Democratic leaders scrambling to prevent repeat of last year’s rowdy State of the Union

Authorities reported a severe weather outbreak across the Midwest, with multiple counties issuing emergency alerts as damaging winds and hail were observed. Power outages affected thousands, and emergency crews responded to dozens of reports of downed trees and flooded roadways.

In international news, a high-level summit concluded with pledges to accelerate climate action and trade diversification, though delegates noted lingering tensions over tariffs and intellectual property protections. Leaders announced a framework for a new multilateral alliance, focusing on clean energy investment and supply chain resilience.

Economy and technology briefs highlighted a surprising uptick in consumer spending, led by services and leisure sectors, while inflation remained a concern for households. Major tech firms unveiled forthcoming product updates and security initiatives aimed at reducing cyber threats for consumers and businesses.