Vice President JD Vance said there is "no unity" with radical leftists who cheered on Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirks assassination and attacked his family on Monday.Vance filled in for his "dear friend"on Kirks program "The Charlie Kirk Show" where he expressed his thoughts after Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University last week.Though he acknowledged receiving condolences from Democratic friends and former Senate colleagues, Vance was more disturbed at the number of people online who were seen justifying or even celebrating Kirks murder.VANCE SAYS HE OWES 'SO MUCH' TO CHARLIE KIRK WHILE GUEST-HOSTING SHOW, PRAISES 'VISIONARY' CONSERVATIVE LEADERHe sympathized with several calls for political unity in the aftermath, but declared "real unity can be found only after climbing the mountain of truth" and acknowledging a problem of political violence growing on the far left."There is no unity with people who scream at children over their parents' politics," Vance said. "There is no unity with someone who lies about what Charlie Kirk said in order to excuse his murder. There is no unity with someone who harasses an innocent family the day after the father of that family lost a dear friend. There is no unity with the people who celebrate Charlie Kirk's assassination."Vance added, "And there is no unity with the people who fund these articles, who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathizers, who argue that Charlie Kirk, a loving husband and father, deserved a shot to the neck because he spoke words with which they disagree."WASHINGTON POST COLUMNIST FIRED OVER SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATIONThe vice president told viewers to call out and inform employers of people who openly celebrate political assassination to foster a more civil society."I am desperate for our country to be united in condemnation of the actions and the ideas that killed my friend. I want it so badly that I will tell you a difficult truth. We can only have it with people who acknowledge that political violence is unacceptable and when we work to dismantle the institutions that promote violence and terrorism in our own country," Vance said.In the aftermath of Kirks murder, there have been several reports of people ranging from media analysts to teachers to doctors having been fired or reprimanded over public comments that celebrated the murder or suggested Kirks rhetoric was to blame.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREKirk was a close confidant of Vances both personally and politically and considered by Vance to have been pivotal in President Donald Trumps decision to choose him as a running mate in the 2024 election.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPVance also escorted Kirks casket aboard Air Force Two to return him to his home state of Arizona on Thursday.

Sewer workers in Italy recently uncovered a 2,300-year-old tomb that "showed signs of ancient disturbance," according to local officials.The news was announced by the Brindisi and Lecce Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape in a Facebook post on Sept. 8.In a translated version of the post, officials said the discovery was made in Manduria, a commune in Puglia.ANCIENT ROMAN APARTMENT BUILDING FOUND BENEATH PUBLIC SQUARE AMID SUBWAY CONSTRUCTIONThe tomb dates back to the 4th century B.C. and belonged to the Messapian civilization, a pre-Roman culture.Officials said the burial "belonged to a small funerary complex, [and] is divided into two spaces."The entrance "shows traces of painted plaster in red with a horizontal raised white band running along the walls," per officials."This space yielded numerous ceramic objects in primary deposition, including vases, oil lamps, unguent jars and plates, all datable to the 4th century B.C.," the post read.The burial chamber entrance also featured a two-panel door that was plastered red.UTILITY CREWS UNEARTH TWO 1,000-YEAR-OLD TOMBS BENEATH CITY STREET IN SINGLE DAY: 'FEELS SO EXCITING'"Several [plaster] fragments were recovered," the statement added. "The chamber itself also preserves traces of painted plaster."It went on, "On the southern side, four rectangular recesses have been identified at the base, likely intended as supports for a funerary bed."Interestingly, archaeologists found that the site "show[ed] signs of ancient disturbance." It is believed that ancient looters perforated the walls to get into nearby burials.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"[A second tomb] was still sealed but found to be devoid of grave goods, evidently already looted," the statement said."However, inside the fill of this second burial, a Roman coin was discovered a Republican denarius, evidence of the area's continued use and [presence] during the Roman period."Officials are working on developing a 3D digital model of the tomb for "future accessibility through digital technologies," the statement added.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"[This excavation] has made it possible to add new elements to our understanding of the funerary practices of the Messapian center of Manduria during the Hellenistic age," officials concluded.The latest discovery comes on the heels of several exciting tomb-related finds in Italy.This summer, three ancient "fairy houses" which are actually burial chambers were uncovered on the Italian island of Sardinia.Around the same time, archaeologists uncovered an Etruscan tomb roughly 30 miles north of Rome an unusual find that hadn't been looted.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to play a major role in representing the future of the monarchy during President Trumps state visit.In July, Buckingham Palace announced that the 79-year-old and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, would pay a state visit to the U.K. from Sept. 17-19. King Charles III will host the couple at Windsor Castle.Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that the Princess of Wales will be a key player as she supports the monarch and her husband, heir to the British throne. British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard agreed, telling Fox News Digital that everyone is in good spirits knowing Kate will "play a pivotal role during the state visit."TRUMP HEADS TO UK FOR RARE SECOND STATE VISIT, THEN TO ARIZONA FOR CHARLIE KIRK'S FUNERAL"It marks a pivotal moment in putting Catherine on the world stage," he said. "It marks a turning point with Catherine making more high-profile appearances during this state visit, which is of the utmost importance to Britain, adding an extra special cachet.""Hopefully, it will not be too long before the Waleses can go on tour abroad," Fitzwilliams said. "This is something that will be of enormous interest worldwide."Trump is the first U.S. president to be invited for two state visits by a British monarch. The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted him and Melania Trump in 2019 during his first administration. William and Kate also took part in that visit.The Trumps are expected to arrive at Windsor Castle on the morning of Sept. 17, where they will be officially greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales. William and Kate will then accompany them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla.As the king and queen formally welcome the president and first lady, a royal salute will be fired from the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. Then Trump and Melania will join Charles and Camilla, as well as William and Kate, in a carriage procession through the Windsor estate toward the castle."This unprecedented state visit is brilliant for U.K. and U.S. relations," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"William and Kates increased prominence isnt at all by accident. It is carefully curated, highly intentional, and aims to cement their significance not just in the U.K. and U.S.s special relationship, but the entire future stability and international importance of the monarchy.""The couples role is going to be highly visible and majorly significant," Fordwich continued. "Its glamorous symbolism reflecting their rising prominence with increased royal duties following the Princess of Wales recent health battle. They will be present for all the pageantry at Windsor Castle."During the visit, Kate is expected to team up with Melania for their first joint engagement.On Sept. 18, the princess and the first lady will appear at Frogmore Gardens to meet Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts Squirrels nature-based program. Kate, 43, who was a Brownie as a child, has been joint president of the Scout Association since 2020.The royal engagement hits close to home for Kate. Fitzwilliams pointed out that Kate had previously cited nature as a source of support while she was undergoing treatment for cancer last year. In January of this year, Kate announced she was in remission."William and Kate are working extremely hard to create value for the monarchy, especially in light of King Charles health," said royal expert Ian Pelham Turner.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"Kate seems to be enjoying life again after battling cancer," he said. "Shes now smiling happily at functions, bringing rays of sunshine to all she meets."Chard noted that Kate is hailed as the jewel on top of the House of Windsor's crown."Princess Catherine is keen to continue royal duties with strength and purpose, ensuring that everything runs smoothly," she said. "Her joint appearance with Melania Trump is sparking great interest. She will keep Melania busy, happy, and entertained."One of the many highlights of the state visit is the glamorous state banquet, which will take place on Wednesday evening. Around 150 guests are usually invited based on their cultural, diplomatic or economic links to the country being hosted. Both the king and President Trump are expected to deliver speeches at the beginning of the dinner."There will definitely be a tiara moment for Catherine at the state banquet," Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of "My Mother and I," told Fox News Digital."Usually, the royal ladies will quite often wear [what they call] state dresses, which are cream or white very beautiful," said Seward. "It shows all their royal orders, which are the ribbons you see across. [These are] orders given to them by the late queen."WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON SET TO SHINE AT STATE VISIT WITH TIARA MOMENT: AUTHOR"They will [also] bring out all the best jewelry," Seward shared. "I suspect that Catherine will wear quite a lot of the late queens jewelry. She usually does. She sometimes wears a watch of the queens, a bracelet, and a necklace. And obviously a tiara. She they drip in jewels. They absolutely drip with jewels. Its the one time they could really show off their jewelry."As we see Kate shine in the spotlight, royal watchers can also expect William to play an elevated role in supporting his father. Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024."Some view King Charles as a caretaker king," Chard explained. "His years of experience are an invaluable learning curve for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Their hosting duties and high-profile appearances are set to increase. They are happy to be an integral part of this state visit, determined to continue strengthening U.K. and U.S. relations.""Prince William feels honored that President Trump admired the late Queen Elizabeth, his grandmother, whom he also revered," Chard continued."That respect is shared between both men Their good connection was evident at the ceremonial reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Fabulous soft power at play and genuine camaraderie can only mean the special relationship between both nations is set to get stronger."Previously, a formal invitation, known as a "manu regia," was signed by Charles and hand-delivered by British officials to the White House, inviting Trump for a state visit."His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the first lady later this year," a palace aide said.

