Home Blog Page 203

Bill Maher Slams Hollywood’s Silence Over Charlie Kirk Assassination at the Emmys

hollywood sign
(Ahmet Yalçınkaya/Unsplash)

Bill Maher criticized Hollywood elites at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for failing to acknowledge the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Maher argued that liberal celebrities would never stay silent if a progressive figure had been killed; their silence, he says, reveals stark hypocrisy.

Maher said during Real Time that it would have taken “just a line” to recognize Kirk’s murder—apparently not to praise or politicize it, but simply to say it was wrong. He suggested that the reason no one spoke up at the awards show was because Kirk was on the “wrong team.”

He contrasted Kirk’s omission with the political content that dominated the Emmys: performers made speeches, denounced U.S. immigration policies, voiced support for Palestine, and criticized ICE—all without mentioning Kirk. Host Nate Bargatze reportedly avoided politics altogether, saying he wanted the night to offer escape rather than commentary.

Maher asserted that had the assassination been of a liberal figure, Hollywood would have made it a central theme of the evening. He called the lack of recognition of Kirk’s death not just a snub, but evidence of partisan selectivity in how tragedies are acknowledged.

Crockett, Voted No on Kirk Resolution Because Rhetoric

Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas explained Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union that she voted against a House resolution honoring Charlie Kirk after his assassination because she believed his rhetoric repeatedly targeted people of color. Crockett expressed disappointment that among the 58 Democrats who opposed the resolution, only two were white, while the rest were lawmakers of color.

Crockett said from her perspective the resolution was not simply about condemning violence, but also about honoring someone whose public statements had been harmful, especially to minority communities. She said that those voting “no” were primarily people who have historically been affected by the kind of messaging Kirk promoted. For her, the vote was not a denial of condemning his murder, but a refusal to ignore what she described as years of divisive rhetoric.

She emphasized her role as a civil rights attorney and noted how her own journey into Congress was built on the struggle for voices like hers to be heard, to ensure that people of color are not just considered after the fact. Crockett said it “hurts her heart” that some of her white colleagues did not see or acknowledge how dangerous these rhetorical attacks can be.

Crockett also called on fellow lawmakers to recognize how structural and symbolic actions matter. She said resolutions should not feel like superficial tributes that ignore the lived experiences of communities that have already suffered under what she described as harmful language. For her, voting “no” was a form of protest and a way to force accountability for public figures’ rhetoric—not just their deaths.

ODNI Boosts Coordination with Law Enforcement as Al‑Qaida Threats Rise Again

Terrorist
Image via Canva

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has issued a new intelligence bulletin warning of heightened threats from al‑Qaida and its affiliates. The bulletin, released through the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), calls for expanded coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to prevent potential attacks on U.S. soil.

According to a report, the bulletin outlines ongoing threats from al‑Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), including references to recent propaganda encouraging attacks against the United States. The AQAP publication “Inspire Guide” recently featured operational advice and targeting suggestions, echoing tactics used in previous high-profile terror plots.

The bulletin contains a historical overview of al‑Qaida’s threats against the U.S., starting with the 9/11 attacks and continuing through attempted attacks in the years since. It also details more recent intelligence suggesting that at least one suspected al‑Qaida operative entered the U.S. using the CBP One app, a tool expanded under the Biden administration to manage migrant appointments at the southern border.

NCTC Director Joe Kent emphasized the urgency of proactive action. “We are constantly monitoring the threat picture, 24/7,” Kent said. He stressed the need for strong border security, robust intelligence sharing, and community-level awareness. The bulletin specifically encourages law enforcement to enhance vigilance at high-profile venues and soft targets.

Officials also hinted that lapses in immigration enforcement and intelligence coordination during the Biden administration have created vulnerabilities that are now being addressed under President Trump’s national security agenda. The current push for coordination aims to close those gaps by ensuring that all levels of law enforcement are prepared to respond to evolving terrorist tactics.

