Strong thunderstorms swept through the Central and Midwestern United States from Monday night into Tuesday, causing wind damage, large hail, and several tornadoes. Many areas experienced power outages and property damage as emergency crews worked to restore electricity and assess the storm impact.
Key Facts
The storms hit states including Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Michigan.
Hail as large as 4 inches fell in Missouri, damaging vehicles, roofs, and crops.
Wind gusts reached nearly 80 mph in Illinois, causing downed trees and power lines.
Over 200 damaging wind reports and about 30 tornado reports have been recorded since Friday.
Nearly 250,000 people were without power across several states as of Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews are working through dangerous conditions to restore power.
Tornadoes were confirmed near Craighead, Arkansas, and parts of Illinois.
No deaths have been confirmed so far, but damage surveys are ongoing.
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The brother of Virginia Giuffre criticized King Charles III for not meeting survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during the king’s visit to the United States. King Charles declined the meeting, citing ongoing police investigations, while survivors and lawmakers continue seeking accountability.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, criticized King Charles III for not meeting Epstein abuse survivors during his U.S. visit.
Roberts spoke at a roundtable held by U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, who co-authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Khanna had sent a letter asking the king to meet survivors privately, but the royal lawyer declined due to ongoing UK police inquiries.
King Charles stated support for victims but said he cannot comment on matters under investigation.
Virginia Giuffre accused King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of sexual abuse linked to Epstein; Andrew denies this.
Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 and settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting guilt.
In 2025, Giuffre died by suicide, and her memoir was published after her death.
Andrew was arrested in 2024 over allegations of misconduct related to sharing confidential information with Epstein but denies wrongdoing and has not been charged.
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Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch indicated that the court may block a lawsuit against Cisco. The lawsuit accuses Cisco of helping China target members of the Falun Gong spiritual group with surveillance technology used for detention and torture. The court is reviewing if the case should continue under U.S. human rights laws.
Key Facts
Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested the Supreme Court might stop a lawsuit against Cisco.
The lawsuit claims Cisco helped China persecute Falun Gong members.
Falun Gong is a spiritual group persecuted in China.
Cisco is said to have provided customized technology used for surveillance.
The technology allegedly helped identify, detain, and torture Falun Gong believers.
The case was revived by an appellate court before reaching the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is deciding if U.S. courts can handle such cases involving foreign abuses.
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected by late June.
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King Charles III is expected to mention survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during his speech to the US Congress but will not meet with the survivors directly. Representative Ro Khanna, who supports justice for Epstein’s victims, had asked for such a meeting but was told by the British ambassador that the king will only acknowledge the survivors in his remarks.
Key Facts
King Charles III will speak to Congress and is expected to acknowledge Epstein abuse survivors.
He declined to meet with the survivors during his US visit.
Rep. Ro Khanna pushed for the king to meet survivors but was told only an acknowledgment would happen.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender linked to abuse scandals involving powerful figures.
King Charles stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of royal titles due to his Epstein connections.
Rep. Khanna described a meeting as a chance to show that no one is above justice, regardless of wealth or power.
The British ambassador to the US communicated the king’s decision about not meeting survivors.
The issue has affected the British royal family’s public image and led to official actions.
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The UK is expected to have more deaths than births every year starting in 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The population growth will slow down, reaching about 71 million by 2034, due to fewer births, more deaths, and lower net migration after Brexit.
Key Facts
Deaths are projected to exceed births in the UK each year from 2026 onward.
The UK population is expected to grow by 1.7 million between 2024 and 2034, slower than before.
The population is predicted to peak in the 2050s and then start to decline.
Between 2024 and 2034, 6.4 million babies are expected to be born and 6.9 million people to die.
Net migration is expected to add 2.2 million people over the decade but has recently fallen from a peak of nearly one million in 2023 to about 200,000.
The number of pensioners will grow faster than working-age adults, making up around 20% of the population by 2034.
The UK will have fewer children, with a drop of about 1.6 million expected by 2034.
The ageing population will create more pressure on health services, pensions, and public funds.
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King Charles III has long spoken about protecting the environment and plans to raise these issues during his visit to the United States. President Donald Trump has taken actions that reduce climate protections and support fossil fuels, making it unlikely he will agree with the king’s environmental concerns. The UK hopes to continue working on green issues internationally despite differences with the US government.
Key Facts
King Charles III has advocated for environmental protection for over 50 years.
The king plans to mention climate and nature during his US visit and speech to Congress.
President Trump has withdrawn the US from global climate agreements and supported coal and drilling on public land.
The US government has reduced focus on climate change and environmental protection under Trump.
The UK prefers working around differences with the US on climate in international settings.
Experts expect King Charles to address the environment in a diplomatic way with President Trump.
Some Americans and states continue efforts to protect nature and promote clean energy despite the federal government’s stance.
The king’s environmental views reflect the UK public’s support for a clean energy future.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a deal with Croatia to build a gas pipeline connecting to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Croatia. This pipeline, linked to investors connected to President Donald Trump, aims to reduce Bosnia’s reliance on Russian gas ahead of an EU ban on Russian energy imports.
