Damaging storms move across South, House votes to reverse Biden’s pause on weapons to

Good morning, all. Are you cooking this weekend? These 30-minute chicken recipes look easy and delicious. Now, on to the news.

NEED TO KNOW

Severe storms and flooding in the South

At least four people were killed in Houston and one million residents were without power after severe storms hit the area.

Officials respond: Houston’s mayor urged those who aren’t essential workers to stay indoors to avoid the heavy debris and destruction left by the storms. Flood watches remain in effect. [AP]

This weekend: Forecasts predict more severe storms and flooding in the Gulf Coast region and the South as the inclement weather shifts eastward. [AccuWeather]

Staying safe: Experts say to get to higher ground as soon as possible if you’re driving on a roadway that’s actively flooding and recommend having an emergency kit on hand. [Yahoo Life]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

🏀 Wolves force Game 7

The Timberwolves beat the Nuggets 115-70 in Game 6 of the NBA conference semifinals, tying the series 3-3. Game 7, which will determine who advances in the playoffs, is on Sunday. [Yahoo Sports]

➡️ Marijuana reclassification

The DOJ formally began the process of reclassifying marijuana as a lower-risk drug, removing it from a category that currently includes tightly controlled substances like heroin and LSD. [Washington Post]

🏛️ Israel weapons bill

The House passed a bill to reverse President Biden’s pause on some U.S. weapons shipments to Israel. It isn’t expected to move forward in the Democratic-controlled Senate. [The Hill]

⚖️ Financial watchdog saved

The Supreme Court ruled against the banking industry, protecting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It was created to protect against corporate abuse after the 2008 financial crisis. [ABC News]

📺 ‘Young Sheldon’ finale

The series finale of Young Sheldon had several guest stars, including Big Bang Theory stars Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik. Even the final scene contained a small but important cameo. [Entertainment Weekly]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

🎵 Billie Eilish’s third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, was released overnight. [Billboard]

🎬 John Krasinski’s family comedy IF, starring Ryan Reynolds, is in theaters. [USA Today]

⛳ The telecast for the second round of the PGA Championship continues at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. [Yahoo Sports]

🏒 In the NHL playoffs, the Panthers and the Bruins play at 7 p.m. ET on TNT. The Panthers lead the series 3-2. [Sun Sentinel]

🏀 In the NBA playoffs, the Knicks and the Pacers play at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Knicks lead the series 3-2. [SNY]

✨ And don’t forget to play the Crossword and read your daily horoscope: Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public educational facilities was unconstitutional in the landmark Brown v Board of Education case. [AP]

3 QUESTIONS

…about Trump’s hush money trial

Anthony asked Andrew Romano, who’s covering Trump’s hush money trial, about the latest developments in the case — including a new poll on how Americans feel about it.

Anthony: Catch me up. What happened in the trial yesterday?

Andrew: Trump’s lawyers continued to cross-examine Michael Cohen and question his credibility, especially around his key claim that Trump directed the Stormy Daniels hush money scheme.

Anthony: You reported on a new poll about the trial. What was the main finding?

Andrew: I reported that, for the first time, a majority of Americans (52%) believe Trump falsified business records to hide payments to Daniels.

Anthony: Do the poll results tell us anything about how the 2024 election might play out?

Andrew: If the jury agrees, Trump could soon become the first former U.S. president convicted of a felony. Our poll shows him losing to Biden by 7 points (39% to 46%) if that happens.

What else do we know about the series finale? Read David’s full write-up.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

Since February, seniors at a North Carolina high school have been writing to local older adults. The pen pals recently met in person to exchange gifts and issue graduation invitations. “It was all smiles,” a student said. [USA Today]

Have a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday!

💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Make your smartphone last longer by replacing the battery every two years. Here’s how. [New York Times]

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