Tag: United States

  • US Workers Fired for Social Media Posts Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

    US Workers Fired for Social Media Posts Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

    6XLFJBEJ7BBN3A2S57BPYEDBCU
    Hundreds gathered at the Michigan State Capitol Building on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, to memorialize the life of Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a conservative influencer who was shot and killed during an event on Sept. 11 at Utah Valley University. ©  Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

    The swift hammer of accountability is falling hard on left-wing radicals who dared to celebrate the cold-blooded assassination of Charlie Kirk, as dozens of American workers—from pilots and teachers to media hacks and corporate drones—face the consequences of their vile social media rants. In a nation reeling from the murder of the 31-year-old conservative icon, employers are finally drawing a line in the sand against the toxic hatred that fueled Tyler James Robinson’s execution-style shooting of Kirk last Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

    This isn’t cancel culture run amok; it’s righteous pushback against an assassination culture cultivated by the left, and it’s reshaping workplaces by forcing bosses to choose between decency and defending the indefensible.

    Kirk, the dynamic co-founder of Turning Point USA and a relentless warrior for American exceptionalism, youth empowerment, and traditional values, was gunned down mid-sentence during his “American Comeback Tour” in Orem, Utah. The graphic video of the attack—Robinson firing point-blank while Kirk discussed mass shootings—spread like wildfire, but so did the depraved glee from anti-conservative corners. Robinson’s manifesto, railing against “right-wing fascists,” exposed the deadly fruits of years of leftist incitement, from campus radicals to MSNBC echo chambers.

    President Trump, who lowered flags to half-staff and decried the “evil” behind the killing, has vowed to eradicate such threats, and the grassroots response is proving his America First spirit alive and kicking.

    The firings have been nothing short of a purge, triggered by a coordinated conservative campaign that’s doxxing these hatemongers and flooding their employers with evidence. A site called “Expose Charlie’s Murderers”—anonymously registered and boasting nearly 30,000 submissions by Saturday—has become the digital guillotine, archiving posts that revel in Kirk’s death as a “victory” or quip that he “spoke his fate into existence.” Though the site went dark Monday, its impact lingers, with Canadian journalist Rachel Gilmore publicly terrified of “far-right fans” after her neutral post drew threats— a stark reminder that even mild criticism now invites scrutiny in this post-assassination climate.

    Far from vigilantism, this is community justice against those who normalized violence against conservatives, a far cry from the unchecked leftist mobs that targeted Trump supporters for years.

    Aviation took the first hits, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blasting American Airlines pilots “caught celebrating” the murder. “Immediately grounded and removed from service,” Duffy posted, demanding firings because “glorifying political violence is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!” American Airlines confirmed it had “initiated action,” stressing that “hate-related or hostile behavior runs contrary to our purpose.” Delta Air Lines suspended multiple employees for posts “well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” with the carrier warning that social media breaches could end careers.

    Microsoft, under fire from Tesla CEO Elon Musk for Blizzard employees “trashing” Kirk, announced Friday it’s reviewing “negative remarks” by staff, a nod to the tech giant’s need to clean house amid conservative pressure.

    Schools and universities, long bastions of leftist indoctrination, are crumbling under the weight of their own hypocrisy. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn called out a Middle Tennessee State University staffer for her “ZERO sympathy” post, leading to an “effective immediately” termination.

    GOP Rep. Nancy Mace targeted a South Carolina public school teacher, who was quietly shown the door by her district. Idaho’s West Ada School District fired an employee over an “inappropriate video,” vowing to “address harmful actions thoughtfully.” In Oregon, a middle school science teacher resigned after boasting on Facebook that Kirk’s death “brightened up” his day. Clemson University suspended a worker pending investigation for undisclosed posts, while nationwide, over a dozen educators—from California to New York—have been axed or sidelined for gloating like “Another one bites the dust.”

    Healthcare providers aren’t sparing the rod either. The University of Miami Health System canned an employee for “unacceptable public commentary,” affirming that while “freedom of speech is a fundamental right,” endorsements of violence violate core values.

    Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta fired a staffer for “inappropriate comments,” declaring such rhetoric a breach of social media policy. Even law firm Perkins Coie—infamous for its ties to George Soros and anti-Trump ops—booted a lawyer for Kirk-bashing posts, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

    Media and entertainment faced their own reckonings. MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd was unceremoniously dumped after implying on-air that Kirk’s “awful words” invited “awful actions.” Network president Rebecca Kutler labeled it “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable,” despite Dowd’s whiny Substack defense claiming a “right-wing media mob” forced the decision. DC Comics yanked its new “Red Hood” series after author Gretch Felker-Martin snarked, “Hope the bullet’s OK,” in deleted tweets—a rare win against Hollywood’s woke brigade.

    msnbc political analyst matthew dowd 111113824 9b7f34
    MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd was fired after making “insensitive” comments on Kirk’s death. © MSNBC

    Corporate cleanups abound: Nasdaq fired a staffer for posts “condoning or celebrating violence.” Office Depot terminated a Michigan employee who refused to print Kirk flyers, calling it “completely unacceptable.” The Carolina Panthers axed a PR flack for his remarks, insisting employee views don’t reflect the team. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers condemned a worker’s Satanic Temple donation plea and “Another one bites the dust” post, confirming the individual is gone. As one HR consultant told NPR, “This is very different from past political controversies at work”—no more kid gloves for anti-conservative venom while right-leaners got the boot.

    This wave of terminations—over 50 confirmed cases and counting—is a seismic shift, proving that in Trump’s resurgent America, tolerance for leftist assassination cheerleading has zero runway. The left’s cries of “doxxing” and “retaliation” ring hollow after years of silencing conservatives; now, the mob they unleashed is turning inward. Kirk’s legacy endures not just in policy but in this cultural firewall against hate. Employers who act aren’t caving—they’re leading, ensuring workplaces prioritize patriotism over poison.

  • U.S. Military Observes Russia-Belarus Drills as Trump Nears Minsk

    U.S. Military Observes Russia-Belarus Drills as Trump Nears Minsk

    4TDTSPYYB5MRRHPNVO3SPTB6SM
    A Belarusian Mi-35 attack helicopter flies during the joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” military drills near Borisov, Belarus September 15, 2025. © REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov

    U.S. military officers observed joint war games between Russia and Belarus on Monday for the first time since Moscow used Belarus as a launchpad to enter Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump deepens ties with Moscow’s closest ally.

    The presence of the U.S. officers, less than a week after neighbouring Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace, is the latest sign that Washington is seeking to warm ties with Belarus.

    Last week, Trump’s representative John Coale visited Minsk and said Trump wanted to reopen the U.S. embassy there soon, normalise ties and revive trade.