President Donald Trump is bringing a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the paper of being a virtual "mouthpiece" for the Democratic Party and making an illegal "campaign contribution" in 2024 to opponent Kamala Harris.Trump announced the lawsuit late Monday on Truth Social and said it would be brought in Florida. This marks yet another legal action taken by the president against a major media organization after forcing settlements with ABC News and CBS News over the past year."Today, I have the Great Honor of bringing a $15 Billion Dollar Defamation and Libel Lawsuit against The New York Times, one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the History of our Country, becoming a virtual 'mouthpiece' for the Radical Left Democrat Party. I view it as the single largest illegal Campaign contribution, EVER," he wrote. "Their Endorsement of Kamala Harris was actually put dead center on the front page of The New York Times, something heretofore UNHEARD OF!"Trump accused the Times of engaging in a decades-long campaign of "lying" about him, his business, family, and the MAGA movement.TRUMP TAKES AIM AT CNN AND NEW YORK TIMES OVER IRAN STRIKE COVERAGE, BUT JOURNALISTS ARE SHRUGGING"I am PROUD to hold this once respected 'rag' responsible, as we are doing with the Fake News Networks such as our successful litigation against George Slopadopoulos/ABC/Disney, and 60 Minutes/CBS/Paramount, who knew that they were falsely smearing me through a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration, which was, in effect, a malicious form of defamation, and thus, settled for record amounts. They practiced this longterm INTENT and pattern of abuse, which is both unacceptable and illegal. The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW! The suit is being brought in the Great State of Florida. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"In the lawsuit, Trump said he had to overcome "persistent election interference from the legacy media," that was led by the Times."All across our country, Americans from a wide array of backgrounds saw the truth about him and voted accordinglythe same truth that the New York Times refused to recognize as it continued spreading false and defamatory content about President Trump," the suit states.CBS PARENT COMPANY SPARKS MASSIVE OUTRAGE WITH TRUMP LAWSUIT SETTLEMENTThe suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for Floridas Middle District. The named defendants are the New York Times Company, reporters Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker and Michael S. Schmidt, and Penguin Random House, which published "Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Fathers Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success," which was authored by Craig and Buettner.The New York Times endorsed Harris in 2024, no surprise in that its editorial board leans sharply to the left and has not endorsed a Republican for the White House since 1956. In its explanation, the board began by panning Trump as dangerously unfit rather than praising Harris."It is hard to imagine a candidate more unworthy to serve as president of the United States than Donald Trump. He has proved himself morally unfit for an office that asks its occupant to put the good of the nation above self-interest," the board wrote.The 85-page lawsuit called the endorsement "deranged" and also said "Lucky Loser" was a false and defamatory book. In 2023, a judge dismissed a lawsuit that he brought against the New York Times in 2021 for its prior reporting on his finances and claims he'd engaged in suspect tax maneuvers.GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS AND ABC APOLOGIZE TO TRUMP, ARE FORCED TO PAY $15 MILLION TO SETTLE DEFAMATION SUITThe lawsuit saluted Trump's "decades of magnificent real estate achievements" and called him a television trailblazer for his work on "The Apprentice.""Thanks solely to President Trumps sui generis charisma and unique business acumen, 'The Apprentice' generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, and remained on television for over thirteen years, with nearly 200 episodes. The Apprentice represented the cultural magnitude of President Trumps singular brilliance, which captured the zeitgeist of our time."Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and New York Times for comment.The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, whose liberal editorial boards were set to endorse Harris last year, ultimately didn't offer endorsements after being overruled by their respective billionaire owners. The moves infuriated progressive staffers and prompted resignations and subscriber losses.Trump has already secured eight-figure settlements over suits he filed against ABC News and CBS News over the past year.HOW TRUMP SUED CBS AND WON: THE '60 MINUTES' SETTLEMENT THAT ROCKED THE MEDIA WORLD, EXPLAINEDABC agreed to pay $15 million last December as a charitable contribution to a future presidential museum or foundation to settle Trump's defamation lawsuit. The suit was prompted by anchor George Stephanopoulos repeatedly saying Trump had been held liable for rape on the air, rather than sexual abuse.Trump also launched an "election interference" lawsuit against CBS over its "60 Minutes" interview of Harris last year, saying its editing decisions amounted to deceiving the public. Ahead of a planned $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, CBS parent company Paramount settled the lawsuit in July to a total that could be upwards of $30 million.Both settlements brought howls of outrage from liberals and free speech proponents who said corporate media owners had capitulated to frivolous suits, while Trump's supporters said he was finally bringing liberal media outlets to heel.