British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan had their upcoming concert in Tilburg, Netherlands, canceled after frontman Bobby Vylan made inflammatory remarks about slain American activist Charlie Kirk. The cancellation follows a firestorm of criticism over comments made during a performance in Amsterdam, where Vylan appeared to mock Kirk just days after his assassination.
During the show, Bobby Vylan referred to Kirk using the pronouns “was/were” and called him a “piece of shit” before dedicating a song to him. He then shouted to the audience, “If you chat shit, you will get banged!” The rapper also urged fans to “kick Nazis” and “find Zionists in the street,” stoking anger both in the Netherlands and abroad.
The performance sparked immediate backlash, with critics saying the comments glorified political violence. The 013 Poppodium concert venue in Tilburg, where the band was set to perform next, quickly announced it would no longer host the show. In a statement, venue representatives said the band’s words crossed a line and were no longer in line with the values the venue upholds.
Vylan attempted to clarify the remarks on social media, claiming he was not celebrating Kirk’s death and that the statements were being misrepresented. However, his follow-up did little to calm the outrage. Many accused the artist of inciting violence under the guise of punk activism.
This is not the first time Bob Vylan has courted controversy. Earlier this year, they led a crowd in chanting “Death to the IDF” at a UK music festival, prompting an investigation and widespread condemnation. The band has since been dropped by their management and barred from entering the United States.
The fallout from the Charlie Kirk remarks has further damaged the group’s reputation, with more venues expected to follow suit.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers (Photo by Bryan Cox/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)
Long Beach has canceled its annual Día de los Muertos parade for 2025, citing fears among community members that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could target the public event. Although city officials say they are not aware of any specific plans to enforce immigration law at the parade, the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” because of the parade’s size and public visibility.
Councilmember Mary Zendejas requested the cancelation, and the city pointed to “genuine fears” that federal enforcement actions might suddenly and indiscriminately affect people who simply want to participate. The city also called off the Arte y Ofrendas Festival, a related cultural event usually held alongside the parade.
Vendors and organizers expressed sadness over the decision. Roberto Carlos Lemus, involved in last year’s festival, noted how integral the parade has become to Long Beach’s Hispanic heritage and cultural life. Many local businesses and community members worry about the economic fallout, especially as Latino Restaurant Week is set to begin soon.
In a move to soften the impact, the City Council voted to roll this year’s allocated parade funds into next year’s event. Meanwhile, the Long Beach Justice Fund received a budget boost, increasing resources for legal assistance for immigration‑related cases.
Supporters of the cancelation say public safety and peace of mind are critical, especially for those who live with the fear of being caught in immigration sweeps. Critics argue the decision erodes trust and chills civic participation among immigrant communities—but city leaders insist they want everyone to feel safe in public spaces.
Danny Kruger, Member of Parliament for East Wiltshire, has formally left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK in a significant political move. Speaking at a Reform press conference alongside Nigel Farage, Kruger said it was “personally painful” to depart after more than 20 years in the Conservatives, but insisted the party has become a hollow institution unable to offer a viable alternative.
Kruger — formerly Shadow Welfare Spokesperson — criticized the Conservative Party’s recent direction, calling it defined by “failure, drift and sham unity,” especially following its recent general election defeat. He declared the Conservatives “over as a national party, over as the principal opposition to the left.” His defection marks the first time a sitting Tory MP and shadow frontbencher has joined Reform UK, further elevating the rising party in recent UK opinion polls.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed Kruger as head of a newly established department called “Preparing for Government,” aimed at developing talent, crafting credible policy, and readying the party for governance. Both men emphasized that Reform seeks to be a serious alternative — reforming the system rather than overturning it — and appealed to public servants and military officers who believe the status quo is broken to help envision future change.
Kruger made clear this is more than just a symbolic change; he believes Reform UK is now the standard-bearer for conservatism in Britain. He called on former Conservative colleagues and voters dissatisfied with current leadership to shift their support, suggesting that only one party on the right can realistically offer direction and accountability for what he sees as a country in crisis.