    The U.S. military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Western foreign policy analysts speculate that Trump may be trying to peel Belarus away from Russia, a strategy widely viewed as unlikely to succeed, or to exploit its close ties with Moscow to promote a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

    I5424OCMVVMT3DZZYT2UWO33XM
    U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan Shoupe observes the joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” military drills near Borisov, Belarus September 15, 2025. © REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov

    At least two U.S. military officers – Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan Shoupe and another unidentified officer – were in Belarus to observe the “Zapad-2025” war games, which were also being watched by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.

    Fighter jets, attack drones and helicopters flew over a training ground hemmed in by trees as infantry practised firing automatic weapons, mortars and missile systems and riding into combat on motorcycles.

    The exercise, being held at training grounds in both countries, is a show of force that Russia and Belarus say is designed to test combat readiness.

    But it has unnerved some neighbouring countries after the drone incursion into Poland as Moscow’s war in Ukraine grinds towards its fourth year. Warsaw has temporarily closed its border with Belarus as a precaution.

    Long a staunch Russian ally, President Alexander Lukashenko allowed Moscow to use Belarus to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, and has since allowed Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

    Trump, who has suggested that the drone incursion may have been the result of a mistake, last week lifted sanctions on Belarus’s national airline Belavia, allowing it to service and buy components for its fleet, which includes Boeing aircraft.

    QSWJ3VONEVIZHPVKN2HB7O2DVI
    Russian and Belarusian flags fly at a training ground during the joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” military drills near Borisov, Belarus September 15, 2025. © REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov

    He did so after Lukashenko – who regularly talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin and was given a friendly hand-signed letter from Trump by Coale – agreed to free 52 prisoners, including journalists and political opponents.

    Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenikov personally greeted the two U.S. officers, who shook his hand and, speaking in Russian, thanked him for inviting them.

    “We will show whatever is of interest for you. Whatever you want. You can go there and see, talk to people,” the minister told the Americans, who declined to speak to reporters afterwards.

    Their attendance was presented by the Belarusian defence ministry as a surprise.

    “Who would have thought how the morning of another day of the Zapad-2025 exercise would begin?” it said in a statement, noting their presence among representatives from 23 countries including fellow NATO member states Turkey and Hungary as well as China, Ethiopia and Indonesia.

    The last time the Zapad (“West”) drills were held, in 2021, a U.S. military official based in Ukraine travelled to Belarus to watch them.

  • UK and US Move to Bolster Financial Ties in Advance of Trump Visit

    UK and US Move to Bolster Financial Ties in Advance of Trump Visit

    trump starmer AP 25209651992908 NAT 0728
    U.S. President Donald Trump, centre right, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Monday, July 28, 2025. © Jane Barlow/Pool Photo via AP, file

    Donald Trump flies into Britain on Tuesday evening for a three-day state visit, with the US and UK promising to boost financial ties, including by exploring closer alignment of their capital markets.

    UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wants to use Trump’s visit to showcase Britain as an inward investment hotspot, with US private equity company Blackstone pledging to invest £100bn in British assets over the next decade. US officials said there would be at least $10bn of investment deals in the technology sector, an agreement on nuclear co-operation and an exploration of “how the deep connections between our leading financial hubs can be maintained into the future”.  But Trump’s arrival could throw up problems for Starmer.

    The US president is unpopular in Britain and his schedule has been designed to shield him from any public or political protest. Trump will not address the UK parliament and is expected to travel by helicopter from the US ambassador’s residence in London to Windsor Castle and later to Starmer’s country retreat at Chequers. Trump has not yet finalised a deal, agreed with Starmer in May, to exempt British steel exports from US tariffs, although they do benefit from lower 25 per cent levies compared with the 50 per cent applied to other countries.

    British officials were in Washington on Monday holding urgent talks with US trade officials to try to conclude a deal that would exempt Scotch whisky from a 10 per cent tariff imposed on other UK exports.

    A senior US official said the White House was not “tracking” any announcement to reduce US tariffs on whisky, in a sign that an agreement was unlikely. But the official suggested it may well be discussed. Meanwhile, US officials would not be drawn on whether Trump would endorse Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist who is admired by figures on the American right and who organised a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London on Saturday, attended by between 110,000 and 150,000 people.

    Asked whether he would speak out in support of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, or even meet him, a US official said: “I don’t have anything on that right now.” For Trump, the highlight of the visit is expected to be a stay with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where he will be feted with a fly-past by military jets, a carriage procession and a state banquet.

    But Starmer will try to use the visit to focus on financial, tech and nuclear co-operation, in an attempt to bolster his claims to have a “growth agenda” and to move on from a series of scandals that have rocked his government. Starmer is facing a wave of anger among Labour MPs and questions over his judgment after sacking his US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson last week over his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

    Trump is likely to be grilled over his own connections to Epstein at a press conference on Thursday, his last official business before returning to the US.

    The state visit will be preceded on Tuesday by talks in Downing Street between UK chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent over closer financial co-operation.

    By aligning UK standards more closely with the US, Reeves would be hoping to increase access to the world’s deepest and most liquid financial markets, as well as attract greater American investment into Britain.

    Stock Widget

    The push follows a period of intense political anxiety over an exodus of London-listed companies to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, as businesses seek higher valuations on the other side of the Atlantic. Trump will bring leading figures from Big Tech including OpenAI’s Sam Altman and chipmaker Nvidia’s NVDA +2.45% ▲ Jensen Huang on his delegation, while companies such as Rolls-Royce RYCEY +1.80% ▲, GSK GSK +1.35% ▲ and Microsoft MSFT +1.95% ▲ will attend a business roundtable at Chequers.

    US officials did not indicate to what extent Trump would press Starmer on Britain’s Online Safety Act, which has been a source of tension between Washington and London as some US tech companies have decried it as censorship.

    “How that may or may not play into the bilateral discussion that will take place with the prime minister is yet unknown. It may well arise, but it may not,” a senior US official said. “Free speech in the UK, but free speech elsewhere, is something that we in this administration are very much focused on,” they added.

    Stock Widget

    Blackstone BX +2.65% ▲ is making its commitment to Britain as part of a broader $500bn investment push across Europe, which co-founder Stephen Schwarzman told The Financial Times aimed to profit from economic reforms and a revival of growth. Blackstone’s top leaders like Schwarzman and president Jonathan Gray have long considered the UK a key market for the $1.2tn in assets investment group, and they have strong ties with Downing Street.

    Blackstone is already one of the largest foreign investors in the UK, with billions put into digital infrastructure and ecommerce warehouses, among other things. It also has large corporate investments including Merlin Entertainments, the owner of Legoland, and was a major shareholder in the London Stock Exchange’s parent company until fully divesting its shares last year. 

  • Rubio Heads to Israel Following Stalled Gaza Talks, Doha Strike

    Rubio Heads to Israel Following Stalled Gaza Talks, Doha Strike

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for Israel on Sept. 13, announcing a renewed effort to win the return of hostages taken by Hamas and address humanitarian concerns after nearly two years of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

    “On my way to Jerusalem. My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas,” Rubio said in a post on X on Saturday afternoon.

