An aerial view of the city of San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge in California, U.S., October 28, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
BERKELEY, Calif. (BN24) — A 4.3 magnitude earthquake jolted residents awake across the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday morning, with the tremor centered just east-southeast of Berkeley, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake struck at 2:58 a.m. The earthquake, which occurred at 3:04 Pacific Daylight Time, was widely felt throughout the East Bay, San Francisco, and surrounding communities.
While no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage were confirmed, the temblor startled many in the pre-dawn hours, prompting a wave of posts on social media from residents who reported feeling their homes shake.
In a live broadcast following the quake, KTVU-TV anchor Dave Clark noted that calls were coming in from across the Bay Area. “Things were shaking in our newsroom,” Clark said. “It caught everyone off guard.”
The USGS has not yet indicated whether any aftershocks followed the initial quake, but local officials are monitoring the situation.
The Bay Area, which sits near the Hayward Fault and several other active fault lines, regularly experiences small to moderate seismic activity. Monday’s quake serves as a reminder of the region’s ongoing vulnerability to earthquakes and the importance of preparedness in a state known for its seismic risk.
Emergency services have not issued any alerts or advisories as of Monday morning, and transportation infrastructure appears to be operating normally.
The earthquake marks the most significant seismic event in the Bay Area in recent weeks.
RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24) — Tens of thousands of Brazilians filled the streets of major cities Sunday in a sweeping show of opposition to a bill that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, following his recent conviction for plotting a coup.
Bolsonaro, who was sentenced earlier this month to 27 years in prison after Brazil’s Supreme Court found him guilty of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, remains under house arrest while his legal team pursues appeals. Despite the conviction, allies of the far-right former leader in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies have moved swiftly to advance legislation that would prevent Bolsonaro and his co-defendants from serving time behind bars.
The proposed bill has sparked a wave of outrage from civil society groups, legal experts, and pro-democracy advocates, culminating in Sunday’s mass protests. Demonstrators marched through cities including São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro, chanting “No amnesty” and holding signs condemning Congress as “shameless.” Trade unions, left-wing political parties, and a broad coalition of civil society organizations supported the protests.
In Rio, the atmosphere was charged but peaceful, with renowned Brazilian musicians Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso performing to show solidarity with the protesters. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also lent his support to the demonstrations, stating on X, formerly Twitter, that “the population does not want impunity or amnesty.” He added that he would veto the amnesty bill if it passed in the Senate.
The protests also targeted a recently passed constitutional amendment in the lower house that would make it harder to prosecute lawmakers. The measure, which now heads to the Senate, would require a secret-ballot vote by members of Congress to approve any legal charges or arrests of sitting legislators. Critics have slammed it as the “Banditry Bill,” warning that it undermines judicial accountability and paves the way for impunity among the political elite.
Tensions surrounding Bolsonaro’s legal fate remain high in Brazil. Just two weeks earlier, his supporters had staged their own rallies decrying the Supreme Court’s decision. The polarized atmosphere highlights a deepening national divide over the former president’s role in the events of January 8, 2023, when thousands of his supporters stormed key government buildings in Brasília, including Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace.
The court ruled that Bolsonaro and seven associates orchestrated the attempted coup but failed to garner the backing of top military leaders, resulting in the insurrection being quickly suppressed. More than 1,500 people were arrested following the riots, and some have already received long prison terms.
Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party has since lobbied aggressively for amnesty, not only for the former president but also for those involved in the attack on Brazil’s democratic institutions. Yet the momentum from Sunday’s protests indicates that a significant portion of the public is pushing back. Many attendees told local media they were “fighting for Brazil’s democracy” and demanding accountability at the highest levels.
A poll by Datafolha released on September 16 reflected the national divide: 50% of respondents believed Bolsonaro should be imprisoned, while 43% opposed incarceration.
As the amnesty bill heads to the Senate, Brazil finds itself at a critical crossroads between institutional justice and a political effort to rewrite the consequences of a failed coup.
