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Security Heightened as Charlie Kirk Memorial Faces Threats

Charlie Kirk Shot
(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Authorities are increasing security measures ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, amid reports of threats and a recent arrest. Officials said a man armed with a gun and a knife was detained on Friday at the stadium. The individual falsely claimed to be law enforcement and was carrying inactive credentials.

A memo circulated to federal, state, and local law enforcement noted that there are “several threats of unknown credibility” aimed at participants, especially President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and members of Kirk’s family. Terror and extremist watchdogs believe both violent extremists and unaffiliated lone actors might see the event as a target, given the number of prominent speakers and large media presence.

Dubbed “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” the memorial is expected to draw well over 100,000 people. High-profile figures slated to speak include Trump, Vance, Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk, and several cabinet members and political allies. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the event as SEAR‑1, a top‑tier rating normally reserved for occasions like the Super Bowl, triggering full cooperation from law enforcement agencies across all levels.

Security protocols will be strict. Parking will be limited, no bags will be allowed, and attendees should expect delays in entry. Surveillance cameras, uniformed and plainclothes officers, drones, and a heightened law enforcement presence will be in effect. Organizers urge early arrival and compliance with all safety checks.

As the day approaches, officials say there is no specific credible plot confirmed, but the risk assessments remain high. Local authorities emphasize that, while peaceful protest is permitted, any violence or threats will be met with swift legal consequences. With emotions running high and tensions elevated, the focus is on ensuring security without disrupting public expression.

Donalds: Radical Left Within Democrats Fueling Violence

American Flag, Church (Brad Dodson/Unsplash)

Rep. Byron Donalds (R‑FL) argued on a recent interview that a radical left element within the Democratic Party is contributing to political violence in the United States. His comments came while discussing the murder of Charlie Kirk, whom Donalds described as “irreplaceable” for his work in conservative youth activism.

Donalds praised Kirk’s character, faith, and dedication, saying he was a man who “moved heaven and earth to help anybody.” He emphasized that Kirk’s influence went beyond politics, touching people from many backgrounds. Donalds said the loss of Kirk is a “dark day for America,” but vowed that his legacy would endure through those who continue his work.

Addressing recent political clashes, Donalds criticized rhetoric from some Democrats, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, suggesting that certain language mirrors messages found on bullets in the weapon used to kill Kirk. He asserted that Democrats must own and address the radical rhetoric emerging from within their ranks, not deflect blame.

“The radical left is just crazy,” he said. “They have no policy. All they do is blame shift, deflect, call names.” Donalds warned that this language dehumanizes opponents and said such tactics can lead to violence. He stated that if the radical left cannot rid itself of those elements, it should not hold power.

Donalds insisted that Democrats must take responsibility for elements within their party who do not believe in constitutional freedoms, free speech, or the Bill of Rights. He said those elements are dehumanizing people over political, religious, or ideological differences—and that this dehumanization has tragic consequences. He urged investigations into who is funding or influencing those radicalized individuals.

He closed by calling the moment one for clarity and principle. Donalds said it is possible to strongly disagree with someone without wishing them harm, and that the nation must reject language and actions that threaten free speech or physical safety.

Report Links Socialist Rifle Association to Multiple Violent Crimes

American Flag
American Flag (Joshua Hoehne/Unsplash)

A group called the Socialist Rifle Association (SRA), which claims over 10,000 members, has been linked to at least four violent crimes involving far-left and transgender extremists, according to a new report. The group has gained attention for offering firearms training sessions targeted toward socialists and LGBTQ activists. Following the release of the report, the group’s leadership page was redirected to a meme video, seemingly to dodge scrutiny.

Despite the website’s attempt to mask leadership information, archived versions still show officer names and contact information as recently as mid-August. The current “leadership” link now leads to a Rick Astley music video in an apparent attempt at humor or misdirection. Archived pages reveal that many of the group’s leaders identify as nonbinary or transgender and go only by their first names.