At the 77th Emmy Awards, Hollywood’s elite appeared mostly silent on the assassination of Charlie Kirk—even as political statements about other issues took center stage. Moments of activism were sprinkled throughout the ceremony, but none addressed Kirk’s death directly.
“Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder closed her winning speech by shouting, “Fuck ICE and free Palestine!” On the red carpet, fellow cast member Megan Stalter held up a “CEASE FIRE” bag to call for an end to conflict in Gaza. Javier Bardem, wrapped in a keffiyeh, vowed not to work with companies that support Israel, declaring that such affiliations are unacceptable in any industry.
While many celebrities took strong political stances during the event, none publicly acknowledged Kirk’s passing, even though it had become a major national talking point leading up to the Emmys. Presenter Bryan Cranston joked about “destructive woke degenerates like Tom Hanks,” referencing Trump’s criticism of the actor, but made no mention of political violence or Kirk. Stephen Colbert, in his speech, focused on themes of love, loss, and patriotism—but avoided directly referencing the killing.
Many viewers took to social media to express disappointment at what they perceived as selective outrage. Critics questioned how Hollywood could be so vocal on international issues while seemingly ignoring a violent act committed on American soil against a prominent political figure.
Some conservative commentators speculated that the silence reflected a broader cultural divide, arguing that mainstream entertainment figures are unwilling to acknowledge tragedies that impact their ideological opponents. Others suggested it was a missed opportunity to unite Americans in condemning political violence, regardless of partisan affiliation.
Ava Raine (Simone Johnson), daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, sparked controversy after reposting a quote shortly after Charlie Kirk’s assassination that many interpreted as insensitive. She shared a post from comedian Gianmarco Soresi saying, “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind things when you’re alive,” then added her own remark: “and i’ll stand behind this. be kind, now more than ever.”
Though she didn’t mention Kirk by name, the timing of the post—just hours after his violent death—led fans and observers on social media to accuse her of poor taste. WWE fans in particular called for accountability, with some critics questioning the sincerity of the message and others labeling it hypocritical given Raine’s public platform and visibility.
There has been no formal statement from WWE or her team addressing the backlash. Many supporters and detractors are watching closely to see whether the incident will prompt any public response or apology from Raine herself.
Some of the criticism aimed at Raine has revolved around the power and influence carried by public figures—especially those in entertainment—and the expectations people have for discretion or sensitivity during crises. For many, the post seemed to suggest moralizing in the wake of tragedy, which prompted debate about whether Raine’s message was appropriate so soon after Kirk’s death.
Others defended her, arguing that her words encourage compassion and civility during polarizing times. Supporters say Raine’s statement aligns with broader calls for kindness and restraint in political discourse, and that criticism of her post reflects a double standard applied to figures who are perceived as sympathetic to conservative causes.
On January 10, 49 BC, Julius Caesar stood at the edge of a small stream in Northern Italy. The Rubicon marked the boundary between Rome and its provinces, and the law was clear: no general could march his army across it into Rome. Caesar knew the cost. If he crossed, there would be no turning back. When he stepped into the waters, he changed history. The Republic became an Empire. Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon, and the world was never the same.
Today, America faces a Rubicon moment of its own. The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk has ripped through the conscience of our nation like a lightning strike. It is not merely the tragic end of one man’s life; it is a line in the sand, a point of no return. We can no longer pretend that we are living in “normal” times. The foundations of freedom, faith, and truth have been shaken. Like ancient Rome, America has reached a moment where history will pivot. The Rubicon has been crossed.
The Point of No Return
To “cross the Rubicon” is to reach the place where retreat is impossible. For Caesar, it meant civil war and dictatorship. For us, it means the recognition that America has fundamentally changed. Evil has been unleashed from the highest levels of government, culture, and media. Censorship has become normalized. Violence against truth-tellers is excused. Lies are packaged as news, and deception is sold as virtue.
