Stories from United States

The US Department of State issued cables to American embassies instructing diplomats to pressure foreign governments to join a new freedom of navigation initiative. US President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to a report from YTN Radio. Russian presidential aide Yuri Shakov confirmed that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump held a phone conversation on the evening of April 29. Chinese financial media reports that Trump stated negotiations with Iran are being conducted via telephone. US military leaders are set to brief President Donald Trump on Thursday. The briefing concerns the situation in Lebanon, Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz. This follows 60 days since the start of the war, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Putin warned of consequences following recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Tehran.

The Trump administration is implementing new requirements for United States visa applicants. Applicants must now formally affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as part of efforts to restrict asylum seekers.

Farmers in Michigan are using wind turbines to protect crops from freezing conditions this week. The turbines rotate to mix warmer air from higher altitudes down to the surface. This process helps prevent crop damage from frost.

US researchers found that training programs conducted before surgeries appear to be effective. The study, evaluated by the Society of Surgery, included various procedures such as knee, gastrointestinal, and heart surgeries.

Former 19 Kids star Joseph Duggar and his wife Kendra are pleading not guilty to child endangerment charges in Arkansas. The couple was arrested last month following an investigation, though the full details of the probe have not been released.

The Trump administration is implementing expansive visa limits that affect various visa holders, according to a logistics firm president. Michael Belzer, an emeritus professor in transportation economics at Wayne State, stated the limits go far beyond safety necessities.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Quad Cities region in Iowa and Illinois. The warning is effective from April 29 until May 2 at 3:00 PM CDT.

Former Representative Barney Frank has entered hospice care at his home in Maine. Frank was a key architect of Wall Street regulations enacted by Democrats following the 2008 financial crisis. The liberal icon was originally from Massachusetts.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat from California, opposed the Republican budget resolution. Panetta stated the resolution fails to end the government shutdown or reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries stated that Democrats can fight recent redistricting rulings through several methods, including increasing voter turnout for midterm elections to retake the House and pass legislation.