The ODNI’s effort reflects growing concern that radical Islamic terrorism remains a persistent threat. While recent headlines have focused on domestic unrest and political division, this renewed warning signals a shift in national security focus back to external enemies who continue to plot against American lives and values.

Schumer, Trump’s DOJ Pressure Marks ‘Path to Dictatorship’

(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

On Sunday’s edition of State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused President Donald Trump of fostering a danger to democratic norms by urging the Department of Justice to bring legal actions against political opponents such as New York Attorney General Letitia James. Schumer said these demands threaten the DOJ’s role as a neutral civil service and argued that turning it into an arm of political retribution is the “path to a dictatorship.”

Schumer said that a long tradition of prosecuting wrongdoing without favor or fear is being undermined. He claimed that the Trump administration is dismissing officials who resist aligning with his agenda and is failing to respect the separation between legal enforcement and partisan politics. Schumer said that many of those being targeted are likely innocent under the law, yet are under pressure simply because they are viewed as enemies.

Host Dana Bash pressed Schumer on what could prevent the shutdown of government functions or erosion of democratic guardrails. Schumer responded that Republicans are currently advancing funding bills without Democratic input, characterizing those bills as highly partisan. He said that he and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries are demanding meetings with Trump to negotiate legislation that reflects input from both parties before any shutdown occurs.

Schumer added that this moment is not just about political maneuvering—it’s about the core of what democracy means: checks and balances, free institutions, and the rule of law. He warned that accepting a government that prosecutes perceived enemies rather than punishing actual crimes will weaken trust in government and degrade constitutional norms. “This is the path to a dictatorship,” he said, stating that the idea of persecuting ideological opponents is antithetical to American values.

Schumer concluded by saying all Americans—Democrats, Republicans, and independents—should oppose moves that turn law enforcement into an instrument of political vendetta. He argued the only way to prevent a shift towards authoritarianism is for the president to stop issuing threats and start engaging in dialogue that respects the integrity of legal institutions.

Adam Carolla Slams ABC for Suspending Kimmel Over Charlie Kirk Comment

ABC (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Comedian Adam Carolla criticized ABC for suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! after host Jimmy Kimmel made false claims linking the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to supporters of President Trump. While acknowledging the statement was inaccurate, Carolla warned against overreactions that punish speech and stifle open discourse.

ABC pulled the late-night show indefinitely after Kimmel falsely claimed that the man charged in Kirk’s assassination was part of the “MAGA gang.” The indictment, however, shows the suspect had expressed left-wing views and animosity toward conservatives. The network has yet to announce when or if the show will return.

Carolla, who co-hosted The Man Show with Kimmel in the early 2000s, responded by calling the remark “inaccurate” but not malicious. He emphasized that errors should be addressed with facts, not by silencing voices. “You’re not going to like a society where we start pulling people off the air when they make a mistake,” Carolla warned in an interview with Fox News.

He cautioned against political tribalism that reduces individuals to caricatures. “People start viewing others as cartoon characters,” Carolla said. “It makes it easier to dehumanize and overreact.” While he and Kimmel differ politically, Carolla described him as “a sweet guy, a decent family man,” and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue.

Carolla argued that networks should trust audiences to discern truth from error rather than react to political pressure. “Let the ratings speak. Let the public respond. Don’t let the mob run the media,” he said. He framed the incident as part of a broader cultural trend in which speech is policed by those in power rather than corrected through debate.

The controversy highlights tensions between media accountability and free expression, particularly as political violence and misinformation dominate public discourse.

Wikipedia Debates Deleting Article on Iryna Zarutska Murder

Wikipedia
Wikipedia (Oberon Copeland/@veryinformed via Unsplash)

Controversy erupted after Wikipedia editors attempted to delete and heavily sanitize the page covering the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. The crux of the debate centered on whether to include the suspect’s name, Decarlos Brown Jr., race, and other details in the article—content critics say was removed or hidden under the site’s policies.

