In Texas, seven people, including two young children, were killed and more than 100 were injured as the storms swept across the state.
“The storm has caused significant damage to numerous homes and businesses, including the Gateway AP Travel Center, which received major damage,” the Texas Cooke County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Emergency services are actively searching the debris for missing persons, and there have been numerous injuries of varying degrees reported.”
The governor of Kentucky confirmed that five people were killed in the storms. Teams from the National Weather Service (NWS) are being sent to survey tornado damage.
Possible tornadoes are blamed for at least two deaths each in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
On Sunday, May 26, there were at least 622 severe weather reports from Wyoming to New Hampshire, according to the NWS’ Storm Prediction Center. That makes it the most active severe storm day of 2024. This breaks the previous record of 565 reports earlier this month.
President Joe Biden offered condolences to the families of the victims. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the ground assessing damage and that he has contacted governors to determine what federal support is needed.
Several dead after tornadoes sweep through Midwest
Several people, including an infant, are dead after tornadoes sweep through the Midwest. Also, demonstrations by dueling groups turn physical on the campus of UCLA. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, April 29, 2024.
Several dead after tornadoes sweep through Midwest
At least four people, including a young child, are dead after tornadoes swept through Oklahoma on Sunday, April 28 — part of a series of severe weather events affecting several Midwestern states.
On Friday, April 26, a tornado damaged dozens of homes and buildings in suburban Omaha, Nebraska, but no fatalities were reported. Local health officials described the lack of serious injuries as “miraculous.”
Over the weekend, more than 100 tornadoes were reported across six states, including Iowa, where one person critically injured by the storms later died. Less than 36 hours later, EF-3 tornadoes struck Oklahoma, leaving over 20,000 people without power and causing significant damage statewide.
One person died when four semi-trucks overturned on Interstate 35 in Marietta. Another victim was identified as a 4-month-old child. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, R, has declared a disaster emergency in response to the extensive damage.
Dueling protests get into physical altercations on UCLA campus
School officials reported that the protests had remained peaceful until a barrier separating the groups was breached, leading to shoving and punching among members of both groups. Campus police armed with batons managed to separate the demonstrators.
The UCLA vice chancellor expressed heartbreak over the violence on campus. The university said it had allowed both groups to protest, some participants were from outside the university.
Blinken visits Saudi Arabia to discuss war in Gaza
On the morning of Monday, April 29, the State Department reported that Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister to discuss ongoing efforts to release hostages held by Hamas and to explore “a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.”
Later Monday, Blinken is scheduled to discuss Europe’s role in rebuilding the Gaza Strip with Arab and European leaders. His visit follows President Joe Biden’s phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, April 28, about a potential cease-fire and a warning against an Israeli attack on Gaza City’s Rafah.
Trump holds private meeting with former GOP rival DeSantis
Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, met privately for breakfast in Miami on Sunday, April 29, to discuss raising funds for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The meeting, first reported by The Washington Post, was reportedly arranged by real estate chairman Steven Witkoff.
The talks between the presumptive Republican nominee and his one-time rival lasted several hours and were described as “friendly.”
This encounter comes just weeks after NBC News reported DeSantis pledged to donors during a private event that he’ll assist in fundraising efforts for Trump’s campaign.
DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign in January, just days before the New Hampshire primary, and announced he was backing Trump.
Musk visits Beijing as Tesla’s China-made cars clear data security hurdles
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unexpectedly visited Beijing, coinciding with the city’s first major auto show in four years. During his visit, Musk met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This meeting follows Tesla’s announcement that local Chinese authorities have lifted restrictions on its cars after they passed China’s data security standards.
The MLB Players Association stated that the league will modify the Nike uniforms following player complaints about this season’s changes, which included issues with jersey lettering size, mismatched colors and see-through pants.
The uniforms, designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics, will be updated by the beginning of the 2025 season, as the memo highlighted the issues as “entirely a Nike issue.”
Gender-identity changes to Title IX get pushback from Republican states
Republican-controlled states are pushing back against newly modified Title IX rules. The Biden administration announced the expansion the week of April 15. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal money. It applies to schools and local and state educational agencies.
Last week, the Department of Education released new regulations under Title IX. The department expanded the current ban on discrimination based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The new rule also provides more protection to students who accuse others of sexual misconduct or harassment. Additionally, it rolls back due process rules for the accused put in place by former President Donald Trump.
However, the updates did not directly address the issue of transgender girls and women playing on women’s and girls’ sports teams.
