Good morning, all. Need a pick-me-up this Monday morning? Consider a coffee-cola for a little extra caffeine boost. Now, on to the news.
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NEED TO KNOW
Tornado damage in Kentucky on April 3, 2025 [Michael Swensen/Getty Images]
Severe weather the Midwest
More than 50 million Americans are at risk for severe weather today as storms take aim up and down the central U.S. before moving east. Here’s what to know.
Today: The National Weather Service said high winds, large hail and potentially strong tornadoes will pose a “widespread, significant” threat, especially this afternoon and evening. Storms are forecast from the Dakotas to northern Texas. [USA Today]
Moving east: The storms are expected to hit a broad area tomorrow from the eastern Great Lakes to the Ohio and mid-Mississippi valleys and northern Texas, bringing a risk of flash flooding, wind damage and isolated tornadoes. [Weather Channel]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
🌎 Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a Ukraine ceasefire from May 8-10 to mark Russia’s defeat of Nazi Germany. It comes as President Trump has said a peace deal is “close” and White House officials said it’s a critical week for talks. [AP]
🏛️ Capitol sit-in
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Cory Booker hosted a sit-in at the Capitol yesterday to protest the budget bill Republicans will try to pass when they return from recess today. Here’s what to know about that bill. [NBC News/The Hill]
➡️ Colorado nightclub raid
The DEA said it detained over 200 people at an unlicensed nightclub in Colorado yesterday, including 114 undocumented immigrants and multiple active-duty service members. The agency said weapons and drugs were also seized. [ABC News]
🎵 New Hall of Famers
Ryan Seacrest announced the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees on American Idol last night, including Chubby Checker, whose “The Twist” was eligible since the first class was inducted in 1986. See who else made the list. [Billboard]
🏈 Prank call apology
The Atlanta Falcons confirmed that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son was behind the viral prank call to draft QB Shedeur Sanders to the New Orleans Saints. Ulbrich’s son issued an apology, and the NFL is reviewing his role. [Yahoo Sports/PFT]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🏀 On the court, the NBA playoffs continue with three matchups: the Cavaliers, who are one win away from clinching the first-round series, play the Heat at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. [Yahoo Sports/AP]
🏒 On the ice, the NHL playoffs continue with two matchups: the Stars and the Avalanche, who are tied at two games each, play at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. [NBC Sports/Hockey News]
📺 In the kitchen: Yes, Chef!, a new cooking competition show hosted by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, premieres at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. Meet the 12 contestants vying for the $250,000 grand prize. [NBC]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Newsmakers /Getty Images
In 2001, American businessman Dennis Tito became the first space tourist when he paid $20 million to join a mission to the International Space Station. Since then, space tourism has evolved considerably (thanks, Blue Origin) but is still only accessible to those who can afford the hefty price tag. [How-To Geek]
3 QUESTIONS…
about preparing for a recession
President Trump’s tariffs have raised fears of a recession in recent weeks. I asked Yahoo News reporter Kate Murphy about the tips experts gave her to prepare for one — just in case.
Jessica: Is there one tip that your experts had for people of any age or financial situation?
Kate: Don’t. Stop. Saving. For. Retirement. That was the main tip that experts gave me across age groups (they had more specific ones for different life stages). While it might be tempting to stop putting money into your 401(k), time is on your side, especially if you’re young.
Jessica: What’s something that people who are hit by layoffs should know?
Kate: I knew that income-driven repayment plans for student loans offered lower monthly payments, but didn’t realize that if you get laid off, you can recertify your income to lower your monthly payment while unemployed. One expert told me it’s better to consider that before forbearance.
Jessica: What’s something people might get wrong about preparing for a recession?
Kate: They might panic and try to sell or buy stock based on market performance. But here’s the thing: Recessions are bound to happen and that can backfire. An expert told me that tracking where your expenses go and figuring out how much you can save for an emergency fund is a better strategy.
Will there be a recession? Here’s why forecasters are split.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Chelsea Rush Photography and Sam O’Malley
Sam O’Malley wanted to do something special to honor her sister’s pregnancy, so she turned part of her bridesmaid dress from her sister’s wedding into a bunny blanket for the baby. “When I saw the finished bunny … I just imagined telling my niece the story one day,” she said. [People]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Keep food fresh and avoid higher energy costs by setting your fridge at the right temperature. Here’s the sweet spot. [The Spruce]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.
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