March 14-16, 2025: NOAA satellites closely monitored a powerful Spring storm system that tore through the central and eastern United States, unleashing a devastating mix of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, destructive winds, dust storms, and wildfires in its wake. 

Whether you live deep in the country or in the heart of a bustling city, the relentless hum of modern life is as constant as the nonstop, digital cacophony that bombards the senses and demands our continual attention. So it's little wonder that one of the most pervasive environmental threats today — noise pollution — has managed to slip largely under the radar. We’ve tuned it out.

You check your inbox to see your flight confirmation number come through. You’re elated and immediately call your mom to tell her the good news. You’ve recently received a promotion after working in a public health administration position for two years, and you just finished season two of The White Lotus, so why not book a trip to Italy? You’ve always wanted to eat authentic pizza and walk around with gelato and make vague, Italian hand gestures. You comb through your apartment and find your passport. Still valid. Phew.