When is Connecticut Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024? Here’s everything to know.

President Donald Trump will headline a fundraiser for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts next month, with top sponsorships selling for $2 million. Hosted by the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, which Trump chairs, the event features a VIP reception and a performance of Les Misérables; however, Trump is not directly soliciting donations. Following a leadership overhaul at the center, Trump, who has called it an "American jewel," aims to restore its...

The body of 10-year-old Dhava Woods was recovered in Texas after she was swept away by floodwaters while walking home from school. The search concluded amidst ongoing severe weather that has affected millions across the South and Northeast, with flash flood warnings and tornado watches issued in several states. Local officials expressed condolences to Woods' family and urged the community to offer support during this tragic time. Full Article

SummaryThe head of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Doug Collins, defended the agency's plan to cut 15% of its workforce, including the termination of over 2,400 employees and 585 contracts, stating it aims to increase efficiency. During his testimony, he emphasized that front-line health care roles would be preserved while nonessential positions, such as those in diversity initiatives, would be eliminated, claiming this would enhance productivity and redirect funds to veterans' needs. Critics,...

U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Record High Amid Tariff UncertaintyThe U.S. trade deficit hit a record $140.5 billion in March, nearly double from $68.6 billion a year prior, as businesses and consumers stockpiled goods, particularly pharmaceuticals, in anticipation of President Trump's impending tariffs. March imports surged to nearly $419 billion, with a notable increase in consumer goods and pharmaceutical products, primarily from Ireland. This influx contributed to a GDP decline of 0.3% in the first quarter,...

The legal defense fund for Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, has raised over $1 million, reaching $1.04 million through GiveSendGo. Organizers attribute this support to public grievances against the healthcare system and hope to reach a goal of $1.5 million to cover Mangione's legal expenses related to his pending criminal cases in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione, who was arrested after a five-day manhunt, faces both state and...

SummaryIn Memphis, jury deliberations began for three former police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. Nichols died after being violently subdued during a traffic stop on January 7, 2023, leading to widespread protests and calls for police reform. The officers, who have pleaded not guilty, are also facing charges of aggravated assault and misconduct, while two other officers have already...