Good evening from Washington — Tony Dokoupil. Tonight: major storms across the Plains and Southeast, high-impact wildfires, diplomacy around Iran, federal justice developments, and several local and human-interest stories.
Oklahoma tornado outbreak
A line of severe thunderstorms spawned at least six tornadoes across northern Oklahoma Thursday night. The most destructive was rated EF4 with estimated winds near 166 mph, carving roughly a 10-mile path through Enid and damaging nearby Vance Air Force Base. Two tornadoes observed near Braman merged into a larger twister. Hail, torrential rain and damaging straight-line winds accompanied the system into Kansas and Iowa, with some gusts topping 100 mph.
Dozens of homes were heavily damaged or destroyed. Remarkably, Enid reported no fatalities and only minor injuries so far. Residents described frantic escapes — some attempting to drive away from storms, others sheltering in underground refuges. Communities are preparing for further severe weather this weekend.
Historic wildfires in Georgia
Southern Georgia is battling fires that have destroyed more homes than any previous blaze in the state’s history: at least 120 residences lost across two major fires. Containment remains limited; one of the larger fires was about 15% contained at the time of reporting. Investigators told CBS News that one fire likely began when a balloon contacted a power line, creating an electrical arc that ignited dry vegetation. Rapid wind shifts and walls of flame up to 50 feet high complicated firefighting and sparked new blazes.
Residents recounted narrow escapes, livestreaming their homes burning and now facing the long work of recovery. Some have had insurance claims denied under “acts of God” reasoning. The human toll includes at least one reported firefighter fatality from Florida responding to the blazes.
Short-term weather outlook
Meteorologist Rob Marciano says the same storm system will continue to produce rounds of severe weather, with watches and warnings stretching from Texas into the Midwest and possibly the Great Lakes by Monday. The Southeast may see light, welcome rain, but totals are expected to be limited.
Diplomacy and tensions around Iran
Negotiators are pushing for talks to de-escalate conflicts tied to Iran. Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Pakistan ahead of possible discussions, while the White House dispatched envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to meet with Iranian representatives. Officials describe a cautious diplomatic effort rather than an expectation of immediate breakthroughs. The Pentagon reported increased activity in the Strait of Hormuz and maritime interdictions, while average gasoline prices ticked up and consumer sentiment slipped amid the geopolitical strain.
Justice Department moves and federal executions policy
The Justice Department closed a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding renovations at Fed headquarters, clearing the way for a likely vote on Kevin Warsh as his potential successor. Separately, the administration announced a federal policy allowing execution by firing squad in certain capital cases and indicated plans to seek executions for dozens of inmates in the federal system.
Missing graduate students and arrest in Florida
Two University of South Florida doctoral students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, were last seen April 16. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh — who lived with Limon — after a standoff. Limon’s body was recovered near a Tampa bridge; Bristy remains missing and divers are searching Tampa Bay. Abugharbieh faces multiple charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death and unlawfully moving a body. Investigators say the search for Bristy continues; motive details remain limited.
Camp Mystic review after deadly floods
Texas health officials signaled that Camp Mystic, where last year’s floods killed 27 children and counselors, may not be licensed to reopen until major deficiencies in emergency and flood-response planning are corrected. Regulators have requested detailed evacuation maps and revised procedures.
Parent charged after e-motorcycle crash
In Orange County, California, a 14-year-old on an electric motorcycle struck and critically injured an 81-year-old substitute teacher. Prosecutors charged the teen’s mother with felony child endangerment and related counts after authorities say she was warned the bike was illegal and later provided a second similar vehicle. District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the case is intended to hold parents accountable when they knowingly enable dangerous, illegal behavior by minors.
Smash-and-grab foiled in Sacramento
In Sacramento, a suspect drove a stolen vehicle into a jewelry store in a smash-and-grab attempt. A private guard confronted the suspect before he exited; one person inside was injured and staff sheltered in a back room. No immediate arrests were reported.
Wildlife rescue and uplifting human story
California wildlife officials helped a mother bear after one cub fell into a storm drain and another climbed a tree and couldn’t descend; both cubs were safely recovered. In Denver, reporter Steve Hartman profiled nine-year-old Hayden Stine, born without most of her right arm, who met pro soccer player Carson Pickett — also missing part of an arm. The meeting boosted Hayden’s confidence and inspired Pickett, who has embraced being a role model.
What’s next
We’ll continue coverage of the storms and wildfire response, diplomatic efforts on Iran, federal justice developments, and local investigative follow-ups. Tony Dokoupil in Washington.