    “Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal.”

    Rubio’s visit comes on the heels of an Israeli strike on the Qatari capital of Doha that targeted Hamas leadership there. Hamas officials had recently received a U.S. proposal to secure the release of hostages remaining in Gaza.

    Following the Sept. 9 Israeli strike on Doha, Hamas issued a statement asserting that the attack proved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government “do not want to reach any agreement.”

    The Qatari monarchy, which has acted as a mediator for negotiations between Israel and Hamas, also condemned the Israeli strike.

    Before the Sept. 9 Israeli strike on Doha, President Donald Trump had said his administration was in “very deep negotiations with Hamas” to bring an end to the fighting in Gaza.

    The U.S. president said Israel acted alone in its strike on Doha. He said eliminating Hamas remains a worthy goal, but assured Qatari leaders that such a strike would not occur again on their soil.

    “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Trump wrote in a Sept. 9 post on his Truth Social platform.

    Qatar has played a key role hosting U.S. forces in the region. In June, U.S. forces stationed at Al Udeid Air Base defended against an Iranian missile barrage that Tehran ordered in retaliation for a U.S. strike that targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities.

    Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani visited the United States on Sept. 12 and met with Trump, Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

    Speaking with reporters before his departure on Saturday, Rubio said his focus will be on helping win the release of 48 hostages, the permanent defeat of Hamas, and rebuilding the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. Rubio acknowledged he would also have to address how the Israeli strike on Qatar’s capital would impact the discussions surrounding the Gaza conflict.

    Rubio said that, despite the Doha strike, the U.S.–Israeli relationship remains strong.

    “Sometimes things happen or come up in those relationships that perhaps we’re not 100 percent aligned with, or unhappy. But it’s not going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis. But we are going to have to talk about it,” he said.

    Rubio’s visit to Israel also comes amid mounting pressure in the international community for recognition of a Palestinian state.

    The Trump administration has argued that international recognition of a Palestinian state would amount to a reward for Hamas.

    Speaking with reporters in Ecuador last week, Rubio warned that Israel could respond to international recognition of a Palestinian state by annexing the West Bank, a territory viewed as the heart of the Palestinian statehood claim. Additionally, Rubio warned that a move to legitimize the cause of Palestinian statehood could also undermine efforts to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

    “We told all these countries, before they went out and they did this—we told them that if they did this, they went through with this thing, there wasn’t going to be a Palestinian state because that’s not the way a Palestinian state is going to happen—because they have a press conference somewhere,” Rubio said on Sept. 5. “And we told them that it would lead to these sort of reciprocal actions and it would make a cease-fire harder.”

  • Promoters Cancel Bob Vylan Concert Over Remarks on Charlie Kirk Assassination

    Promoters Cancel Bob Vylan Concert Over Remarks on Charlie Kirk Assassination

    A Bob Vylan concert in the Netherlands has been cancelled after comments made by the performer on stage about the assassination of Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk.

    A member of the outspoken punk duo, who caused controversy when they chanted for the “death” of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at Glastonbury Festival, told the audience “if you chat shit you will get banged” in footage widely shared on social media.

    In response, their planned performance on Tuesday September 16 at the 013 in Tilburg has been cancelled, with the venue saying the statements made by the performer “go too far”.

    d987214281064aa2d9cf1410bff64df1Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU3OTY0MjA1 2.80839099

    During their performance at Amsterdam’s Paradiso on Saturday, frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, told fans: “I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of shit of a human being.

    “The pronouns was/were. Cause if you chat shit you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit.”

    Mr Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of the president, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, in what authorities called a political assassination.

    Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Kirk in central London on Saturday with speakers hailing him as a “Christian martyr” and calling for people to wage a “war on evil”.

    A translated statement on the 013 website on Sunday said: “The planned performance by British rap-punk group Bob Vylan on Tuesday, September 16th, at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg has been cancelled.

    “The reason for the cancellation is the controversial statements the artist made last night during a show at Paradiso in Amsterdam.

    “Despite the controversy that arose after their Glastonbury performance, 013 decided to let Bob Vylan perform in Tilburg.”

    The venue said it had an “understanding for the artist’s anger” regarding the violence in Israel and said the duo clarified in a statement that the “death to the IDF” chant was “not an antisemitic slogan, but rather criticism of the Israeli army”.

    8caab1d79d164e3b0c5704d294efe8daY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU3OTcwMTUz 2.81593482

    The statement added: “While we understand that these statements were made in the context of punk and activism, and that the reporting on them is sometimes less nuanced than what actually happened, we still believe these new statements go too far. They no longer fall within the scope of what we can offer a platform.”

    In a statement on its website, Club Paradiso said: “On Saturday September 13, during his performance at Paradiso, artist Bob Vylan made statements that many experienced as harsh and offensive.

    “Paradiso believes in the power of artistic freedom. Music, and punk in particular, has traditionally been a form of art that amplifies anger, discontent, and injustice without filter.

    “In a world on fire, artists sometimes choose language that sounds confrontational or violent. That is part of artistic expression, but not automatically language that we as a venue endorse.

    “Paradiso shares the outrage and concern regarding the genocidal violence taking place in Gaza.

    “That Bob Vylan raises his voice against it is legitimate and necessary. Should the Openbaar Ministerie (public prosecution service) wish to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed, Paradiso will cooperate.”

    After reports that his comments “celebrated” Mr Kirk’s death, Bobby Vylan said in an Instagram video: “At no point during yesterday’s show was Charlie Kirk’s death celebrated. At no point whatsoever did we celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death.”

    The duo, comprised of frontman Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, have another gig in the Netherlands at Doornroosje which is billed for Monday.

    A translated statement on the Doornroosje website, which appears to have been online prior to the recent comments, said: “Bob Vylan plays at Doornroosje because he’s an act that fits within our programming. The band has previously been booked for Doornroosje and played at the Valkhof Festival.”

    Following Bobby Vylan’s comments about the IDF at Glastonbury in June, Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation.

    Earlier in the month, BBC director general Tim Davie said the corporation’s decision to broadcast Bob Vylan’s set live was “a very significant mistake”.

    While facing questions from MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Davie said the punk duo’s set was “antisemitic” and “deeply disturbing”.

    The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: “We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.”

    Bobby Vylan said in a social media post that “there was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury”.

  • Housing Stock Soars on Unexpected Market Shift

    Housing Stock Soars on Unexpected Market Shift

    The housing market seems to be stuck in second gear.

    Mortgage rates eased out to 6.35% this week, though the lowest it has been in nearly a year, but affordability remains mostly tight.