New members of the SRA receive membership cards printed with radical slogans such as, “Any attempt to disarm workers must be frustrated, by force if necessary,” alongside a portrait of Karl Marx. Group materials and imagery show flags combining pro-transgender messaging with militant rhetoric like “defend equality,” and video clips indicate training that resembles combat preparation more than personal defense.

The SRA has now been linked to four criminal cases. In Texas, Benjamin Hanil Song, a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter, was charged with shooting a Department of Homeland Security officer near an ICE facility. In Las Vegas, Paul Hyon Kim was arrested for allegedly setting fire to five Teslas and opening fire on the dealership. Prosecutors tied Kim to the SRA via social media activity and photos.

Another suspect, Adam Matthew Lansky, allegedly firebombed a Tesla dealership in Oregon. Charging documents stated that Lansky was a skilled shooter and a former SRA member, with expertise in manufacturing incendiary devices. In Florida, Danel Alan Baker was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for violent threats against individuals he labeled as fascists and for attempting to incite armed retaliation against those involved in the January 6 protest.

Baker had previously traveled overseas to join a militant faction in Kurdistan, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Prosecutors said Baker promoted the killing of U.S. military officers and incited violence online against ideological opponents.

The Utah chapter of the SRA denied that Tyler Robinson, who is charged with assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was a member. However, when asked whether Robinson’s transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, was affiliated with the group, the chapter cited confidentiality policies and declined to answer.

As scrutiny grows, the SRA continues to face questions about the nature of its training, membership, and ties to far-left extremism. Calls for law enforcement investigations into the organization’s activities are likely to increase following these disturbing revelations.

Texas Adults Allegedly Push to Block TPUSA Club by Teachers

Charlie Kirk
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A vice president of a local Democrat club in Texas attempted to organize adults in a private Facebook group to pressure Stratford High School teachers not to sponsor a Turning Point USA chapter, known locally as Club America. Leaked messages show adults urging others to email teachers and spreading false claims about the motives behind Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

The posts came from Natalie Herpin, Vice President of the Spring Valley Democrats, who told members to oppose the new TPUSA chapter. She claimed the club would “sow division and hate” in the school. Herpin also made an unverified assertion that Kirk was killed due to a rivalry involving Nick Fuentes, warning that such political activity in schools could become dangerous.

Turning Point USA’s spokesman, Andrew Kolvet, criticized the behavior, alleging students were doxxed and teachers threatened simply for supporting a chapter. The Moms for Liberty Harris County chapter branded the actions “reprehensible” and expressed concern for students whose names and GroupMe chats were exposed through screenshots shared by adults.

Denise Bell, chair of Moms for Liberty in Harris County, was implicated in the posts. Herpin accused Bell of working behind the scenes to form the TPUSA club without the principal’s approval. The conversation in the group also included demands that parents apply pressure on educators and called into question whether the children involved were being exposed to unsafe ideological conflicts.

These incidents take place amid a nationwide surge of student interest in founding TPUSA chapters following Kirk’s death. So far, school administrators have not disclosed whether they will pursue disciplinary actions or legal review. Community members are pushing for investigations into whether student privacy policies or harassment laws have been violated by those involved.

Texas Breaks Employment and Labor Force Records in August

Texas Flag
Texas flag (Pete Alexopoulos/Unsplash)

Texas is continuing to dominate national job growth, breaking multiple records in August. Nonfarm employment in the state reached 14,347,700 jobs, up by 17,600 from July and 195,600 over the past year. This growth rate of 1.4 percent outpaced the national rate by about half a point.

The civilian labor force also hit a record high at 15,857,300. It added 8,600 people over the month and 169,500 over the year. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for Texas was 4.7 percent, which is slightly above the national figure.

Leisure & Hospitality led the sectors with the highest monthly job gains, followed by Growth in Private Education and Health Services, and Construction. Over the year, Construction jobs in Texas grew at 2.2 percent, outpacing national growth in that field.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that these numbers show why Texas remains a top destination for business investment. He pointed to the state’s business climate, infrastructure, and skilled labor force as reasons companies are choosing Texas. State officials also said they will continue to focus on training, education, and removing barriers so all Texans can benefit from the growth.

