SUMMARY: Flags were flown at half-staff nationwide to honor 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk, shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, promoting conservative policies on campuses. Sympathy poured in from politicians and students, though a Middle Tennessee State University employee was fired for inappropriate posts after his death. Former Turning Point Lipscomb VP Isabella Turner highlighted Kirk’s faith and legacy of respectful political discourse. Sen. London Lamar urged canceling future Turning Point events citing safety concerns. Members of Turning Point USA commemorated Kirk, emphasizing his passion, respect, and dedication to dialogue and faith.

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SUMMARY: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a vocal advocate for releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents, voted this week to block an amendment that would have made these files public. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), aimed to direct the Attorney General to release Epstein-related documents and was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act. Blackburn criticized the amendment as a “desperate political stunt” that threatened military pay, accusing Democrats of using the issue for political gain. Despite her vote, Blackburn has repeatedly expressed commitment to exposing Epstein’s associates and combating human trafficking. The amendment was tabled 51-49, with Sen. Bill Hagerty also voting to block it.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee’s new law criminalizes housing immigrants without legal status, even if those housed have citizenship. Enforcement depends on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “determinations,” which critics argue are not final immigration rulings. State attorneys maintain that ICE notices suffice for prosecution, even if later proven wrong. The law targets human smugglers financially benefiting from housing undocumented immigrants, but churches and landlords fear prosecution for aid or rentals. Lawsuits argue the law’s broad language chills landlords and nonprofits. Judge William Campbell may issue a limited injunction to protect plaintiffs during trial. Opponents say the law criminalizes acts of hospitality and sanctuary.

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