News Stories

Claremore Progress - Michael Kinney

Six days after an EF5 tornado killed 24 people and caused more than $2 billion in damage to Moore, President Barack Obama paid the city a visit Sunday.

He got a first-hand look at the destruction and reassured residents that he was in the rebuilding phase for the long haul.

According to The White House, Federal Emergency Management Agency has already provided $57 million in rebates and incentives to help build about 12,000 storm shelters in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoman - Phillip O'Connor

President Barack Obama came to Oklahoma on Sunday to comfort grieving families, laud the work of emergency responders and offer assurances that the nation stands ready to assist with recovery from last week's deadly tornadoes.

“I want to make sure everybody understands I'm speaking on behalf of the entire country,” Obama said during a brief stop at Plaza Towers Elementary School, where seven children died when a wall collapsed on top of them during the May 20 tornado.

The Hill - Niall Stanage

President Obama visited tornado-hit Oklahoma on Sunday, telling residents that “we’ve got your back,” and vowing to help rebuild battered towns.

“I promise you, we keep our word,” said the president.

Obama toured the Oklahoma City area six days after a tornado killed 24 people, including 10 children, and wreaked massive destruction.

POLITICO - Kevin Robillard

A grim-faced President Barack Obama on Sunday toured suburban Oklahoma City neighborhoods devastated by last week’s deadly tornado, consoled families of the victims and thanked first responders, and assured residents: “We’ve got your back.”

The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel

President Barack Obama is heading to central Oklahoma on Sunday for a firsthand look at the devastation wrought by last week's tornadoes, and he plans to meet with victims and first responders.

The president will return to Washington on Sunday afternoon and is not scheduled to attend the memorial service in Moore being held that evening. The schedule released by the White House shows no public speaking event during his time in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel

The Republican-controlled U.S. House voted 241-175 on Wednesday to require the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Nebraska. The vote was symbolic since the U.S. Senate, controlled by Democrats, is not likely going to consider the House bill. The U.S. State Department is currently analyzing TransCanada’s proposal to build the pipeline, and it’s not known when a decision will be announced.

Tulsa World - Michael Overall

Forty-eight hours after the tornado, at precisely 3 p.m. Wednesday, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled as loud as he could.

"OK, everybody. Let's go!"

Hundreds of people surged forward as officials reopened the devastated neighborhoods for the first time.

With everybody accounted for and President Barack Obama planning to visit on Sunday, the focus shifted from searching the rubble for bodies and survivors to sorting through it and cleaning it up.

Business World - Jason Lange and David Lawder

The chances of a deal between Democratic and Republican lawmakers that would overhaul the US tax system, trim government spending and reform safety net spending programs appear to be fading.