Some regions still lag behind. Areas such as Eagle Pass, Brownsville‑Harlingen, and McAllen‑Edinburg‑Mission reported among the highest unemployment rates, outpacing many other parts of the state. Cities like Amarillo, Midland, and San Angelo had some of the lowest jobless numbers.

Economic analysts acknowledge Texas is in a strong position, but warn of challenges ahead, including maintaining affordable living for workers and ensuring growth is inclusive. As the labor force expands, the state will need to scale up education, healthcare, and infrastructure support to keep pace.

Congress Probes Hospitals Over Spending Misuse

Transgender Rally (Delia Giandeini/Unsplash)

Members of the House Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a heated hearing this week after a “Consumer Warning” report accused several nonprofit hospitals of using taxpayer-protected status to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), gender ideology, and climate activism rather than lowering costs or improving patient care. The hearing’s theme was “Virtue Signaling vs. Vital Services: Where Tax‑Exempt Hospitals are Spending Your Tax Dollars.”

Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, testified on how nonprofit hospital executives increasingly view healthcare as only part of their mission, often elevating activist agendas above core medical services. The report singled out five hospital systems — including Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt, Henry Ford Health, Memorial Hermann, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital — for allegedly directing millions of dollars toward DEI programs, transgender care for minors, climate activism, and other non‑clinical initiatives while benefiting from tax exemptions and government funding.

Hild warned that such misallocation of resources not only dilutes what hospitals pledge to offer when given tax‑exempt status but can also drive costs up and degrade quality of care. He said that hospitals which engage in gender‑affirming medical interventions on minors are particularly egregious examples of straying from what a “reasonable person would consider part of providing healthcare.” He urged lawmakers and regulators to reassess tax breaks and demand transparency.

The hearing also explored the lack of price transparency in nonprofit hospital operations. Hild argued that many hospitals do not clearly disclose how much care costs, or how much is spent on administrative or activist programs versus direct medical services. He suggested that when nonprofit hospitals fail to show that their nonprofit status is being used to serve patients first, it may be time to reconsider whether they deserve special tax privileges.

Rampage Jackson’s Son Arrested After Viral Wrestling Attack

Sakhorn38/Getty via Canva Pro

Raja Jackson, son of former UFC star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has been arrested on a felony assault charge stemming from a brutal attack caught on video last month. The incident took place on August 23 at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, California, where Jackson allegedly assaulted wrestler Stuart Smith, known professionally as “Syko Stu.” He reportedly entered the ring in street clothes, slammed Smith to the mat, and delivered a volley of blows even after Smith was unconscious.

Jackson is being held on $50,000 bail following his booking on Thursday. Authorities say Smith was hospitalized for several days with what are described as severe injuries, including trauma to both jaws, a fractured maxilla bone, lost teeth, and a serious head injury. Smith was released from the hospital on August 31 and is now recovering, though his injuries are extensive.

Promoter KnokX Pro condemned the attack, saying a planned wrestling spot turned into “a selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” The organization said it deeply regrets what happened, calling it unprecedented in its 17 years of running shows. They apologized to fans and expressed concern for Smith’s long road to recovery.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has publicly criticized his son’s actions. While he initially defended some aspects—claiming Jackson was provoked by a can thrown his way—Rampage ultimately said Raja needs to face consequences, suggesting jail time, community service, and therapy. The elder Jackson also acknowledged that his son was concussed recently and not formally trained for an event like this.

This arrest comes amid broader conversations about accountability in performing arts, mixed martial arts, and independent wrestling, where the line between scripted acts and real violence can blur. Critics argue the unpredictability of live shows requires stricter oversight. Supporters of Smith have rallied online, raising tens of thousands of dollars for medical expenses and demanding that promoters, performers, and regulatory bodies better protect participants.

