Charlie Kirk closed his eyes to this earth for the last time… and opened them to eternity for the first. A powerful video where he shares his journey of faith. His life was short, but a life well-lived. Rest in peace, brother. Your wisdom will echo through the lives you’ve touched, and your influence will remain forever irreplaceable.

Back at the range today with my .50-caliber rifle and 9mm, sharpening my focus and putting in some serious practice. Every shot demands patience, discipline, and respect for the responsibility that comes with handling a powerful firearm. Ready to work.

I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend Angela Stribling. For 30 years, Angela was part of my life not simply as a treasured friend, but as a woman whose spirit left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. In the last years of her life, we communicated privately, sharing Scripture, catching up on the news, and remembering those dear to us who had passed on. Those conversations are precious to me now. We spoke often, especially during some of the most difficult health challenges she faced. Even in those moments, her faith, strength, gratitude, and grace were always present. Angela never let hardship define the whole of her life. She met each day with courage and appreciation for the people who stood beside her. Our conversations reminded me that grace is not the absence of struggle; it is the faith and dignity with which we move through it. I will miss her voice, her warmth, and the friendship we shared across three decades. Her life touched so many, and her memory will remain close to my heart. To Angela’s family and all who loved her, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You were loved, and you will never be forgotten. AW

The United Nations was created to help nations prevent conflict and defend human dignity. Yet when it comes to Israel, too often the institution seems less focused on confronting terrorism and protecting civilians than on issuing another condemnation. Criticism of any government is legitimate. Israel, like every nation, can be scrutinized. But scrutiny loses credibility when it becomes relentless and one-sided when attacks on Israeli families and the threat Hamas poses are pushed to the margins, while Israel is singled out again and again. The structure behind this pattern deserves attention. Voting blocs at the General Assembly can produce near-automatic majorities, and since 2015 the assembly has adopted 187 resolutions condemning Israel. That record should prompt a serious question: Is the U.N. applying a consistent standard to every nation, or has Israel become a permanent target? Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call for Israel’s prime minister to be arrested adds to this dangerous climate. Public officials should choose their words with care. When a leader singles out Israel in language that echoes a broader campaign of political condemnation, he risks deepening hostility and making an already volatile moment more combustible. The answer matters. When the world’s most prominent international body treats one country differently, it weakens its own moral authority. And when condemnation becomes routine, it can obscure the urgent work of confronting terrorism, protecting civilians and pursuing peace that recognizes the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. The United Nations should be a forum for truth and accountability not a stage where political arithmetic substitutes for them, or where dangerous rhetoric makes peace harder to reach. AW

Reality check: Midterm anxiety is growing as Trump’s approval falls. Families face financial strain, higher fuel costs, soaring rents and an escalating war with Iran. Low approval doesn’t decide an election, but it is a warning. Republicans need clear answers and a credible plan for the pressures shaping voters’ lives. AW

China’s influence was unmistakable during Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Washington. President Trump gave him an elaborate welcome, much as Trump received lavish honors during his visit to Beijing. The two pandas bound for Zoo Atlanta added a memorable gesture of goodwill. But beyond the ceremony and gifts, what was accomplished? The clearest immediate result was extending the trade truce by two months, until January 10. The White House also announced plans for more favorable tariff treatment on $30 billion in goods in each direction, a U.S.-China investment board, and a dialogue and communication channel on artificial intelligence. These announcements will matter only if they lead to concrete action. The visit kept diplomacy moving, but major disagreements over trade, rare earths, technology and Taiwan remain. Respectful ceremony can open the door. The real measure of success is whether the agreements deliver lasting results for the American people. AW

Christian nurse Suzie Logue says OHSU initially barred her employee group from prayer, Bible study and hospital resources, while other faith groups had access. After First Liberty intervened, the group was approved. Religious liberty means equal treatment not asking Christians to strip away their beliefs. Why are Christians and Jews ridiculed or treated with suspicion for practicing their faith, while public religious gatherings by Muslims and other communities are welcomed? Religious liberty should mean equal treatment. Peaceful worship deserves respect across faiths, and the same rules should apply to everyone. AW

The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the federal government to use an expanded database to help states check whether people on their voter rolls are U.S. citizens. The legal challenge is ongoing. The right to vote is reserved for American citizens. No noncitizen should vote in our elections; doing so undermines the integrity of the process and public confidence in our democracy. The maddening question remains: Why would any lawmaker or public official oppose limiting voting to citizens? At the same time, the tools used to verify voter rolls must be accurate. A database flag is not proof, and eligible citizens should not be wrongly removed or forced to fight to protect their right to vote. We can safeguard our elections and treat every eligible voter fairly. AW

