Utah governor pleads for public's help in finding person who shot Charlie Kirk on university campus
OREM, Utah (AP) — The shooter who assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk and then vanished off a roof and into the woods is still at large more than 24 hours later. Federal investigators appealed Thursday for the public’s help by releasing photos of the person they believe is responsible. Investigators obtained clues, including a palm print, a shoe impression and a high-powered hunting rifle found in a wooded area along the path the shooter fled. But they had yet to name a suspect or cite a motive in the killing. They were treating it as the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States across the ideological spectrum. Utah's governor pleaded for the public’s help in the search for the shooter.
How Charlie Kirk shaped a generation of young people into a conservative force
Charlie Kirk began plotting a way to mold young minds into conservatism at an age when he was still sorting out his own path. Looking for a way to channel his political inclinations into action after a rejection from West Point, Kirk was 18 when he launched a grassroots organization called Turning Point USA. Over time, it would grow alongside the rise of President Donald Trump and fuel the “Make America Great Again” movement. His rhetorical gifts for countering progressive ideas by inflaming cultural tensions and making provocative declarations instantly resonated with college audiences. Kirk held mass rallies that drew tens of thousands of young voters each year to hear top conservative leaders – Trump included – speaking on glitzy stages.
Charlie Kirk's shooting death exposes security gaps at political events
Security experts are questioning the protection provided to Charlie Kirk at the Utah college where he was fatally shot. The shooting happened Wednesday during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Campus police chief Jeff Long said six officers staffed the event and coordinated with Kirk’s security team. While the gunman remained at large Thursday, experts criticized the lack of perimeter security and the decision to hold the event outdoors. Utah allows concealed carry on campuses, complicating security efforts. The shooter fired from a rooftop, which raised concerns about securing elevated areas at such events.
Appeals court allows Trump's administration to block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood
BOSTON (AP) — A U.S. appeals court panel has allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to block Medicaid fund to Planned Parenthood while legal challenges continue. Planned Parenthood says Thursday’s ruling means that more than 1.1 million patients can’t use their Medicaid insurance at its health centers. A federal judge in July ruled Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide must continue to be reimbursed for Medicaid funding as the nation’s largest abortion provider fights Trump’s administration over efforts to defund the organization in his signature tax legislation.
Judge temporarily blocks US effort to remove dozens of immigrant Guatemalan and Honduran children
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona judge has extended a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s effort to remove Guatemalan and Honduran children living in shelters or foster care after coming to the U.S. alone. The judge issued the decision from the bench on Thursday. The administration was temporarily stopped from removing Guatemalan children over the Labor Day weekend. Lawyers for the children say their clients fear going home, and that the government is not following laws designed to protect migrant children. The Trump administration says it was trying to reunite the children with their families back home at the behest of the Guatemalan government.
What to know after Brazil's Bolsonaro is convicted and sentenced for coup attempt
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting a coup to stay in office after losing his reelection bid in 2022. He is the first former president found guilty of trying to overturn an election in Brazil, but has always denied wrongdoing. Four of the five justices on the Supreme Court panel voted to convict him Thursday and sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison. He remains under house arrest and won't go to prison right away. His lawyers can file for clarifications and say they will appeal for the full court to review his conviction and sentence.
Officials clear building at US Naval Academy following reports of threats, 1 person injured
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Officials say authorities are clearing a building at the United States Naval Academy in Maryland after reports of threats made to the military school. The spokesperson for the base that hosts the academy says one person was injured and in stable condition. Lt. Naweed Lemar said Naval Support Activity Annapolis security and local law enforcement had responded to the reports of suspicious activity Thursday. Additional details about the threat and how the person was injured were not immediately available. Lemar had said earlier that the academy in Annapolis was on lockdown “out of an abundance of caution.”
NC lawmakers likely to propose tougher pretrial release laws after fatal stabbing
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Republican legislative leaders are pushing for stricter pretrial release laws after a Ukrainian refugee was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte train. The proposed package is likely to advance at the General Assembly later this month and in part aims to reduce discretion for magistrates in criminal cases. Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall outlined the package on Thursday. It may include restarting the death penalty and blocking cashless bail for people with violent felony convictions. The stabbing suspect has a criminal history and was released earlier this year on a misdemeanor charge. Any approved legislation would go to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's desk.
Judge issues nationwide block on Trump policy that cuts off Head Start for people in US illegally
A federal judge has issued a nationwide block on a Trump administration directive that prevented children in the U.S. illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program. Head Start associations in several states filed suit against the policy change by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The ruling by a federal judge in Washington state on Thursday comes after a coalition of 21 Democratic attorney generals succeeded in temporarily halting the policy’s implementation within their own states. With the new ruling, the policy is now on hold across the country.
Trump draws cheers and boos while marking 9/11 by attending a New York Yankees game
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump attended the New York Yankees victory over the Detroit Tigers in the Bronx, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd. The visit marks the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Earlier Thursday, Trump honored victims at the Pentagon. Security was heightened at the stadium, with metal detectors and Secret Service agents present at every entrance. Trump greeted players before the game and predicted a Yankees win, recalling past games with late owner George Steinbrenner. Trump, who was born in Queens, has attended a series of major sporting events since returning to the White House in January.
