Tropical Storm Karina has garnered significant attention as it is now anticipated to escalate into a major hurricane. Recent forecasting models indicate that this powerful system could be on a potentially destructive trajectory towards California.

According to the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Karina currently exhibits sustained winds surpassing 50 mph. Expectations are set for this storm to progress into hurricane status by as early as Friday evening.

Forecasters predict that by Sunday morning, Karina will intensify into a formidable Category 3 hurricane, characterized by winds exceeding 111 mph, which could pose significant dangers.

Utilizing new spaghetti models that map out potential paths of tropical systems, analysts suggest several scenarios that might lead Karina to make landfall along the California Coast, potentially affecting millions.

Early data from the American forecasting model, known as GFS, has outlined scenarios for an unprecedented landfall in major cities such as San Diego or Los Angeles, raising concerns for residents in these areas.

The so-called European model, also known as the EPS Ensemble, was more skeptical of a US landfall on Thursday, predicting that Karina would stay away from the California Coast and move out to sea.

However, both prediction models were updated on Friday, with both now showing potential paths to Southern California and points further north.

A hurricane has never made landfall in California in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service, and the last time a tropical storm directly impacted the state was in 1997.

A tropical storm has not taken such a path, from the Pacific Ocean straight into the California Coast, in nearly a century, when the Long Beach Tropical Storm landed in 1939.

It is important to note that forecast models can shift dramatically once storms form and get closer to making landfall. The farther into the future a forecast model tries to predict, the weaker the certainty of it being correct gets.

Spaghetti models, which show a large sampling of weather predictions, also reveal a great amount of uncertainty about a hurricane when they show paths going in several different directions – which is the current case with Karina.

The more tightly clustered the spaghetti models are, the more confident meteorologists are in the route of a storm. 

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Tropical Storm Karina is currently less than 1,400 miles south from San Diego and is moving northwest at 13 mph far offshore from the coast of Mexico.

Three years ago, Hurricane Hilary impacted Southern California, but weather officials later determined that the storm was no longer a named cyclone when it made landfall.

The last time the state was struck by an actual tropical storm was in 1997 when a weakening Hurricane Nora crossed from Mexico into the US still at tropical storm strength.

In 2026, AccuWeather’s lead long range forecaster Paul Pastelok has warned that the stage is set for a historic storm to reach California, thanks to the emergence of the weather phenomenon El Niño.

El Niño is a natural weather phenomenon that simply means that the Pacific Ocean has become noticeably warmer than its historical average.

However, this warming flips global weather patterns, causing storms to become more potent and capable of lasting longer in the Pacific, while weakening in the Atlantic.

AccuWeather meteorologists have predicted that this year’s El Niño will likely be the strongest in recorded history, with sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific rising by 4.8°F (2.66°C).

This would count as a ‘Super’ El Niño, meaning Pacific temperatures have risen by more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.0 degrees Celsius).

Pastelok told the Daily Mail in June: ‘There could be some insane flooding that could take place, not only just in the summer, but it could even be out of season as well into the wintertime.’

‘You gotta watch the combination of the monsoon and marine heatwave. A marine heatwave that’s near the Baja, with El Niño combined, you’ve got three things working to possibly produce some unusual type of wet weather in Southern California, Phoenix, Tucson, in that area there.’

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A dramatic video has emerged showcasing the aftermath of flash flooding along the border between Nepal and China, where mudslides engulfed several buildings as residents hurried to safety in Gyirong, Tibet, a town close to China’s border with Nepal.

The destructive mudslides followed closely on the heels of a 4.4-magnitude earthquake. Just seven minutes after this seismic event, videos captured the frantic escape of people from the disaster’s path, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).

Nepal’s foreign minister, Shishir Khanal, addressed the nation’s parliament and highlighted the significant role earthquakes could play in such natural disasters, according to a Reuters report.

Authorities suspect that the earthquake triggered an ice-rock avalanche, which subsequently surged into the Lhende Khola River in Nepal, contributing to the destructive floods, as noted by Reuters.

At least 95 people have been confirmed dead after rescue authorities in Nepal recovered at least that many bodies.

Nepal’s tourism authority said at least 484 tourists have also been reported missing, at least three of whom are U.S. citizens.

Reports claim as many as several dozen more Americans are missing. No official count of Americans was immediately released by the U.S. government.

The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation closely and communicating with authorities in Nepal.

“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” a State Department spokesperson told News Media in a statement.

“The State Department is aware of Americans impacted by the floods in Nepal and is closely tracking the situation. The embassy is working closely with local tour agencies and local authorities to assist Americans in the affected areas. We extend our deepest condolences for the victims and to the families of all those affected.

“We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in the affected areas to monitor local news, follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities, and enroll in STEP.state.gov to receive important emergency information,” the spokesperson added.

The State Department’s office of Consular Affairs also relayed travel advisories for specific areas within Nepal.

“The flood destroyed buildings and damaged roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, and communications. Nepali authorities ordered people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to move to safer locations,” the department posted on X.

