Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
U.S. Repatriation Flight Carrying 266 Venezuelan Migrants Lands in Caracas 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
President Donald Trump honored slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, calling him a “martyr for American freedom” during a packed memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The service, organized by Kirk’s conservative youth group Turning Point USA, drew tens of thousands, many dressed in red, white, and blue MAGA attire.
Trump’s speech stood out for its partisan tone, accusing the “radical left” of fueling violence, despite no evidence linking political groups to the murder. The 31-year-old Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah, with a 22-year-old student now charged. Authorities continue to investigate the motive, citing cryptic texts and markings on bullet casings.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, who has stepped in to lead Turning Point, gave an emotional tribute, declaring forgiveness for her husband’s accused killer and promising to carry forward his Christian and political mission. “He left this world without regrets,” she said.
The memorial blended political rally energy with a religious revival atmosphere, featuring Christian rock performances and speeches from high-profile conservative figures. Vice President JD Vance credited Kirk’s influence with mobilizing young voters in Trump’s 2024 win, while Trump ally Stephen Miller delivered a fiery warning that Kirk’s death would galvanize conservatives further.
Other speakers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and influencer Jack Posobiec, praised Kirk’s activism while cautioning against political fanaticism. Gabbard warned that extremist violence threatens free expression but argued that attempts to silence Kirk have only amplified his message.
Kirk, long a polarizing figure for his outspoken views, leaves behind his wife and two young children. His death has reignited national concerns over escalating political violence and deepening ideological divides in the United States.
