Sat Apr 19 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Hailstorms Pummel Fremont, Nebraska; Tornadoes, Flooding, and Political Fallout Dominate US News
**Fremont, NE & Across the US** – A devastating hailstorm battered Fremont, Nebraska on Thursday, shattering windows on homes and vehicles. The storm followed a National Weather Service warning for softball-sized hail and 86 mph winds. Meanwhile, severe weather continued to plague the US, with torrential rains causing swollen rivers to pose a significant flood risk and dozens of tornadoes touching down in the Midwest and South, resulting in at least six deaths. Several states experienced heavy rain, hail, and damaging winds. In Canada, ice storms left over 350,000 without power.
**Politics and the Economy:** The US presidential election saw four party leaders debate Donald Trump’s policies, specifically focusing on tariffs and national security. The President’s announcement of universal 10% tariffs sparked widespread debate, with the BBC analyzing the economic fallout and public reaction to the trade wars. Over $100 million was spent on the election campaign, including a significant contribution from Elon Musk. A New Jersey Senator criticized the President’s policies on the Senate floor, while the President issued a directive to eliminate “improper” ideology from national museums.
**Space and Other News:** SpaceX successfully launched four private astronauts into orbit. A separate mission, initially planned for eight days, stretched into nine months due to technical issues. This mission also marked the first splashdown in the Pacific Ocean in 50 years. In other news, a high-speed police chase in Southern California ended with a stolen truck crashing into multiple vehicles. Finally, the deaths of an Oscar-winning actor and his wife were reported.
First Piper 