The town of Ada, Oklahoma was hit with a second destructive tornado in only two months on Saturday night as severe thunderstorms moved through the area.
The EF-1 tornado was spawned from high winds and caused damage to homes and businesses in its path.
A local Quality Inn hotel had to be evacuated because of the dangerous conditions, and the North Hills Shopping Center was heavily damaged in the storm.
Debris was reportedly carried eight miles into the air during the tornado and windows at the shopping center were blown in.
Because it was night, no one was in the mall when the damage occurred, authorities said.
Emergency operators in Pontotoc County even lost power when the tornado brought down power lines in the area.
An estimated 1,200 residents were still without power on Sunday, but some resident had already regained their power.
One person was reported injured, but no fatalities were reported.
The tornado on Saturday is less than two months after a March 4 storm also spawned an EF-1 tornado that also damaged the town, which has a population of 16,000.
The earlier tornado injured one person and displaced two dozen families. Recovery efforts from that tornado were still underway when the second one hit.
Residents wasted no time on Sunday helping to clear the debris with chainsaws and helping each other in any way they could.
A shelter has been set up at the Ada Arts and Heritage Center to provide water, food and lodging for people who need it.
Oklahomans call helping and supporting each other the "Oklahoma Standard," and it is in full force in Ada right now.
Jay Sigel, one of the most decorated amateur golfers in history, died on Saturday at age 81 from pancreatic cancer.
Sigel was native to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He got an Arnold Palmer Scholarship to Wake Forest University and thought he would go pro, but a hand injury derailed those plans, but he continued to play amateur golf while pursuing a career in insurance.
He won the U.S. Amateur championship in 1982 and 1983 as well as the 1983 Mid-Amateur and two more by 1986. Those followed up the British Amateur in 1979.
He later said that he believed the hand injury was the "best thing that happened" to him.
He was a nine-time member of the U.S. Walker Cup team, which he captained twice.
He participated in a record 33 Walker Cup matches, both in singles and foursomes. Of those, he won 18, tied 10, and lost only five.
Sigel was also the low amateur three times at the Masters as well as once at the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.
“He was a dear friend and somebody that we will remember forever, and take a lot of inspiration from,” USGA President-elect Kevin Hammer said to USGA’s David Shefter about Sigel. “Best amateur since Bobby Jones hands down."
When Sigal was 50, he finally turned professional and joined the PGA Tour Champions.
He took the tour by storm, winning Rookie of the Year in 1994.
In total, he won eight senior tournaments including the GTE West Classic his first year and the 1996 Senior Tour Championship.
He ended up with $9 million in winnings as a pro, even though he was a senior when he started.
He remained a Pennsylvania resident, but spent his winters in South Florida.
In his own way, Sigel made a huge mark on the golf world that could probably never have happened if he had gone pro as a young adult.
Democrat Judge Jose "Joel" Cano resigned from his bench last month after an illegal immigrant with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang was arrested in his New Mexico home, where the migrant was living.
Federal prosecutors arrested 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez on February 28 during a search of Cano's home that occurred after a detention hearing where evidence was presented that he was a member of Tren de Aragua.
Ortega-Lopez entered the country at Eagle Pass, Texas in December 2023 and was released on a parole program due to overcrowding.
He lived in El Paso, Texas for a while after his release and eventually met the judge's wife Nancy Cano while doing handyman jobs. She offered him a place to live on her property.
Prosecutors showed images of Ortega-Lopez with other migrants at a shooting range with multiple weapons including AR-15s.
He also has tattoos consistent with Tren de Aragua membership. Images of dead and mutilated bodies were found on his phone.
Police found additional weapons at the home of Nancy Cano's daughter, and images showed Ortega-Lopez with several of the firearms.
Ortega-Lopez is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms. He is being held in the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
Jose Cano had been a local magistrate judge in Dona Ana County since 2011.
It was not clear whether the judge or his wife would be charged with harboring an illegal immigrant.
Cano apparently allowed Ortega-Lopez to file for immigration relief using his address.
Social media posts show the two posing together in photos.
With their lives having intertwined in this way, it is unclear whether Cano or his wife knew that Ortega-Lopez had alleged gang ties or participated in gang activities.
President Donald Trump designated Tren de Aragua and other foreign gangs as terrorist organizations, which make the consequences of the Canos' actions more serious.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A family-owned plumbing corporation in Illinois is being forced into court after cops confiscated a company truck when it was hit in a traffic accident, and have refused to return it to the owners. For more than a year.
The Liberty Justice Center has released a report on the fight against the Winnebago County sheriff's office and the local state's attorney, "for illegally seizing and indefinitely holding – for 15 months so far – the property of First Supply, LLC, simply because it was an innocent bystander to an auto accident."