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThis is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates

California state Sen. Scott Wiener described Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated in Utah last week, as "a vile bigot," asserting that Kirk normalized "dehumanization.""Charlie Kirk did not deserve to die. Also Charlie Kirk was a vile bigot who did immeasurable harm to so many people by normalizing dehumanization. Yes, having debates on college campuses is a good thing. But dehumanizing people & persuading others to do so is horrific," Wiener wrote in a Monday post on X.The RNC Research account on X shared Wiener's post, writing, "This is the tolerant left. Absolutely disgusting.""Pot, meet kettle," Dean Cain declared when sharing Wiener's post.POTENTIAL PELOSI SUCCESSOR RE-UPS BILL TO BAN ICE FROM OBSCURING IDENTITIES: SHUT THIS MASK S--T DOWNLast week, Wiener, a Democrat, recognized the need to denounce the assassination, but also asserted that the movement Kirk helped to construct had "brainwashed" people with "poison."CHARLIE KIRK VIGILS HELD AT UNIVERSITIES ACROSS AMERICA FOLLOWING ASSASSINATION OF CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST"Multiple things can be true: Political violence is toxic & Kirks assassination must be condemned. Kirk was exceptionally talented & helped build a movement. That movement brainwashed many young men with bigoted, violent poison. Condemn his murder, but do not lionize him," Wiener wrote in a September 11 post on X.The day prior, Wiener had said the slaying was "horrific" and advocated for "basic safeguards" for access to firearms.FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL REVEALS DETAILS ABOUT ALLEGED KIRK ASSASSIN'S TEXTSCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Charlie Kirks murder is horrific. Political violence is never the answer. It takes lives & makes our political system toxic & dangerous. We need basic safeguards on accessing guns. No one should have to live in fear of being targeted with gun violence," Wiener wrote.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio early Tuesday said that the U.S. and Qatar were on the verge of finalizing a defense cooperation agreement as he framed the Middle Eastern ally as the "only country in the world" positioned to mediate between Israel and Hamas.The secretarys comments came as he was leaving Jerusalem, where he had met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Israels airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week, as well as its intensifying bombardment of Gaza City.Rubio, who is now heading to Qatar for a quick visit, acknowledged Dohas anger over the Israeli airstrikes, telling Fox News during an exclusive interview in Jerusalem: "We understand theyre not happy about what happened."Speaking to reporters, Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Qatar as an ally, saying Doha can play a "key role" in ensuring the terrorist group Hamas is "disarmed as a threat."EXCLUSIVE: RUBIO SAYS US-ISRAEL ALLIANCE REMAINS FIRM AS HE HEADS TO QATAR AMID BACKLASH OVER DOHA STRIKES"We think Qatar can play a very key role in that. So, were going there. We have a close partnership with the Qataris," Rubio said before adding, "In fact, we have an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, which weve been working on and were on the verge of finalizing."RUBIO SAYS ISRAEL STRIKE ON SYRIAN MILITARY HEADQUARTERS LIKELY A MISUNDERSTANDINGRubio said that if any country in the world could mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas, "Qatar is the one.""Theyre the ones that can do it. Now, I dont know if they can after what happened, but I think they could. If anyone can, they can. Theres no other country in the world that can play that role. And we hope they can," Rubio said.The secretary warned that the window for diplomacy with Hamas was narrowing, saying, "We dont have months anymore We probably have days, maybe a few weeks.""So, its a key moment an important moment," Rubio said. "And again, our preference, our number one choice, is that this ends through a negotiated summit where Hamas says, Were going to demilitarize. Were no longer going to pose this threat. Were going to disband. Were going to release every single hostage."

