Trump Warns of Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail

Severe flooding has significantly impacted the Southern and Midwestern United States following days of relentless rain, tornadoes, and high winds, resulting in at least 18 fatalities, according to local authorities. The National Weather Service warned that the deluge may continue for several days, with excessive rainfall anticipated in states including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Communities are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the storms, which have left roads and infrastructure severely damaged. Officials stated that the rapid rise of rivers poses an ongoing threat to lives and property, as emergency services scramble to assess the full extent of the damage and help affected residents. The recent weather events have been linked to a powerful storm system that has swept across multiple states. In addition to the fatalities, the situation has led to widespread disruptions in transportation and power outages in several areas. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and heed safety warnings as conditions are expected to remain volatile.

In Pocatello, Idaho, police officers shot 17-year-old Victor Perez, who is autistic and intellectually disabled, after responding to a 911 call about a disturbance. According to a witness video, officers fired within seconds of arriving on the scene on April 5, 2025, as Perez approached them with a knife. As a result of the shooting, Perez, who also has cerebral palsy, is in critical condition and has undergone amputation of his leg. His aunt, Ana Vazquez, reported that doctors are assessing his brain activity and uncertainties remain about his recovery. The incident has sparked outrage, with the family and community questioning the police's rapid use of lethal force without attempting to de-escalate the situation. Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei acknowledged the "emotional" nature of the event but stated that officers must make quick decisions when faced with perceived threats. Critics, including former police officer Seth Stoughton, have raised concerns about the lack of non-lethal options and tactics to create distance before resorting to gunfire. This incident has prompted calls for better police training in handling individuals with disabilities.

A second child has succumbed to measles as the U.S. confronts its most severe outbreak in three decades, primarily affecting western Texas. The child, whose death was reported on April 7, 2025, was unvaccinated and had no pre-existing health conditions, suffering from complications caused by the highly contagious virus while hospitalized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 600 cases of measles have been reported across the United States this year, a substantial increase from the 285 cases recorded in 2024. Health officials warn that this rise underscores the importance of vaccination as a critical preventive measure against the disease. In light of the crisis, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been advocating for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, emphasizing its role in controlling the outbreak during his visits to affected areas in Texas. The measles vaccine is considered highly effective, yet public hesitancy concerning vaccinations remains a challenge in mitigating outbreaks of this preventable disease.