    Moreover, July existing-home sales ran at 4.01 million SAAR, with around 4.6 months’ supply and a $422,400 median price. August list price held around the $429,990 mark while homes sat 60 days on market, up seven days year-over-year. 

    That mix mostly points to cautious buyers, along with a thin supply, despite a small rate break.

    Stock Widget

    Against that backdrop, one housing stock has gone near-vertical. Opendoor Technologies OPEN +269.00% ▲ has surged close to 269% in the past month.

     Surprisingly, the incredible activity in the stock isn’t about a sudden macro tailwind. It’s about a company-specific pivot that has Wall Street back on the bandwagon.

    What is Opendoor Technologies?

    Opendoor is a tech-heavy homebuyer that makes efficient use of data and algorithms to make instant cash offers on homes. It also resells them with the aim to swap the long listing process for clarity and speed.

    Think of it like trading in a car, which you can sell directly to Opendoor for cash and then pick your closing date, while the company handles repairs/resale on its side.

    It’s important to note that Opendoor went public via a shell company when it merged with Social Capital Hedosophia II (IPOB). The deal closed mid-December 2020, with the combined company trading as OPEN on Dec. 21, 2020.

    Opendoor stock reached an all-time high closing price of $35.88 on Feb. 11, 2021, which was a period fueled by record-low mortgage rates (2.65% in January 2021 to be precise), along with a red-hot housing market that strengthened its iBuying business model.

    Challenges for Opendoor’s business and stock in past few years

    • Mortgage rates jumped from 2021 lows, which effectively killed affordability and turnover.
    • Existing-home sales tanked to multi-decade lows in 2024, crippling Opendoor’s deal flow.
    • Large losses and inventory write-downs (its massive net loss of $1.4 billion in 2022, for instance) pressured capital and sentiment.
    • iBuyer model credibility hit when one of its competitors (Zillow Offers) exited in 2021, on the back of price-forecasting issues.

    Opendoor stock surges on founder-led reset

    Opendoor has clearly been one of the hottest stocks of late. It’s up 269% in the past month, 650% over six months, and an eye-catching 467% year to date on the back of its “founder-led” reset.

    That reset had everything to do with former Shopify’s COO Kaz Nejatian assuming the role of CEO, while cofounders Keith Rabois (as chair) and Eric Wu returned to the board. 

    Alongside the critical leadership changes, there was a $40 million equity injection from Khosla Ventures and Wu.

    Nejatian laid out the vision clearly:

    “It’s a privilege to become Opendoor’s leader… With AI, we have the tools to make [home buying/selling] radically simpler, faster, and more certain.” Also, incentives are designed to match ambition, with his base pay being $1, plus performance-tied equity grants.

    The Fresh capital extends the runway as the founder-mode philosophy expands oversight while tightening governance, with early signals pointing to aggressive cost discipline.

    Rabois called the company overstaffed, resulting in sharp opex cuts in the upcoming quarters. That will efficiently reset unit economics, support margins, and strengthen long-term viability.

  • UnitedHealth Turns to Trump Allies Amid Washington Challenges

    UnitedHealth Turns to Trump Allies Amid Washington Challenges

    Stock Widget

    In the high-stakes world of American healthcare, where billions of dollars in federal funds hang in the balance, UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH -2.45% ▼ is pulling out all the stops to navigate a storm of regulatory scrutiny and policy shifts under the Trump administration. The nation’s largest health insurer, grappling with criminal investigations into its lucrative Medicare Advantage business and looming threats to its billing practices, has turned to a time-tested Washington strategy: leveraging connections to former President Donald Trump’s inner circle. From high-level meetings with Justice Department officials to dinners with Medicare overseers and a surge in lobbying expenditures, UnitedHealth is working overtime to plead its case directly with the powers that be.

    This aggressive outreach comes at a pivotal moment for the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based giant. UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage segment, which generated over $100 billion in revenue in 2023 according to Medicare data, has long been the crown jewel of its operations. These private plans, which manage federal benefits for seniors and disabled individuals, have been a boon for insurers, offering higher reimbursements than traditional fee-for-service Medicare. But recent changes to federal payment rules under the Biden administration, coupled with ongoing probes, have eroded profitability and wiped out nearly 40% of the company’s market value since April.

    The company’s troubles intensified in May when The Wall Street Journal first reported that the Justice Department’s criminal fraud unit had launched an investigation into UnitedHealth’s Medicare practices. Shortly thereafter, UnitedHealth secured an unusual meeting with senior Justice Department officials, including Chad Mizelle, the attorney general’s chief of staff. According to people familiar with the meeting, the discussion touched on the probes targeting the company—a move that former prosecutors described as atypical for a firm in the early stages of a criminal inquiry.

    “You don’t typically see companies under investigation getting face time with top brass like that,” said Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and a legal analyst who has followed similar cases. “The goal in investigations is to maintain independence and avoid any perception of favoritism or leaks. This kind of access raises eyebrows.”

    UnitedHealth’s CEO, Stephen Hemsley, who returned to the role in May after serving as chairman and previously as CEO, has been at the forefront of these efforts. Hemsley, a veteran of the company since the 1990s, recently met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to discuss Medicare policy and other healthcare issues, though government investigations were not on the agenda, according to a White House official. Earlier in the summer, Hemsley dined with Chris Klomp, the official overseeing Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where they delved into topics like Medicare-plan billing policies and the supplemental benefits offered through private plans, sources familiar with the matter said.

    These engagements underscore a broader playbook in Washington: direct access to decision-makers. UnitedHealth has also sought meetings with President Trump himself, though it has not yet secured one, according to people close to the discussions. The company is particularly focused on resolving the ongoing investigations, which include not only the criminal probe but also civil and antitrust inquiries.

    The backdrop to these maneuvers is a company in recovery mode. UnitedHealth’s stock has shown some tentative signs of stabilization since Hemsley’s return, but the Washington overhang persists. The insurer was already reeling from the tragic public murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of its UnitedHealthcare insurance unit, in December 2024—an event that shocked the industry and added to operational disruptions. Amid this, Hemsley has outlined a recovery plan emphasizing cost controls, operational efficiencies, and advocacy in policy circles.

    Financially, the hits have been hard. Changes to Medicare billing rules implemented by the Biden administration began impacting results in earnest this year, squeezing margins in the Medicare Advantage business. Investors are now laser-focused on how the Trump administration will handle these practices. Mehmet Oz, Trump’s nominee for CMS administrator and a high-profile television personality turned public health advocate, has vowed a crackdown on certain insurer tactics, including those employed by UnitedHealth. “We’re going to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare,” Oz said during his confirmation hearings earlier this year, signaling potential further reimbursement cuts or stricter oversight.

    AA1MvBeA
    White House chief of staff Susie Wiles© Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    To counter these threats, UnitedHealth has ramped up its Washington presence dramatically. In the first half of 2025, the company spent $7.7 million on lobbying—roughly double the amount from the same period in 2024, according to its own disclosure filings with the Senate. This surge outpaced rivals: Humana Inc. and Cigna Group saw only modest increases in their lobbying budgets during the same timeframe.

