Stories from United States

Lottery sales in Massachusetts decreased by 3% last month compared to the same period last year. This represents a $15 million decrease in revenue. Lottery officials attributed the decline primarily to a drop in scratch ticket sales.

Starbucks reported an increase in same-store sales for the quarter. The company is attempting to manage consumer sentiment in the United States. The report follows a period of high demand for seasonal products like pumpkin spice lattes. Starbucks reported quarterly revenue of 9.5 billion US dollars. Growth was described as tepid outside of the United States. The report suggests the American economy remains robust despite higher fuel prices. Starbucks plans to open an additional 600 stores worldwide, according to the company's CEO during an earnings call. This expansion will bring the coffee house chain's total to more than 41,000 stores globally. The company is scheduled to release further earnings news on Wednesday. Earnings news is expected this Wednesday. The company attributed the growth to improved service following the addition of more employees during rush periods.

Virginia may implement a new water service system featuring a discounted rate structure. The proposed rates would specifically be available to lower-income customers. The report was provided by Michael Pope of Virginia Public Radio. Governor Abigail Spanberger is signing a bill that allows water utilities to offer discounted rates to low-income customers. The program targets individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Senator Dave Marston, a Democrat from Fairfax County, introduced the legislation. The bill aims to allow utilities to redistribute costs for those struggling to pay. A report from the National Institute for Early Education Research found that only 22 percent of all four-year-olds statewide are enrolled in the Virginia Preschool Initiative program. The program is restricted to children who are low-income or at risk.

The Pentagon has submitted a $52 million proposal to the US Congress to formally rename itself the "Department of War." The rebranding effort includes a comprehensive overhaul of the agency's identity. The US Pentagon has formally submitted an application to rename the Department of Defense to the War Department. The Pentagon's Office of the General Counsel has released a formal proposal to rename the department, with expected costs exceeding $50 million. This request was reported by Emisoras Unidas Guatemala. The announcement was made during a broadcast from Guatemala City. Donald Trump intends to change the name of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency responsible for locating migrants. The proposal comes as the agency faces a reputation crisis, according to reports from the Spanish newspaper El País.

Julie Davis plans to retire after a 30-year career due to frustration with the reduction of American support for Kyiv. The Financial Times reported her intention to step down. António Costa stated that Europe must maintain strength to deal with the United States.

Washington's governor and attorney general are suing the private company that operates the Northwest Ice Processing Center in Tacoma. Nick Brown stated that the facility has turned away state health inspectors 10 times. The lawsuit follows more than 3,500 complaints alleging that people are being harmed at the facility. Officials are seeking a judge's order to allow inspectors access to the site. Inspectors have reportedly been turned away 10 times despite over 3,500 complaints alleging harm at the facility. The legal action follows state laws that mandate health and safety standards for private detention facilities. The office of Brown noted that over 35 people have been harmed at the facility. Inspectors report being turned away 10 times from the facility despite more than 35,500 complaints alleging unsafe food, medical neglect, and unsanitary conditions.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins addressed attendees at Bitcoin Las Vegas 2026. He stated that a new era is starting at the agency regarding digital assets.

The Philadelphia Phillies are facing their worst start in over twenty years. Don Mattingly is set to take over as interim manager starting tonight against the Giants.

A U.S. The case involves the unauthorized use of sensitive mission details for financial gain. A woman pleaded guilty to several counts of deception and causing harm to her six-year-old son. The court heard she fabricated claims that her son had three tumors on an optic nerve behind his eye. The woman admitted to spreading these lies, according to the report. Gannon Ken Fundyke entered a plea on Tuesday regarding charges that he used classified information to win over $400,000. Fundyke is accused of using the data on the Polymarket prediction site. Prosecutors allege Van Dyke used intelligence from the mission to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to make over $400,000 on Polymarket. The soldier faces two counts that each carry a maximum sentence. The charges include the unlawful use of confidential government information.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Springfield, Missouri, effective until 4:00 PM CDT on April 28. Severe weather conditions are currently impacting the area. The warning follows severe weather activity in the region.