But in the very moment when darkness seems triumphant, the Spirit of God is moving with power. A great shaking is underway, but not all shakings are destructive. Some shakings are the prelude to awakening.
The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk has forced America to a choice: bow to the spirit of the age or rise with the Spirit of Christ. There is no neutral ground left. Just as Caesar knew that stepping across the Rubicon meant Rome could never return to what it once was, so too do we know: there is no going back to an era of quiet compromise. The mask is off. The battle is clear.
Finding Your Personal Rubicon
For each believer, this moment is not abstract. It is deeply personal. The evil of the age does not simply hover in headlines; it knocks at the door of your home, your church, your children’s future. The call of God is to find your own Rubicon and cross it with courage.
What does that look like? It means refusing to bow to cultural intimidation. It means speaking truth even when it costs you friends, influence, or safety. It means choosing faith over fear, conviction over comfort, and eternity over applause. It means declaring with Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.”
When you determine in your spirit that you will not retreat—when you set your heart that you will not be silenced—you have crossed the Rubicon. Hell may pour out its fury, but you have already chosen your victory.
The Church Will Not Be Shaken
America’s institutions may falter, but the church of Jesus Christ will not be shaken. From the Book of Acts to the present day, history bears witness: persecution does not destroy the church, it multiplies it. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of revival.
Charlie Kirk’s death, like the martyrs before him, will not silence a righteous cause. It will only amplify it. Already, the rising generation is stirring. They see that the cost of compromise is too high, and the cost of courage is worth it.
The church will stretch beyond the limits set by culture or government. The Spirit cannot be legislated, and truth cannot be censored. Caesar may have crossed his Rubicon to seize power for himself, but we cross our Rubicon to surrender power to Christ.
Crossing Together
This is not a solitary journey. Just as Israel crossed the Jordan together into the Promised Land, so too must we cross our Rubicon as a people. Unity will be our weapon. Faith will be our shield. Truth will be our banner.
We are living in a moment that demands resolve. We cannot look back wistfully at a “safe” Christianity that avoids confrontation. We cannot shrink back from the cultural battles of our time. To retreat is to forfeit the future of our
children and grandchildren. To advance is to claim the promise that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matthew 16:18).
The Call to Action
The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk has created both a moment and an opportunity. This is a season for decisive action. We stand at the Rubicon, and the waters are before us. Face this moment with courage and determination.
Will we cross?
Crossing means declaring that Christ is Lord, no matter the cost. It means standing against the tide of evil even when mocked, marginalized, or martyred. It means seizing the mantle of courage that the martyrs of old carried, believing that God’s plan will override the schemes of the enemy.
Hell may rage, but heaven reigns. Evil may roar, but the Lion of Judah is greater. The Rubicon has been crossed. There is no turning back. The only option is victory.
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced a resolution to remove Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from her committee assignments.
“Disparaging Charlie Kirk’s legacy, a God-fearing, honorable man, for boldly sharing his conservative beliefs is disgusting. The radical left has normalized meeting free speech with violence, and it must stop,” Carter said in a statement. “No one who justifies the assassination of someone with different political views than them deserves to sit on a committee, and Ilhan Omar openly used language that incites violence towards her political opponents. Committees are for serious lawmakers, not hate-spewing politicians.”
The resolution declares that Omar should be removed from the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
During a recent interview, Omar said, “There are a lot of people who are talking about him [Kirk] just wanting to have a civil debate,” adding, “There is nothing more [expletive] up than to pretend that his words and actions haven’t been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so.” She claimed, among other comments, that the Turning Point USA founder “downplayed slavery.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Omar’s comments.
“She clearly has no idea what she’s talking about. She has not followed Charlie,” Johnson stated, going on to say that she was “playing into this characterization of him that the Left has been advancing. There are people actually celebrating his murder online, and that tells you everything you need to know.”