The regulations clash with laws already on the books in many Republican-led states.
In a letter, Louisiana’s education chief told schools to ignore the new regulations. He stated they violate existing state laws.
Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s state superintendent of education, said the new rules would force schools to allow biological boys and men who identify as female to have access to women’s bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools or the school could face sanctions.
“The new rule could force educators to reference students by names and pronouns not consistent with their biological sex and also erode parent notification of such student desires,” he wrote in a letter to school districts.
Eleven states passed legislation barring trans girls or women from using female bathrooms in public schools.
Twenty-four other states, including Louisiana, also passed laws preventing trans student-athletes from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
The new Title IX rule directly opposes these state laws. It states separating people based on sex is unlawful when it harms a protected individual, “such as when it denies a transgender student access to a sex-separate facility or activity consistent with that student’s gender identity.”
“I believe these rule changes are illegal and unconstitutional,” Walters wrote. “They violate the First Amendment, the Administrative Procedures Act, and longstanding civil rights protections for women and girls.”
Oklahoma’s Legislature is currently trying to pass a law to define the words “man” and “woman” by biological sex. Walters said Biden’s new Title IX regulations “would be in direct conflict.”
Republican-controlled states are gearing up for a legal battle. Several attorneys general and conservative groups threatened to sue the Biden administration over the new regulations.
However, no one has filed a lawsuit yet.
The Alliance Defending Freedom, which is a conservative, Christian law group, released a statement about the new Title IX changes, saying in part: “The Biden administration’s radical redefinition of sex turns back the clock on equal opportunity for women, threatens student safety and privacy, and undermines fairness in women’s sports. It is a slap in the face to women and girls who have fought long and hard for equal opportunities.”
The new Title IX rule is set to take effect Aug. 1.
The Feb. 7 incident at Owasso High School led to widespread condemnation from LGBTQ rights groups, who highlighted the issue of bullying at the school. The Owasso Police Department, which had been waiting for the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death amid initial uncertainty, stated that a report on the bathroom altercation was only filed after Benedict was taken to the hospital by relatives on the same day.
Prior to the release of the autopsy findings, police officials noted that preliminary results indicated Benedict did not die from physical injuries sustained in the fight.
An Owasso Police Department spokesman revealed that right from the start, investigators believed the tragic death of Nex was a case of suicide.
“From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide,” Lt. Nick Boatman stated. “However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office.”
In an interview recorded on video with a school resource officer after the fight, Nex, who described how the conflict started: three girls mocked Nex and their friends over their clothing. Nex responded by pouring water on the girls.
“Then all three of them came at me,” Nex explained in the interview.
Call for top Oklahoma education official to resign after Nex Benedict’s death
More than 350 LGBTQIA+ organizations are calling for the immediate removal of Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, according to ABC News. The push for Walters’ resignation comes in the form of an open letter, which claims that Walters is “fostering a culture of violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Oklahoma schools.”
LGBTQ advocates, activists and students are criticizing Walters’ policies in the wake of the death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary 16-year-old Oklahoma high school student. Benedict died a day after reporting a bullying incident.
Walters offered his condolences but also accused critics of being politically motivated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Here in Oklahoma, we had a tragedy, where a young student lost her [sic] life,” Walters said. “We have been praying for the family, for the school and for the city of Owasso ever since.”
“Unconscionably, left-wing groups and the media have been lying about the death of the student and have intentionally lied to push an agenda,” Walters added.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death is ongoing. According to NBC News, law enforcement said Benedict did not die of physical trauma. However, toxicology results are still pending, and the medical examiner has not yet publicly released a cause of death for Benedict.
Friends of Benedict told The New York Post that the teen had been the victim of bullying because of their gender identity and accused school administrators of ignoring the bullying.
Parents told ABC News that Benedict’s death has left them concerned about the environment for transgender students in schools.
In response to parents’ concerns, Walters told ABC News that he is focused on keeping kids “safe in school” and wants “every student to be protected.”
Benedict’s death is only the latest incident to spark controversy around Walters. In January, Walters received backlash from LGBTQ activists and Democratic politicians for appointing “Libs of TikTok” creator Chaya Raichik to a state library advisory committee.
Walters claimed that he chose Raichik because she exposes “the radical left” and that they push “a woke indoctrination of our kids.” Raichik’s social media account is critical of Democratic positions, and following the announcement, Raichik vowed to “get porn out of schools.”