Shortly after Zarutska’s killing on August 22, 2025, a page was created chronicling the stabbing and her status as a refugee. Within hours there were nominations to delete the article altogether, with some editors arguing the subject did not meet Wikipedia’s “notability” requirements under the NOTNEWS rule. Others objected to the inclusion of Brown’s name and race, or resisted describing the incident explicitly as “murder.”

As social media discussion exploded, including criticism from Rep. Andy Biggs and various conservative commentators accusing Wikipedia of political bias or censorship, admins imposed strict editing restrictions. At first, only administrators could edit the page; later the lock was downgraded to allow only experienced editors to contribute. This change came amid strongly divided opinions within the editing community. Many supported full transparency—including naming the suspect—on grounds that reliable sources already reported the facts.

Critics of the deletion and sanitization effort argue that other similar cases, especially those involving white suspects, were documented quickly and with fewer roadblocks. They say race appears to influence how Wikipedia applies its policies in live or emerging criminal incidents. Supporters of stricter editing guardrails counter that until legal proceedings conclude, some policies require cautious language and treatment of suspects’ names.

After many editors switched their stance, the article remained live with the suspect’s name included. The final decision came after rough consensus and heated policy debates among the community. Even then, some content—including mention of race or alleged statements—was removed, contested, or altered, reflecting ongoing friction over how Wikipedia handles high-profile crimes, racial elements, and political implications.

GOP Rep. Michael McCaul Retiring: ‘I’ll Miss the Clowns, Not the Circus’

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: Congressman Michael McCaul speaks onstage during the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative (Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. After more than two decades in Congress, McCaul says he’s ready to move on and explore diplomatic opportunities, potentially serving as a U.S. ambassador. His remarks reflect growing frustration with the state of Congress and the direction of foreign policy debates.

In an interview with Fox News, McCaul stated, “I’ll miss the clowns, but I won’t miss the circus,” a pointed comment about the dysfunction he sees in Washington. He said he plans to finish his current term but does not intend to remain in the House beyond that. McCaul, who has led both the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees, emphasized that he’s “going out on top.”

McCaul expressed concern about a rising wave of isolationism within the Republican Party. He argued that retreating from global leadership would repeat historical mistakes and make America less secure. He pointed to World War II as an example of what happens when the U.S. withdraws from the world stage. McCaul supports burden-sharing but insists that alliances like NATO remain essential.

Looking ahead, McCaul said he is interested in a national security or diplomatic role, mentioning that he’d “love to be the U.S. Ambassador to Australia.” He said he plans to continue working in foreign policy, possibly through the private sector or in an advisory capacity. He believes his experience and relationships in global affairs would allow him to contribute meaningfully outside Congress.

McCaul’s retirement signals another departure of a senior, policy-focused lawmaker amid growing frustration with gridlock and partisanship in Washington. His departure could also impact Republican leadership on foreign affairs, where he has long advocated for a strong national defense and global engagement rooted.

Disney Streams Hit as Boycott Grows Over Kimmel Suspension

Walt Disney World Resort (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

A boycott movement targeting Disney is spreading rapidly after ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair removed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their stations. The show was pulled following host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the assassin of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10. Viewers angry over the suspension are canceling subscriptions to Disney‑owned streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu, and are demanding the reinstatement of Kimmel.

On social media platforms and message boards, including Reddit threads, users say they are having trouble cancelling subscriptions—pages crash or fail to load. Some posts show success: “Already cancelled my Disney subscription.” Celebrities and public figures have added fuel to the boycott. Cynthia Nixon, Rosie O’Donnell, Tatiana Maslany, and others have urged their followers to cancel Disney+ and Hulu, citing concerns over free speech and corporate overreach. Memes, posts, and videos have spread online encouraging people to vote with their wallets.

The backlash stems from Kimmel’s remarks, in which he allegedly falsely claimed that Charlie Kirk’s assassin was aligned with Trump or “the MAGA gang.” Many viewers consider his remarks unverified and say ABC’s decision to suspend the show was heavy handed. Disney, ABC, Patreon critics, and media observers are now under pressure for how they handled the situation. Some argue that the removal of the show was a capitulation to political pressure.