WHAT IS GENOCIDE AND WHO DECIDES WHICH VICTIMS MATTER? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood before the United Nations and called accusations of genocide in Gaza “the biggest lie of the century.” Delegates walked out, activists protested and the international media erupted. But what exactly is genocide and why is global outrage so selective and hypocritical ? Genocide is not simply another word for war, civilian deaths or brutality. It is the deliberate attempt to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. It is among the gravest charges imaginable and must be established through evidence, law and proof of intent not politics or social-media pressure. The suffering of Palestinian civilians is real and heartbreaking. Every innocent life matters, and Israel’s military conduct should be scrutinized. But an allegation is not a final legal judgment, and the international case accusing Israel of genocide remains unresolved. Meanwhile, the United States has determined that the Rapid Support Forces committed genocide in Sudan. Communities have endured ethnically targeted killings, sexual violence and mass displacement. Yet Sudan receives only a fraction of the protests, celebrity campaigns and continuous media coverage directed at Israel. In Iran, authorities have been accused of killings, torture, executions, arbitrary detention and the persecution of protesters. The regime also supports violent proxies across the Middle East. Still, many of the loudest voices condemning Israel become remarkably quiet when Tehran is responsible. Then there is China. The Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities has been described by the United States as genocide and crimes against humanity. Reports of mass detention, forced labor, religious repression and forced assimilation have existed for years. Where are the worldwide demonstrations? Where are the delegates walking out? This is the double standard. We cannot elevate one tragedy while ignoring another because of politics, ideology or the identity of the accused. Palestinian, Israeli, Sudanese, Iranian and Uyghur lives all possess equal human value. Moral clarity means applying the same standard everywhere. If genocide is the crime of crimes, the term cannot become a political weapon. Justice cannot be selective, outrage cannot be fashionable, and compassion must never depend on which victims dominate the headlines. AW

James Copenhaver has died more than two years after he was gravely wounded during the assassination attempt at President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was 76 a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a veteran who proudly served our nation. For the final two years of his life, he endured the lasting effects of wounds suffered on a day that should never have happened. His family says he faced every challenge with extraordinary strength and resolve. That horrific attack took the life of Corey Comperatore, wounded President Trump, and left Mr. Copenhaver and David Dutch with life-altering injuries. It also exposed profound security failures that must never be forgotten or repeated. Today, however, the focus should be on James Copenhaver: the life he lived, the family he loved and the country he faithfully served. May his loved ones find comfort in his courage, his patriotism and the legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Mr. Copenhaver. America honors your service, mourns your passing and owes your family lasting accountability. AW

As Xi arrives in Washington today, staged Chinese support crowds Constitution Avenue in a choreographed display of unity and strength. President Trump should welcome him respectfully but negotiate firmly on trade, AI, fentanyl, Taiwan and Iran. America must come first. AW

Both Parties Are Being Hijacked Hasan Piker, Abdul El-Sayed, Tucker Carlson and Zohran Mamdani represent a troubling transformation in American politics. Though they do not share the same ideology, their influence is fueled by anger, grievance and distrust of American institutions. On the left, socialism and hostility toward America are increasingly presented as moral courage. On the right, isolationism and conspiratorial populism are displacing constitutional conservatism and American leadership. In both movements, inflammatory rhetoric about Israel, Zionism and Jewish influence can create fertile ground for antisemitism even when its speakers deny antisemitic intent. Criticism of Israel is legitimate. Opposition to a particular government or military policy is not inherently antisemitic. But rhetoric that demonizes Jews collectively, excuses terrorism, recycles ancient prejudices or treats Israel alone as undeserving of existence crosses a dangerous line. This is not about religion or ethnicity. Muslim Americans possess the same rights to political participation as every other citizen. The issue is whether destructive ideologies and reckless rhetoric are being normalized, regardless of who promotes them. Democrats must decide whether they will remain a mainstream party or surrender to activists who vilify capitalism and portray America as the source of the world’s evil. Republicans must decide whether conservatism still means limited government, moral clarity and constitutional order or loyalty to whichever voice generates the most outrage. Both parties must fight for their principles and for America’s soul. Responsible leaders cannot remain silent while extremists divide citizens, inflame antisemitism and turn political disagreement into hatred. America cannot endure as a nation permanently at war with itself. It is time for leaders in both parties to reject ideological extremism and place the country above applause, algorithms and political ambition. AW

Should Dr. Anthony Fauci rot in jail? Peter Navarro sat in the private White House meetings and says his diaries document what the public never saw. He strongly believes Fauci should be prosecuted. Navarro makes his case. You decide. AW

President Trump’s greatest strength is also the source of his greatest weakness: his refusal to think or behave like a conventional politician. He possesses extraordinary political instincts. He understands what millions of Americans are feeling before Washington recognizes it. He speaks directly, projects strength, challenges failing institutions and is willing to confront problems that other leaders avoid. His stamina, confidence and ability to command public attention remain unmatched. But his blind spots are just as consequential. He too often allows personal grievances to overshadow public priorities. He can mistake loyalty to himself for loyalty to the country, and legitimate disagreement for betrayal. His insults frequently bury his strongest arguments, while his impatience can turn bold action into unnecessary overreach. President Trump does not need to become less forceful. He needs to become more disciplined. Strength without restraint can become recklessness. Confidence without self-examination can become arrogance. His legacy will depend not simply on whether he can defeat his opponents, but on whether he can master himself. That is the ultimate test of leadership. AW

