Key facts for April 29th: Elections, Storms, Conflicts, University demonstrations, Kenya
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1. Presidential contest
Former President Donald Trump retains an edge over President Joe Biden as their campaigns, along with Trump's legal trial, carry on, a fresh CNN poll reveals. Registered voters put Trump at 49% while Biden lags at 43%. Among the polled, a vast majority perceived Trump's presidency as a success, while a broad majority viewed Biden's as a failure. Trump poked fun at his own age at the annual White House correspondents' dinner and assessed Biden during this event. Additionally, Biden assured a commitment to the general election debates in an interview, saying he'd be "happy to" debate Trump.
2. Severe weather
Millions within the Central US are under severe storm warnings today as hazardous weather threatens potential tornadoes, heavy rain, and large hail in several states. The weather pattern that has already caused at least four deaths, including an infant, due to a destructive tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. Predictions suggest unsettled weather will carry on across the midsection of the US for the remainder of the week, as cities such as Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Wichita, and the Kansas City metro area lie under severe weather alerts.
3. Middle East
President Joe Biden had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to address the release of prisoners in Gaza. Biden reinforced his position against a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah, where over 1 million displaced Palestinians are taking shelter, a source informed by CNN. Amid encouragement from the Biden administration to present a concrete strategy for shielding civilians in the region, Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to the Middle East this week, meeting with leaders on the ceasefire stand-off between Israel and Hamas that continues despite months of mediation from Qatar and Egypt.
4. Colleges
Colleges in the US have resorted to law enforcement, along with academic punishments such as suspensions and expulsions, to dissuade participation in violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Protestors have demanded that their universities divest from companies linked to Israel and advocate for a Gaza ceasefire. However, many universities have chosen not to comply. Meanwhile, students and kids in Gaza expressed appreciation for the backing witnessed on US college campuses as they showcased solidarity at a demonstration recently.
5. Kenya
A catastrophic dam burst in southern Kenya on Sunday claimed numerous lives, leveling homes and vehicles while the country grapples with weeks of tough rains and flash floods. Rescue teams are scrambling to recover survivors in areas hit by the deluge near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, stated Gov. Susan Kihika to CNN. Photos and videos from Nairobi have shown people trapped on rooftops or salvaging what they could from wrecked homes. In excess of 130,000 Kenyans have been hit by the floods that have struck half the nation over the past few months.
DAILY READS
Restaurants at the mall are hot new dining options.
Walgreens has a fan-favorite squishy candy thanks to a TikTok craze.
Highlights from this year's NFL Draft have unfolded.
Prince Harry will make a trip back to Britain in May for the Invictus Games anniversary.
Britney Spears settles her long-going civil dispute with her estranged father.
TODAY'S INTERESTING FACT
128 - The number of measles cases reported in the US this year, according to the latest stats from the CDC. As measles was wiped out in the US in 2000, the current rise in cases jeopardizes the US's disease-elimination status, warns the agency.
TODAY'S FUNNEST QUOTE
"The world needs artists."
-Pope Francis, sharing remarks during his visit to Venice's contemporary art festival. Despite health concerns, the pope's visit to Venice to reinvigorate the statue of a Catholic nun artist with a politically oriented art repute. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/01/us/get-up-to-speed-tuesday/index.html
### TODAY'S WEATHER
For a glimpse of what's in store weather-wise, check out your local forecast here.
AND FINALLY ...
Lawmakers have passed legislation that could lead to a ban on TikTok. President Biden made it official last week. Want to know what this means for the popular social media platform? Watch this video for a breakdown of the potential outcomes.
Read also:
Source: edition.cnn.com