MANILA (BN24) — Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall Monday on Panuitan Island, part of the Babuyan Islands in the northern Philippine province of Cagayan, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate amid warnings of life-threatening storm surges and widespread damage.
The Philippine weather bureau reported that while Ragasa has “slightly” weakened since it struck at 3 p.m. local time (0800 GMT), the typhoon still packed powerful wind gusts reaching 285 kilometers per hour (177 miles per hour). Forecasters expect the storm to move westward, targeting southern China next, with severe impacts anticipated.
Despite the minor decrease in intensity, authorities warned of a “high risk of life-threatening storm surge,” with peak waves potentially exceeding three meters (10 feet) along coastal areas. Officials also cautioned residents about the likelihood of extensive flooding and landslides that could damage homes and critical infrastructure.
In response, schools and government offices were closed in many regions, including the capital Manila, as communities braced for the typhoon’s impact. The remote Babuyan and Batanes islands, home to roughly 20,000 inhabitants, many of whom live in poverty, were particularly vulnerable.
Herbert Singun, an information officer on Calayan Island, described the storm’s devastation during a video call with Agence France-Presse. “Chunks of a school roof were ripped off and landed on an evacuation center about 30 meters away, causing a minor injury,” he said. “Can you see those coconut trees swaying in the distance? There were eight of them before. Now only four are still standing. That shows how strong this typhoon is.”
The storm is forecast to skirt Taiwan, located about 740 kilometers (460 miles) north of the Babuyan Islands. While not expected to make direct landfall, Taiwan’s east coast is bracing for heavy rains, leading to the closure of forest areas and nature trails and suspension of some ferry services.
In China’s Guangdong province, authorities have issued warnings to prepare for a “catastrophic” and “large-scale disaster” as Ragasa approaches. The province could experience heavy rains and strong winds as early as Tuesday, two days before the typhoon is expected to hit.
The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen plans to evacuate 400,000 residents in anticipation of the storm. At a supermarket in Shenzhen’s Bao’an district, an employee noted the unusual rush on Monday, reporting that bread had sold out by midday. “It’s not normally like this,” he said.
Hong Kong is also on alert, with officials forecasting a rapid deterioration of weather conditions on Tuesday. The city’s education bureau is evaluating whether to close schools. Cathay Pacific announced it would cancel 500 outbound flights starting from 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, while Hong Kong Airlines suspended all departures from the city.
Locally known as Nando, Typhoon Ragasa arrives as the Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath of weeks of severe flooding caused by an unusually strong monsoon season. Just days before Ragasa’s arrival, tens of thousands protested nationwide against government corruption, which many blame for the lack of adequate flood control infrastructure.
As Ragasa moves westward, authorities across the region remain vigilant, preparing for the full force of the super typhoon’s destructive potential.
GABORONE, Botswana (BN24) — Botswana has declared Monday, September 29, a public holiday to celebrate its historic victory in the men’s 4×400-meter relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking the first time an African nation has ever won the event.
President Duma Boko announced in a televised address from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, calling the victory a “historic African win” and a moment that cements Botswana’s rising global stature. The gold medal triumph came just one day before the country’s Independence Day and will now be commemorated with a full-day holiday nationwide.
“I’ll be sure to tell everyone—Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just in the ground, they are our World Champion athletes,” Boko said. “The moment was electric.”
Botswana’s relay team, comprising Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, edged out the United States, the dominant force in the event with ten consecutive world titles, in a rain-soaked final. South Africa finished third in what many are calling one of the most memorable races of the championship.
The gold medal was part of Botswana’s record-breaking performance at the championships. The southern African nation finished fifth in the overall medal standings with two golds, one silver, and one bronze—its best-ever return, trailing only the United States, Kenya, the Netherlands, and Canada.
This latest success adds to Botswana’s growing reputation in global athletics. Just last year, sprinter Letsile Tebogo made history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 200 meters at the Paris 2024 Games. That victory also marked the first time an African athlete had claimed the title in the event, sparking a nationwide celebration.
