Thought of the Day
“The bee is more honored than other animals not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” – Saint John Chrysostom
September 13th 2025
See The Marias at Red Hat Ampitheater
MJ has free tickets for The Marias at Red Hat Ampitheater on Tuesday, September 23rd. Win by correctly answering MJ’s Question Of The Day, just after 3P!
Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination expressed opposition to conservative activist’s views
By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, JESSE BEDAYN and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM Associated Press
OREM, Utah (AP) — The man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk had expressed opposition to the conservative activist’s views and indicated that he was responsible for the shooting, authorities said Friday as they announced an arrest in the killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in a deeply polarized United States.
Tyler Robinson, 22, had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and mentioned during a dinner with family that Kirk would be visiting Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox told a news conference. The governor cited as evidence engravings on bullet casings found in the rifle that authorities believe was used in the attack, as well as chat app messages attributed to the suspect that a roommate shared with law enforcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we got him,” Cox told a news conference soon after the arrest was first heralded by President Donald Trump on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.”
Robinson, who was from Utah, is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Cox said. He was arrested on suspicion of capital murder, weapons and obstruction offenses. He was expected to be formally charged early next week ahead of an initial court appearance.
Robinson’s arrest late Thursday capped a frenetic day-and-a-half search that just hours earlier seemed stuck when authorities pleaded for tips and leads from the public. The assassination captivated the public not only because of Kirk’s outsize influence in conservative political circles and his close connections with Trump but also because of the pressing questions it raised about the escalating toll of political violence that has spanned the ideological spectrum.
“This is our moment: Do we escalate or do we find an off-ramp?” Cox asked, making an impassioned plea for young people to bridge differences through common ground rather than violence. “It’s a choice.”
New details on evidence
Authorities have yet to reveal a motive, but they did describe evidence they said shed potential light on the slaying.
That includes engravings on bullet casings recovered from the high-powered rifle believed used in the attack, including one that said, “Hey, fascist! Catch!” Cox said.
In addition, a roommate shared with authorities messages from the chatting app Discord that involved a contact named Tyler and discussed a rifle wrapped in a towel, engraved bullets and a scope, the governor said. A Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle was found in a towel in a wooded area along the path investigators believe Robinson took after firing a shot from a distant roof and then fleeing.
The clothes the suspect wore when confronted by law enforcement late Thursday were consistent with what he had on when he arrived on campus a day earlier, and a family member confirmed that a drove a grey Dodge Challenger that surveillance video captured him driving to the universities, Cox said.
Robinson’s father recognized him from the photos released by the FBI and told him to turn himself in. Robinson refused at first, but then changed his mind, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. His father reached out for help to their youth pastor, who also occasionally works with the U.S. Marshals and called the agency so he could turn himself in.
Meanwhile, investigators continued to dig into the background of Robinson, who was admitted to Utah State University on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family member’s social media account. However, he attended for only one semester in 2021, a university spokesperson said.
Robinson’s address was still listed as his parent’s home, and he is registered as an unaffiliated voter, according to Utah state records. He does not appear to have a prior criminal record. The family lives in a suburb of the city of St. George in southern Utah, about a 3.5-hour drive south of the Utah Valley University campus where Kirk was shot.
Family members of Robinson did not immediately return messages seeking comment. It was not clear if he had a lawyer.
‘He didn’t deserve this’
Kirk was a conservative provocateur who became a powerful political force by rallying young Republican voters and was a fixture on college campuses, where he invited sometimes-vehement debate on social issues.
Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, based in Arizona. He had had been speaking at a campus debate on the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour,” at the time of Wednesday’s shooting.
He was taking questions from an audience member about gun violence. when suddenly a shot rang out. Kirk reached up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasped and screamed before people started running away.
Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited with Kirk’s family Thursday in Salt Lake City. Vance posted a remembrance on X chronicling their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s Senate run and the 2024 election.
“He wanted to help young people, and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said Friday. “He was really a good person.”