The Trump administration announced a record $500 million investment in charter schools Monday, citing declining enrollment in traditional public schools nationwide."Following the release of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, which showed dismal educational outcomes across the nation, the Department plans to award grants totaling $500 million for charter schools to support education choice in fiscal year 2025," the Department of Education said. "This marks the largest investment ever in the Charter Schools Program and fulfills a commitment the Department made earlier this year."The announcement followed the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, which showed 12th-graders math and reading scores at record lows, continuing a years-long decline.NATION'S REPORT CARD GIVES PUBLIC SCHOOLS A FAILING GRADE. PARENTS ARE DEMANDING BETTERThe administration also pledged support for American history and civics programs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)."We are proud to make the largest investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program in the Departments history, support American history programs that will inspire young people to be active and informed citizens, and recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities historic contributions to improving education and opportunity in our country," U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said on Monday. "The Trump Administration will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed in life."THE FIGHT OVER CHARTER SCHOOLS IN SOME OF AMERICA'S RURAL STATESMost states restrict parents to schools within their ZIP code or school district, but charter schools allow families to choose alternatives.Charter schools compete with traditional public schools for students and per-pupil funding. Critics argue that this diverts money that could otherwise boost teacher salaries, upgrade facilities, or recruit more educators.Concerns include that the money taken away from traditional public schools could be used to boost teachers' salaries, invest in public school facilities and recruit more teachers.Parents across the U.S. have increasingly turned away from traditional public schools since the COVID-19 pandemic.Fox News Digital previously reported on enrollment declines in school districts across the U.S., as well as several states responding to the trend of parents seeking alternative options to traditional public schools. School choice legislation is introducing competition into the education landscape as parents have options outside the neighborhood school their child is zoned for, placing challenges on school districts that are struggling to retain students.After Arizona launched an $800 million universal school choice program giving parents $7,000 for education expenses, Tucson Unified School District reported financial and enrollment struggles, citing $20 million in losses.Homeschooling grew after the COVID-19 pandemic, with more parents seeking alternatives to public schools.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Interviews with Supreme Court justices are rare because they come with guardrails which have to be respected. Having conducted interviews with Justices Stephen Breyer, Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and now Amy Coney Barrett, it is useful to put those rules down for future interviewers. It is a very good thing that sitting justices write books, especially when they are accessible to laymen as Justice Barretts new "Listening to the Law" and Justice Gorsuchs "Overruled" from last year both accomplished.Justice Breyers "Making Our Democracy Work" was an excellent argument for his approach to judging. "My Grandfathers Son" was an eye-opening account of Justice Thomas' life, from its incredibly challenging beginnings as well as of the path he followed through his college radical days to One First Street. (Justice Sotomayors books have not crossed my desk with a request from her publisher for an interview, so I havent talked with her, but applaud her variety of titles.)Justices must be discrete about their public appearances because litigants are entitled to open minds when their cases are heard by the highest court. We do not want we really cannot afford to have a Court full of pundits who have held forth on the controversies of the day in such a way as to persuade a fair-minded observer that any of their nine minds are made up.BARRETT SAYS JUSTICES 'WEAR BLACK, NOT RED OR BLUE' IN RESPONSE TO PARTISAN CRITICS IN FOX NEWS INTERVIEWIt is fine for the political branches to weigh in on every question of the day, but not so the Court charged with rendering final and binding opinions on questions being debated across the land.Whatever your opinion on the Courts decisions, those decisions are explained via the opinions that they issue and most of those can be absorbed at least in large part by laymen. Lawyers and law professors might guess how particular questions reaching the Court will be decided, but guesses arent votes by justices and even 500 or 5,000 guesses dont add up to the five votes necessary for a majority opinion. (There are approximately 9,000 full-time law professors in the United States. There are often far more than 500 guesses and sometimes beyond 5,000 when journalists and pundits pile on.)How then to know how the Court works without spending a year in Constitutional law coursework? Beginning with Justice Amy Coney Barretts "Listening to the Law" is a great place to begin. She begins with the assumption that the reader is bright, but not learned in the law. Its an excellent starting point for even law students, but especially for the public.The Supreme Court and, indeed, all federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. The Supreme Court was summoned into being by the ratification of the Constitution in 1789, the lower federal courts by various acts of Congress dating back to the very first Judiciary Act which arrived in 1789.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONBut Article III makes clear the Supreme Court only hears "cases" and "controversies" that come before it. The Court does not have a roving Constitutional commission to seek out and remedy what a majority of its nine justices think requires one. Justice Barrett underscores this point in "Listening to the Law," as well as other major doctrines that limit the Courts reach, as well as the variety of "canons" which govern its deliberations. She is also specific as to the procedures of how the Court goes about its work and in a wonderfully charming, illuminating fashion.She arrived, first at the Seventh Circuit and then at the Supreme Court, with a reputation for brilliance as well as collegiality and both virtues are on display in "Listening to the Law." In our recent talks, Justice Barrett and I discussed civility in society and the descent of public discourse into the lowest cellars of the internet. In her book, justice raises the bar, significantly. We have to hope her example is contagious.Hugh Hewitt is host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show," heard weekday mornings 6am to 9am ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh wakes up America on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channels news roundtable hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman Universitys Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcast, and this column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT

Did hate speech from the left contribute to the death of Charlie Kirk? Absolutely. When liberals brand President Donald Trump and his followers fascists, racists and threats to democracy, it encourages violence against them.But Democrats have done something worse; they have spread a doctrine of despair. They have convinced young people and especially young men that they have no future, that the game is rigged and that the American Dream is dead. Liberals have created a world of such hopelessness that violence, including self-inflicted violence, is seen by many young people as the only solution to their troubles.Pew research found last year that while the great majority of older adults believe in the American Dream and hope to achieve it, only 39% of people ages 1829 say the same. Young Democrats, it should be noted, are vastly more pessimistic than their GOP contemporaries.FOLLOWING KIRKS ASSASSINATION, LAWMAKERS REACT TO LETHAL POLITICAL CLIMATE: 'VIOLENT WORDS PRECEDE VIOLENT ACTIONS'Why would that be? Maybe because theyre listening to self-described democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who, on his recent Fight the Oligarchy tour, said the American dream has "turned into a nightmare" and that "billionaires have rigged the system to avoid being accountable to us."Or they hear Bernies sidekick, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., telling them that GOP "politics [involve] lying to and screwing over working and middle-class Americans so that they can steal from our healthcare, Social Security, and veterans' benefits to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest and bailouts for their crypto billionaire friends."AOC, also a democratic socialist, wants her young followers to know that the most successful Americans,"aren't working for these billions. They're stealing themfrom you and me."Young people indoctrinated by leftist educators are swayed by these incendiary claims. They feel cheated, they are angry and alarmingly they are envious.A new Rasmussen survey shows that "A majority of voters under 40 favor legal limits on how much an individual can earn, including nearly a third who would set the maximum income at $1 million a year or less." Similarly, "believing that the economy is unfair to them, a majority of voters under 40 favor legislation to confiscate "excess wealth."YOUTH LEADERS MOURN 'THE GODFATHER OF CAMPUS CONSERVATISM' CHARLIE KIRK FOLLOWING ASSASSINATIONThis is not the American way. Our country has traditionally celebrated success and supported rewarding the entrepreneurs and builders who have made the U.S. the envy of the world. Liberals do not. They see the economy as a zero-sum game.The results are devastating, to young people and to our country. The Committee to Unleash Prosperity reports that the percentage of young men not even trying to find a job has doubled since 1980. That is worrisome, and it is dangerous. Aimless young men too easily get into trouble.Democrats relentlessly fuel the anger and frustration of young voters, many of whom are anxious about the rising cost of living. After the pandemic, when reckless spending by President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress drove inflation to multi-decades highs, liberals like Bernie Sanders blamed corporate greed for higher prices. Vice President Kamala Harris ran for president not on a promise to rein in our deficits, but instead to ban price-gouging by grocers.Corporate greed is an easy villain and faceless CEOs are convenient targets.But CEOs do have faces, and names. Fomenting fury against them can have deadly consequences, as in the case of Brian Thompson,CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was murdered by accused shooter, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, in broad daylight in Manhattan. According to the police, when he was arrested, Mangione had handwritten notes that expressed disdain for corporate America, in particular the healthcare industry. More recently, four innocent people working in a midtown Manhattan office building were gunned down by 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, who left a suicide note suggesting he had CTE and was targeting the NFL headquarters.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONWhat happened to these young men? And to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooksof Pennsylvania, who tried to kill President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania? And to Tyler Robinson, age 22, who is accused of killing Kirk?Did they lose their humanity playing video games in their parents basements and chasing conspiracies through the dark web? Did COVID -- the school closures and work-from-home routines interrupt their social development? Maybe, but it also appears that these young men felt they had nothing to live for, and that someone had to pay for their bleak future.These issues are important and may well determine the future of our nation. In New York City, Democratic Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is feeding off economic anxieties, attracting young fans by blaming businesses for their problems and promising free buses, free childcare and rent caps. He preaches the politics of division, not opportunity, and redistribution, not growth. If his brand of politics catches on, more Americans will face soaring costs. More Americans will live in poverty.Historically, Americans were optimistic that hard work led to a better life, and that anyone could succeed. That is our social compact. Democrats do not share that compact. They foster a grievance culture in which Black and brown people cannot prosper because of racism, while women cannot progress because of misogyny. They enfeeble young people; they want them dependent on big government, because the bigger the state, the more power and control politicians have. It is a dark vision.Surveys have shown that conservatives are generally happier than liberals. That is not surprising. Conservatives love God, family and country; that is more uplifting than loving the state.Charlie Kirk embraced the American Dream and spread a message of optimism and patriotism to his followers. Young people flocked to him and even in death, he will inspire millions to embrace free speech, love of family, the Christian church and the core values that built this country.Believe in the future, believe in yourself - that was Charlie Kirks message. And it is not what Democrats preach.