Tebogo’s return to Botswana in 2024 drew tens of thousands to the National Stadium in Gaborone, and the government declared a half-day holiday to honor him. Then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi described the moment as a “most unique celebration… etched in the annals of the Republic.”
Now, under President Boko’s leadership, Botswana is once again celebrating athletic excellence with a nationwide gesture that underscores the significance of sport in national identity and pride.
“This is more than a medal,” Boko said. “It’s a message to the world that Botswana is here, running shoulder to shoulder with the best.”
WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Monday that the Food and Drug Administration would begin advising doctors against acetaminophen use during pregnancy, citing unproven connections between the pain reliever known as Tylenol and autism, prompting immediate criticism from medical organizations that disputed the claims.
Speaking at the White House, Trump advised women not to take acetaminophen during their “entire pregnancy” and said the FDA would notify doctors that the medication’s use “can be associated” with increased autism risk, though he did not provide supporting medical evidence during his announcement.
“Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump said emphatically of the bestselling acetaminophen brand. “There’s no downside. Don’t take it.”
However, Trump’s absolute prohibition went far beyond the more measured language published by his own health regulators. An FDA letter released during the afternoon news conference stated only that doctors “should consider minimizing the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.”
The FDA letter referenced recent evidence suggesting an association between the pain reliever and conditions including autism and attention deficit disorder, but included the critical qualifier that “a causal relationship has not been established.”
The announcement drew swift condemnation from medical professionals who emphasized the importance of treating fever during pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine warned that untreated fevers, particularly during the first trimester, increase risks for miscarriages, preterm birth and other complications.
Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, characterized suggestions linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism as “irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients.”
“Today’s announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children,” Fleischman said in a statement. “It is highly unsettling that our federal health agencies are willing to make an announcement that will affect the health and well-being of millions of people without the backing of reliable data.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long recommended acetaminophen as a safe pain relief option during pregnancy, noting that medical experts consider untreated fever during pregnancy to carry significant risks including miscarriage and birth defects.
Trump also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines contributing to rising autism rates, which affects 1 in 31 U.S. children according to the CDC. Scientists and leading autism advocacy groups have thoroughly debunked any connection between vaccines and autism through extensive research over decades.
Kenvue Inc., which manufactures Tylenol, strongly disagreed with suggestions that the medication causes autism. “Sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” the company said in a statement, citing scientific reviews by government regulators worldwide, including previous FDA assessments.
The controversy immediately affected financial markets, with Kenvue shares falling 7.5 percent Monday, reducing the company’s market value by approximately $2.6 billion. Johnson & Johnson spun off the Tylenol brand to Kenvue in 2023.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine emphasized ahead of Trump’s announcement that while research has examined potential links between Tylenol use during pregnancy and increased autism risk in children, such studies “do not establish a causal relationship” and contain significant limitations.
Trump said the FDA would strongly recommend pregnant women avoid Tylenol unless “medically necessary,” adding that “ideally you don’t take it at all.” The recommendation contradicts established medical guidance from obstetric professionals who consider fever treatment essential for maternal and fetal health.
U.S. physicians are not bound by FDA guidance and maintain authority to prescribe and recommend medications for appropriate uses. Medical experts stressed that the risks of untreated fever during pregnancy are well-documented and significant.
The Washington Post had reported Monday that the Trump administration planned to link autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, prompting preemptive statements from medical organizations defending the medication’s safety profile.
Acetaminophen appears in hundreds of over-the-counter cold and flu medications beyond the Tylenol brand, potentially affecting widespread medication access if patients follow Trump’s absolute prohibition rather than consulting healthcare providers.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political messaging and established medical consensus, with healthcare professionals emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatment decisions during pregnancy.
