FSU Horror: Killer Linked to Sheriff’s Office—Used Deputy Mom’s Gun

April 17, 2025

Two people were killed and six others injured during a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on April 17. Authorities later identified the shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy. The shooting shocked the community and raised serious questions after it was revealed that the suspect used his mother’s former service weapon in the attack.

The violence erupted shortly before noon near the campus’s student union. Witnesses described chaos as gunshots rang out, prompting a rapid police response and a campus-wide alert. Students and faculty were urged to shelter in place as law enforcement moved in to contain the threat. Ikner was reportedly shot and wounded by police after refusing to comply with commands. He was taken into custody and remains hospitalized.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Ikner accessed one of his mother’s firearms, a gun she had previously used in her role as a sheriff’s deputy. Authorities have not disclosed how he obtained the weapon or whether it was stored securely. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Officials are currently examining his background and any potential warning signs.

Ikner’s connection to law enforcement has prompted renewed scrutiny over gun access, particularly within homes of current or former officers. No disciplinary action has been announced regarding the deputy mother, and the sheriff’s office has stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

President Trump was asked if he would sign gun legislation following this tragic shooting. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment,” Trump stated.

The university canceled all classes, operations, and weekend athletic events as the community grieves and investigators continue their work. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for a full investigation. Campus police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are jointly leading the inquiry.

Huckabee’s Bold First Move in Israel Raises Eyebrows

April 17, 2025

Newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced he will deliver a personal, handwritten prayer from President Donald Trump to the Western Wall on Friday as his first official act after being sworn in. The move signals a powerful symbolic gesture aligning the Trump administration’s support with Israel, both politically and spiritually.

Speaking after a White House meeting with President Trump, Huckabee said, “The first thing I’m going to do is to take a prayer that the President gave me… and I’m going to place it there on behalf of the American people and on behalf of the President.” Huckabee emphasized that this act reflects President Trump’s steadfast commitment to Israel’s security and the return of hostages still held following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Huckabee was confirmed last week by the Senate in a near party-line vote, 53-46, with only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, crossing the aisle in support. Fetterman, an outspoken backer of Israel, broke with party ranks to affirm the appointment.

“I can’t think of a better way to begin my tenure,” Huckabee said, citing the importance of signaling American solidarity with Israel. His visit to the Western Wall with the prayer comes as tensions remain high in the region and as negotiations for hostage releases continue.

Prior to his political career, Huckabee served as a Southern Baptist minister and previously ran for president in 2008 and 2016. His long-standing defense of Israel and strong criticism of Palestinian claims have drawn ire from the political left and pro-Palestinian advocates. During his confirmation process, Huckabee clarified that he will represent President Trump’s foreign policy—not his own personal views.

“I am not here to articulate or defend my own views or policies,” Huckabee told senators, “but to present myself as one who will respect and represent the President.”

Huckabee’s symbolic first step in Jerusalem underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing prioritization of a strong U.S.–Israel alliance, rooted in both political and deeply held spiritual convictions.

Fed Chair Powell Didn’t See This Move Coming

April 17, 2025

Time Magazine Trump — President-elect Donald Trump (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

President Donald Trump renewed his threat to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, escalating a standoff with the central bank over interest rates and economic policy. Speaking from the Oval Office Thursday, Trump criticized Powell for not cutting rates and declared, “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me.”

Trump’s comments came after a post on his social media platform called Powell’s removal overdue, stating, “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Though Powell was originally appointed by Trump in 2017 and reappointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, the Fed chair emphasized in public remarks that he would not step down voluntarily, noting that Federal Reserve independence is protected by law and that he can only be removed “for cause.”

The conflict centers on interest rates, which the Fed raised sharply in 2022 and 2023 to combat inflation. Although inflation has since dropped to 2.4%, just above the Fed’s 2% target, Powell and other policymakers are holding off on further rate cuts. They cite ongoing economic uncertainty—especially due to Trump’s newly implemented tariffs, including a sweeping 10% tax on all imports and a 145% tariff on Chinese goods.

Powell warned Wednesday that these tariffs are likely to reignite inflation, making the case for keeping rates higher. He reaffirmed the Fed’s independence and stated the central bank will act in the interest of all Americans, not political pressure. Trump, however, accused Powell of “playing politics” and blamed him for rising rates and economic strain.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that could impact the president’s authority to fire officials at independent agencies. Trump’s legal team has downplayed its relevance to the Fed, though Powell indicated he is closely watching the ruling.

Meanwhile, economic warnings are mounting. Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs have raised the likelihood of a recession, citing Trump’s tariffs as a key risk. The Budget Lab at Yale University estimated the cost of these policies could equal a $4,900 loss per average household due to inflationary pressures.

Despite past pledges to let Powell finish his term, Trump’s public frustration and economic agenda may test the limits of Federal Reserve independence—potentially setting the stage for a historic showdown between the executive branch and the central bank.

Beijing Just Issued a Bold Ultimatum, Will the U.S. Back Down?

April 17, 2025

china flag — Photo by Arthur Wang, Unsplash

China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed Thursday that it continues to maintain working-level communication with U.S. trade officials, but renewed demands for Washington to abandon its current pressure tactics. Spokesperson He Yongqian reiterated Beijing’s position during a press conference, stating that while China remains open to economic and trade consultations, the onus is on the U.S. to undo the damage caused by its unilateral tariff policies.

“The unilateral tariff hikes were initiated entirely by the U.S. side,” He said, employing a Chinese proverb: “It is up to the one who tied the bell to untie it.” The expression underscored Beijing’s view that Washington is responsible for the current trade tensions and must act first to resolve them.

He called on the U.S. to immediately halt what he labeled “maximum pressure,” coercion, and blackmail. He emphasized that only through “equal dialogue based on mutual respect” can the two nations find a sustainable path forward.

The statements come as trade relations between the world’s two largest economies remain tense, with tariffs still in place on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Despite some attempts at engagement, both sides have maintained their core positions—Washington demanding reforms and fair trade, and Beijing resisting what it perceives as foreign interference in its economic model.

These latest comments signal China’s continued resistance to U.S. trade pressure, even as officials maintain backchannel talks. With little sign of a major breakthrough, observers expect trade friction to remain a flashpoint in the U.S.–China relationship, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where China policy remains a high-profile issue.

Democrats Fight to Bring Back Deported MS-13 Suspect

April 17, 2025

NewsNation host Chris Cuomo clashed with Democratic strategist James Carville on Wednesday over the Democratic Party’s efforts to bring deported alleged MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia back into the United States. The heated exchange aired on CUOMO, with Cuomo warning that the optics of a MS-13 deportation fight will damage Democrats politically. Carville, however, refused to back down.

Earlier that day, the Department of Justice released documents linking Garcia to the notorious MS-13 gang. Cuomo highlighted the risks of championing Garcia’s return, telling Carville that it makes Democrats appear to support bringing a known “gang banger” back into the country—something likely to backfire with voters. “You’re going to lose politically to the effort to get bad guys out of the country,” Cuomo warned.

Carville dismissed the concerns, doubling down on due process arguments and calling Garcia an “innocent person,” despite court filings showing his wife had previously filed a domestic violence restraining order. “Every court has said bring him back,” Carville argued, framing the case as a constitutional issue and accusing the Trump administration of ignoring judicial orders.

Garcia entered the U.S. illegally in 2011 and was arrested by ICE on March 12. Despite allegations tying him to MS-13 and a history of domestic violence, Carville insisted Democrats should make his return a top priority, stating on his podcast that “you got to do everything you can to get this guy back home.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) even traveled to El Salvador to push for Garcia’s return, though the Salvadoran government denied him access to meet Garcia, currently held in a mega-prison. Van Hollen met only with El Salvador’s vice president, not President Nayib Bukele as requested.

The broader public appears unsympathetic. A Fox News poll from March found that 63% of Americans support deporting illegal immigrants to their home countries. Cuomo acknowledged the complexity of due process but maintained Garcia was a “tough poster boy” for the Democratic cause.

The situation spotlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party—between those prioritizing immigration enforcement and those championing controversial deportation cases, even when gang ties and abuse allegations are present.

22 Lawmakers Just Sounded the Alarm—Will the Feds Step In?

April 17, 2025

Colorado Republicans are urging the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene after Gov. Jared Polis signed a sweeping new gun control law that places strict limitations on the purchase of semi-automatic rifles. The law, Senate Bill 25-003, is drawing fire from state lawmakers and pro-gun organizations who say it unconstitutionally burdens law-abiding citizens and violates Second Amendment protections.

Under SB25-003, the sale or purchase of semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines will be banned unless individuals obtain a “firearms safety course eligibility card” from law enforcement and complete a state-approved training course. The law is set to take effect in August 2026.

In response, 22 Colorado House Republicans signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, calling the legislation an emergency for the state. “Because of the unconstitutionality as well as the imminent risk posed to Coloradans by eliminating their right to firearms as a means for self-defense, it is our belief that the passage of SB25-003 constitutes an emergency for our state and calls for federal intervention,” the letter stated.

The call for federal review aligns with the DOJ’s newly launched Second Amendment Task Force, spearheaded by Bondi to counter policies deemed burdensome to gun owners. Bondi said the task force was created to reverse the prior administration’s restrictions on gun rights and to advance President Trump’s pro-Second Amendment agenda.

Pro-gun advocacy groups, including the Colorado State Shooting Association and Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, are also mobilizing against the law. They are collecting signatures for petitions urging DOJ scrutiny and potential legal action.

SB25-003 has sparked a broader conversation about the growing use of red tape and fees to limit access to firearms. The Republican letter criticized the law for placing a “financial and bureaucratic burden on law-abiding citizens,” asserting that the law forces Coloradans to pay steep fees and navigate complex regulations to exercise a constitutional right.

The DOJ has not yet commented on whether it will review Colorado’s law, but the department’s recent investigation into California gun licensing policies suggests similar measures could be taken.

As Colorado prepares for the implementation of SB25-003, opposition is intensifying. With federal backing from the Trump administration’s DOJ and mounting pressure from state Republicans and gun rights groups, legal battles appear increasingly likely.

Housing Panic Builds, 70% Fear Market Crash in 2025

April 17, 2025

Amid low inventory, rising prices, and economic uncertainty, a new national survey reveals that 70 percent of Americans are bracing for a housing market crash this year. Concerns are particularly strong in Illinois, where home sales remain stagnant and affordability fears are growing among homeowners and potential buyers alike.

Clever Real Estate’s latest data shows that one in three Americans worry they won’t be able to keep up with housing payments due to the shifting economic climate. Researcher Nick Pisano attributed the anxiety to lingering memories of the 2008 financial collapse. “Except for Gen-Z and younger homeowners, they all lived through the Great Recession and know what a housing crash looks like,” said Pisano. He added that inflation, federal policy changes, and tariffs are amplifying concerns.

In Illinois, low housing inventory continues to stall market activity. Illinois Realtors reported that home sales in February 2025 barely moved from the same period last year, with only 7,698 homes sold statewide—a number nearly identical to February 2024. However, prices are surging. The median home price jumped 6 percent year-over-year to $283,000, placing additional strain on buyers.

As uncertainty intensifies, Pisano noted a significant shift in buyer behavior. “We found that about one in four people who planned on buying a home this year are now delaying those plans,” he said. Economic caution is sidelining many would-be homeowners, despite historically low interest rates secured by existing owners.

Pisano emphasized that while fears are high, the fundamentals are stronger than in 2008. “There is a lot lower risk overall for a system-wide housing crash,” he explained, noting that today’s homeowners typically have more equity and lower mortgage rates.

Still, the broader U.S. market is cooling. According to Redfin, the average home took 47 days to sell in March 2025—the slowest pace for March since 2019. Experts blame slow demand and overpriced listings for the lag.

With inventory tight and consumer anxiety mounting, the housing market remains caught between a recovery and another potential downturn.

Democrat Demands Extreme Action, SCOTUS in the Crosshairs

April 17, 2025

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) declared that the U.S. Supreme Court must “aggressively enforce” its orders against the Trump administration, calling for the use of contempt powers to target officials allegedly defying judicial rulings. Jeffries Supreme Court demands, made during an interview on CNN’s Inside Politics, is part of escalating rhetoric by Democrat leaders who claim the former president is provoking a constitutional crisis.

Jeffries responded to questions about recent disputes between the Trump administration and the courts, including a case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia and ongoing access restrictions against the Associated Press at White House events. A judge reportedly ordered the White House to treat the AP equally with other media outlets, but critics say the administration has not complied.

“The president is assaulting the economy, assaulting Social Security, assaulting health care, assaulting the American way of life, and assaulting our democracy,” Jeffries stated, labeling the situation a full-blown crisis. He added that if the Trump administration continues to defy the courts, the Supreme Court “needs to lean into that” and use “all of the tools available,” including contempt.

Jeffries’ comments raise concerns about potential overreach and politicization of the judiciary. The call to “aggressively enforce” court orders and hold administration officials in contempt could signal a push by Democrat leadership to involve the judiciary in political battles ahead of the 2024 election. While he accuses Trump of undermining democracy, Jeffries’ approach suggests Democrats are preparing to weaponize the court system in retaliation.

The Minority Leader pledged congressional support for the courts in any future legal confrontations with the Trump administration. The remarks underscore the deepening divide between Democrats and Republicans, particularly as President Trump continues to lead in GOP polls and remains a major influence on national policy discussions.

Murkowski Breaks Down, ‘We’re All Afraid’

April 17, 2025

Trump Gold Card — President Donald Trump (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a longtime critic of President Trump, publicly admitted she is “afraid” to speak her mind, claiming that “retaliation is real.” The remarks, delivered in a somber tone during a recent interview, have raised eyebrows among conservatives questioning what kind of retaliation she’s referring to—especially as she failed to mention the aggressive lawfare and political targeting that President Trump and his supporters have endured in recent years.

Murkowski told the interviewer, “We are all afraid,” and added, “I’m oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice.” She insisted that fear of backlash shapes how she navigates her role, noting she must sometimes use “my mother’s charm” to communicate with political peers. The senator said she’s trying to help “the many who are so anxious, and so afraid,” though she didn’t identify the source of their fear.

Her vague warnings stand in stark contrast to the documented legal and political attacks directed at Trump, his allies, and conservative activists during the Biden administration. From indictments to censorship, conservative voices have faced unprecedented levels of political pushback. Yet, Murkowski has largely remained silent on those issues, instead choosing to speak out about her personal discomfort and criticism of Trump’s leadership.

Murkowski’s remarks follow her endorsement of Nikki Haley during the GOP primary and continue a pattern of distancing herself from the America First movement. On MSNBC’s Morning Joe, she accused the executive branch of “blowing by Congress,” while simultaneously claiming that Republicans can support Trump and still defend constitutional authority—an assertion that many see as contradictory.

President Trump recently called out Murkowski on Truth Social, urging her to “get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change.” His criticism reflects ongoing frustration among GOP voters with lawmakers perceived as establishment figures unwilling to back the conservative base’s priorities.

Murkowski’s admission of fear, without naming the real political forces targeting conservatives, leaves questions about where her loyalties truly lie—and whether her voice is being used to represent her constituents or to appease liberal media outlets.

What 97% of Venezuelans Still Believe Will Shock You

April 17, 2025

Venezuela Protest (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

A new study found that 97 percent of Venezuelans believe in God, with the majority regularly engaging in prayer, even after over two decades of aggressive attacks against the Church by Venezuela’s socialist regime. The survey, titled “Religious Sociography: The Religiosity of Venezuelans,” was conducted by Delphos in partnership with the Jesuit-affiliated Gumilla Foundation. The findings highlight the enduring Christian faith of the Venezuelan people despite ongoing persecution and manipulation of religion by the Maduro government.

The report shows that 63 percent of Venezuelans identify as Catholic, 16 percent as Evangelical Christians, and another six percent as members of other Christian denominations. Only eight percent reported having no religious affiliation. A majority of adults—49 percent—want their children raised in the Catholic faith, while 30 percent prefer their children choose their spiritual path independently.

Belief in God was described as “almost unanimous,” with 97 percent affirming belief in God and a similar number expressing belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. While 72 percent of respondents say they pray frequently, only 40 percent attend Mass or read the Bible regularly. Just 15 percent actively participate in sacraments such as Confession or the Eucharist. Most Venezuelans cited family wellbeing and health as their primary reasons for prayer.

The socialist regime’s hostility toward the Church dates back to 1999 under Hugo Chávez, who frequently denounced Catholic leaders critical of his Marxist rule. In 2007, he told Evangelical critics to “go to Hell” and labeled Jesus Christ “the first socialist.” His regime began appropriating Christian imagery for political use, culminating in a blasphemous rewrite of the Lord’s Prayer to glorify Chávez after his death.

Under Nicolás Maduro, the repression has continued. In 2018, he ordered investigations into bishops who condemned state-induced hunger and corruption, labeling clergy as “devils in cassocks.” Like Chávez, Maduro has manipulated religious symbols for political gain, including launching propaganda cartoons and unilaterally moving Christmas celebrations to October. His version of socialism often includes appeals to divine support for policies that have deepened economic and social crises.

Despite this, 53 percent of Venezuelans still see the Catholic Church as capable of helping to heal the nation’s political divides. Nearly half of respondents continue to view the Church favorably, though past scandals and regime propaganda have influenced public perception.

The Venezuelan people’s resilience in faith reflects a deep-rooted spirituality that has withstood both economic collapse and authoritarian attempts to undermine traditional Christian values.

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