Stories from United States

A shooting described as the worst in Canadian history has occurred at a school. While chat logs between ChatGPT and the shooter are not yet public, the safety team reportedly wanted to alert authorities. Alert authorities suggest the lawsuits are. Families of victims from a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, are filing lawsuits against OpenAI in a California court. A lawyer for the families stated they are seeking accountability regarding the company's reporting obligations. A person fired a weapon at a victim during a street fair in Santiago, according to Prosecutor Esteban Silva. The victim is currently in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Hospital Padre Hurtado. Police are investigating the circumstances of the attack. The lawsuits represent families of six deceased victims and one seriously injured 12-year-old survivor, Maya Gabala.

The crew for the upcoming Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station has been finalized. Jessica Watkins will serve as commander, with Luke Delaney acting as pilot for the September launch. The mission aims to support ongoing research and operations aboard the ISS.

The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 47.6 in preliminary April 2026 data. This represents a 10.7 percent drop from March, marking the worst reading in the history of the Consumer Sentiment poll. The decline reflects significant shifts in economic outlook among US households. The University of Michigan's final consumer sentiment rating for April fell 6.6% compared to the previous month. Consumers currently maintain a high near-term inflation outlook. Participants in the survey expect prices to increase by 4.7% over the next year. This decline indicates that consumer sentiment is currently lower than during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Recession. The report follows comments from energy leaders in Austin regarding rising costs. Business analyst Jill Schlesinger noted the decline while discussing consumer responses to rising costs.

Proposed rules from the Trump administration could strip asylum seekers of their right to work in the United States. The policy change aims to tighten immigration enforcement but faces scrutiny regarding its impact on vulnerable populations. This move represents a significant shift in potential US labor and immigration policy. Four Haitian dining workers lost their work authorization following the Trump administration's cancellation of a humanitarian parole program last year. The loss of two cooks and two utility workers at Goodwin Living impacted the facility's ability to serve 1,000 meals a day. The workforce reduction has reportedly caused anxiety among remaining staff. The research group PHI estimates the U.S. will need to fill nearly 10 million caretaking roles.

United States consumer confidence levels have dropped to their lowest point in nearly four years as of April 2026. The decline reflects shifting economic sentiment among American households. This trend may impact upcoming retail and spending forecasts. The report was discussed on WBUR's Morning Edition on Friday, May 1. Analysts are monitoring the data alongside geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Quad Cities region spanning Iowa and Illinois. The warning is effective until April 30 at 1:00 AM CDT. Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local conditions as rising water levels pose a risk. Residents are advised to exercise caution due to potential flooding. The warning is in effect until May 3 at 1:00 AM CDT.

President Trump signed an executive order mandating the FDA to accelerate the review process for psychedelic-based mental health treatments. This move represents a significant shift in federal approach to treating mental illness with controlled substances. These treatments target veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The scope of the order also includes depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The directive aims to accelerate access to these medical interventions. The order aims to address mental pain and rage in veterans currently reliant on standard VA-prescribed drugs. This represents the first administration-level demand for accelerated research into these treatments. The move targets the long-standing standard of heavy pharmaceutical prescription for veterans.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for Wiifo Children's Tower Stools due to potential entrapment and fall hazards. The products pose a risk of serious injury or death to young children. The recall applies to imported units distributed by Wiifo. Reports indicate the stools can collapse, tip, or allow a child's torso to slip through openings, creating entrapment and fall hazards. Parents are urged to stop using the products immediately and request a refund. Additionally, Lord's ice cream was recalled due to undeclared allergens including nuts and soy. There is a risk that a child's torso can slip through the openings, creating a fall and entrapment hazard.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has proposed a counter-offer to the Iranian government to reach a nuclear agreement. The amount spent is noted to be equivalent to the annual NASA budget. The administration is currently in active discussions with Congress regarding an upcoming approval deadline, according to a White House representative cited by ABC News. The resolution, offered by Democrats, would require the United States to end military action against Iran without congressional authorization. The vote resulted in 47 to 50, with two Republicans voting in favor of the resolution. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, stated on the Senate floor that the law requires a war authorization or the removal of U.S. forces within 60 days of a presidential action on March 2nd. This marks the sixth time the Senate has blocked such a resolution this year.

Quebec Premier François Legault is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. for her first official foreign trip since being sworn in. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss trade matters. Premier Christine Fischette defended Canada's supply management system during discussions with U.S. top trade negotiator Jameson Greer in Washington. The talks occur ahead of negotiations between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico regarding the Continental Free Trade Pact scheduled to begin July 1. The supply management system protects Canadian dairy and egg producers by restricting imports. officials have previously called for Canada to abandon this system. Additionally, the U.S. has identified Quebec's language laws, which require French label translations, as a trade barrier. New Quebec Premier Christine Fraichette met with US Trade Representative Jameson Greer in Washington earlier this week.