Trump’s announcement occurred several minutes into his remarks without presenting supporting medical evidence for the FDA’s new position. The disconnect between the president’s categorical warnings and the FDA’s more cautious language reflected broader questions about the scientific basis for the policy change.
Medical organizations emphasized that autism has complex and multiple causes that remain incompletely understood by researchers. The suggestion that a single medication could be definitively linked to autism development oversimplifies current scientific understanding of the condition.
The announcement represents a significant departure from decades of medical consensus regarding acetaminophen safety during pregnancy. Healthcare providers have consistently recommended the medication as appropriate for managing pain and fever when used as directed.
The timing and presentation of Trump’s announcement raised questions about the coordination between political messaging and regulatory science, particularly given the absence of new research findings to support the policy shift.
Pregnant women seeking guidance on pain and fever management now face conflicting messages from federal officials and their healthcare providers, potentially complicating medical decision-making during a critical period of fetal development.
The medical community’s unified opposition to Trump’s claims underscores the importance of consulting healthcare professionals rather than relying solely on political announcements for pregnancy-related medical guidance.
NEW YORK (BN24) — France recognized Palestinian statehood Monday at the opening of a high-profile United Nations meeting aimed at galvanizing international support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, as the Gaza war continues to rage with little prospect for immediate resolution.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement in the U.N. General Assembly hall received sustained applause from more than 140 world leaders in attendance. The Palestinian delegation, including U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour, stood and applauded as the declaration was made, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was seen applauding via live camera feed after being denied a U.S. visa to attend in person.
“True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognizes the state of Palestine,” Macron said during his address to the assembly.
The recognition follows similar announcements by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal on Sunday, with Palestinians expecting a total of 10 countries to formally recognize statehood in the coming days. The coordinated timing suggests a diplomatic strategy to build momentum for Palestinian recognition despite opposition from Israel and the United States.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that “statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” appearing to push back against Israeli government arguments that recognition rewards Hamas following its October 7 attack that triggered the current Gaza conflict two years ago.
The meeting and expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood are expected to have minimal immediate impact on conditions in Gaza, where Israel continues waging a major military offensive, or in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlement expansion continues.
Abbas addressed the meeting by video link after he and dozens of other senior Palestinian officials were denied U.S. visas to attend the conference. The visa denials reflect the Trump administration’s hardline stance against Palestinian diplomatic initiatives and its strong support for Israeli positions.
Palestinians in Gaza welcomed the international recognition despite their desperate circumstances. “This is a beginning, or a glimmer of hope, for the Palestinian people,” said Fawzi Nour al-Deen as he joined thousands fleeing south from Gaza City. “We are a people who deserve to have a state.”
Around three-fourths of the 193-member United Nations already recognizes Palestine, but major Western nations had previously declined to do so, maintaining that statehood could only emerge through direct negotiations with Israel. The recent wave of recognition represents a significant shift in Western diplomatic approaches to the conflict.
The creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel encompassing the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, territories seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, remains widely viewed internationally as the only viable path to resolving the century-old conflict that predates Hamas’s recent attack by decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government opposed Palestinian statehood even before the current war and has characterized recognition efforts as rewarding Hamas, the militant group that still controls portions of Gaza. Netanyahu has suggested Israel might respond with unilateral measures, including annexing parts of the West Bank, which would further complicate prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric dismissed Israeli threats, arguing that efforts toward a two-state solution should continue regardless of Israeli actions. “I think we have to be determined in achieving the goal that we want to achieve, and we cannot be distracted by threats and intimidation,” he said.
Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners to proceed with West Bank annexation, but the United Arab Emirates, which drove the 2020 Abraham Accords normalizing relations between Israel and four Arab states, has called annexation a “red line” without specifying potential consequences for bilateral ties.
The Israeli leader plans to decide on his response to the Palestinian statehood recognition campaign after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House next week, their fourth meeting since Trump’s return to office. Netanyahu is scheduled to address world leaders at the U.N. on Friday.