“Avoid travel on the Prithvi Highway, the Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road, and the Mugling–Narayangadh road until authorities lift restrictions. If you are in Rasuwagadhi, Timure, Syafrubesi, Langtang, or another affected area, contact the U.S. Embassy when safe to do so and provide your name, location, and status,” the advisory said.

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Sixty-five people are being treated at hospitals in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, according to local officials.

Authorities also warned a second flood is possible since there is still a blockage on the Lhende Khola River.

China deployed 574 rescuers to Tibet’s Gyirong land crossing, though one rescuer told CCTV it would take hours to reach the deluged site, Reuters reported.

India’s government and the European Union (EU) have publicly offered support to Nepal and China.

“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a post on X.

Shah responded on X, calling Modi’s gesture “a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value.”

“Devastating floods have struck communities in Nepal and China. My thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news… Copernicus has been activated to help map the affected areas in Nepal and support the response on the ground. We stand ready to mobilise further European assistance,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also wrote on X, offering up the use of Copernicus, the EU’s Earth monitoring satellite program.

News Media also contacted Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Pat McAfee’s presence at ESPN is undeniably expanding, and some insiders suggest he may be behind a significant “College GameDay” adjustment happening behind the curtains.

In a surprising turn, long-time producer Jim Gaiero has been ousted from his post, ending a decade-long tenure. The decision was revealed to the college football show’s team earlier this month, according to reports by Awful Announcing.

ESPN’s Matthew Garrett, who holds the title of vice president of production, is reportedly stepping into the role of executive producer. The show is slated to launch its season on September 5 in Baton Rouge, showcasing an exciting matchup between LSU and Clemson.

Insiders have hinted that tensions with McAfee may have driven this potential change, as reported by the outlet.

Last October, McAfee vocally defended himself against detractors following his recent guest appearance on the celebrated ESPN program.

He has served as a co-host for the program since 2022.

“If you think about old white people and old ESPN people, those are really the people that hate me the most at this stage of life,” McAfee said in a video posted to his Instagram Story at the time. “Now granted, there’s some other groups that certainly have threatened my life on a pretty regular basis, I’d say they hate me too. But throughout the entirety, old whites and the old ESPN people over the last like three years have really hated me. That’s who all the producers are of ‘GameDay’ too. So now … it’s been a fun run. College football is great. OK, cheers. Have a great day.”

While McAfee did not call out anyone specifically, sources told Awful Announcing that his message was directed at Gaiero and Garrett.

“He was absolutely talking about Jim and Matthew Garrett,” a source told the outlet. “That isn’t up for debate.”

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Roughly 10 months later, Gaiero is out — although Garrett is seemingly taking on a large role — and the timing of the issue is reportedly also causing some antennas to go up.

ESPN told Awful Announcing that Gaiero can instead focus on duties for Super Bowl 2027, which will be aired on the network for the first time, and he will also be helping with golf coverage with the plan for him to become the lead producer for The Masters and PGA Championship in 2028.

A better work-life schedule was also referenced due to his middle-school-aged daughter.

However, sources questioned the timing of the move, countering that it could have happened not so close to the season.

Sources pointed to ESPN previously firing prominent executive Lee Fitting so soon to the college and NFL seasons despite his role in producing shows for those respective sports.

The outlet also reported that Alabama coach and co-host Nick Saban is not happy with the move, further adding intrigue to the timing and reasoning behind it all.

Gaiero’s ESPN bio lists him as “Producer II” and states he’s been with the company since 1995.

Beyond his role with “College GameDay,” he produces college football and college basketball games and Indy Cars Series races, and helps with NBA draft and PGA Championship coverage.

He is credited with at least seven Sports Emmys.

Garrett’s bio states he “oversees ESPN’s entire portfolio of college football studio shows” plus golf studio and lacrosse studio and event productions, having been promoted into said role in 2025.

Barron Trump, the former president’s youngest son, appears to have secluded himself in a world of heightened security at the age of 20. This move seems driven by the escalating political tumult engulfing his father, Donald Trump.

According to a longstanding confidant of the Trump family speaking to The Post, “He doesn’t go out.” Barron, having recently wrapped up his second year at New York University, has largely spent the summer in seclusion with his mother at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

“The kid’s pretty reclusive,” another insider noted, reinforcing the image of Barron’s private life.

The former president himself has been the target of at least three assassination attempts over the past three years. These include an attack that left him wounded in Butler, Pennsylvania, an encounter with a stalker at his West Palm Beach golf course, and a shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this past April.

Compounding the threats, Barron has become a point of interest for Iranian hardliners, who recently released a provocative video titled “Where to kill Barron Trump.” The chilling footage allegedly monitored his activities and placed a staggering $10 million bounty on the young Trump’s life.

Barron was also reportedly shaken by the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a friend.

‘This is what happens when you go out there. This is what happened,’ Barron told Trump while breaking the news of Kirk’s death.

The exchange, first reported by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan in their book ‘Regime Change’, ended with Trump telling his son, ‘Calm down honey, calm down.’ 

Barron’s first known meeting with Kirk came years ago over lunch after he personally asked his father to arrange an introduction to the conservative activist.

