-based report suggests that most health professionals believe key plant foods are underrepresented in official dietary guidelines. The findings point to a gap between what practitioners recommend or support and what national nutrition guidance emphasises, particularly regarding legumes, nuts, whole grains and other plant-based staples. Commenters in nutrition and plant-based communities are sharing the story and calling for updated advice.

The Army is rolling out a new fitness management system, but senior leaders are voicing concern about 'data fatigue' — the risk that soldiers and commanders will be overwhelmed by constant tracking and reporting requirements tied to the platform. The rollout reflects the Army's broader push to digitize how it monitors troop fitness, though officials acknowledge the system could burden soldiers with excessive data entry rather than streamline readiness.

Yahoo Sports has published its Week 4 NFL injury report, compiling the latest news and updates on Justin Jefferson, De'Von Achane and other players heading into the weekend's games. The roundup is aimed at fantasy football managers weighing lineup decisions, offering status updates on key offensive stars as Week 4 matchups approach.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring the state to identify and track the use of pesticides containing PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals linked to health and environmental concerns. The measure gives regulators new visibility into how widely these substances are applied in agriculture, adding California to the growing list of states taking action against PFAS contamination.

A nor'easter that swept through New York City has weakened, with the National Weather Service reporting only minor coastal flooding across the area. The storm brought rain and wind but fell short of the more severe impacts forecasters had warned about, and conditions are drying out as the system moves away from the region.

Dr. Elizabeth Alpern has been appointed Founders' Board Centennial Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The appointment, announced via press release, marks a leadership change in the hospital's pediatrics department. Beyond the announcement itself, no further details about her plans or background have been widely circulated.

An SUV was found in the ocean at a beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts, according to Boston-area news reports. Details about how the vehicle ended up in the water, whether anyone was inside, and the circumstances of the discovery have not yet been made clear.

Industry coverage highlights how the AI chip boom is reshaping the semiconductor sector, accelerating transformation across chipmakers and pushing up demand for specialised materials used in advanced fabrication. Analysts note that surging investment in AI hardware is changing supply chains and creating new opportunities for materials suppliers. Observers are weighing how sustainable this demand growth will be as AI development continues at pace.

DigiTimes Asia reports that China's artificial intelligence industry is moving beyond playing catch-up with Western rivals and entering a commercialization phase. The shift is tied to domestic semiconductor progress, including DRAM maker CXMT and advances in hardware packaging, suggesting Chinese firms are beginning to monetize AI at scale. Observers are watching whether domestic supply chains can sustain the momentum.

Vietnamese outlet Tuoi Tre examines how Vietnam could develop a genuine semiconductor industry, drawing lessons from Singapore, where the chip sector contributes roughly 6% of GDP. The piece analyses what policies, investment strategies and workforce development Singapore used, and how Vietnam might apply them as it positions itself as an emerging player in the global chip supply chain.

A Westwood rigs round-up reports that the market for harsh-environment semisubmersible drilling rigs is close to being fully contracted. The report suggests demand for rigs capable of operating in tough North Sea-style conditions is outstripping available supply, leaving operators with few open units to charter as energy companies press ahead with offshore drilling plans.