The Trump administration opposes the growing recognition of Palestinian statehood and blames such moves for derailing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff withdrew from talks in July, and an Israeli strike earlier this month targeted Hamas negotiators in Qatar, a key mediator in the peace process.
Palestinian political fragmentation complicates statehood efforts. Abbas’s internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, remains rivals with Hamas and maintains cooperation with Israel on security matters while supporting a two-state solution.
France and Saudi Arabia have promoted a phased plan under which a reformed Palestinian Authority would eventually govern both the West Bank and Gaza with international assistance. The General Assembly overwhelmingly supported this proposal on September 12 by a vote of 142-10, with 12 abstentions.
Israel questions the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to peace and accuses it of inciting militancy, while many Palestinians view the West Bank leadership as corrupt and increasingly autocratic. Hamas, which won the last Palestinian national elections in 2006, has occasionally suggested it might accept a state based on 1967 borders but formally remains committed to Palestinian control over all territory between the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan River, including Israel.
Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations brokered by the United States began in the early 1990s but repeatedly stalled due to violence outbreaks and continued Israeli settlement expansion aimed at cementing control over the West Bank. No substantive peace talks have occurred since Netanyahu returned to office in 2009.
Advocates of the two-state solution argue that without Palestinian statehood, Israel must choose between maintaining the current situation, where millions of Palestinians live under military occupation without equal rights, or accepting a binational state that might not retain a Jewish majority.
The international push for Palestinian recognition reflects growing frustration with the lack of progress in peace negotiations and the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the recognition campaign faces strong opposition from the United States and Israel, which maintain that unilateral recognition undermines the negotiation process.
The timing of the recognition announcements coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive peace processes that have remained dormant for over a decade. The coordinated nature of the recognition suggests international consensus is building around Palestinian statehood despite regional complexities.
French recognition carries particular weight given France’s historical involvement in Middle Eastern affairs and its position as a permanent U.N. Security Council member. Macron’s announcement reinforces European Union trends toward supporting Palestinian statehood recognition.
The meeting represents one of the most significant diplomatic initiatives focused on Palestinian statehood in recent years, bringing together world leaders to address a conflict that has defied resolution for generations despite numerous international peace efforts.
NEW YORK (BN24) — Disney announced Sunday that Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to ABC’s lineup on Tuesday, less than a week after the late-night host was pulled off the air following backlash over comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a statement, Disney said production was temporarily suspended “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” The company acknowledged that some of Kimmel’s remarks were “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” but said after further discussions with the comedian, “we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
The move came after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened investigations and regulatory action against broadcasters airing Kimmel’s program. In response to the warning, ABC affiliates across the country — including Nexstar, which is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna — announced they would stop carrying the show.
ABC initially suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday, marking an unusual intervention in the late-night lineup. The suspension followed Kimmel’s on-air commentary about the political fallout from Kirk’s killing, which drew criticism from Republican officials and conservative groups.
By Friday, political pressure around the controversy had intensified. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, a Republican, publicly condemned Carr’s threats against broadcasters, calling them “dangerous” and warning that the government should not wield regulatory power to silence speech.
The swift reinstatement of Kimmel underscores the balancing act Disney and its ABC network face in navigating political sensitivities while defending creative expression. The company did not specify whether Kimmel will directly address the controversy when he returns on Tuesday night.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (BN24) — President Donald Trump eulogized Charlie Kirk as a “martyr” for American freedom Sunday while delivering divisive remarks that directly contradicted the slain conservative activist’s message of loving one’s enemies, telling more than 70,000 mourners packed into State Farm Stadium that he hates his political opponents.
“He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said during his 45-minute address that capped an hours-long memorial service. “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry. I am sorry Erika.”
The president’s stark declaration came immediately after Kirk’s widow, Erika, had delivered an emotional speech calling for forgiveness and love, even extending grace to the man who killed her husband. The contrast underscored the tensions within the conservative movement over how to respond to the assassination that has shaken American politics.