___
Tucker and Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Nicholas Riccardi in Denver; Michael Biesecker, Brian Slodysko, Lindsay Whitehurst and Michelle L. Price in Washington; Ty O’Neil in Orem, Utah; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Meg Kinnard in Chapin, S.C., contributed to this report.
Trump approves federal disaster aid for storms and flooding in 6 states
By DAVID A. LIEB and M.K. WILDEMAN Associated Press
President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for six states and tribes following storms and floods that occurred this spring and summer.
The disaster declarations, announced Thursday, will allow federal funding to flow to Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota and Wisconsin, and for tribes in Montana and South Dakota. In each case except Wisconsin, it took Trump more than a month to approve the aid requests from local officials, continuing a trend of longer waits for disaster relief noted by a recent Associated Press analysis.
Trump has now approved more than 30 major natural disaster declarations since taking office in January. Before the latest batch, his approvals had averaged a 34-day wait from the time the relief was requested. For his most recent declarations, that wait ranged from just 15 days following an aid request for Wisconsin flooding in August to 56 days following a tribal request for Montana flooding that occurred in May.
The AP’s analysis showed that delays in approving federal disaster aid have grown over time, regardless of the party in power. On average, it took less than two weeks for requests for a presidential disaster declaration to be granted in the 1990s and early 2000s. That rose to about three weeks during the past decade under presidents from both major parties. During Trump’s first term in office, it took him an average of 24 days to approve requests.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the AP that Trump is providing “a more thorough review of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him” to make sure that federal tax dollars are spent wisely.
But delays mean individuals must wait to receive federal aid for daily living expenses, temporary lodging and home repairs. Delays in disaster declarations also can hamper recovery efforts by local officials uncertain whether they will receive federal reimbursement for cleaning up debris and rebuilding infrastructure.
Trump’s latest declarations approved public assistance for local governments and nonprofits in all cases except Wisconsin, where assistance for individuals was approved. But that doesn’t preclude the federal government from later also approving public assistance for Wisconsin.
Preliminary estimates from Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ administration said more than 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or suffered major damage in August flooding at a cost of more than $33 million. There was also more than $43 million in public sector damage over six counties, according to the Evers administration.
Evers requested aid for residents in six counties, but Trump approved it only for three.
“I will continue to urge the Trump Administration to approve the remainder of my request, and I will keep fighting to make sure Wisconsin receives every resource that is needed and available,” Evers said in a statement in which he thanked Democratic officeholders for their efforts, but not Trump or any Republicans.
Trump had announced several of the disaster declarations — including Wisconsin’s — on his social media site while noting his victories in those states and highlighting their Republican officials. He received thanks from Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and Republican officials elsewhere.
Trump’s approval of six major disaster declarations in one day would have been unusual for some presidents but not for him. Trump approved seven disaster requests on July 22 and nine on May 21.
But Trump has not approved requests for hazard mitigation assistance — a once-typical add-on that helps recipients build back with resilience — since February.
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Associated Press writers Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Scott Bauer, Jack Dura and Gary D. Robertson contributed to this report.
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Sweet Potato Fries
These homemade sweet potato fries are the perfect addition to any meal. They’re crispy, warm and the best combination of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. sweet potatoes (3 medium-sized)
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- (optional) 1/s tsp. smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees f.
2. Prep the potatoes
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into thin, even wedges.
3. Season the fries
In a bowl, coat the sweet potato wedges with the oil and toss, then add the salt and/or spices and toss until they are evenly distributed.
4. Bake
Line the fries up evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes and take them out to flip. Next, put the fries back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy.
5. Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Furry Friday: Meet Bobby!
Bobby is still very much a big, lovable puppy with a heart full of curiosity and a nose for adventure. He’s got medium energy and gets excited for outings—so don’t be surprised if he gets a little jumpy when the leash comes out. But once he’s outside and away from the chaos of the shelter, Bobby’s sweet and playful side really starts to shine.