    A key part of this strategy involves hiring influencers with deep Trump ties. UnitedHealth brought on Brian Ballard, a prominent fundraiser for the president and founder of Ballard Partners, as its top outside lobbyist. Ballard’s firm, which started representing UnitedHealth in 2024, has become the company’s highest-paid external advocacy group, per disclosure records. Ballard, known for his access to the White House and Capitol Hill, has been instrumental in facilitating connections.

    The company also enlisted Jesse Panuccio, a former senior Justice Department official from Trump’s first term who now partners at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. Panuccio played a role in arranging the meeting with Justice Department officials, including Mizelle, sources said. Additionally, in a shareholder lawsuit filed against the company, UnitedHealth in July replaced its legal team from WilmerHale—a firm criticized by Trump—with Robert Giuffra, the president’s personal lawyer and a securities litigator at Sullivan & Cromwell, along with his colleagues.

    This shift in legal representation highlights the personalized nature of influence-peddling in the Trump era. “Lobbying spending often ticks up year over year, but 2025 is on track to shatter records,” said Anna Massoglia, a researcher at OpenSecrets.org, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. “With the administration’s inner circle so accessible, companies are going all-in on direct relationships. It’s more nuanced now—you can court the president, his family, and allies outright.”

    AA1MvO3p
    Jesse Panuccio, who was a senior Justice Department official in President Trump’s first term.© Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    UnitedHealth’s disclosures paint a picture of an all-hands-on-deck approach. The company has increased its roster of lobbyists and lawyers with Trump-era credentials, aiming to shape policies on Medicare payments, supplemental benefits, and regulatory relief. In a statement to reporters, UnitedHealth emphasized its proactive stance: “Public policy shapes healthcare across America, and it’s our responsibility to engage with the administration and Congress at all levels to improve patient access and affordability,” a spokesman said. “This is especially true now as critical decisions are being made.” The spokesman added that lobbying expenditures fluctuate annually based on needs.

    Executives have been candid with Wall Street about these efforts. In a recent earnings call, Hemsley told analysts that the company has been “engaged and collaborative with the administration,” providing management with “a seat at the table,” according to notes from a Morgan Stanley investor briefing last week. This engagement yielded a tangible win in August, when the Justice Department cleared UnitedHealth’s long-stalled $3.3 billion acquisition of home-health provider Amedisys Inc. after the company agreed to divestitures. The deal, first announced in 2023, had been bogged down in antitrust reviews.

    The White House has downplayed any special treatment. “The Administration routinely meets with insurers to deliver on the President’s mandate of improving healthcare and lowering costs for everyday Americans,” said Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, in response to inquiries about UnitedHealth’s outreach.

    Yet, the investigations remain a thorn in UnitedHealth’s side. When the Journal broke the story of the criminal probe in May, the company initially stated it had not been formally notified and robustly defended its Medicare Advantage integrity. “We have full confidence in our practices,” a spokesman said at the time. But by July 24, in a securities filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, UnitedHealth disclosed that it had proactively reached out to the Justice Department and was complying with formal criminal and civil requests. The filing reiterated the company’s commitment to cooperation.

    The probe, led by the Justice Department’s criminal fraud unit, is examining potential overbilling and other practices in Medicare Advantage, sources familiar with the matter confirmed. It remains active, with no resolution in sight. Civil investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services and antitrust scrutiny of mergers add layers of complexity.

    Former Justice officials like McQuade stress the rarity of such high-level interventions. “You don’t want to give anyone a heads-up,” she said, referring to the risks of discussing active cases. Panuccio, who helped orchestrate the meeting, did not respond to requests for comment.

    For UnitedHealth, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Medicare Advantage accounts for a significant portion of its $371 billion in total 2024 revenue, and any adverse policy changes could derail its growth trajectory. The company serves about 8 million enrollees in these plans, making it the market leader with a roughly 30% share. Rivals like Humana, which derives even more of its business from Medicare Advantage, are watching closely, though their lobbying increases have been more measured.

    Broader industry dynamics are at play. The Trump administration has promised to overhaul healthcare, with Oz’s CMS nomination signaling a focus on efficiency and fraud reduction. Insurers fear this could mean clawbacks on prior payments or caps on supplemental benefits like dental and vision coverage, which have driven enrollment surges. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans hit 33 million in 2025, up from 29 million the prior year, per CMS data.

    UnitedHealth’s pivot to Trump allies reflects a sea change in corporate advocacy. In Trump’s first term, industries from tech to energy hired former administration officials to navigate deregulation. Now, with a second term underway, the trend is accelerating. “Companies are figuring out how to win over the new guard,” Massoglia said. “It’s not just about money—it’s about relationships.”

    As UnitedHealth pushes forward, the outcomes of these efforts will shape not only its fortunes but the future of privatized Medicare. For now, Hemsley and his team are betting on personal diplomacy to turn the tide. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but in Washington, access is everything.

  • Amy Coney Barrett Says Charlie Kirk’s Death Highlights Importance of Kindness

    Amy Coney Barrett Says Charlie Kirk’s Death Highlights Importance of Kindness

    image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F09%2F28%2Fid5731943 barrett 1 OP
    Judge Amy Coney Barrett in Washington on Oct. 1, 2020. © Erin Scott-Pool/Getty Images

    Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of why Americans must find ways to settle disagreements through civil discourse rather than violence.

    Barrett made the remarks on Sept. 12 during an appearance at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where she was promoting her new book, “Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution.”

    Asked about the killing at the start of the event, she urged students to model a better way of engaging across political divides.

    Asked by the moderator to comment on Kirk’s killing, which took place on Sept. 10 in Utah, Barrett said it’s important to have disagreements in “a civil and collegial way.”

    “Too often when I look around the country—I mean political violence is the most grotesque symptom of it, but there are others, too, just in online conversations and the way that people treat those with whom they disagree,” Barrett said.

    “And that’s actually one of the points that I tried to make in the book. It’s just not a way to run a society.”

    “You can have a spirited debate without tearing somebody down,” she added during the Q&A portion of the event.

    Barrett briefly acknowledged her own security concerns, saying she felt safe under round-the-clock protection.

    “I’m in very good hands,” she said.

    Security for Supreme Court justices has drawn heightened attention since 2022, when a man was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home and charged with attempting to assassinate him.

    A Nation on Edge

    Just hours before Barrett’s appearance, Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, delivered an emotional message during a livestream on Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel. It was her first public appearance since her husband’s assassination two days earlier.

    “The evil-doers for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said.

    “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”

    Vowing to continue her husband’s work, she said the movement he launched as a high school project and turned into a national campus force would not be silenced.

    Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

    Known for his “prove me wrong” campus debates and emphasis on engaging young voters, the 31-year-old was just minutes into his latest campus tour stop when a gunshot ended his life.

    Authorities later announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was detained on suspicion of aggravated murder and related charges.

    Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said investigators recovered a Mauser 98 .30-06 bolt-action rifle with a scope, allegedly used in the attack. Bullet casings at the scene carried engraved messages, some with anti-fascist slogans and others referencing taunting internet memes, according to authorities.

    One casing allegedly read “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by directional arrow symbols resembling a video game code. Another bullet allegedly carried lyrics from the World War II-era Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao.”

    Cox said the suspect had become “more political in recent years” and had discussed Kirk with family, saying he disliked him for “spreading hate.”

    Kirk’s killing has intensified concerns that the country may be entering a new era of political violence.

    Susan MacManus, a veteran Florida political analyst, told The NY Budgets that the tragedy could be a catalyst for change—but only if lawmakers use it to recommit to civility.

    “But is it going to be a catalyst for the two parties coming together and saying, ‘Enough of this’?” she asked.

    “Or is it just going to be a catalyst for even further deepening the polarization in this country?”

  • Critical American Manufacturing Firm Seeks Chapter 11 Protection

    Critical American Manufacturing Firm Seeks Chapter 11 Protection

    In a blow to U.S. industrial self-sufficiency and national security, U.S. Magnesium LLC, the nation’s sole primary producer of magnesium metal, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 10, 2025. The filing, lodged in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, stems from escalating regulatory disputes with the state of Utah over alleged environmental pollution from its Rowley facility along the shrinking Great Salt Lake. With assets and liabilities estimated between $100 million and $500 million, the company—wholly owned by billionaire Ira Rennert’s Renco Group Inc.—is seeking to restructure through a going-concern sale, warning that its collapse could force America to rely almost entirely on adversarial nations like China and Russia for critical minerals essential to defense and high-tech manufacturing.

    U.S. Magnesium’s predicament highlights the fragile intersection of environmental regulation, economic viability, and geopolitical strategy. Operating since 2002, the facility extracts magnesium, lithium, and other chemicals from the Great Salt Lake’s brine, supplying industries from aerospace to electric vehicles. But years of operational setbacks, including global price crashes, equipment failures, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have compounded tensions with Utah regulators. The state’s Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands recently moved to terminate the company’s leases, citing persistent pollution linked to a 2017 academic study that implicated the refinery in up to 25% of the Salt Lake Valley’s notorious winter “brown clouds.”

    In a statement released shortly after the filing, U.S. Magnesium emphasized its role as a vital domestic supplier. “This decision, reached after careful consideration, reflects our ongoing commitment to responsibility, integrity, and long-term sustainability as we navigate an accumulation of significant challenges,” the company said. It plans to use the bankruptcy process under Sections 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code to resolve disputes, facilitate a sale, and “preserve the value of our business, honor our commitments to employees and partners, [and] continue our longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship while being a key domestic supplier of critical minerals for many years to come.”

    Environmental Flashpoint: Pollution Allegations Ignite Regulatory Battle

    The bankruptcy filing arrives amid a heated standoff with Utah authorities, who accuse U.S. Magnesium of exacerbating air quality issues in the densely populated Wasatch Front region. The controversy traces back to a 2017 study by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), a joint University of Colorado Boulder and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program. Conducted during a severe winter inversion episode, the research modeled emissions from the Rowley refinery and found that chlorine and bromine—halogenated compounds released during magnesium production—contributed 10-25% of the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) forming the persistent brown clouds that blanket Salt Lake City.

    PM 2.5, microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns, pose severe health risks by penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory diseases, heart problems, and premature deaths. The study noted that winter pollution levels in the Salt Lake Valley exceed national air quality standards on an average of 18 days per year, with the refinery’s plume playing a “significant” role. Lead author Carrie Womack, now with NOAA, confirmed in recent interviews that chlorine emissions have shown “no significant decline” over the past five years, despite company claims of mitigation efforts.

    Utah officials, citing the aging report and ongoing monitoring, argue the facility’s operations threaten public health and the ecologically fragile Great Salt Lake, which has lost over 50% of its volume since 1980 due to drought and diversions. In August 2025, the state demanded the company halt massive water pumping—up to 400,000 acre-feet annually—from the lake, further straining relations. Environmental groups like Friends of Great Salt Lake have long criticized U.S. Magnesium for noncompliance with water and air protection laws, including potential contamination of groundwater with heavy metals.

    U.S. Magnesium counters that the 2017 data is outdated and doesn’t reflect upgrades, including a $400 million investment in lithium production infrastructure. The company idled its magnesium operations in 2020 due to force majeure from COVID and a major customer closure (Allegheny Technologies’ Rowley plant), pivoting to lithium carbonate—the first such plant in the U.S.—using advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. However, an 80% plunge in lithium prices since 2022, coupled with operational hurdles and regional water policies, forced a pause in lithium output in late 2024.

    The bankruptcy filing, a voluntary petition, lists Renco as the 100% equity holder. Renco, which has poured over $400 million into the venture without dividends for a decade, pledges to recapitalize the buyer and assume environmental liabilities. “We’re not walking away—we’re buying the assets and assuming environmental liabilities to rebuild,” the statement reads, hoping the process fosters “constructive dialogue” with Utah to avoid inheriting cleanup costs.

    The Strategic Imperative: Magnesium and Lithium as National Security Linchpins

    U.S. Magnesium’s plight extends far beyond Utah’s borders, striking at the heart of America’s push for mineral independence. Magnesium, designated a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2022, is indispensable for national defense and economic resilience. As the lightest structural metal, it alloys with aluminum to create high-strength, lightweight components used in military aircraft, missiles, helicopters, and vehicle armor—reducing weight by up to 30% for better fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

    The Pentagon has repeatedly flagged magnesium’s vulnerabilities: The U.S. imports over 54% of its needs, with China dominating 85% of global production. Russia, another key supplier, faces sanctions that could disrupt flows amid ongoing conflicts. Without domestic capacity, supply chains for F-35 jets, submarines, and munitions become precarious. “Magnesium is one of the identified critical minerals… very much come to the forefront with all of the geopolitical froth,” said Barry Baim, director at West High Yield Resources, underscoring demand from government and industry.

    Former President Donald Trump echoed these concerns in a 2020 executive order, declaring reliance on “hostile foreign powers” an acute threat to national and economic security. The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Defense Production Act investments further prioritize onshore production, with magnesium essential for electric vehicles (enhancing EV range), wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries—where U.S. Magnesium’s dual expertise in magnesium and lithium positions it uniquely.