Trump characterized Kirk’s September 10 killing at Utah Valley University as an assault on the entire nation’s fundamental rights. “It was an assault on our most sacred God-given liberties and God-given rights,” the president said. “The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us.”
The memorial service at the home of the Arizona Cardinals football franchise brought together the highest levels of the Trump administration in an extraordinary display of government officials eulogizing the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard all delivered remarks.
Erika Kirk, who spoke before the president after offering a silent prayer at the podium, broke down as she extended forgiveness to Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with her husband’s murder. “My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said through tears. “I forgive him.”
“The answer to hate is not hate,” Erika Kirk continued. “The answer we know from the Gospel is love, and always love. Love for our enemies, and love for those who persecute us.”
Her message of reconciliation stood in stark contrast to the president’s combative tone throughout his speech, where he called the killer a “radicalized cold-blooded monster” and attributed most political violence to the “radical left.” Trump vowed that his Justice Department would pursue those who fund and perpetrate political violence.
The event blended Christian themes of martyrdom with patriotism in a setting that combined elements of Trump’s campaign rallies, Turning Point’s own gatherings, and an evangelical megachurch service. Popular Christian musicians including Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe Carnes, and Cody Carnes led worship, while attendees visited voter registration tables displaying signs reading “Charlie wants you to register to vote.”
Trump attempted to thread the needle at certain points, acknowledging that disturbed individuals exist across party lines while ultimately placing blame on the left. “No side in American politics has a monopoly on disturbed or misguided people, but there’s one part of our political community which believes they have a monopoly on truth, goodness and virtue, and concludes they have also a monopoly on power, thought and speech,” he said.
The president connected the assassination to broader concerns about free speech restrictions. “If speech is violence, then some are bound to conclude that violence is justified to stop speech. And we’re not going to let that be justified,” Trump declared.
Vance, described as a close friend of Kirk’s, framed the gathering as defiance against those who sought to silence the conservative activist. “They tried to silence our friend Charlie Kirk, and tonight, we speak with Charlie and for Charlie louder than ever,” the vice president said. “The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral today, and instead, my friends, we have had a revival in celebration of Charlie Kirk and of his lord Jesus Christ.”
The White House deployed two planes to transport the extensive roster of administration officials to Arizona, creating a speaker lineup comparable to a state funeral. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and top Trump aides Stephen Miller and Sergio Gor also addressed the crowd, with Elon Musk attending but not speaking.
Miller delivered particularly combative remarks, warning of conservative retaliation for Kirk’s death. “You have no idea the dragon you have awakened,” he said. “The day that Charlie died, the angels wept, but those tears have been turned into fire in our hearts, and that fire burns with a righteous fury that our enemies cannot comprehend or understand.”
Erika Kirk announced she would continue her husband’s work as Turning Point USA’s new CEO, including maintaining the organization’s campus debate programs. “When you stop the conversation, when you stop the dialogue, this is what happens,” she said, linking her husband’s death to restrictions on campus free speech.
The memorial highlighted the deepening political divisions that former President Barack Obama had warned about at a recent event, where he implicated Trump in sowing discord following Kirk’s assassination. Obama had criticized suggestions from the White House about identifying enemies before determining the perpetrator’s motives.
The event’s aftermath has intensified debates over free speech and political rhetoric. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show was pulled indefinitely by ABC after he made observations about the suspect’s background, following threats from Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr regarding potential broadcast license actions.
Senator Ted Cruz criticized Carr’s threats as “dangerous as hell,” arguing that “threatening government power to force Kimmel off air” represented a “real mistake” in governmental overreach.
Trump announced plans to designate antifa as a terrorist organization, though questions remain about the legal authority and practical implementation of such a designation.
The president struck a solemn note before departing Washington, calling the memorial “a very tough day” and describing Kirk as “a young man, a great man.” Mourners had been gathering outside Turning Point’s Phoenix headquarters throughout the week, leaving flowers, candles, flags, and other tributes.
