US-Iran Talks Uncertain, Virginia Special Election, Shooting at Tourist Hotspot and more

Hey there from CNN. I'm David Ryan with the five things you need to know for Tuesday, April 21st. President Donald Trump says he expects to resume bombing Iran if the two sides can't reach a deal to extend the ceasefire by a Wednesday evening deadline. Here's what he told CNBC's squawk box this morning. Well, I expect to be bombing because I think that's a better attitude to go in with, but we're ready to go. I mean, the military is raring to go. President also said he's not interested in extending the ceasefire deadline as potential talks play out. We don't have that much time because by the time both parties get there, you know, they just got the okay to go forward, which I do they were going to do anyway.

I don't think that's sure as they have to negotiate. Vice President JD Vance and other top Trump officials are expected to travel to Pakistan today for a second round of intense negotiations. But Iran's participation in Pakistan is uncertain. Iranian sources familiar with the negotiations told CNN that a delegate representing Tehran would also be traveling to Pakistan for the talks. Iranian officials have since denied negotiations will happen. A lot more news coming up, including how a special election in Virginia could reshape Congress.

Stick around. Back to school starts now. Get long-lasting battery life on the Dell-XPS laptop, powered by Series 3 Intel Corps, so you can work from anywhere. Now starting at $6.99, with exclusive student pricing starting at $5.99. Complete your setup with savings on select monitors and must have electronics and accessories. Limited time deals and free shipping on PCs and more await you at Dell.com slash deals. That's Dell.com slash deals.

There's a new report out from the Commerce Department showing retail sales climbed in March. It's largely because of a record search in gas prices. CNN business reporter Alicia Wallace is here. So what should we know? Thanks, David. So U.S. retail sales rose 1.7% in March, which is the fastest monthly pace in more than three years. Now, strong consumer spending, that's usually a good thing for the economy. However, the bulk of last month's gain was because folks were shelling out for priceier gas.

The retail sales data, it's not adjusted for inflation. Still, when stripping out gas station sales, spending was up modestly, something economists attributed to tax refunds, pay gains, and savings and the like. But those aren't endless wells and could be quickly drained as the Middle East war drags on. Name one aspect of President Trump's economic agenda with which you disagree. Well, Senator, the Federal Reserve in recent years has wandered outside of its remit, wandered into other areas. I'm asking for something you disagree with Donald. President Trump's pick for Federal Reserve Chairman is getting grilled today on Capitol Hill. Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing comes as President Trump is already pushing him to

raise interest rates, but Kevin Warsh insisted to Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and the rest of the panel that the Fed would remain independent as it works to fight inflation. The sooner that we can reform the institution with my colleagues, if confirmed, sooner we can ensure price stability, and we can have a new set of leaders atop the institution with high, credible, ethical standards. Trump continues to slam the current chair, Jerome Powell, for not lowering interest rates to the president's liking, and a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's Washington, D.C. headquarters. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the renovation, which has given even some Republicans' pause.

Retiring North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis says he is willing to hold up Worcester's nomination until the probe is dropped, something Trump has said he will not do. Virginia is for voters. The polls are open today in the Commonwealth for his special election, that could shift the balance of power in Congress. The Democratic-led plan would dramatically reshape the state's congressional map that could help the party win possibly an additional four seats in November's midterms. Virginia's legislature is just the latest to enter the nationwide redistricting fight sparked by Texas last summer.

CNN's Arlatt Signs spoke to some Virginia voters who are for and against the measure. I voted in favor of it. And why is that? Because I am trying to vote against anything that represents MAGA. I just feel that it's a constitutional right that we should not be, you know, gerrymandering our districts in order to adjust temporarily. I just don't like the way that they're trying to go about it. Coming up next, details on a deadly shooting that took place at a popular tourist spot.

Stick around. Back to school starts now. Get long-lasting battery life on the Dell XPS laptop, powered by Series 3 Intel Core. So you can work from anywhere. Now starting at 699, with exclusive student pricing starting at 599. Complete your setup with savings on select monitors and must have electronics and accessories. Limited time deals and free shipping on PCs and more await you at Dell.com slash deals. That's dell.com slash deals.

In Mexico, a gunman. opened fire yesterday on a crowd of tourists visiting the historic Teohotakan pyramids. Authorities say the suspect shot and killed a Canadian woman before taking his own life. Prosecutors say preliminary information shows he acted alone. At least 13 people were wounded during the attack, including six Americans. CNN has reached out to the American embassy for comment. The shooting comes as Mexico faces a lot of scrutiny over public safety, weeks before it's set to welcome millions of visitors for the World Cup.

It's all we got for now. Next update comes your way later tonight. I'll talk to you later.

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