The Vatican reported that Pope Francis, 88, received “complete rest” orders from doctors after spending a second night in Agostino Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment. The Pontiff has missed several public events, but expressed gratitude for the well-wishes and support he has received during his recovery. (UPI)
Deadly storms and flooding hit the U.S., claiming at least 9 lives, with Kentucky being the hardest hit. Gov. Beshear declares a state of emergency, with hundreds rescued from floods and power outages affecting 39,000 homes. Extreme cold is hitting the Northern Plains, with wind chill as low as 50 degrees below zero in North Dakota. (AP)
As part of the Trump administration’s effort to downsize the federal workforce, a quarter of employees at almost 60 U.S. laboratories combating the latest avian influenza outbreak have been laid off. These cuts at USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network also coincide with rising egg prices. (UPI)
Dozens killed and many injured in a gold mine collapse in eastern Mali’s Kéniéba district, the country’s second major accident this year. The site at Bilali Koto, managed by Chinese nationals, suffered a landslide. Authorities are determining if the mine was operating legally. (NBC News)
Three men claiming to be from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency tried to access city files at San Francisco City Hall, wearing DOGE shirts and MAGA hats. The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office believes they were not authentic representatives. The men demanded information on alleged government waste and fraud but left before authorities arrived. (ABC News)