Key Facts
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia signed a pipeline agreement at a summit in Dubrovnik.
The pipeline will connect Bosnia to Croatia’s LNG terminal on the island of Krk.
The goal is to replace Russian gas with LNG, mainly from the United States.
The project is backed by AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, linked to people connected to President Donald Trump.
The deal supports Bosnia’s energy security and helps diversify its gas supplies.
The European Union warned the project might harm Bosnia’s EU membership bid and risk over $1 billion in aid due to transparency concerns.
The agreement includes building gas-fired power plants to reduce coal energy use.
Bosnia must meet EU rules on energy if it wants to join the bloc, and the EU requires review of related legislation.
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A strong heatwave is affecting northwestern and central India in April, with some places experiencing temperatures above 46°C (115°F). This level of heat is unusual for this time of year.
Key Facts
The heatwave is happening in April, which is earlier than usual for such extreme heat.
Temperatures in some parts of northwestern and central India exceed 46°C.
The heatwave covers a large area of India.
Such high temperatures at this time of year are considered unusual.
The heat can cause health risks and affect daily life in the impacted regions.
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Russia’s defence ministry said its Africa Corps troops fought to stop a coup in Mali, but local reports say the troops left after negotiating their exit. Rebel forces seized towns including Kidal, killed Mali’s defence minister, and challenged Russia’s influence in the country. Mali has faced ongoing violence with Islamist militants and separatist rebels since 2012.
Key Facts
Russia’s Africa Corps is the new name for the Wagner mercenary group operating in Mali.
Africa Corps troops said they fought for over 24 hours while surrounded near Kidal.
Local sources say the troops negotiated their exit before the rebels took Kidal.
Rebel forces killed Mali’s defence minister Sadio Camara in an attack near the capital, Bamako.
Mali has experienced violence and instability since 2012, involving Tuareg rebels and jihadists linked to al-Qaida.
About 2,000 Russian soldiers are currently deployed in Mali under the Africa Corps.
Analysts suggest Russia may focus on defending the government in the south rather than controlling the north.
The whereabouts of Mali’s military ruler Assimi Goïta are unclear amid reports of internal tensions in the government.
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Nicole Minetti, a former TV showgirl convicted in a prostitution and embezzlement case linked to ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, received a presidential pardon in Italy earlier this year. Questions about the honesty of her pardon request have led to a police investigation and political controversy.
Key Facts
Nicole Minetti was convicted of facilitating prostitution and embezzlement related to Berlusconi's "bunga bunga" parties.
She was granted a presidential pardon in February on humanitarian grounds due to caring for an adopted child with health issues.
An Italian newspaper reported possible false statements in Minetti’s pardon application.
Prosecutors have involved Interpol in investigating claims of false declarations about the pardon.
The adoption process of the child and medical treatment records abroad are under scrutiny for irregularities.
Minetti denies any wrongdoing and says the claims damage her reputation.
The scandal comes as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces challenges following a lost judicial reform referendum.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio is under pressure from opposition politicians to resign over the case.
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Nepali mountaineers have cleared a path past a large ice block on Mount Everest that delayed climbers for two weeks. The route to Camp 1 and Camp 2 is now open, allowing climbers to continue their ascent, though some risks remain due to unstable ice.
Key Facts
A 100-foot-high ice block, called a serac, blocked the climbing route above Everest Base Camp for two weeks.
Icefall doctors and experienced sherpas fixed ropes and identified a safe route up to Camp 2, about 6,400–6,500 meters high.
The delay has pushed back climbing preparations for the spring season, which is usually the best time for summiting Everest.
Around 425 climbers have permits to attempt the summit this year.
The climbing season is expected to generate over 924 million Nepalese Rupees (about $6.1 million) in government revenue.
Teams used airlifts, 3D mapping, and drone surveys to help fix the route and assess dangers like crevasses and ice blocks.
A major serac near the route remains unstable and may collapse soon, so climbers are advised to be very cautious.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism urges climbers to be careful, especially near the ice block areas, to ensure a safe ascent.
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The U.K. Ambassador to the U.S., Christian Turner, said in February that the United States has a special relationship only with Israel, not with the United Kingdom. He made this comment during a talk with a group of U.K. students, as reported by the Financial Times.
Key Facts
Christian Turner is the U.K. Ambassador to the United States.
In February, he spoke to a group of U.K. students.
Turner said the U.S. has a special relationship only with Israel.
He implied that the U.K. does not have a special relationship with the U.S.
The report about his statement came from the Financial Times.
The term "special relationship" refers to very close diplomatic ties between countries.
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King Charles III will visit the United States and meet with President Donald Trump. During his visit, King Charles is expected to give a speech to the U.S. Congress.
Key Facts
King Charles III is making a royal state visit to the United States.
He will meet with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The king plans to address members of the U.S. Congress.
This event is part of official diplomatic relations between the UK and the U.S.
CBS News reporter Ed O’Keefe is covering the event.