The recent New York primary win by Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, raises the question that has been simmering for years: Is America ready for socialism?Our nationwide survey of 2,067 college and university students across the U.S. suggests the answer starts with another question: What constitutes socialism? Only 34% of students define socialism as state ownership and central planning, the classic definition. Almost half instead define it as active government and redistribution, and many admit they are unsure. This confusion shapes how people talk about socialism and why it polls well with young voters.Politicians have helped blur the lines by pointing to places such as Nordic countries like Sweden as models of "democratic socialism," claiming they are successful models of what it could look like in the U.S. But Sweden is not a socialist economy. The policies endorsed by Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani and others like implementing a wealth tax, increasing inheritance taxes, corporate taxes and income taxes to pay for a large welfare state are not the policies of Sweden. It is a market-based system with high taxes that fund a generous welfare state.US SUPPORT FOR CAPITALISM SINKS TO NEW LOW IN GALLUP POLLWhile the tax burden for individuals is relatively high in Sweden, the Swedish government notes that its welfare system is built on the principle that everyone pays, not just the rich. The top marginal income tax rate is higher in Sweden than in the U.S. But these higher taxes arent just being paid by the rich in Sweden. The top rate applies to everyone earning barely above the national average in Sweden, compared to the U.S. where the highest rate is paid by those earning 800% higher than the national average.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONMoreover, Sweden imposes a 25% consumption tax on goods and services, versus state and local sales taxes in the U.S. that average 7.7%. Sweden also has no wealth tax, no inheritance tax and a lower corporate tax rate than in the U.S.Sweden learned the hard way what happens when it moved toward the kind of policies advocated for by "democratic socialists." As highlighted by Johan Norberg and others, for almost 100 years, the country had a small government and an open economy until the country experimented with socialism in the 70s and 80s. During that time, they expanded the size of government, increased income taxes, introduced a wealth tax and an inheritance tax. Iconic companies like IKEA left the country, growth stalled and the country experienced a financial crisis that forced major reforms in the early 1990s. Today, Sweden is one of the most economically free countries in the world.FETTERMAN RIPS LEFTIES IN DEM PARTY, SAYING PEOPLE IN EX-COMMUNIST NATION TOLD HIM YOU ARE MORONS'So, what do young Americans want? When we asked students whether they are in favor of universal healthcare and free higher education, 78% said yes if it is funded by a wealth tax on the top 1%. Seventy-one percent said yes if funded by higher income taxes on the top 10%. When asked whether they were in favor of these things if funded by a universal consumption tax, support dropped to half. When funded by a higher income tax on most people, only 38% were in favor. Clearly, college students (and presumably other Americans who are in favor of these things) are much more in favor of a larger welfare state if somebody else foots the bill.History and economics show that the systems built on ever-expanding government eventually hit a wall. As the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher famously said, "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money."Before America decides it is ready for socialism, its clear we need to get educated on what it actually means and what it really costs. Only then can we truly debate whether socialism is "a commitment to dignity," as Mamdani says, or whether it is a prescription for ruin.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JOHN BITZAN

Professor Cornel West stormed out of a segment about the political assassination of Charlie Kirk on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" on Monday.Kirk's assassination sparked a nationwide conversation about political violence, in which host Piers Morgan said the rhetoric of the "woke left" when describing President Donald Trump holds some blame."There is little doubt to me that the constant rhetoric on the left, the woke left let me be specific to where I think a lot of the blame lies ever since Donald Trump came into power in 2016, has been this relentless use of the phrases Hitler, Nazis, fascists about Trump and about Trump's supporters,"Morgan said.He added that the repeated rhetoric from the progressive left over the past nine years seeps into the minds of impressionable young people, convincing them its their responsibility to prevent America from falling to supposed modern-day Nazis, fascists, or another Hitler. He said this mindset contributed to what happened with Charlie Kirk.DAVID MARCUS: DEMOCRATS MUST STOP THEIR DEADLY ANTI-FASCISM COSPLAY"Do you agree that this language, this relentless, in my view, woeful misuse, particularly of the word Nazi, towards Trump and his supporters, is part of the problem?," Morgan asked West."Well, I think part of the deeper problem though, brother Pierce, is that the organized greed and weaponized hatred and routinized indifference toward the vulnerable has come together in such a way that it has eroded the sources of character formation, so that integrity, honesty, decency and self-critical sensibilities in of individuals and groups is more and more disappearing," West responded.West went on to argue that hatred is "promiscuous" in that it can be found among any group or political ideology, but argued the current environment is one where such qualities have become lethal.Fellow panelist and "Whatever" podcast co-host Andrew Wilson challenged West, accusing him of having referred to Trumps administration as a neo-fascist movement."Yes indeed, youre absolutely right," West replied as both began shouting at each other, with West arguing he should be able