Stories from United States

The US experienced over 3 million electricity disconnections in 2024. Affected states included Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The report specifies that over 3 million disconnections occurred in 2024, specifically naming Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

The inquiry followed reports of multiple communications between the Attorney General's office and individuals including Jamie Peterson. Lawmakers questioned whether the office's guidance was used to advise on methods for bypassing the state constitution. Brown responded to these inquiries during a press conference held yesterday. The Washington Attorney General's office denied allegations that it attempted to bypass voters regarding a millionaires' tax. The Attorney General characterized the reporting of the office's actions as incorrect. The office stated that email communications showed officials were discussing how the state Constitution would not allow a referendum on the tax. Attorney General Nick Brown stated that the legislature has possessed the ability to impose a 1% income tax for decades but has never done so.

Starbucks boosted its full year comparable sales growth and adjusted earnings per share outlook. Fiscal second quarter comparable sales grew 6.2%, exceeding the 3.65% estimate. US comparable sales rose 7.1%, surpassing the 3.7% market expectation. The company reported a beat in its raised quarter. Starbucks increased its full year profit and revenue forecast following a 6% increase in comparable sales in the most recent quarter. The growth follows a turnaround effort focused on customer experience after several quarters of declining sales post-pandemic. Traders are also monitoring Chipotle Mexican Grill results amid concerns regarding rising food costs.

Timothy Brown stated he was in shock when police approached him at a store near the Gowanus houses earlier this month. Brown alleged that police told him he was under arrest despite him having done nothing. Video footage reportedly shows officers hitting Brown, slamming him into a display case, and dragging him across broken glass. Brown said he did not understand why he was being targeted. Timothy Brown is filing a lawsuit following a violent arrest by New York City police officers at a Brooklyn liquor store on April 14th. Brown claims the officers violated his civil rights and stated he felt humiliated, disrespected, and embarrassed. The incident was captured on video and Brown alleges the police had the wrong man.

Massachusetts is expanding a program to provide interest-free loans to first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments. State Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Juanma Matias stated the program could save buyers up to $31,000 over the life of a loan. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 first-time homebuyers. WBUR has reached out to the city and the police department for comment regarding related matters. The announcement was made on Tuesday. Governor Healey announced that income limits for the $25,000 loan program are being raised to 135% of the area median income, approximately $205,000 in eastern Massachusetts. The loans will now be interest-free instead of the previous 2% to 3% range. Governor Maura Healy announced that more Massachusetts residents meeting specific income guidelines are now eligible for $25,000 interest-free loans.

A three-alarm fire occurred at a warehouse located in the 4,200 block of Eastern Avenue in the Brewer's Hill neighborhood of southeast Baltimore. The incident is being reported as breaking news. One person was injured during a three-alarm house fire in the 4200 block of Eastern Avenue in Baltimore. Cleanup operations are currently underway at the scene. Local roads in the area remain closed following the incident. Heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from the roof of the metal building. Fire officials fought the blaze from the exterior due to concerns regarding the structural stability of the warehouse. The fire was contained around 6:00 PM yesterday. No injuries were reported and all individuals managed to exit the building, according to the source.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges involve helping defraud sports betting companies by using connections to obtain insider information on player injuries and participating in rigged poker games. Jones is the first person to plead guilty in a case involving more than 30 basketball stars and alleged mobsters. The individual could face up to 20 years in jail following the plea. The sweep has led to the arrest of more than 30 people.

The United States will begin issuing passports that include the facial image and signature of President Donald Trump. The Washington, D.C. passport office will begin issuing commemorative passports featuring Donald Trump's picture as the default document for in-person applicants. This change is expected to take effect shortly. Images of the new passport designs are reportedly available on the Cadena SER website. The move follows recent political developments in the US. Department of State confirmed new passports featuring an image of President Donald Trump will be circulated in July. A spokesperson stated that these new passports will maintain the same security guarantees as standard versions. The release is expected to continue until current stocks are exhausted.

Eight-term Representative Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) has announced he will not seek reelection to the House. The announcement comes amid a cycle of multiple congressional retirements.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Mobile, Alabama, effective until 3:00 PM CDT on April 28. The warning follows severe weather developments in the region. The warning was processed by NWS Mobile. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates.