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Berkeley Hands Over 160 Names to Trump Administration

University of California
University of California-Berkeley (Georg Eiermann/Unsplash)

UC Berkeley has disclosed the names of 160 students, faculty, and staff to President Trump’s Department of Education in connection with an ongoing antisemitism investigation. The move has triggered outrage among campus activists and leftist faculty, who claim it undermines free speech and academic freedom. University officials say the disclosure was a legal obligation under federal law.

The investigation, led by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), follows a rise in antisemitic incidents tied to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The Department of Education requested internal communications, including names, related to protests and classroom activity that may have created a hostile environment for Jewish students. On September 4, the individuals whose names were handed over were notified by email.

Among the names released is Judith Butler, a well-known leftist philosopher and vocal anti-Israel advocate. Butler and others claim they were not informed of any charges or allowed to respond. She described the process as “Kafka-land,” a sentiment echoed in a letter signed by over 600 professors who accused the university of violating its own values of academic freedom and expression.

The protest letter complains that UC Berkeley “capitulated” to federal pressure from President Trump’s administration. Signatories argue that the university betrayed its supposed commitment to due process and transparency by handing over personal data without first notifying those involved. Faculty unions and legal groups are now considering lawsuits against the Department of Education and the UC system.

Despite the backlash, UC Berkeley officials have defended the action, citing their obligation to comply with federal investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The law requires schools that receive federal funding to address discrimination, including antisemitism. The Trump administration has made campus antisemitism a priority, especially after a wave of anti-Israel activism intensified following the Hamas terror attacks and Israel’s military response.

Rand Paul, Carr’s Threats to ABC Over Kimmel Are Inappropriate

federal authorities
Federal Communications Commission (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Senator Rand Paul (R‑KY) strongly criticized comments by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr regarding ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, calling them “absolutely inappropriate.” Paul made his remarks on Meet the Press, arguing that Carr crossed a constitutional line by suggesting regulatory consequences for ABC in response to Kimmel’s controversial monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

According to Paul, while people have the right to make offensive or provocative remarks, no one has a right to remain employed for every statement they make. He emphasized that private media companies can and often do respond to public backlash or controversy by discipline or dismissal—but that does not justify government intervention. “Brendan Carr’s got no business weighing in on this,” Paul said, stating that governmental involvement in controlling or influencing media content is incompatible with free speech principles.

Paul acknowledged that networks may face internal pressure or advertiser backlash for content people find objectionable. That, he said, is part of the free market of ideas. But when a regulatory official like the FCC chair suggests using licensing or regulatory powers to enforce speech norms, it poses a threat. He warned against allowing regulators to chill speech, even speech viewed as disagreeable, because opening that door jeopardizes broader civil liberties.

Paul’s comments came as the fallout from Kimmel’s monologue continues. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, and major ABC affiliates dropped the show from their lineups. Carr had earlier made statements implying that broadcasters have obligations under their licenses to serve the public interest, and hinted that ABC and its parent company might face regulatory scrutiny if they fail to take action regarding Kimmel’s remarks.

Paul said he will oppose any attempt by the government to punish speech through regulation or licensing threats. He sees Carr’s intervention not as a defense of public standards or misinformation control, but as political pressure misusing federal oversight. For Paul, the principle is clear: government should not be in the business of penalizing speech just because it offends those in power.

Armed Man Arrested Outside Charlie Kirk Memorial After Posing as Law Enforcement

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Police (Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

An armed man impersonating law enforcement was arrested Friday outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where tens of thousands are expected to gather for Sunday’s memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk. The incident heightened already strict security preparations for the high-profile event, which will host President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other national leaders.

Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Joshua Runkles, who allegedly approached the venue claiming to be affiliated with law enforcement. Officers with the Secret Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety determined he was carrying multiple weapons, including a firearm and knives. Runkles was arrested and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place. He has since been released on bond.

Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, confirmed that Runkles told security personnel he was conducting advance work for a guest scheduled to attend. The group said no such arrangement had been authorized, and federal officials emphasized that he was not part of the security detail for any speaker or dignitary. The Secret Service has continued its investigation into his claims and possible motives.

The memorial is designated as a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1, the highest security classification normally reserved for events like the Super Bowl. With more than 100,000 people expected at State Farm Stadium and overflow venues, authorities have deployed federal, state, and local law enforcement in a coordinated operation to prevent disruptions or attacks.

Kirk’s assassination earlier this month has already elevated national concerns about political violence. The arrest of an armed individual attempting to pass as law enforcement outside the memorial underscores those fears and the challenges of securing a gathering of such scale. Officials continue to warn attendees of heavy screening and delays as part of unprecedented safety measures.

Shapiro, Trump Is Silencing Dissent Over Media Criticism

Trump Daddy
(Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

On Sunday’s edition of Meet the Press, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro accused President Donald Trump of trying to silence dissenting voices, particularly in relation to recent events involving comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Shapiro expressed concern that removing Kimmel from the airwaves for making a joke about Trump—and then for criticizing his response—represents a dangerous precedent for free speech in America.

Shapiro reminded viewers that freedom of expression is a foundational principle in this country, tracing its roots back centuries. He said that firing or otherwise punishing individuals just for making jokes or criticizing the president—no matter how clumsy or controversial their words—undermines the ideals of open discourse. According to Shapiro, when people are targeted for their viewpoints rather than any violation of law, it sets the stage for erosion of basic democratic rights.

Host Kristen Welker asked Shapiro whether he believed the Trump administration was actively trying to suppress dissent. He responded directly: yes. Shapiro cited recent remarks by the president about possibly reviewing licenses or certifications of media outlets that are highly critical of him as evidence that the administration wants to “stifle dissent.” He emphasized that free speech must be defended, especially when speech is uncomfortable or offensive to those in power.

Shapiro also noted that these issues do not only affect comedians or media figures but anyone who disagrees with the narrative promoted by those in government. He warned that selective silencing of criticism could discourage citizens from speaking out and weaken democratic accountability. He called upon both lawmakers and ordinary citizens to stand up in defense of speech rights.

While acknowledging that some of Kimmel’s comments were controversial, Shapiro maintained that the response was disproportionate and politically motivated. He argued that in a healthy democracy, criticism—whether humorous or harsh—should be met with counter‑speech rather than punishment. For Shapiro, protecting free expression is not about condoning all speech, but about safeguarding the right to dissent without fear of retribution.

Elon Musk Calls Out Harris Over ‘Suspend Trump’ Tweet After Kimmel Suspension Storm

Elon Musk (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Elon Musk resurfaced a 2019 tweet by then-Sen. Kamala Harris calling for former President Donald Trump’s Twitter account to be suspended, in light of her recent criticism of Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off the air. The move has sparked debate over consistency in free speech positions.

Musk posted Harris’s old tweet—“Look let’s be honest, @realDonaldTrump’s Twitter account should be suspended.” He did this shortly after Harris condemned the Trump administration for what she has called an abuse of power in Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC.

Harris called the removal of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “an outright abuse of power,” accusing the administration of using fear and threats to silence critics. In response, many users on X (formerly Twitter) saw the resurfaced Harris tweet as evidence of what they perceive as hypocrisy—arguing that she once supported silencing Trump on social media while now decrying censorship.

The controversy touches on broader tensions about political speech, media censorship, and how social platforms moderate content. It raises questions about how public figures balance criticism of one kind of speech restriction while previously supporting restrictions of another.

Texas A&M President Steps Down Over Gender Identity Dispute

Texas Flag
Texas flag (Pete Alexopoulos/Unsplash)

Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University, resigned amid growing backlash over a viral classroom video in which a professor discussed gender identity in a children’s literature course. The controversy led to the firing of the professor, Melissa McCoul, and the removal of two department leaders. While Welsh did not explicitly say that the viral incident caused his resignation, many observers see a clear connection between the political pressure he faced and his decision to step down.