    Lithium, another critical mineral, powers the green energy transition and defense electronics. U.S. Magnesium’s mothballed plant, developed with partners like International Battery Metals (IBAT), aimed to produce 5,000 metric tons annually using modular DLE on waste brines— a first for the U.S. But idling it amid low prices (down 80% since peaks) and water restrictions has left a void, as domestic lithium supply lags behind surging EV demand.

    Experts warn of dire consequences if the sale falters. “If U.S. Magnesium fails, the United States would need to buy key products from China and Russia,” amplifying risks from trade wars, tariffs, and sanctions. The Defense Logistics Agency lists magnesium among strategic materials, and GAO reports highlight seawater and brine extraction as potential alternatives—but scaling them could take years.

    Path Forward: Restructuring Amid Uncertainty

    The Chapter 11 process offers U.S. Magnesium breathing room to operate while marketing its assets. With 186 employees laid off in 2024 during the lithium idle, the filing prioritizes payroll and vendor obligations. Renco’s commitment to bid signals intent to retain operations, potentially resolving Utah’s lease termination threat—valued positively by the state as it avoids cleanup burdens estimated in the tens of millions.

    Yet, challenges abound. Global magnesium oversupply and “offshore dumping” have depressed prices to historic lows, while equipment woes and the 2016 Allegheny closure eroded revenue. Utah’s evolving water policies, including a 2025 plan to curb Great Salt Lake diversions, add pressure. A conciliatory tone in the statement aims to “catalyze constructive dialogue,” but environmental advocates remain skeptical, pushing for stricter oversight.

    For the broader economy, the stakes are high. Reviving U.S. Magnesium aligns with federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act, potentially injecting capital for restarts. As one analyst noted, “This is an opportunity to finalize agreements… continuing to produce critical minerals in the United States, as the administration has been urging as a national priority.”

    U.S. Magnesium’s saga underscores the tensions in America’s quest for secure supply chains: Balancing environmental imperatives with industrial needs in a resource-scarce world. If the restructuring succeeds, it could bolster domestic resilience; if not, it risks deepening U.S. vulnerabilities to foreign powers.

  • Alleged Killer of Charlie Kirk Lived with Transgender Partner, Officials say

    Alleged Killer of Charlie Kirk Lived with Transgender Partner, Officials say

    In a startling revelation that has deepened the intrigue surrounding the assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, senior FBI officials have disclosed that the alleged gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, was living with a transgender partner in a quiet Utah apartment. The partnership, described by authorities as romantic, has thrust an unexpected personal dimension into an already high-profile investigation, raising questions about the motives behind the slaying of one of the right-wing movement’s most prominent voices.

    The disclosure comes as federal investigators continue to unravel the threads of what they describe as a meticulously planned attack on Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit powerhouse that has mobilized millions in conservative activism and youth outreach. Kirk’s death on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through political circles, prompting immediate concerns about the stability of conservative organizations and the broader implications for political discourse in an increasingly polarized America. Turning Point USA, which reported revenues exceeding $50 million in its most recent fiscal year according to IRS filings, now faces an uncertain future without its charismatic leader, with board members scrambling to appoint an interim successor amid a surge in donor inquiries and event cancellations.

    According to multiple senior-level FBI officials who spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the probe, Robinson shared an apartment in Saint George, Utah, with an unnamed individual—a biological male in the process of transitioning to female. The two were in a committed romantic relationship, sources confirmed, and the partner has emerged as a key figure in the FBI’s efforts to piece together Robinson’s mindset and preparations leading up to the shooting.

    robinson apartment utah
    Forensic agents are seen at the apartment complex where Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, lived in St. George, Utah, on Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. His widow pledged on Sept. 12 to continue his work after U.S. authorities announced the suspect’s capture. © Romain Fonsegrives/AFP

    “Robinson’s partner is fully cooperating with the FBI’s investigation,” one official told Fox News Digital. Another described the individual as “extremely cooperative,” emphasizing that the person “had no idea” about Robinson’s alleged plot to assassinate Kirk. Importantly, the partner is not currently facing any criminal charges related to the incident, and the FBI has explicitly stated there is no evidence implicating them in the planning or execution of the attack.

    The apartment in question is located in the same southern Utah community where Robinson’s parents reside, adding a layer of familial proximity to the narrative. Saint George, a conservative enclave in Washington County with a population of around 100,000, is roughly four hours by car from Utah Valley University in Orem, the site of the fatal shooting. This geographic detail has fueled speculation among investigators about whether Robinson selected the location for its relative seclusion or as a base for reconnaissance trips.

    FBI agents executed a search warrant at the shared apartment shortly after Robinson’s arrest, seizing critical evidence including computers, electronic devices, and communications records. Text messages and other digital exchanges between Robinson and his partner were pivotal in helping agents identify and locate the suspect, officials revealed. The seized computers have been transported to the FBI’s forensic laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for a thorough analysis, where experts will comb through hard drives, browsing history, and encrypted files for any signs of radicalization or external influences.

    CGWQEIO3AFO6JJ2QW3QXUCJN2M
    Washington City, Utah police stand outside a residence in Washington, Utah, associated with Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, U.S., September 12, 2025. © REUTERS/Steve Marcus

    The FBI declined to elaborate on the specifics of the communications or whether Robinson’s partner might face charges in the future. “We don’t comment on active investigations,” an agency spokesperson told reporters Friday afternoon. However, the spokesperson underscored the bureau’s commitment to exhaustive scrutiny: “The FBI is investigating a record number of tips. Every connection, every group, every link will be investigated, and anyone involved in this matter—anywhere in the world they might be—will be brought to justice.”

    The assassination itself unfolded in dramatic fashion during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a married father of two young children and a staple on conservative media circuits, was addressing a crowd of students and supporters when the shots rang out. Authorities believe Robinson fired a single bullet from the roof of a nearby building, approximately 200 yards from the stage, striking Kirk in the chest. The conservative activist was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical intervention.

    Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the moments leading up to the tragedy. Just seconds before the shot, an audience member posed a pointed question to Kirk: “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk, known for his unfiltered rhetoric on cultural issues, replied succinctly: “Too many.” The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk responded: “Counting or not counting gang violence?” It was at that instant that the fatal shot was fired, leaving the crowd in chaos and igniting immediate debates about the role of inflammatory rhetoric in escalating political violence.

    The weapon recovered—a bolt-action rifle—has become another focal point of the investigation. Law enforcement sources confirmed to Fox News Digital that the ammunition bore inscriptions with anti-fascist messaging, a detail first leaked via social media in a preliminary bulletin from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Thursday morning. Utah Governor Spencer Cox addressed the findings during a somber press conference Friday, held at the state capitol in Salt Lake City.

