Weather tracker: Atmospheric rivers to bring heavy rain and snow to Pacific north-west

A series of powerful storms has impacted the Pacific north-west of the United States, particularly affecting Washington and Oregon. These storms have resulted in heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and necessitated high-water rescues across several areas. An atmospheric river is responsible for the intense weather, bringing significant precipitation and snowfall to the region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his readiness to hold new elections in Ukraine, coinciding with his plans to submit revised proposals to Washington aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This announcement comes amid increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been advocating for a national vote as part of the peace process.

Iran's football chief has criticized the branding of a World Cup match against Egypt as a 'Pride Match,' calling it an 'irrational move' that does not align with the country's values. This statement reflects Iran's ongoing tensions with LGBTQ+ issues and its stance on international sports branding.

Two main organizers of a marathon in Iran were arrested after images emerged on social media showing women competing without the mandatory hijabs, violating the country's strict dress code. This incident occurred during a race held on Kish Island, drawing significant attention to the enforcement of Iran's laws regarding women's attire.

Pamela Smith, the first Black woman to serve as Washington DC's police chief, has resigned after less than two years in office amid a contentious struggle for control over the city's law enforcement, particularly as Donald Trump seeks to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department.

Iranian officials have confirmed that a second flight carrying 55 deported Iranians has left the United States, following a previous deportation flight. This ongoing process of deportation raises significant concerns among activists regarding the treatment of individuals in Iran, particularly in light of the government's recent crackdown on dissent and human rights abuses.

Iranian authorities have arrested two marathon organizers after images surfaced showing women competing without hijabs during a race on Kish Island. This incident has prompted the judiciary to open a criminal case against the organizers for violating the country's strict dress code laws.