The incident involved a class reading material that included a nonbinary character, “Jude Saves the World,” and discussion of gender identity tools like the “gender unicorn.” A student objected in class, citing religious beliefs and the assertion that the lesson was inconsistent with public statements about gender made by leaders. The lecture segment was recorded and shared publicly, triggering criticism from state lawmakers. Conservative leaders accused the university of promoting “gender ideology,” while McCoul defended her curriculum as fitting the course’s content in prior years without issue.

After the video spread, Welsh dismissed McCoul, claiming the course content strayed from the catalog description. He also removed the dean of Arts & Sciences and the head of the English Department. State Representative Brian Harrison, among others, had called for those firings. Governor Greg Abbott and other officials had sided with critics, stressing that classrooms should not teach unadvertised content. At the same time, faculty and free speech advocates raised alarms about academic freedom and political interference in course content.

In his resignation statement, Welsh said “now is that time” to turn over leadership and did not directly link the video or pressure from political figures as the sole reason. He had expressed earlier that the course material should match advertised descriptions, a point of contention. Supporters of Welsh praised his service and commitment, arguing he was caught between competing demands. Critics, meanwhile, saw his removal as a victory for efforts to limit instruction on gender identity and LGBTQ+ themes in higher education.

This episode reflects broader tensions nationwide, as universities face growing demands to enforce stricter controls on curriculum, especially around gender, sex, and inclusion content. It raises questions about where academic freedom ends and political oversight begins, and how institutions will balance the two going forward.

Harris Says Biden Undermined Her Before Trump Debate: ‘It Left Me Angry’

Kamala Harris reveals in her upcoming memoir that former President Joe Biden frustrated her just hours before her high-stakes debate against President Trump in September 2024. According to Harris, the phone call from Biden not only distracted her but left her “angry and disappointed” at a moment when she needed focus.

In her book 107 Days, Harris recounts sitting in her Philadelphia hotel room preparing for the debate when Biden called. After briefly wishing her well, he raised concerns that his brother had heard she was “bad-mouthing” him to influential political donors in Philadelphia. Biden admitted he didn’t know if the rumors were true but suggested Harris should be aware in case her campaign was “trying to put daylight” between them.

Harris wrote that she was stunned Biden chose to bring up such concerns on the eve of one of the most important debates of her career. She said the call quickly shifted to Biden reflecting on his own experiences debating Trump, including occasions when he admitted to not feeling well but still insisting his missteps never cost him politically. To Harris, the conversation seemed to make the moment “all about himself.”

She admitted the timing rattled her, saying she could hardly believe he would burden her with doubts rather than encouragement. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, urged her afterward to let it go and concentrate on the debate, but Harris said the damage had already been done.

The account highlights the strained dynamic between Harris and Biden in the final months of his presidency. Harris has criticized Biden’s decision to run for reelection despite concerns about his performance and strategy. This episode adds to reports of discord and mismanagement within the Democratic Party during the campaign, which ended with Harris carrying the ticket into the general election.

Hostage Families Slam UK, Canada, Australia

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Protest (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

The Israeli Hostage and Missing Families Forum has sharply condemned the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia for formally recognizing a Palestinian state while there are still Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The move, made by these Commonwealth nations as part of a broader diplomatic shift, comes amid intense criticism from those who argue recognition should be conditional on the safe return of all captives.

The Forum, which usually supports conflict resolution and has backed efforts to negotiate hostage deals, said recognition without securing the release of the remaining hostages—currently reported to be 48—is “morally and humanely bankrupt.” They called recognition under these conditions not simply a diplomatic statement, but a reward for terror, arguing it undermines both the urgency of securing hostage safety and the moral responsibility governments have to those suffering.

