Stories from United States

Damaging winds, large hail, and potential tornadoes are expected in the Mid-South and Midwest regions. Affected states include Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Residents in these zones are advised to keep mobile devices charged. The weather system is currently developing across these areas. The weather system is expected to persist through cool mornings and warm afternoons. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in the central storm zone. Potential weather hazards include damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. The report indicates ingredients for these storms are currently coming together. The weather activity is specifically noted in Missouri and Illinois. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center is monitoring weather conditions.

Verizon reported adding 55,000 net new mobile phone customers during January. This marks the first time in 13 years that the wireless provider has signed up more subscribers than it lost. The company remains the number one wireless provider in the United States.

French Brode Chocolates PBC has recalled its Betty's Bake Sale Bon Bon collection, specifically the 612 and 24 piece boxes. The recall was issued by the FDA on April 23rd due to potential undeclared walnut content. Affected products were distributed between April 14th and April 20th. Sales occurred locally in Asheville, North Carolina, and online across more than a dozen states including California, Florida, Georgia, New York, and Texas. NBC News Radio reported that French bread products are being recalled nationwide. A chocolate manufacturer has issued a product recall as a precaution against possible salmonella contamination.

Iran has been elected as one of 34 vice-presidents at the 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) held at the UN headquarters in New York. The United States criticized the election, calling it an insult to nations that comply with non-proliferation obligations. The Trump administration maintains a demand for the complete removal of highly enriched uranium and a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has dismissed the US criticism as political posturing. The election follows an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting US port blockades, while delaying complex nuclear discussions.

The state of Ohio has introduced House Bill 821 to name the Loveland Frogman as the state's official cryptid. The bill describes the creature as a frog-like bipedal entity standing approximately 4 feet tall.

The Trump administration is expected to decrease the number of US troops stationed in Europe due to increased engagement in the Middle East and shifts toward the Indo-Pacific and South America. Other NATO allies, including Italy and Spain, may view this development warily, as they have faced criticism from the President recently. The issue of tariffs on cars, which the order would raise to 25%, was also brought up again. Media reporting indicated the US Defense Department was taken by surprise by the decision to withdraw troops from Germany. Islamist rebels also threatened the capital of Mali, Bamako. Such a move would raise concerns across Europe about America's commitment and resolve within NATO. Cuba has condemned fresh US sanctions, with its foreign minister calling them collective punishment against the Cuban people.

Former Apple designer Johnny Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are collaborating to develop a new hardware device. The product is expected to launch by the end of 2026. It is described as a wearable assistant rather than traditional headphones or glasses. The device may function as a screenless smartphone. Analysts suggest the project serves to build investor and consumer confidence in Sam Altman.

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis revealed a new redistricted congressional map for the state on Tuesday. The map's fairness is being contested by political figures including Hakeem Jeffries. Critics argue the map is the single most unfair in the country despite claims of restoring fairness. The new boundaries would eliminate four of the eight existing Democratic districts in the state. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that makes legal challenges based on the Voting Rights Act difficult unless explicit discriminatory intent is proven. Analysts suggest the ruling provides a legal pathway for gerrymandering as long as no explicit intent to discriminate against minorities is stated. The decision is expected to result in a slight Republican tilt in the maps for the upcoming November midterm cycle.

The United States government has dissolved the National Science Council, removing over 20 members simultaneously. More than 20 members of the US National Science Council were dismissed simultaneously on April 27. The move includes the suspension or cancellation of nearly 1,400 subsidy programs. Scientists have warned that the dissolution will damage scientific innovation and development in the United States. The announcement was reported by journalist Ye Boyi. The dismissals include the president of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The White House has fired all members of the National Science Foundation Board, including the UTEP president. The President expressed his support for the name change via a social media post. The proposal aims to stop the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. The plan also includes postponing talks regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Senate Republican leader John Thune described events from Saturday night as horrifying. He noted this is the third such instance involving President Trump in two years. Thune expressed gratitude for law enforcement officers who secured the shooter at the scene.