to make the case on-air.NETWORKS CAN'T FIND ANY BLAME FOR THE LEFT IN CHARLIE KIRK'S MURDERAfter Wilson argued that people sharing rhetoric like that are what got Kirk killed, West denied the accusation, arguing "there are such a thing as neo-fascists."West then turned against Morgan, arguing that Morgan was more interested in making money with this panel rather than having a legitimate dialogue, because he was allowing people to interrupt each other. West said that while he sees Charlie Kirk as having been made in the image of God just like any other human being, he objects to how the discussion is being handled."Its a joke, man! Its not worth it!" West said as he got up from his seat. When he was challenged further about accusations of neo-fascism, West replied by citing Kirks criticism of the legacy of the Civil Rights Act and his criticism of Martin Luther King Jr. and stormed off set.After he left, Morgan argued that it is "farcical to quit a debate where we're literally debating about the importance of free speech and being able to listen to each other's opinions."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

PresidentDonald Trump is rejecting suggestions that right-wing extremism is a problem."Well, the problem is on the left," Trump told reporters outside Air Force One."The problem is on the left if you look at the problem its not on the right like some people like to say, on the right. The problem we have is on the left. When you look at the agitators, you look at the scum that speaks so badly of our country, the American flag burnings all over the place, thats the left, thats not the right."CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED ASSASSIN 'TAKEN OVER' BY LEFTIST IDEOLOGY WHILE FBI PROBES WIDER PLOT: BONGINOOne reporter asked whether he planned to investigate."Theyre already under investigation. Theyre already under major investigation. A lot of the people that you would traditionally say are on the left."No matter how the question is framed, Trump sticks to his partisan analysis, as he did on "Fox & Friends": "Radicals on the left are the problem. and they are vicious and horrible and politically savvy. They want men in womens sports, they want transgender for everyone, open borders."The contrast with Utahs Republican governor,Spencer Cox, could not be starker.Cox, who made the Sunday show rounds, says the country has to find an off-ramp from the current surge in political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirks murder. There has to be a way to lower the temperature, he said.Democrats from Barack Obama on down, to their credit, are denouncing the assassination as unacceptable, even if they disagreed with some or all of what Kirk stood for.Whats striking is the ripple effect on everyone else.Newsday had to apologize for an abominable cartoon.The sketch showed an empty chair, with blood behind it, and the repeated phrase "Prove Me Wrong" a frequent Kirk saying with an arrow pointing toTurning Point USA.FROM GRIEF TO GROWTH: TURNING POINT USA BECOMES A RALLYING FORCE FOR GEN Z IN BATTLEGROUND ARIZONAThe Long Island paper called the cartoon "insensitive and offensiveWe deeply regret this mistake and sincerely apologize to the family of Charlie Kirk and to all," saying its been deleted online. But how does something that bad get approved?Fox News, citing 10 sources, said theWhite House and Pam Bondi have lost confidence in Kash Patel. The FBI director stumbled in announcing that a suspect was in custody, only to see that person released as the wrong man. Patel says his tweet that the "subject" of the shooting was "in custody," could have "been worded a little better."There were warning signs when Missouris attorney general was brought in with the same rank as Patels deputy,Dan Bongino, and Fox says he made clear he would not have left that job to serve as Patels number two.Kari Lake, who runs the U.S. Agency for Global Media, said at a vigil for Kirk that the college that the accused shooter attended for one semester had "brainwashed" him."I am making a plea to mothers," said Lake, who twice failed in bids for office in Arizona. "Do not send your children into these indoctrination camps."Lake added that her daughter didnt go to college, instead working for Kirk.Four years ago, the suspect went toUtah State University as a pre-engineering major.And he was sufficiently, uh, brainwashed in 2021 that he decided to kill Kirk last week?UTAH PROSECUTORS PREPARE POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY CASE AGAINST CHARLIE KIRK SUSPECT TYLER JAMES ROBINSONLook, finger-pointing politics has been going on for a very long time. When President Clinton blamed Rush Limbaugh for the Oklahoma City bombing, I wrote the front-page story. When the New York Times blamed Sarah Palin for the wounding of Gabby Giffords (and the death of six others) because of a political map with crosshairs that the killer never saw a top editor told me I was wrong but later admitted Id been right.And when the guy who badly wounded Steve Scalise at a Republican baseball practice was revealed to be a regular Rachel Maddow watcher, liberals jumped on that one.So it is with the 22-year-old Kirk murder suspect and the pointless search for motive.Is it relevant that thealleged shooter is living with a transgender man who is becoming a woman? Sure. But anyone who would plot to kill Charlie Kirk for political reasons is by definition insane, as are all these nutjob school shooters.Its also true, by the way, that the constant attacks on the president the survivor of two assassination attempts as Hitler and worse foster an atmosphere in which another attack is more likely.But wait, theres a final guilt-by-association maneuver going on.We see it whenElon Musk immediately tweets "the left is the party of murder." We see it when Spencer Cox calls social media a "cancer."The social media point may well be true,but we cant put that genie back in the lamp.By blaming "the left," the X owner and others are depicting everyone who hasliberal viewpoints as culpable, even if they never heard of Charlie Kirk, even if they are shocked and appalled by his murder.And thats just, well, crazy.