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Ukraine has attacked a large oil refinery in the Russian city of Tuapse three times in less than two weeks. The latest attack caused a fire and forced local people to leave the area for safety.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted the Tuapse oil refinery, located on the Black Sea coast in Russia.
This was the third attack on the same refinery in under two weeks.
The most recent strike caused a new fire at the refinery.
Authorities evacuated local residents as a safety precaution.
The refinery is a major facility for processing oil in the region.
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The UK court of appeal is reviewing a ban on Palestine Action, a protest group, after a high court ruled the ban unlawfully restricted free speech and assembly. Lawyers defending the ban argue it is necessary to stop harmful activities, while supporters of Palestine Action say the ban has caused fear and limited peaceful protests.
Key Facts
The ban on Palestine Action was the first against a direct action protest group in the UK.
The high court said the ban violated rights to free speech and assembly and breached government policy.
Palestine Action campaigns against alleged crimes by Israel in Gaza.
The ban was made because of serious damage to property connected to the group’s protests.
More than 3,000 people have been arrested under the law for showing support for Palestine Action.
Police have stopped and questioned protesters, sometimes based on mistaken ideas about the ban.
Supporters say the ban has created a “culture of fear” causing people to avoid lawful protests.
Government lawyers argue the ban is a lawful way to prevent support for what they call a terrorist group.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House for their first official state visit as the British monarchs. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed them during a time of tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. over Iran.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making their first state visit to the White House as monarchs.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the visit.
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom regarding Iran.
The event was covered by CBS News and included commentary from a royal expert named Amanda Matta.
State visits are formal occasions where leaders from different countries meet to strengthen relations.
The U.S.-U.K. relationship is historically close but currently facing challenges related to diplomacy with Iran.
Hosting a monarch highlights the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
Such visits often include discussions about international and political issues beyond ceremonial events.
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Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has offered to take in and care for the wild hippos in Colombia that originally belonged to drug lord Pablo Escobar. Colombia sees these hippos as an invasive species causing harm to local wildlife and plans to cull about 80 of them, but has not yet responded to the offer from Ambani's private zoo in India.
Key Facts
Pablo Escobar illegally brought hippos to his Colombian estate before his death in 1993.
The hippos have multiplied and become the largest herd outside Africa.
Colombian authorities consider the hippos an invasive species harming native animals.
Attempts to control the hippo population, such as castration, have failed.
Colombia plans to cull around 80 hippos to manage the problem.
Anant Ambani's private Vantara zoo in Gujarat, India, offered to care for the hippos.
The zoo says it believes every life matters and wants to protect the hippos.
Ambani’s zoo is located near the world's largest oil refinery and hosts 2,000 species.
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Tuareg separatist fighters and an al-Qaeda-linked group launched a surprise attack in Mali, taking control of the northern city of Kidal and killing the defence minister. The Malian military government and its Russian allies are working on a response, but the attack has raised questions about the military leadership’s control and the future stability of Mali.
Key Facts
Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked groups coordinated attacks in Mali, including the capture of Kidal city.
The Malian Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed during the attack.
Malian and Russian troops withdrew from Kidal before the rebels took control.
Colonel Assimi Goïta leads the military government that took power in a 2020 coup.
Goïta has met with the Russian ambassador but has not yet made a public statement about the crisis.
The rebels aim to capture other northern cities like Gao and Timbuktu.
Russia replaced French forces in Mali to support the military but its reputation has suffered due to recent failures.
The situation may lead to a prolonged conflict, challenging Mali’s military government.
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The UK’s ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner, said that the only country with a true "special relationship" with the United States is probably Israel. He also noted that the UK and US share a long history and work closely on security and defense, but their relationship is changing.
Key Facts
Sir Christian Turner became the UK ambassador to the US in December 2025.
He told UK students that the phrase "special relationship" is outdated and "nostalgic."
Turner said Israel is likely the only country with a special relationship with the US.
He acknowledged the close history and cooperation between the UK and US, especially in security and defense.
Turner stated the UK-US relationship is not broken but is entering a new phase.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said these comments were private and do not reflect the UK government’s official view.
These remarks were made during King Charles III's state visit to the US to improve relations amid tensions over the Iran war.
The comments were reported by the Financial Times and came from a leaked audio recording of a meeting with sixth-form students.
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An expert says the capital city of Mali, Bamako, is not currently at risk of being taken over by the jihadist group JNIM. However, the expert warns that Mali’s long-term future looks uncertain due to ongoing security challenges.
Key Facts
JNIM is a jihadist group active in Mali.
JNIM does not seem able to capture and hold big cities like Bamako for long periods.
Bamako, the capital of Mali, is not under immediate threat of capture.
The long-term outlook for Mali’s security and stability is concerning.
The analysis was given by Dr. Nathaniel Powell, a West Africa analyst at Oxford Analytica.
Dr. Powell is also a Research Associate at Lancaster University’s Centre for War and Diplomacy.
Mali faces ongoing insurgencies, including jihadist groups and Tuareg rebels.
The situation affects regional peace and security in West Africa.
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