Oklahoma’s LGBTQ policies are also facing scrutiny.
According to ABC News, Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Okla., signed laws banning nonbinary markers on IDs, preventing transgender girls from participating in women’s sports and creating restrictions on gender-affirming care.
Meanwhile, The Oklahoman reported that Walters called for the firing of an elementary school principal who performed as a drag queen outside of work. ABC News reported that the principal eventually resigned from his position due to the public attention.
Activists, advocates and Democratic lawmakers claim Walters’ policies have harmed LGBTQ students. Walters has reportedly said that he recognizes only two genders — male and female. He has also thrown his support behind eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Oklahoma schools, according to ABC News.
Oklahoma GOP censures Sen. James Lankford amid border bill talks
Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, the Republican leading negotiations with Democrats on a southern border immigration bill has been censured by the Oklahoma Republican Party. The committee approved a resolution that condemns and censors Lankford, Saturday, Jan. 27.
The resolution and condemnation document claims that Sen. Lankford negotiated a deal to reportedly allow 5,000 undocumented immigrants a day into the U.S. for work. The numbers being cited are from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who made the claim during a press conference on Wednesday.
“This bill normalizes 5,000 people a day coming in. Five thousand a day is over 1.8 million a year,” Cruz said. “That’s called an invasion. By the way, under Joe Biden, we’ve had 9.6 million.”
Lankford called Cruz’s claim “absurd” during an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
“Right now, there’s Internet rumors is all that people are running on,” Lankford said. “It would be absolutely absurd for me to agree to 5,000 people a day. This bill focuses on getting us to zero illegal crossings a day.”
“Authorizing several thousand people to invade our borders before any action can be taken is contrary to the oath that Senator Lankford took to the Constitution and therefore outside of the area that he is authorized to negotiate,” the censorship document states.
The resolution also calls on Lankford to end his “actions” or the Oklahoma Republican Party will “cease all support for him.”
“He is jeopardizing the security and liberty of the people of Oklahoma and these United States,” the resolution said.
However, not every state Republican is on board with the committee’s move.
“Today an extreme faction of the @officialOKGOP held a meeting without providing an official call to all members of the State Committee, including me, to attack Senator @jameslankford. Any vote taken by the OKGOP today was not legitimate and definitely does not represent the voice of all Oklahoma Republicans,” Former Oklahoma GOP Chairman Anthony Ferate wrote on X.
Some Republicans have noted former President Donald Trump’s opposition to the current legislation in progress, and contend its passage could mean a victory for his political adversary, President Joe Biden.
“If Joe Biden suddenly got religion and supported a border deal that actually reduced the flow of illegal immigration, that would be good for him politically,” Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told CNN Thursday, Jan 18.
The censure comes as CBS News reports a bipartisan group of lawmakers in U.S. Congress is nearing a deal with the Biden administration. The bill would include dramatic changes to border control, including the ability to pause asylum processes during migrant surges, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Politico reported GOP leaders are worried that Trump allies may obstruct the border deal negotiations, creating challenges for Senate and House leaders in reaching compromises with the Biden administration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are working on negotiations with the White House.
The most recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows more than 300,000 encounters with migrants in December 2023. However, the report also shows Border Patrol agents saw a 50% decrease in those encounters during the first two weeks of January based on preliminary figures.
‘Libs of TikTok’ founder appointed to Oklahoma library panel
“Libs of Tiktok” founder Chaya Raichik has emerged as a key figure in ongoing cultural conflicts in American schools and public libraries. Raichik, now a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Education’s Media Library Advisory Committee, announced her appointment by Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters on Tuesday, Jan. 23, declaring, “WE WILL GET PORN OUT OF SCHOOLS.”
The announcement comes as activists are calling for the removal of certain books and librarians are working to prevent alleged book bans. Concerns about explicit content in schools have become prominent in national discourse.
Raichik garnered attention on social media for highlighting reported instances of explicit material and what she perceives as a “woke” agenda in public schools nationwide.
“Chaya is on the front lines showing the world exactly what the radical left is all about, lowering standards in schools, and pushing a woke indoctrination of our kids,” Walters said in a statement posted to X.
While Raichik’s appointment was celebrated by some Republicans, Democrats were less supportive.
State Democratic lawmaker Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Okla., criticized the move, asserting that Raichik doesn’t meet the criteria for board memberships, as outlined by the Department of Education’s requirements.