“His record speaks for itself,” Johnson continued. “He was a Christian, a committed believer. He understood what Scripture teaches, what you, and I understand, Shannon, that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and spiritual darkness. And Charlie understood. He put on, as it says there in Ephesians 6: ‘The full armor of God to go out and advance truth and do it in love.’”
“And that’s exactly what he did. That’s what his legacy stands for. And everyone around this country who is mourning his death understands that, in spite of what some of these voices are saying.”
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the appointment of five members to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
“ACIP safeguards the health of Americans by issuing objective, evidence-based vaccine recommendations,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “Its new members bring diverse expertise that strengthens the committee and ensures it fulfills its mission with transparency, independence, and gold-standard science.”
Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and Acting Director of the CDC, Jim O’Neill, said the new members “bring a wealth of real-world public health experience to the job of making immunization recommendations. We are grateful for their service in helping restore the public confidence in vaccines that was lost during the Biden era.”
The new members include:
Catherine M. Stein, Ph.D.
Evelyn Griffin, M.D.
Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, M.B.A.
Kirk Milhoan, M.D., Ph.D.
Raymond Pollak, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.
In June, HHS removed the 17 members of the ACIP committee.
“The public must know that unbiased science—evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest—guides the recommendations of our health agencies,” Kennedy said at the time, explaining that a “clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science.”
During a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Kennedy defended his restructuring move, explaining the firings as “absolutely necessary adjustments” aimed at restoring integrity and effectiveness to the agency. He demanded that there to be “unbiased, politics‑free, transparent, evidence‑based science” as the foundation for future CDC operations.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that the open carry of firearms is the “law of the state.”
In a memo sent to law enforcement, Uthmeier affirmed a court decision that found that “law-abiding, adult citizens” have the right to openly carry firearms in public.
“Because no Florida court will any longer be empowered to convict a defendant for violating Section 790.053(1), prudence counsels that prosecutors and law enforcement personnel should likewise refrain from arresting or prosecuting law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others,” Uthmeier’s guidance states.
“Nothing in the decision permits individuals to menace others with firearms in public, nor does it undermine the state’s authority to prohibit felons from possessing firearms,” the guidance adds.
In a statement on X accompanying the memo, the state’s attorney general wrote, “I’m issuing guidance to Florida’s prosecutors and law enforcement in light of the 1st DCA’s decision in McDaniels v. State.”
“Because no other appellate court has considered the constitutionality of Florida’s open carry ban since the SCOTUS decision in Bruen, the 1st DCA’s decision is binding on all Florida’s trial courts,” he wrote. “Meaning that as of last week, open carry is the law of the state.”
A three-judge panel ruled last week: “No historical tradition supports Florida’s open carry ban. To the contrary, history confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly. That is not to say that open carry is absolute or immune from reasonable regulation. But what the state may not do is extinguish the right altogether for ordinary, law-abiding, adult citizens.”
I’m issuing guidance to Florida’s prosecutors and law enforcement in light of the 1st DCA’s decision in McDaniels v. State.
Because no other appellate court has considered the constitutionality of Florida’s open carry ban since the SCOTUS decision in Bruen, the 1st DCA’s… pic.twitter.com/2W5Hr6EV2V
Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) pressured state legislators to eliminate the ban on the open carry of handguns. “Are we Florida or are we San Francisco?” he asked.
President Trump demanded that NATO allies pause their purchases of Russian oil as the president is considering new sanctions against the country.
“Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil — and the sanctions that they’re putting on are not tough enough,” Trump told reporters. “And I’m willing to do sanctions, but they’re going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I’m doing.”
The comments follow a letter Trump sent to NATO nations, which read, “I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA.”
“China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” the letter read.
“As you know, NATO’s commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia,” Trump wrote. The letter added, “If NATO does as i say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently told Fox Business that the Trump administration is prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia amid a renewed Russian bombing campaign in Ukraine. He emphasized, “all options are on the table,” suggesting readiness to escalate economic pressure unless President Putin alters his conduct.