"The government cannot take your property without a warrant or warrant exception—let alone indefinitely and without giving you any way to get it back—just because you were an innocent bystander to someone else's alleged crime," explained Loren Seehase, of LJC. "We look forward to vindicating the Fourth Amendment rights of First Supply and all innocent crime victims and bystanders."
Company lawyer Brittney Corrillaud said, "It was hard enough to have our delivery driver be involved in a fatal car accident. But to indefinitely lose our truck to impoundment hampers our ability to make a profit and pay our employees. We never could have expected that months would pass without getting it back, and now we pay thousands of dollars a month extra just to serve our customers. To add insult to injury, we've spent hours trying to retrieve our property only to be passed from person to person at the state's attorney's office, ignored by the prosecutor, and offered no support."
The war was triggered in January 2024 when an alleged drunk driver ran a red light and crashed his vehicle into a First Supply delivery truck, which was stopped, legally, at a stoplight.
"Tragically, the driver's passenger was killed on impact. First Supply was in no way responsible for the accident, but the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office seized First Supply's truck from the scene as evidence, without a warrant, and without any exigent circumstances justifying the warrantless seizure," the report said.
Then, in the months following, while First Supply complied with the law enforcement investigation, the truck remained locked up.
At one point, a sergeant said the sheriff's investigators were finished with the truck, but still, the truck was not released.
The traffic case was even dismissed without the truck's release, and then a new criminal case was filed.
"During this entire process, neither the sheriff's office nor the state's attorney's office contacted First Supply to return the truck. In fact, at no point during this entire ordeal has either office provided First Supply a process, procedure, or even a timeline as to when it can get its truck back," the legal team charged.
So, for 15 months, the company has been paying for a truck it cannot use, as well as a replacement.
LJC said it now has a lawsuit pending over the confiscation of the vehicle, and it cites the Constitution's Fourth Amendment.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Rules its schemes violate the Sherman Act and have harmed consumers
In a blow to tech giant Google, a move that could be a prelude to a breakup of the giant money-making machine, a federal judge has concluded that it operates an illegal monopoly over two markets related to digital advertising tech.
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia found that Google is in violation of the Sherman Act because it dominates the online publisher ad server market and the ad-exchange market that connects ad buyers to sellers.
A report from New York Post said the judge found that the corporation's antics "substantially harmed" customers.
The judge wrote, "Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive practices on its customers and eliminating desirable product features."
The ruling continued, "In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web."
The report explained the Department of Justice has expressed the desire for the court to force Google to sell of its digital advertising operations, including Google Ad Manager.
"Remedies" will be taken up in a second phase of the trial.
Explained the Post, "The ruling is another major legal blow for Google. Last year, a federal judge ruled in a separate case that Google has an illegal monopoly over the online search market."
A controversial letter aimed at reforming Harvard University has sparked significant conflict between the Trump administration and the esteemed institution.
The White House staff later indicated that the letter was sent accidentally, yet still held firm on its demands, further escalating tensions by freezing federal funding to Harvard, the Daily Mail reported.
The letter, authored by the White House's task force on anti-Semitism, sought major changes at Harvard, including merit-based admissions and strict hiring protocols. These demands came unexpectedly, following a two-week negotiation period between Harvard and the task force. The administration described the letter as unauthorized but backed its contents, revealing internal confusion regarding its management.
Harvard officials swiftly responded, criticizing the letter and highlighting its audacity. They argued the communication reflected a concerning level of governmental overreach, potentially infringing on constitutional freedoms. The institution declared its autonomy would not be compromised, with Harvard President Alan Garber asserting that private universities must remain free to determine their educational paths without governmental dictates.
In reaction to Harvard's resistance, the Trump administration imposed a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university. This fiscal pressure was compounded by threats jeopardizing Harvard's tax-exempt status. Alongside these developments, former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem warned of consequences related to Harvard's enrollment of international students.
The situation echoes prior conflicts faced by Ivy League schools, notably Columbia University, which also encountered federal pushback leading to eventual changes. Harvard has planned financial strategies to mitigate potential losses, announcing the issuance of $750 million in taxable bonds to counteract the funding cuts.
Harvard’s official statements emphasized the importance of distinguishing genuine governmental intentions amid the turmoil. Despite labeling the letter as a mistake, Harvard noted the real-world impact of the administration's actions on students and the broader landscape of American higher education. This sentiment underscores the ongoing complexities and potential repercussions of the White House's engagement with academia.