Dollens highlighted qualifications such as being a librarian, possessing a professional education background, having children in Oklahoma schools and residing in the state — criteria he claimed Raichik did not fulfill.
According to Fox News, the volunteer-based library committee consists of parents, librarians and English teachers. The board members offer guidance to the state board in selecting books and materials for students at different education levels.
Walters emphasized the library board’s objective is to prevent sexualized or pornographic content from being included in public school materials.
“Far-right is when you’re against giving kids porn in school. I guess I’m far-right then,” Raichik responded on X. “Raise your hand if you’re far-right!”
Raichik’s TikTok account, Libs of TikTok, boasts 2.8 million followers across X.
Judge orders wind farm on tribal lands removed in mining dispute
A wind farm spanning 8,400 acres of land in Oklahoma is now set to be dismantled after a federal judge’s ruling in a legal battle stretching over a decade. The Osage Nation — on whose tribal lands the turbines were built — has been engaged in a multi-year fight for their removal, citing concerns related to their ability to utilize the surrounding underground resources.
“We’re tired of this,” Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said. “We’ve been tired of this. My father’s generation was tired of it, my grandfather and great grandparents. What is the value of intruding on our sovereign property that we’ve kept and fought for and kept all these years?”
The Osage Nation wants access to the minerals, natural gas and oil that lay beneath the renewable energy facility, which has been dubbed the Osage Wind Farm. Each of the project’s 84 turbines — built and operated by Enel Energy — required individual underground bases, each more than 10 feet deep and 50 feet wide. The tribe has argued this activity impacted its ability to utilize the subterranean resources in the area.
The recent federal court decision comes after an appellate court’s earlier determination that the construction of the turbines amounted to mining, for which a lease from the Osage Minerals Council was never obtained. While Enel did secure surface rights for the wind farm project in 2013, the lack of a mining lease for the underground activities became a pivotal point in the legal dispute.
“It is clear the Defendants are actively avoiding the leasing requirement,” U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves said in her ruling. “Permitting such behavior would create the prospect for future interference with the Osage Mineral Council’s authority by Defendants or others wishing to develop the mineral lease.”
Choe-Groves’ order for Enel to deconstruct the wind farm will cost the energy company over $300 million and result in the loss of renewable energy for approximately 50,000 homes. The federal judge concluded that the failure to obtain a mining lease constituted “interference with the sovereignty” of the Osage Nation and is “sufficient to constitute irreparable injury.”
“Osage Wind never intended to mine minerals owned by the Osage Nation nor impose on their sovereignty and acted in the genuine belief that its actions were consistent with applicable legal requirements,” Enel responded in a statement.
The Osage Mineral Council reportedly anticipates full compliance from Enel in removing the wind farm per the court’s order. Representatives with Enel have indicated the company’s intentions to pursue further legal action.
“Enel and its Osage Wind project respect the judicial process regarding Osage Wind, and while it disagrees with the decision of the Federal District Court of Oklahoma issued on Dec. 20, it will continue to act in good faith to operate the project in accordance with the law until the outcome of this matter is finally determined,” Enel stated. “Osage Wind will seek appellate review of the decision in due time, consistent with its legal rights.”
Regardless of whether an appeal is filed, both parties are already expected to return to court next fall for additional litigation on the matter. The tribe’s government plans to seek damages, including compensation for harm done to the land, legal fees and all profits and tax incentives received from the state.
Judge to rule on Texas river buoy barrier as governors visit border
A hearing was set for Tuesday, Aug. 22 where a judge will consider whether Texas can keep the floating buoy barrier it constructed in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. The Justice Department sued Texas over the barrier, arguing it could impact relations with Mexico.
Both the department and Mexico have expressed concern the buoys could pose humanitarian and environmental risks. It wasn’t clear if U.S. District Judge David Ezra was going to rule on the barrier Tuesday.
The hearing was set to take place just days after Texas repositioned the river buoy barrier closer to the U.S. side of the river. On Monday, Aug. 21, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) said the barrier was moved “out of an abundance of caution” after allegations that the buoys had drifted to the Mexico side.
“I don’t know whether they were true or not,” Gov. Abbott said. His comments Monday came during a visit to Eagle Pass, where he was joined by the following governors:
Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA)
Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE)
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK)
Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD)
“We have 14 Governors who are deploying personnel to secure the border that President Biden has abandoned. President Biden is not doing his job, and he is responsible for the largest amount of illegal immigration in the history of the United States and has rolled out a deadly welcome mat with a record number of people dying attempting to cross the border,” Abbott said. “There is a reason the United Nations has named the border between the United States and Mexico the deadliest land border in the entire world. President Biden is responsible for that deadly border, and we’re not going to stand idly by.”