Though viewership loss figures are not yet clear, signals indicate that cancellations are mounting. In addition to canceling streaming services, some people say they will avoid other Disney‑owned properties and companies affiliated by advertisement. Protesters outside Disney headquarters have also decried the suspension as censorship. Others argue that even if Kimmel returns, trust in Disney/ABC has been shaken.

Media analysts suggest this could be a costly public relations issue for Disney if not addressed quickly. The company may face a dilemma: either reinstate the show or continue to deal with cancellation waves and negative perception. The stakes include subscriber revenue, brand loyalty, and the broader conversation about free speech in entertainment.

Schumer Says Trump Refuses Talks, Will ‘Own’ Shutdown

Chuck Schumer
Senator Chuck Schumer (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said President Donald Trump is refusing to negotiate, making a government shutdown all but certain and laying responsibility firmly at his feet. Schumer argued that the Republican bill being advanced lacks any input from Democrats and is entirely partisan, claiming that Trump’s leadership has blocked the kind of negotiation that used to avert shutdowns in past administrations.

Schumer said the deadline for government funding is now nine days away and that the current proposal from Republicans fails to address key concerns held by Democrats, especially healthcare issues. He emphasized that hospitals are closing, healthcare coverage is disappearing, and people are losing their jobs—outcomes he says the American people cannot tolerate. Schumer and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries have demanded face‑to‑face talks with the President to craft a compromise.

Asked by Dana Bash whether Trump would agree to meet, Schumer said he has declared himself ready to negotiate anywhere, anytime—so long as Republican leadership stops ignoring Democratic input. He maintained the bill introduced by Republicans is a “my way or the highway” approach that deepens divisions. Schumer insisted this coming shutdown will not be blamed on Democrats, but on a president who “won’t even sit down” and discuss policy with the opposition.

Schumer also pushed back on criticism that Democrats are obstructing funding by rejecting certain Republican proposals. He said Democrats offered funding bills but were shut out of meaningful talks. He argued the responsibility lies with Trump and Republicans to engage in good‑faith negotiation now to prevent what Schumer called a “Trump shutdown.”

As funding for health subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid hangs in the balance, both parties are under pressure from their base. Schumer warned that passing a clean funding resolution without these protections is unacceptable. He said the stakes are high—not just for Democrats’ political credibility, but for citizens who rely on government services day to day.

Russia, China, and Iran Exploit Charlie Kirk Assassination to Sow Chaos

Chinese flag waving in China (Getty Images- Credit: Nikada)

Foreign adversaries are weaponizing the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to deepen national division and erode trust in American institutions. State-controlled media in Russia, China, and Iran have flooded their channels with conspiracy theories and politically charged disinformation targeting the United States.

According to data from NewsGuard, state media in these nations mentioned Kirk’s death more than 6,200 times between September 10 and 17. The narratives pushed are often contradictory—some blame the U.S. government or “deep state,” others accuse political rivals or claim false flag operations. Despite their inconsistencies, all these stories share a strategic goal: destabilize America from within.

Russian outlets have framed the assassination as evidence of civil collapse and political extremism in the U.S., while Iranian and Chinese platforms suggest it reflects systemic political decay.

The tactic is familiar. Following previous national tragedies, including mass shootings or protests, these same state-run outlets have promoted division with false narratives. The scale of response to Kirk’s assassination, however, reflects both the strategic value of targeting prominent conservative voices and the rising aggression of America’s geopolitical rivals in the information war.

U.S. intelligence agencies and policy leaders have warned for years that information warfare is central to adversarial strategies. The propaganda campaigns surrounding Kirk’s assassination are not isolated; they are part of a coordinated global effort to weaken Western societies through internal chaos.

1...202203204...3,843Page 203 of 3,843
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 American Faith Media Network. All rights reserved.