May Mailman, a senior policy strategist at the White House, criticized Harvard for its handling of negotiations and public response. She argued that Harvard should have contacted the antisemitism task force directly rather than adopting a stance of victimization. Mailman emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring that entities that receive taxpayer dollars comply with civil rights laws.
Amidst these tensions, Noem issued additional demands requiring Harvard to provide documentation of its foreign student visa holders' activities by the end of April. She flagged potential non-compliance with federal reporting requirements as a threat to the university's ability to enroll international students. The administration's firm stance highlights its determination to enforce its authority over institutions benefiting from public funds.
The Trump administration's attempt to wield federal funding as leverage marks an aggressive approach to enforcing educational reforms. Steadfastly defending its independence, Harvard faces significant challenges in navigating this confrontation while safeguarding its financial and academic stability.
As the situation unfolds, the academic community and wider public continue to watch closely. The broader implications of this standoff might redefine the boundaries between higher education institutions and government authority. Whether this leads to lasting changes or mere temporary adjustments remains to be seen.
President Trump, adding weight to the discourse, accused Harvard of "supporting sickness" in his posts on Truth Social. This accusation signals a broader critique of Harvard's handling of previous protests, where the administration perceived unchecked antisemitic behavior.
As April 30 approaches, all eyes are on Harvard's next move and the potential consequences of this unprecedented confrontation with the Trump administration. The unfolding developments suggest that tensions between federal oversight and institutional autonomy are far from being resolved.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell doesn't have a whole lot of friends in Washington D.C. -- at least not on the Republican side of the aisle, and especially not President Donald Trump.
According to JustTheNews, it was reported this week that Trump has his people researching potential ways to have Powell removed from his powerful and influential position if he doesn't retire or resign.
Kevin Hassett, Trump's top economic adviser, confirmed the news this week that Trump isn't happy with Powell.
The president has publicly criticized Powell, especially recently, for not cutting interest rates like he wants him to, causing great tension around Washington D.C.
According to a CNBC piece on the subject, Trump is not being shy regarding how he feels about Fed Chair Powell, saying he should have cut interest rates already if "he knew what he was doing."
"If we had a Fed Chairman that understood what he was doing, interest rates would be coming down, too," Trump told reporters this week. "He should bring them down."
The outlet noted:
Trump has long argued that the Fed, which sets monetary policy in the U.S., should cut down interest rates. His latest comments come as the White House has ratcheted up its attacks on Powell in recent days.
It added:
The president and his team will continue to study that matter,” Hassett said at the White House after a reporter questioned if firing Powell “is an option in a way that it wasn’t before,” according to Reuters.
Powell, whose term as Fed Chair ends in May, 2026, strongly contends that he's protected from being fired by the president, though the matter seems like it could soon end up in a legal battle.
Trump seems dead set on making it happen anyway, writing recently in a Truth Social post, "Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough."
Powell doesn't seem to be a fan of Trump's tariffs.
"We may find ourselves in the challenging scenario in which our dual-mandate goals are in tension," Powell said in prepared remarks before the Economic Club of Chicago. "If that were to occur, we would consider how far the economy is from each goal, and the potentially different time horizons over which those respective gaps would be anticipated to close."
The Fed Chair made it clear that the Federal Reserve is waiting for "greater clarity" before it makes any adjustments to rates.
Only time will tell if Trump finds a way to boot Powell from his post. Either way, a legal battle over the matter is coming.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had a meeting with President Donald Trump this week and it reportedly didn't go very well for her, thanks to an awkward mistake by her interpreter.
According to Politico, interpreter Valentina Maiolini-Rothbacher was ultimately cut off by the Italian prime minister after Trump had asked for a translation regarding a questioned PM Meloni had asked him.
The interpreter struggled with the response -- so bad that the prime minister stepped in and was forced to provide her own translation.
The embarrassed interpreter later told an Italian newspaper that the mistake was the "worst thing that can happen to an interpreter, a terrible setback."
The United States president had asked Maiolini-Rothbacher "for a translation of Meloni’s response to a question from an Italian journalist about his position on Ukraine and military spending," and the result was a disaster for the interpreter.
While struggling to provide a translation, she paused several times and was forced to look at her notes.
That's when Meloni jumped in to interpret her own response regarding NATO funding and defense.
"President Meloni was right to interrupt me, it was a very important meeting and every word carried great weight," Maiolini-Rothbacher said. "She wanted to be perfectly understood by Donald Trump."
‘Wait, I will do it’ - Meloni interrupts White House interpreter to translate for herself during Trump meeting pic.twitter.com/cGNyQMKMrL
— Viory Video (@vioryvideo) April 18, 2025
Politico noted:
Maiolini-Rothbacher said in the interview that although she had not been to the White House before, she is an experienced interpreter and has worked at high-level meetings including the G20. She has worked as an interpreter since 1991, according to her LinkedIn profile.