The first lady’s office responded to reports of her son’s reclusiveness by saying that ‘in light of recent threats,’ the East Wing asks that ‘any details concerning his private life be excluded from all coverage.’

Barron’s last public appearance occurred in July, where he attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey. 

He studies finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, a few miles uptown from the family’s Trump Tower residence.

During the 2024 campaign, Barron was credited with steering his father toward the podcast circuit and the manosphere hosts who reached young male voters, including Joe Rogan and Theo Von. 

His business ventures have drawn attention alongside his family’s crypto interests, though the extent of his actual involvement has been reported inconsistently.

In January 2025, at 19, Barron was on a video call with a London woman he’d met on social media when he watched her ex-boyfriend attack her.

He called British police from the US, telling authorities she was ‘getting really badly beat up.’

The boyfriend responsible for beating the woman, Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, got sentenced to four years in March. 

The British judge called Barron’s actions lifesaving and the female victim told jurors it ‘helped save my life.’

CHICAGO (WLS) — In the early hours of Friday, a man faced a terrifying ordeal in downtown Chicago when a group of six assailants robbed him at gunpoint. In a dramatic turn, one of the armed thieves leaped into the victim’s car and discharged a firearm in an attempt to escape, according to Chicago police reports.

The incident unfolded as the 30-year-old victim was making his way back to his parked car on the 300 block of North Lake Front Drive in the Loop. It was just shy of 2 a.m. when the suspects, brandishing weapons, approached him. They assaulted the man, leaving him defenseless, and seized his belongings.

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In a frantic bid to escape, the victim managed to get into his vehicle. However, one assailant quickly joined him, sliding into the passenger seat. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect fired a shot out of the window, intensifying the chaos.

Fortunately, the gunshot did not injure anyone. The victim continued driving and soon found nearby patrolling officers to alert them about the incident. Responding swiftly, police apprehended the suspect who attempted to flee on foot in the vicinity of the 100 block of West Wacker Drive.

Remarkably, despite the traumatic experience, the victim chose not to seek medical treatment.

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Officers recovered a weapon from the scene, and charges are pending as Area Three detectives investigate.

Further information was not immediately available.

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On Friday, Norway mourned the loss of its beloved monarch, King Harald, who passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by the Royal House of Norway.

“With profound sorrow, we must share the heartbreaking news that His Majesty King Harald has left us,” expressed the royal palace in an official statement that conveyed the deep sadness enveloping the nation.

“His Majesty died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28th, at 6:35 AM,” the poignant announcement further detailed, offering a glimpse into the final moments of the revered king’s life.

Harald, esteemed as Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, had been admitted to the hospital on August 17th due to a blood infection, a health battle that captured the nation’s concern in his final days.

He had previously received a pacemaker after falling ill during a vacation in Malaysia in 2024. 

Harald announced he would be drawing down his number of public appearances that same year.

The monarch had served as Norway’s head of state since 1991. He was Norway‘s first royal heir to be born in the country in more than 500 years. In 1905, after Norway gained its independence from Sweden, Harald’s grandfather, King Haakon VII, became the first king of an independent Norwegian state since 1387.

Harald was viewed as a reformer and advocated for his fellow European royals to continue a trend towards openness with the public. 

“If you’ve opened the gate it’s very difficult to close it again,” he told Reuters. “I’m not sure I’d want to close it. So far so good, as far as I’m concerned.” 

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When the Nazis invaded Norway in 1940, Harald’s mother fled with him, first to neutral Sweden, then to the United States, where they briefly lived in the White House after then-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt offered the pair safe haven. 

Harald, his mother and his sisters soon moved to Bethesda, Maryland and would often meet with Roosevelt, who Harald said was like a grandfather to him. 

Harald’s son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, will succeed him and take the name King Haakon VIII.

Haakon and his wife, who will become Queen Mette-Marit, have been embroiled in scandal since it was revealed she exchanged emails with and had multiple meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

Mette-Marit said she regrets her ties to the deceased billionaire and claimed she had no knowledge of his sordid past while communicating with him. 

Additionally, Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, who she had from a previous marriage, was convicted of several charges of rape and domestic violence in June. He was sentenced to four years in prison, and both he and prosecutors are appealing the sentence. 

A mother who endured the harrowing ordeal of a shark attack in Australia vividly recounted the chilling moment she was forced to decide “which limb am I willing to lose” while facing the menacing predator.

Leah Stewart, 34, experienced the terrifying encounter just 100 feet from the shoreline at Sydney’s famous Coogee Beach on June 13. The attacker was believed to be a great white shark.

Stewart shared the wrenching experience of realizing she had to make a swift and painful choice to save her life during the horrifying incident.

During an interview with Australia’s 60 Minutes, set to air this Sunday, Stewart recounted the moment the shark was a mere 30 centimeters from her face. “It sort of started opening its mouth,” she described, reliving the tension of her fight for survival.

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“I’m like, I’ve got to try and punch it. I’ve got to try and push it away or else it’s going to bite my head off.

“And in that moment I thought, well, which limb am I willing to lose? I’m right-handed. So I decided, let’s do a left hook.”

Stewart, who has a young daughter named August, had to have her left arm amputated.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.