Officials from the UK, Canada and Australia have defended their decision as a step toward reviving peace negotiations, stressing a two‑state solution. They claim recognition can renew diplomatic momentum and revive hopes of ending the conflict. However, the Hostage Forum and other critics say such recognition arms diplomatic legitimacy to Palestine before all hostages are free—diminishing leverage and potentially reducing political pressure on Hamas.

The Israeli government has called the recognition “one‑sided” and warned that it damages the prospects for meaningful negotiations. From the perspective of the impacted families, recognition now sends a message that the political gains of statehood might be prioritized over hostage safety and accountability.

The Forum urged responsible action: that nations pause or condition recognition until all hostages are released. They warned that ignoring this demand damages both the credibility of any recognized Palestinian state and the trust of Israelis and others watching closely. For the families, this isn’t about rejecting peace—it’s about ensuring it exists on just terms.

Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws 100,000 as Security Tightens and Investigation Expands

Charlie Kirk
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Tens of thousands are expected in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday for a massive memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated earlier this month. The event at State Farm Stadium will feature President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Kirk’s widow, Erika, as speakers, marking one of the largest political memorials in recent history.

Authorities are treating the memorial as a top-level security operation. The Department of Homeland Security has assigned the gathering a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1—the same designation used for the Super Bowl. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating to address “threats of unknown credibility” and to prevent potential disruption. On Friday, police detained an armed individual near the venue and arrested a man impersonating law enforcement with a firearm in a prohibited area.

Investigators continue to pursue leads tied to the assassination itself. Tyler Robinson, identified as the shooter, has been formally charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and multiple firearms offenses. Officials say Robinson held far-left political views and had expressed hostility toward conservatives before the attack. Additional arrests connected to security breaches have heightened concern that others may attempt to exploit the memorial.

Attendance is projected to reach 100,000, with overflow capacity at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena. The scale of the crowd, combined with the presence of top national leaders, has made the event a priority for counterterrorism and intelligence agencies. Security officials have urged attendees to prepare for airport-style screening and significant delays as authorities balance public access with the need for protection.

The service comes at a time of national mourning and heightened political tension. Kirk’s death has become a flashpoint in debates over political violence, ideological extremism, and the future of free speech. Sunday’s memorial will not only honor his life but also highlight the ongoing challenges of protecting public figures and ensuring peace at highly charged gatherings.

Kolvet Calls Exit Wound Rumors ‘Miracle’

Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA and longtime executive director for The Charlie Kirk Show, has publicly refuted rumors that Charlie Kirk’s assassination is suspicious because there was no exit wound. Kolvet says he consulted with the surgeon who treated Kirk, and the lack of an exit wound was not evidence of foul play but a rare anatomical anomaly—something the surgeon called “a miracle.”

Kolvet’s account describes the bullet as being fired with a high‑velocity round. According to the surgeon, bullets from that type of caliber usually pass entirely through—creating both entry and exit wounds. In Kirk’s case, however, the bone density and strength of the area struck were so unusually high that the bullet halted within him. The bullet was found just under the skin. The surgeon reportedly expressed astonishment that more people weren’t injured, given dozens had been standing behind Kirk at the event.

Kolvet also pushed back on claims about removed SD cards from cameras at the scene. He explained that trusted crew members removed them to prevent footage misuse; they are now in the possession of the FBI. Kolvet said that despite online speculation, there’s no credible evidence suggesting the boards were tampered with or destroyed.

The “exit wound” theory had taken off after conservative commentators claimed video footage didn’t show a wound exiting the back. Kolvet said he generally avoids engaging in such speculation, but in this case he felt it was important to address because many people were spreading misinformation. The focus, he said, should remain on the confirmed facts from medical staff and law enforcement.

Kolvet’s statements aim to provide clarity amid a flood of rumors. He emphasized gratitude for the medical professionals involved in Kirk’s care, noting that despite the fatal injury, circumstances that could have caused further loss of life were avoided. For many supporters, this explanation offers some solace, countering more extreme or conspiratorial interpretations of what happened.

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