Trump Says Productive Call with Xi, Claims Progress on TikTok

China
Chinese President Xi Jinping (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

President Donald Trump says he had a “very productive” call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they touched on trade, fentanyl enforcement, the conflict in Ukraine, and the long‑standing TikTok ownership issue. Trump announced that he will visit China early next year, and that Xi will come to the U.S. “at an appropriate time.” He also said they plan to meet at the upcoming APEC Summit in South Korea.

During the call, Trump expressed gratitude for what he described as a recent “approval” of a TikTok framework deal and emphasized it among the topics where “progress” was made. However, observers cautioned that China’s official statements following the call made no mention of a finalized agreement or specific terms. Chinese authorities reiterated that any outcome must align with market rules, legal compliance, and their own laws.

The call marks one in a series of diplomatic exchanges aimed at resolving the TikTok controversy and easing tensions in U.S.–China relations. Trump’s administration has delayed earlier deadlines for the ByteDance divestiture and has sought changes that ensure U.S. control over algorithms or data, though many details remain murky.

Trump’s renewed engagement with China comes at a time of mounting global instability, with his administration seeking to stabilize relations with major world powers ahead of the 2026 midterms. The inclusion of the TikTok deal in the call signals its growing importance not just as a national security issue but as a broader geopolitical bargaining chip. Trump has long pushed for greater U.S. oversight of TikTok’s operations, citing concerns over data privacy, content manipulation, and its influence over American youth.

Meanwhile, critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the administration’s ongoing TikTok negotiations. While Trump praised Xi’s apparent cooperation, tech and policy experts remain skeptical about how enforceable any agreement might be. The public has yet to see concrete language outlining whether ByteDance would divest from the platform or how algorithm control would be managed. Lawmakers in both parties continue to press for clearer guardrails or even a full ban, citing past violations and China’s restrictive digital policies.

Missing Teen Found Dead in Tesla Registered to Singer d4vd

Police vehicle lights via Canva Pro

A 15‑year‑old girl, Celeste Rivas, who went missing in April 2024, has been identified as the body found in an impounded Tesla in Los Angeles. The car is registered to 20‑year‑old musician David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name d4vd. Authorities have not implicated him in her death; he is reportedly cooperating with investigators.

Her remains were discovered on September 8 at an LA tow lot after a strong odor coming from the Tesla drew attention. The body was severely decomposed and believed to have been in the vehicle for an extended period. The Tesla had been impounded following its abandonment in the Hollywood Hills area.

The coroner has yet to determine the official cause of death. Law enforcement is treating the case as a potential homicide. Though the vehicle is registered to the singer, it is unclear who, if anyone, other than authorities, had access to the car during the window in which the death is believed to have occurred.

A search warrant was executed at a residence associated with d4vd as part of the ongoing investigation. While no arrests have been announced, evidence has been collected that may shed light on how Celeste came to be in the car, and what events preceded her disappearance last year.

Toyota Recalls Almost 600K Vehicles Over Blank Dashboard Defect

Toyota steering wheel (Christina Telep/Unsplash)

Toyota is recalling 591,377 vehicles in the U.S. because of a flaw in an instrument cluster display: the 12.3‑inch panel behind the steering wheel may stay blank at startup. When it fails, drivers won’t see important signals like speed, brake warnings, or tire pressure alerts—raising risk of crashes or injury.

The recall affects numerous 2023‑2025 models, including popular ones like the Venza, RAV4, Camry, Tacoma, Highlander, and several Lexus models among others. Dealers will install a free software update to fix the issue, expected to be available by December. Toyota says affected owners will get notification letters by early November 2025.

Until the fix is installed, Toyota recommends ensuring you’re aware of your vehicle’s speed and status through other means. Drivers should watch for warning systems and check physical gauges if available. If you own one of the affected models and notice instrument lights missing at startup, contact your dealer to confirm your vehicle is included in the recall and schedule the update.

This marks Toyota’s eighth major safety recall in the U.S. this year, contributing to over 1.5 million total affected vehicles across its recalls. Other major automakers are dealing with their own recall waves, with concerns ranging from airbag failures to backup camera malfunctions and electronic issues.

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