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McMahon, Conservatives Launch Nationwide Civics Education Plan As Student Scores Plummet

Linda McMahon
Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A new civics education initiative announced Wednesday by Education Secretary Linda McMahon aims to restore patriotism and historical knowledge among America’s youth at a time when national pride and understanding of the country’s founding principles are in decline.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition will feature more than 100 events nationwide, including a 50-state tour, teacher summits, student competitions, and lectures from members of Congress, local leaders, and McMahon herself. The coalition includes over 40 organizations, among them the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA, the Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College.

National test results show a crisis in civic literacy. In 2022, only 13 percent of eighth graders scored proficient in U.S. history, while only 22 percent were proficient in civics—the lowest levels ever recorded. A 2018 survey by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars found just one in three Americans could pass a citizenship test, with three-quarters unsure why the United States fought the British.

“As America approaches 250 years since its founding, we are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation and is equipped with the civic knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to its future,” McMahon said.

AFPI interim president Greg Sindelar tied the mission to the recent assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “The sorrowful events of the past week have reminded us … how easily [our liberty] can be lost if we do not constantly, faithfully, and strongly defend it,” Sindelar said.

Sen. Tom Cotton Targets Foreign Influence Within U.S. Nonprofits in New Legislation

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The foreign influence in the United States is the target of new legislation introduced by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who says adversaries have long exploited tax-exempt organizations to promote hostile interests.

Cotton unveiled the Nonprofit Governance Integrity Act on Wednesday, a measure that would bar foreign nationals connected to countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from serving on the boards of American nonprofits. Groups that fail to comply would lose their tax-exempt status. “Nonprofits that receive tax breaks should be completely free from malign foreign influence,” Cotton said. “Organizations run by adversarial foreign nationals should not benefit from our tax code.”

The bill follows years of warnings about how wealthy oligarchs and regime-linked figures used U.S. charities to sanitize reputations and advance foreign policy goals. The Anti-Corruption Data Collective reported in 2022 that at least seven Russian oligarchs “directly connected to U.S. political interference campaigns” funneled over “$372 million to more than 200 American nonprofits over the past 20 years.” Donations went to major institutions including Harvard University, the Mayo Clinic, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Kennedy Center.

China has adopted similar strategies. The China General Chamber of Commerce and the China-United States Exchange Foundation both maintain extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party while operating under U.S. nonprofit status. The Alavi Foundation, linked to the Iranian government, was accused by federal prosecutors in 2017 of violating sanctions and coordinating with Tehran.

Cotton’s legislation has already drawn interest from House Republicans seeking to strengthen oversight of groups like the Energy Foundation and the People’s Forum, which congressional investigators flagged in 2024. The bill could mark one of the most aggressive moves yet to shut down foreign influence operations that exploit America’s nonprofit sector.

Upstart NewsNation Beats CNN and MSNBC Ratings in Key Demo

MSNBC
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A NewsNation ratings surge on Saturday night delivered a blow to CNN and MSNBC, with the upstart network outperforming both legacy outlets in the highly coveted 25-54 demographic. According to Nielsen Media Research, NewsNation averaged 44,000 viewers in the demo during the 8 p.m. hour with its special report, The Killing of Charlie Kirk. CNN’s rerun of Real Time with Bill Maher pulled in 38,000 viewers, while MSNBC’s The Weekend: Primetime lagged behind at just 32,000.

During its primetime special, NewsNation confirmed two major details about Kirk’s assassination: that he was not wearing a bulletproof vest, and that facial recognition technology had already put the alleged killer on the FBI’s radar.

Even outside the special, NewsNation bested its bigger rivals. At 7 p.m., NewsNation Prime with Natasha Zouves earned 34,000 viewers in the demo, roughly 5,000 more than CNN’s Newsroom. At 10 p.m., CNN fell behind by 10,000 viewers, and MSNBC’s 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle trailed by 11,000 in the next slot.

The ratings win highlights the broader struggles of liberal cable outlets. MSNBC, soon to be spun off from Comcast and rebranded as My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW), has already faced controversy, including the firing of contributor Matthew Dowd after he suggested Kirk was to blame for his own murder. CNN continues to face legal and reputational setbacks, including a $5 million defamation verdict in January.

NewsNation, by contrast, continues to build momentum since its 2021 rebrand from WGN America. With a mission of providing “fact-based, unbiased news,” the network is positioning itself as a serious alternative to cable news giants. As anchor Elizabeth Vargas demonstrated during the GOP primary debate she cohosted, NewsNation is emerging as a player that the media establishment can no longer ignore.

President Trump Honored at Royal State Banquet Hosted by King Charles

King Charles
(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were formally received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on September 17 during a state banquet that highlighted the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom. The event, marked by royal pageantry and diplomatic significance, was Trump’s second official state visit to Britain and underscored his continued influence on the world stage.