“He’s a martyr now for American freedom,” Trump concluded during the service. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history.”
The memorial service illuminated the competing visions within conservative politics about how to respond to Kirk’s assassination, with his widow advocating for love and forgiveness while the president and his allies called for political warfare against their opponents.
The event also served as an unofficial preview of the Republican Party’s future leadership, with Vance and Rubio, both considered potential 2028 presidential contenders, delivering prominent speeches that positioned them as inheritors of Kirk’s conservative legacy.
Kirk’s death continues to reverberate through American politics, with both parties grappling with questions about political rhetoric, free speech boundaries, and the appropriate response to violence in the political arena.
HONG KONG (BN24) — Thousands of residents were evacuated overnight from a densely populated district of Hong Kong after construction workers unearthed a massive, unexploded bomb dating back to World War II, prompting a high-stakes disposal operation by local authorities.
The U.S.-manufactured bomb, measuring approximately 1.5 meters (nearly five feet) in length and weighing an estimated 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), was discovered at a construction site in Quarry Bay, a busy commercial and residential neighborhood on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island.
Police officials identified the ordnance as a wartime relic and confirmed it was likely dropped during U.S. air raids targeting Japanese-occupied Hong Kong in the 1940s. At the time, Allied forces bombed key infrastructure to disrupt Japanese military operations and supply lines in the region. Hong Kong was under Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945.
Andy Chan Tin-Chu, a senior police official, told reporters before the disposal effort that the operation carried “exceptionally high risks” due to the bomb’s size, condition, and location in a populated area. Authorities quickly coordinated an evacuation of approximately 1,900 households, affecting roughly 6,000 residents. Nearby roads and public transport routes were also temporarily closed as a precaution.
The bomb disposal unit began work late Friday night and concluded the operation successfully by around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. No injuries or damage were reported.
Incidents involving unexploded World War II ordnance are not uncommon in Hong Kong, where ongoing urban development frequently intersects with remnants of the city’s wartime history. Officials reminded the public to report any suspected explosives immediately and praised residents for their cooperation during the evacuation.
Quarry Bay, a district known for its skyscrapers, shopping centers, and transit hubs, returned to normal operations hours after the all-clear was given.
NASHUA, N.H. (BN24) — A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a shooting that left one man dead and several others injured at a country club in New Hampshire, where a wedding was taking place.
Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, was fatally shot Saturday evening at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, a city located about 45 miles northwest of Boston. Two others were also shot, and additional guests sustained injuries from the ensuing chaos, according to authorities.
The suspect, identified as Hunter Nadeau, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with one count of second-degree murder. Investigators said more charges are expected as they continue to examine the circumstances and identify a potential motive.
Witnesses reported that the suspect entered the venue and shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire. One attendee reportedly subdued the shooter by striking him with a chair. The shooting occurred in a restaurant area adjacent to the wedding celebration.
New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley said there is no known connection between Nadeau and the victim. Authorities described the scene as chaotic, with several injuries, including lacerations, a broken hand, and blunt force trauma, reported by Nashua Fire Rescue.
“We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover,” said Tom Bartelson, the groom’s uncle. “We were getting together for a dance for the bride and groom — then all chaos went off.”
Bartelson and other witnesses also heard the suspect say, “The children are safe,” along with political phrases such as “Free Palestine.”
Michael Homewood, the wedding DJ, said the situation could have been even more tragic if the suspect had not been stopped.
Officials said Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday in Nashua’s Ninth Circuit Court. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke indicated that further charges are likely as the investigation progresses.
Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire said she is monitoring the incident closely and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
“This is not something people expect to happen on a Saturday night in Nashua,” Hinckley said at a news conference.
Nashua, a city frequently ranked among the most livable in the United States, has previously been recognized by Money magazine and Forbes for its quality of life. The weekend shooting has left the community shocked and searching for answers as investigators work to determine what led to the attack.