She has not spoken with Meloni since the meeting, she said, adding that she went straight to the airport from the White House after the session. According to Corriere della Sera, she is currently by the sea in the Santa Marinella area.
Users across social media reacted to the situation, with some praising the Italian PM for stepping in.
"Her translator wasn't at 100% today. It happens right? But, Meloni being the absolute boss she is didn't even bat an eye. She stepped in immediately & translated what she said herself for @realDonaldTrump. Queen Energy y'all!," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Meloni’s translator has almost destroyed everything she wanted to achieve in Washington. Her body language is easy to understand."
Many asked why the PM even needed a translator on hand given how she handled the situation so well.
Vice President J.D. Vance made an interesting stop during his travels this week to talk about religion in one of the world's most religiously-centric locations.
According to Fox News, the vice president stopped in Rome to meet with top Vatican officials as part of official travel to Italy and India. The two parties spoke about religion and important topics of the day, including deportations.
The report noted that Vance and the Vatican officials had an "exchange of opinions" on the deportation issue.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, met with "Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister," Fox News noted.
The issue of deportations and migrants was reportedly a hot topic for the two parties. The Vatican released a statement following the meeting with Vance.
"There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees and prisoners," the Vatican's statement read.
It added, "Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged."
Fox News noted:
He and Parolin "discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace," Vance’s office said.
It was reported that VP Vance was able to "briefly" meet with Pope Francis on Easter.
Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President @JDVance on Easter Sunday. The private audience lasted a few minutes. They exchanged Easter greetings, and the pope gave Vance a Vatican tie, rosaries and a set of three large chocolate Easter eggs for his kids. pic.twitter.com/v48BsukaDQ
— EWTN News (@EWTNews) April 20, 2025
The vice president made a social media post regarding his visit with the pope.
"It was an honor to visit the Vatican during Holy Week, and a blessing to experience the beauty and reverence of the Good Friday liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica," Vance wrote on X.
Many across social media offered well wishes to the vice president for Easter.
Others injected politics into the matter, while some criticized the pope.
The Trump administration has, in recent days, taken strong action against a number of America's top universities, withholding federal funding due to the schools' failure to address antisemitism on campus, remedy discriminatory admissions processes, and cease DEI programming deemed contrary to federal directives.
Harvard University is among those facing stringent sanctions from Trump, spurring a viral rumor that the president's particular ire at the Cambridge, Massachusetts institution stems from its supposed decision denying admission to his son, Barron, as the Hindustan Times reports.
The rumors regarding Barron Trump's thwarted aspirations began to emerge online last week, with X user @BraddrofliT asserting, “Want to understand the feud between [Trump] and Harvard? They rejected Barron, also Stanford, and Columbia.”
That theory was echoed by another social media user, James Tate, who said on X, “Guess what colleges didn't accept Barron Trump? Harvard. Stanford. Columbia. Any college Trump is attacking -- are the ones that with all of his money they said 'no endowment will let him in.'”
X user Alex Cole piled on, suggesting that a decades-long family grudge was at play, writing, “Trump's just angry that even his rich dad couldn't get him into Harvard. President Obama got into Harvard.”
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) also appeared to stoke the flames of speculation, posting on Threads, “Can't help but wonder how many Trumps got rejected by Harvard.”
Despite all of the mean-spirited comments about the president and his son's college admissions histories, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Barron Trump sought to attend Harvard or was rejected by the school.
The first son has attended New York University's Stern School of Business since last fall, making his way back to the Big Apple after graduating from Florida's Oxbridge Academy.
Notably, Barron's father was quoted last year as saying that the young man was accepted “everywhere” he had applied, though no specifics on targeted schools were offered.
“He's amazing actually, in a certain way. He's tall good-looking...a very good student. And he's applied to colleges and gets into everywhere he goes,” Trump said at the time.
The then-presidential hopeful added, “He's very sought after from that standpoint; he's a very smart guy. He's a very tall guy. And he's a great kid. He's cool, he's pretty cool, I'll tell ya.”
Since matriculating at NYU, Barron Trump has been the subject of much on-campus curiosity, with People reporting, “He's really popular with the ladies” and noting, “Even liberal people like him.”
With the Trump administration already implementing a freeze on billions in grants and contracts to Harvard, it appears that the battle over the school's direction is unlikely to end anytime soon.
As the Associated Press notes, the administration is reportedly considering halting Harvard's ability to enroll international students and endeavoring to pull its tax-exempt status, but whether these moves are the result of personal animus or a more substantial ideological stance will likely remain a topic of popular debate.