Bobby lives for belly rubs, snuggles, and being close to his people. He’s learning his manners and already takes treats gently, which makes training a breeze. While he can be a bit reactive to other dogs in the kennel environment, he’s making great progress in playgroups.
Recently, Bobby has really come out of his shell. He’s now played well with both male and female dogs—after a moment to warm up, he engages in bouncy, playful fun. His latest session with a young male ended in zoomies and tail wags, and he’s had equally positive playtime with female pups, too.
Whether he’s sniffing every inch of the yard like a true explorer or learning the ropes of polite doggy play, Bobby is eager to grow, learn, and love. He’d thrive with a family ready to offer guidance, patience, and maybe a backyard where he can put his nose to work.
If you’re looking for a goofy, affectionate, and trainable companion, Bobby’s ready to be your best friend and your most loyal adventure partner.
Although he is heartworm positive, it is treatable and not contagious. Friends of Wake County Animal Center has provided a $700 sponsorship to help cover the cost of treatment.
He is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be neutered prior to going home. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.
About Bobby:
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Sex: Male
Age: 1 year 11 months
Weight: 62 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: No
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 4/09/2025
If you’re interested in learning more about Bobby, please reach out to Wake County Animal Shelter’s volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Bobby / Panda 247480.”
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September 12th 2025
Thought of the Day
Your brain is like a parachute, it only functions when it’s open.
Analyst Matthew Dowd loses his MSNBC job following his Charlie Kirk commentary
By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer
Political analyst Matthew Dowd is out of a job at MSNBC after his on-air comment following conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing about “hateful words” leading to “hateful actions.”
MSNBC said Thursday that Dowd, a paid political analyst, is “no longer with the network.” Both MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler and Dowd issued public apologies following his commentary, which drew a heated reaction online.
Dowd said shortly after the shooting Wednesday that Kirk was a divisive figure “who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which lead to hateful actions. And I think that’s the environment we’re in.”
Kutler posted an online apology for Dowd’s commentary, which she called “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.”
“There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise,” she said.
Dowd, on his Bluesky account, noted that he was asked a question by anchor Katy Tur about the nation’s political environment.
“I apologize for my tone and words,” Dowd said. “Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”
Dowd, once a political strategist for President George W. Bush, joined MSNBC in 2022 following a failed campaign for lieutenant governor in Texas as a Democrat. He spent nearly 15 years as an analyst at ABC News.
Former NC A&T athlete among 13 former NCAA basketball players under investigation for sports betting violations
By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer
The NCAA is investigating potential violations of sports betting rules involving 13 former men’s basketball players who completed for six schools.
Cases include athletes formerly associated with Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley. The schools are not under investigation and are not at risk of being penalized.
The NCAA’s integrity monitoring program and network of sources flagged text messages and direct messages on social media platforms and revealed unusual betting activities around regular-season games. The violations include student-athletes betting on and against their own teams, sharing information with third parties for purposes of sports betting, manipulating scoring or outcomes and/or refusing to participate in the investigation.
The NCAA Committee on Infractions has resolved three similar cases, concluding that three men’s basketball student-athletes who played for Fresno State and San Jose State violated the NCAA’s rules against sports betting and manipulated game outcomes. In the case involving Fresno State and San Jose State, the enforcement investigation concluded that Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver bet on one another’s games and/or provided information that enabled others to do so last season. Two manipulated their performances to ensure winning bets. Their eligibility was permanently revoked.
The NCAA said it will not name the athletes in the six cases until after the investigation. None of them are enrolled at their previous NCAA schools.
“The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks such as these,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. “I am grateful for the NCAA enforcement team’s relentless work and for the schools’ cooperation in these matters.”
Baker said the rise of sports betting is creating more chances to commit violations.
“While legalized sports betting is here to stay, regulators and gaming companies can do more to reduce these integrity risks by eliminating prop bets and giving sports leagues a seat at the table when setting policies,” he said.