The death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells was a heartbreaking tragedy. But tragedy should never be exploited to manufacture racial division. A Jackson County, Mississippi, grand jury examined the evidence and unanimously found no credible evidence of criminal conduct, foul play, or racial motivation. The evidence was consistent with drowning, although the official cause of death remains undetermined. Nolan’s family deserves compassion and has every right to continue seeking answers. But questions are not proof of murder, and suspicion is not evidence. Social media was determined to turn this tragedy into a race war before the investigation was complete. People were accused, threatened, and condemned without proof. That is not justice it is reckless judgment. America’s history of racial injustice is real, but everything is not about race. When we falsely assign racial motives to every unexplained tragedy, we weaken the public’s response to genuine acts of racism. Moral clarity means following the evidence wherever it leads, even when it contradicts the narrative social media has already chosen. May Nolan Wells rest in peace, and may his family find healing and the answers they continue to seek. AW

Abdul El-Sayed campaigns to get big money out of politics. Yet a Schumer-aligned super PAC has committed $30 million to support him, and he is scheduled for a fundraiser hosted by Jeffrey and Catharine Soros. His message and financial support deserve equal scrutiny. AW

This is not about defending CNN, Politico, MS NOW or any particular newsroom. Nor is it about whether we agree with their coverage. It is about protecting a principle larger than any president or media organization. Why are competing broadcast and print organizations standing together? Because they understand the precedent. If one administration can deny access to news organizations because it objects to their reporting, a future administration can use that same power against Fox News, Newsmax, The Baltimore Sun or any journalist who asks an unwelcome question. Press solidarity does not mean journalists are always right or immune from criticism. News organizations make mistakes, display bias and sometimes betray the public’s trust. They should be challenged, corrected and held accountable. But the remedy for disputed reporting is evidence, rebuttal, transparency and more speech not government control over which journalists may question those in power. These media organizations compete fiercely for audiences, advertising, interviews and exclusives. Their editorial positions frequently collide. Yet they recognize that access cannot become a reward for favorable coverage or a punishment for criticism. That is what the larger debate misses. The Fourth Estate is not a formal branch of government. It passes no laws, commands no military and controls no public treasury. Its authority comes from witnessing events, questioning leaders, examining records and informing citizens about matters those in power may prefer to avoid. Presidents have every right to criticize journalists. Journalists have an equal responsibility to scrutinize presidents without fearing that their access depends upon praise. Today, the dispute involves CNN, Politico and MS NOW. Tomorrow, it could involve conservative media. The principle cannot change according to which newsroom or which president we favor. We do not have to defend every headline. We must defend the independence that makes honest reporting possible. We may be competitors, but we share a constitutional responsibility. We are not servants of any administration, political party or ideology. We are the Fourth Estate. AW

President Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani will meet today at Gracie Mansion their third meeting since November. Dialogue across deep political differences matters, but New Yorkers struggling with housing and food costs need measurable policy results, not photo ops. AW

The American Cornerstone Institute, founded by Dr. Ben Carson, advances the enduring principles of faith, liberty, community and common sense. It seeks to preserve America’s founding ideals while inspiring informed citizenship, personal responsibility and opportunity for future generations. AW

Patrick Clancy’s 60 Minutes interview was riveting, heartbreaking and deeply revealing. He spoke with extraordinary honesty about the unimaginable night his wife, Lindsay, killed their three young children while suffering from profound mental illness. Most haunting was his account of praying that his infant son would survive after fighting for four days only to have the child die in his arms. Patrick also described another cruelty: TikTok influencers who examined fragments of his tragedy, decided that he was the killer and built a social-media campaign to convict him in the court of public opinion. They turned grief into content, suspicion into certainty and a devastated father into a target without evidence, restraint or regard for the truth. I still believe Lindsay must be held accountable and should be in prison. Mental illness may help us understand how such horror occurred, but it does not erase three innocent lives or the need for justice. Yet Patrick’s forgiveness challenges all of us. He acknowledged the depth of Lindsay’s illness without denying what she had done. He refused to allow hatred to consume what remained of his life. Somehow, after burying his children and enduring public suspicion, he found the courage to love again and remarry. His story is not about forgetting. It is about choosing not to let tragedy have the final word. Patrick Clancy reminded us that forgiveness and accountability can coexist and that sometimes the person who has suffered the most teaches the rest of us what grace truly means. AW

Speaker Mike Johnson recessed the House early until after the November 3 elections. Johnson defended Congress as highly productive, while Republican Thomas Massie criticized the shortened calendar and cited unresolved votes involving Iran, Pete Hegseth and Epstein records. AW