    K67R22QODROKHGGPXHGNLLPSNY
    A person walks past Utah County Security Center in Spanish Fork, where Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, is currently being held, in Utah, U.S., September 12, 2025. © REUTERS/Jim Urquhart

    “Investigators discovered inscriptions on casings found with the rifle near the campus,” Cox said, his voice steady but grave. “One used casing and three unused ones contained the writings.” The governor, a moderate Republican who has navigated tense cultural divides in the Beehive State, refrained from speculating on motives but called for national reflection. “This is a tragedy that touches every corner of our society. We must come together to ensure such acts of violence are met with swift justice and preventive measures.”

    Robinson’s path to the alleged crime was marked by personal turmoil, according to family members and law enforcement. A law enforcement source familiar with the case told Fox News Digital that Robinson’s father played a pivotal role in his capture. The elder Robinson recognized his son from surveillance video images released publicly by FBI Director Kash Patel during the 33-hour manhunt that gripped the nation. Patel, a Trump-era appointee known for his aggressive stance on domestic threats, ordered the images disseminated to expedite the search.

    When Robinson arrived unannounced at his parents’ home in Saint George shortly after the shooting, he reportedly expressed suicidal ideation. “He said he wanted to kill himself,” the source recounted. The father, torn between loyalty and duty, consulted with a family minister before contacting authorities. Robinson surrendered peacefully and has been in federal custody since Thursday, charged with first-degree murder and firearms offenses. He is being held without bail at a detention facility in Salt Lake City, awaiting an initial court appearance next week.

    The case has broader ramifications for Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk built from a campus initiative into a multimillion-dollar conservative juggernaut. With annual events like the Turning Point Summit drawing thousands and generating significant revenue through sponsorships from donors including the Koch network and other GOP-aligned philanthropists, Kirk’s absence leaves a void. Financial analysts tracking nonprofit sectors note that leadership transitions in ideologically driven groups can lead to donor attrition—potentially as much as 20-30% in the first year, based on historical data from similar organizations like the Heritage Foundation during its post-founder eras.

    NGAC4F4ZAVPMNDI6VSOX2ZZJQM
    A person sits in front of the Utah County Security Center in Spanish Fork, where Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, is currently being held, in Utah, U.S., September 12, 2025. © REUTERS/Jim Urquhart 

    “Turning Point USA’s business model relies heavily on Kirk’s personal brand,” said political strategist and nonprofit expert Laura Kensington in an interview with this reporter. “His death could disrupt fundraising cycles, especially with midterms looming. Expect a spike in memorial contributions short-term, but long-term stability will depend on how quickly they pivot to new leadership.” The organization’s board has already announced a virtual town hall for donors on Monday, signaling efforts to reassure stakeholders.

    As the FBI’s investigation presses forward, questions linger about Robinson’s influences. Was the anti-fascist inscription on the ammunition a lone-wolf manifesto or evidence of ties to extremist networks? Digital forensics from Quantico could provide answers, but for now, the bureau is casting a wide net, interviewing associates and monitoring online forums for copycat threats.

    This tragedy underscores the volatile intersection of politics, identity, and violence in contemporary America. Kirk’s assassination not only robs the conservative movement of a key architect but also amplifies calls for enhanced security at political events—a market that private firms like Blackwater alumni-led companies are already eyeing for expansion. As Governor Cox put it, “Justice will be served, but healing will take time.”

  • ‘His Mission Will Continue’: Erika Kirk Vows to Carry Forward Husband’s Legacy

    ‘His Mission Will Continue’: Erika Kirk Vows to Carry Forward Husband’s Legacy

    735843fec84de69399662cfa3e9312a9
    © Courtesy of Erika Kirk/Instagram

    Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, vowed to keep her husband’s movement alive with college tours and podcasts.

    “The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done. … But they should all know this — if you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” Mrs. Kirk said in a video statement Friday.

    “You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country,” she said. “In this world, you have no idea.”

    Mr. Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was speaking on the first stop of “The American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday when he was fatally shot. A 22-year-old Utah resident, Tyler Robinson, is in custody.

    Mrs. Kirk thanked law enforcement, first responders, the followers and supporters of Turning Point USA, President Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, both of whom flew Mr. Kirk’s casket and family to Arizona from Utah on Air Force Two on Thursday.

    “My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” Mrs. Kirk said.

    She said her husband’s campus tour will continue this fall and for years to come along with his radio and podcast show.

    “And in a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty, my husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever, and his wisdom will endure,” she said.

    She urged young Americans to get involved with Turning Point USA or start their own movement.

    She spoke of her children and that her 3-year-old daughter asked where her father is and how she hasn’t found a way to tell her that he died, saying he’s on a “work trip with Jesus.”

    On Instagram, Mrs. Kirk posted several photos of herself with his casket and videos of the casket being brought back on Air Force Two.

    “The world is evil,” she wrote in the caption.

  • Turning Point USA to Hold Memorial for Founder Charlie Kirk

    Turning Point USA to Hold Memorial for Founder Charlie Kirk

    The conservative political nonprofit Turning Point USA has announced a Sept. 21. memorial service for its late founder, Charlie Kirk.

    Set to take place at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the memorial service will honor the 31-year-old political commentator, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, while leading a campus speaking tour.

    “Charlie died doing what he loved: fighting for truth, for faith, for family, and for America. His sacrifice will endure as a guiding light for generations,” Turning Point USA said in a statement on Sept. 13 announcing the tribute event.

    State Farm Stadium is the home of the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team and is located a short distance from Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix.

    Kirk cofounded the organization in 2012, with support from the late businessman and conservative political activist Bill Montgomery.

    “What began as the vision of an 18-year-old in a small garage in Lemont, Illinois, grew into one of the most powerful grassroots movements in America,” Turning Point USA’s announcement reads.

    A leading focus of Turning Point USA has been engaging high school and college-aged individuals in politics.

    Throughout his career as a conservative influencer, Kirk frequented college campuses, delivering speeches to inspire other young conservatives and engaging in debates with his ideological opponents. He was just moments into a campus debate event at Utah Valley University, on the first stop of his American Comeback Tour, when he was struck by gunfire.

    By the time of his death, Kirk had overseen the expansion of Turning Point USA into a multi-million-dollar organization with more than 250,000 student members, and chapters on around 800 college campuses around the country.

    In addition to founding Turning Point USA to support campus-level conservative activism, Kirk led the formation of Turning Point Action to support voter registration and mobilization efforts.

    Kirk’s influence brought him in direct contact with a range of top-level politicians, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

    Vance helped escort Kirk’s casket on Sept. 11, as it arrived in Arizona the day after he was killed.

    On Sept. 12, while addressing the public for the first time following his death, Kirk’s wife, Erika, described the vice president as her husband’s “dear friend.”

    Kirk’s influence crossed party lines and even national boundaries. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both joined in condemning Kirk’s killing, as did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    “Charlie’s life was short, but it was full. It was defined by truth, anchored in faith, and devoted to the country he loved. His legacy will endure for generations,” Turning Point USA said on Sept. 13.

    The Sept. 21 memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. local time, and doors will open at 8 a.m.