The Trumps arrived at Windsor Castle and were greeted by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine. The royal reception included a carriage procession, a ceremonial guard of honor, and a military flypast featuring aircraft from both the U.S. and the UK. The evening’s centerpiece was a formal banquet held in St. George’s Hall, where both President Trump and King Charles delivered speeches reaffirming the strength of the transatlantic alliance.

President Trump spoke about the shared heritage and values between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting economic growth through mutual cooperation. King Charles echoed these themes, highlighting the deep historical ties and the current challenges both nations face in an increasingly unstable world.

First Lady Melania Trump stood out at the event in a mustard-yellow, off-the-shoulder gown paired with a lavender belt—an outfit praised for its elegance and symbolism. Members of the British royal family wore traditional regalia, with Princess Catherine donning a gold lace gown, a tiara, and a royal sash, underscoring the formality of the occasion.

President Trump’s reception by King Charles marks a rare honor extended to only a few American presidents and serves as a reminder of his continued global relevance.

3 Officers Killed, York County Schools and Hospital Locked Down After Violent Police Ambush

Police vehicle lights via Canva Pro

Three police officers were shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in York County, Pennsylvania, while attempting to serve a warrant in a domestic-related investigation. Two additional officers were critically injured, and the suspect was fatally shot by police. The violence prompted immediate lockdowns across local schools and hospitals as law enforcement secured the area.

The shooting occurred around 2:10 p.m. in the area of Haar Road in Codorus Township. Officers were attempting to serve a search warrant connected to a domestic dispute that began on Tuesday. During the operation, the suspect opened fire on law enforcement. Officers returned fire, killing the assailant on the scene.

Spring Grove Area School District placed all six of its schools on shelter-in-place orders. The lockdowns lasted approximately two hours and were lifted around 4:10 p.m. after police confirmed there was no ongoing threat. School officials said the decision was made in coordination with law enforcement out of an abundance of caution.

WellSpan York Hospital, where the wounded officers were transported, was also placed on lockdown. The hospital later implemented heightened security procedures while continuing to care for the critically injured officers. Officials confirmed the officers remain in critical but stable condition.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris confirmed the incident stemmed from a domestic investigation and described it as a targeted, deliberate attack. Governor Josh Shapiro called the shooting “absolutely tragic” and praised the bravery of the fallen officers. He added that state and federal agencies are working together to fully investigate the shooting and provide support to local authorities.

The names of the fallen officers and the suspect have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence to determine the full sequence of events. Authorities have stated that the community is no longer at risk, and no additional suspects are believed to be involved.

4 Republicans Kill Censure of Ilhan Omar Over Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Ilhan Omar
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

The House of Representatives voted 214-213 to block a Republican resolution that would have censured Rep. Ilhan Omar for her comments following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, accused Omar of disrespecting Kirk’s legacy and minimizing the tragedy of his death. Four Republicans joined Democrats to table the measure, effectively shielding Omar from disciplinary action.

The resolution targeted Omar’s public comments and social media posts, including a video she reposted that described Kirk as a “reprehensible human being.” It also cited her remarks that conservatives were “using his death” to further political goals. Mace argued Omar’s behavior was “beneath the dignity of the House” and called for her removal from the Budget and Education and Workforce Committees.

The motion to table the resolution passed narrowly after Republican Reps. Mike Flood (Neb.), Tom McClintock (Calif.), Jeff Hurd (Colo.), and Cory Mills (Fla.) voted with Democrats. These members defended their votes on free speech grounds, saying that punishing a member for political rhetoric sets a dangerous precedent. They emphasized the constitutional right to express unpopular opinions, even in cases involving national tragedies.

Democrats accused Republicans of weaponizing censure for partisan gain. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called the resolution “a political stunt” that distorted Omar’s statements. Some Democrats claimed that Omar’s expression of sympathy for Kirk’s family and her call for unity had been ignored in favor of partisan retaliation.

Critics of the decision noted the double standard at play. Republican members have previously faced censure or committee removal for far less inflammatory comments. The failure to censure Omar despite her repeated history of controversial and divisive remarks raises concerns among conservatives about selective accountability in Congress.

Disney Pulls Plug on Jimmy Kimmel After Shocking Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Assassin

Disney+ website on computer screen (American Faith Media)

Disney has indefinitely preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! following backlash over the late-night host’s remarks on the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The move follows pressure from local ABC affiliates and criticism from the FCC after Kimmel appeared to minimize the political motivations of the alleged killer, who held left-wing views.

ABC parent company Disney confirmed that the show will be replaced “indefinitely” after Kimmel’s comments sparked outrage. Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest owners of ABC affiliates, took immediate action by pulling the program from its stations nationwide. Executives cited growing concerns about the content’s impact on public discourse and broadcaster responsibility.

The controversy began when Jimmy Kimmel responded to reports that Tyler Robinson, who was charged with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, was politically radicalized. Prosecutors described Robinson as “obsessed” with leftist ideology and said he was motivated by extreme political hatred. During a segment on his show, Kimmel mocked conservative reactions, sarcastically claiming that those condemning the violence were merely trying to “score political points.”