Abbott’s mission to combat the border crisis, known as Operation Lone Star, has faced legal challenges. Four migrant men who were arrested by Texas troopers after crossing the border have sued county officials in the state.
According to the lawsuit, the men remained in a Texas jail for two to six weeks after they should have been released. The lawsuit alleges that instead of being released, the men were transported to federal immigration facilities and sent back to Mexico.
Trump to surrender in Georgia Thursday: The Rundown Aug. 22, 2023
Former President Donald Trump said he plans to surrender to authorities in Georgia, and it’s the end of an era for an iconic plumber. These stories and more highlight The Rundown for Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Trump to surrender to authorities in Georgia
Former President Trump planned to surrender to authorities on Thursday, Aug. 24 in connection to an indictment in Georgia on charges he attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. Trump confirmed as much on his social media platform on Monday, Aug. 21.
“Can you believe it? I’ll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be arrested,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Hours before that post, Trump’s bond was set at $200,000. According to the bond agreement between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump’s attorneys and the judge, the former president is barred from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.
Willis had given Trump and 18 other co-defendants until Friday, Aug. 25 to turn themselves in. Trump’s former personal lawyer John Eastman has agreed to surrender on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Trump will surrender at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia a day after the first Republican primary debate. He has already said he will not be taking part in the debate. Multiple news outlets have reported a prerecorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will be made available at the same time.
Biden visits Maui two weeks after wildfires ravaged island
President Joe Biden visited the island of Maui Monday to survey the devastation left behind by massive wildfires earlier in August. President Biden met with survivors, reassuring them federal resources were there to stay as long as recovery efforts take.
On top of mind on the island are the more than 800 people still considered missing. One hundred fifteen people have been found dead.
Officials said there are still weeks of searching to go as crews slowly clear a five-mile disaster zone left in the wake of the historic wildfire. Biden offered his condolences to the community and recognized their strength shown in the process so far.
“Many of you have lost more than just that. Many of you have lost family. Not even sure where some are,” Biden said. “You know, I’ve been impressed how you look out for one another, you turn your pain into purpose. This town has stood as a sacred spot for centuries.”
Judge considers legality of Texas buoy barriers
A federal judge in Texas will consider whether the state has legal grounding to keep its buoy barrier afloat in the Rio Grande River. The border security tactic has been controversial ever since it was implemented in July of 2023.
The Biden administration and Mexico have both pushed for Texas to remove the buoys, citing safety concerns. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) argued the state first deployed the buoy barriers because of safety concerns.
“Just last month here in the Eagle Pass area, there was an infant who drowned crossing the border,” Gov. Abbott said on Aug. 21. “That was before we put the buoys up, a little infant drowned and not a peep out of Washington, D.C.”
The state of Texas has moved its buoys closer to the United States side of the river to appease a request from Mexico. However, Abbott has stood firm the state is within its legal rights to have the buoys deployed.
Japan to release treated radioactive water into Pacific Ocean
Starting Wednesday, Japan plans to release treated radioactive wastewater from its Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. The move comes amid criticism from some countries like China and support from others like the U.S.
The plan, in the works for years, came to be after the nuclear plant was damaged during a 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japan had to pump more water into the plant to cool down fuel rods in the reactor. Because of this, space has been limited.
Japan has said the water release is safe. The water will be filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium.
According to Japan, the water will be diluted to well below internationally approved levels. However, some scientists believe the wastewater could still harm marine life.
American Airlines pilots ratify contract that includes pay raises
The contract includes $1.1 billion in one-time payments and ratification bonuses, immediate pay raises averaging 21%, annual raises and increased company contribution to retirement plans. In addition, the pilots will get more vacation benefits and more predictable schedules.
American has approximately 15,000 pilots. The union said 73% of pilots who took part voted in favor of the contract.
Original voice of Nintendo’s Mario steps down
The original voice of Nintendo’s beloved character Mario will step down. Charles Martinet has been voicing the adventurous plumber in Nintendo games since the 1990s.
The company said Martinet will now be serving in the role of “Mario Ambassador,” traveling the world to promote all things Mario. Nintendo has not said who will be replacing Martinet.
Earlier in August, the company reported a 52% increase in net profits. The rise was in part due to the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which has grossed $1.3 billion.