Originally Published 3 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Lana Del Rey unexpectedly joined a local band, the Fastest Kids in School, on stage to perform her song 'West Coast' after overhearing them play it in Santa Barbara, creating a viral moment. This surprise collaboration occurred while she was out for ice cream and has garnered significant online attention. Meanwhile, she is working on her upcoming album 'Stove,' expected in early 2026, with a scheduled performance at the Harvest Moon benefit show.
Lana Del Rey unexpectedly joined a local band on stage in Santa Barbara after overhearing them cover her song ‘West Coast’, creating a memorable moment. She is also working on her upcoming album, which has undergone several title changes and is expected to be released in January 2026, with a potentially lighter, more melodic, and playful style.
COVID-19 cases are rising again in Texas, California, Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico, driven by new variants Stratus and Nimbus, though they are not more severe. Data is less reliable due to funding cuts, but increased hospital visits and positivity rates indicate a resurgence, especially in the South Central and Western US.
A severe heat wave is affecting the U.S. West Coast, with temperatures near 100°F, increasing wildfire risks and posing health dangers, especially during the night, prompting warnings for hydration and cooling measures for millions under alerts.
Kendrick Lamar's surprise album "GNX" marks a sonic shift back to accessible hip-hop, focusing on his native L.A. and featuring artists like AzChike. The album attempts to recapture the intensity of his recent lyrical feud with Drake, blending contemporary West Coast sounds with Kendrick's established style. While some tracks lack the bite of his previous work, others showcase his refined songwriting and collaborations with artists like SZA and Roddy Ricch. "GNX" reflects Kendrick's pursuit of dominance in the hip-hop hierarchy, echoing Barack Obama's notion that force can preserve peace.
Kendrick Lamar has released a new music video for "Squabble Up" from his sixth album, GNX, which pays tribute to West Coast culture. The video features nods to California's gang culture and local dances, showcasing Lamar's attention to detail and artistic engagement. The album and video have quickly gained attention, highlighting Lamar's influence in the hip-hop world.
Seattle is experiencing power outages due to strong storms hitting the West Coast, with the potential for these outages to persist as the severe weather continues.
An urgent weather warning has been issued for northern California, Oregon, and Washington as a bomb cyclone is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, catastrophic flooding, and heavy snowfall. The storm, with pressure levels akin to a Category 4 hurricane, will unleash a Category 5 atmospheric river, potentially dumping up to 20 inches of rain and causing significant flooding and mudslides. Residents are advised to seek shelter as the storm is fueled by climate change, with impacts expected to last through the week.
The West Coast is bracing for back-to-back storms, with the first drenching the Pacific Northwest midweek and a stronger storm posing a flash flooding threat to California over the weekend. An atmospheric river storm is expected to bring heavy rain to Central and Southern California, with up to 3 inches of rain forecasted and a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat for Saturday. Additionally, the Sierra Nevada mountain range is expected to receive several feet of snow, contributing to the snowpack recovery in California.
In-N-Out Burger is reportedly considering expanding its presence to the entire West Coast, with plans for its first location in the state of Washington. The popular fast food chain, which has been exclusive to Southern California for over 40 years, is also eyeing expansion to the South, with recent announcements of new locations in New Mexico and the Nashville, Tennessee area. Despite its expansion plans, In-N-Out is also planning a new location in Lake Elsinore while announcing the closure of an Oakland location due to ongoing crime in the area.
A multiday blizzard is set to hit the Sierra Nevada, bringing heavy snow and winds of up to 100 mph, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Up to 10 feet of snow is expected in some areas, potentially erasing snowfall deficits and creating a surplus. Meanwhile, record warmth is forecast for areas east of the Rocky Mountains, with high temperatures climbing well above average and potential record highs in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago.
California is bracing for a series of storms, including a dangerous atmospheric river, that are expected to bring significant flooding, landslides, and rock falls. The storms, influenced by El Niño, will bring heavy rain and snow to the West Coast through next week, with the most impactful storm arriving late Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings and high surf advisories for various coastal areas, and residents are urged to prepare for potential power outages and hazardous road conditions.
High-income singles from expensive West Coast cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are increasingly moving to more affordable cities in the South and Southwest, driving population growth in areas like Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The South's population has increased by 3.9 million people between April 2020 and July 2023, while the West is seeing its share of the US population decline for the first time since the 1940s. Housing costs and the shift to remote work during the pandemic have been major factors in this migration trend, with Bank of America researchers predicting that the out-migration from the West Coast will help balance home prices across regions.
An atmospheric river, known as the "Pineapple Express," has caused flooding, landslides, and strong winds across the West Coast, with another, stronger storm expected to arrive Sunday through Tuesday. Rainfall totals have been significant, with some areas receiving a month's worth of rain in just a few days. The current storm is weakening, but isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected, while the next storm is predicted to bring even greater rainfall and wind, particularly in California.
Satellite images from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration captured powerful atmospheric rivers barreling in from the Pacific Ocean towards the West Coast, threatening to cause flooding and damage. These long regions in the atmosphere transport water vapor equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River, and can bring heavy rainfall and snow, as well as fill reservoirs to help with drought relief. Back-to-back storms this week flowed along the well-known "Pineapple Express," affecting Northern California and parts of the state's central and southern regions with heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, leading to flood advisories and road closures.