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sharply rebuked Kimmel’s comments, calling them “offensive and insensitive.” Carr warned that broadcasters like ABC have legal obligations under federal law to serve the public interest and hinted at possible regulatory scrutiny. In a formal statement, Carr reminded Disney of its licensing responsibilities and called for accountability in how platforms handle speech related to political violence.

Nexstar affiliates acted quickly. In a memo circulated to station managers, Nexstar executives directed local programming departments to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future,” replacing it with syndicated reruns or alternative late-night content. The network emphasized its duty to maintain community standards and uphold public trust, especially following a high-profile political assassination.

Disney has not announced whether Kimmel will return or if this signals a permanent cancellation. Internal sources told Fox News that company leaders are evaluating their next steps and are aware of the backlash from viewers and station partners.

This incident highlights growing concerns over partisan media narratives and the mainstream entertainment industry’s handling of political violence. It also raises broader questions about responsibility in media, especially when tragedies are used for ideological commentary. For Christian and conservative Americans, the call is clear: truth must not be buried under political expedience, and those with platforms must use their voices with integrity and discernment.

Cocaine Floods America: Cartel Power Makes Drugs Cheaper and Purer

Image of Mexico City, Mexico (Magdalena Kazandzhieva/Getty Images via Canva Pro)

Cocaine in the United States is now cheaper and purer than in past decades, fueled by the growing dominance of Mexican drug cartels. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), led by Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, has capitalized on law enforcement pressure against fentanyl to expand its reach into cocaine trafficking.

A report from The Wall Street Journal, shows that while fentanyl enforcement has tightened, cocaine production and trafficking have surged. Once considered expensive and less available, cocaine has become more affordable with higher purity levels. Data reveals cocaine use has climbed 154% in western states since 2019 and 19% in eastern states.

The CJNG has emerged as a direct rival to the Sinaloa Cartel, long considered Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. El Mencho’s network has expanded across continents, becoming a global trafficking empire. Analysts warn that its growing role in supplying cocaine represents a shift in the drug market that threatens U.S. communities already battered by addiction.

While fentanyl deaths remain a top priority for law enforcement, officials acknowledge that a singular focus on synthetic opioids has created an opening for cartels to pour cocaine into the market. The result is a more potent supply reaching American streets at lower costs, increasing risks of addiction, overdose, and family devastation.

Stephen A. Smith Slams Black Voters’ Blind Loyalty to Democrats: ‘We Disenfranchised Ourselves’

Stephen Smith (Screenshot from X/@UngaTheGreat)

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith issued a sharp rebuke of Black Americans’ political loyalty to the Democratic Party, stating that their unwavering support has led to self-imposed disenfranchisement. Speaking at the Front Office Sports Tuned In Summit, Smith argued that Black voters give their votes away “no matter what,” removing any incentive for parties to address their needs.

Smith criticized the political strategy of voting Democrat by default, saying, “We told the Republican Party, you ain’t getting our vote no matter what. We told the Democratic Party, you got our vote no matter what. So they didn’t have to do anything.” He compared this to how Latino voters are courted by both parties because their support cannot be taken for granted.

According to CNN exit polls from the 2024 election, President Trump received 13% of the Black vote, including 21% of Black men and 7% of Black women. Smith noted that while these numbers represent a minority, they show a shift in political attitudes among segments of the Black population, particularly Black men.

Smith also took aim at Democratic leadership for ignoring concerns he said resonate deeply with Black men, including rising crime and the impact of illegal immigration. He argued that these issues are often dismissed or minimized by liberal politicians who assume continued support without delivering meaningful change.

Smith’s comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among Black voters with the Democratic Party’s leadership and policy priorities.

Christian Artist Loses 30,000 Followers After Declaring Christ and Defending Charlie Kirk

Bible (Kiwihug/Unsplash)

Christian musician Forrest Frank lost 30,000 Instagram followers after publicly mourning Charlie Kirk’s assassination and declaring his loyalty to Jesus Christ. The statement, which drew both praise and criticism, came after Kirk was killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Frank, co-founder of the Christian band “Surfaces,” posted an emotional video on Instagram expressing grief over Kirk’s death. In the video, Frank said he was struggling to continue making music without addressing the assassination and urged viewers to understand that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” He added that this moment had convicted him of being “lukewarm” in his faith and that he would now speak more boldly about Christ.

The video quickly went viral, generating over 1 million likes and nearly 20,000 comments. However, Frank also revealed that he lost approximately 30,000 followers after posting the message. In a follow-up, Frank said he doesn’t care how many people follow his music, as long as people follow Christ. He described the experience as a personal turning point and committed to using his platform with greater purpose.

Frank’s comments underscore the increasing cultural cost of speaking biblical truth in public, especially when tied to controversial political events. While some applauded his boldness, others withdrew their support, highlighting the tension many Christian artists face in balancing faith and public reception.