Erika Kirk's Fierce Rebuke of Assassination Celebrators: A Mother's Plea and Turning Point USA's Resolve

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is a conservative 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk when he was 18 years old. Its core mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize high school and college students to promote principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, limited government, and traditional American values such as patriotism, liberty, family, and respect for life[1][2][6]. TPUSA aims to build the largest and most active conservative grassroots activist network across over 3,500 campuses nationwide, making it the fastest-growing youth organization in America[1][3]. Unlike traditional conservative campus groups that often bring celebrity speakers, TPUSA strategically focuses on training and financially supporting conservative candidates in student government elections, fostering influence in campus governance and politics[2][3][5]. This approach has allowed TPUSA to establish a strong political presence at approximately 900 colleges and 1,200 high schools by 2025, raising around $389 million in funds[2]. TPUSA’s organizational structure includes related entities such as Turning Point Action (a 501(c)(4) advocacy group formed in 2019) and Turning Point Faith (launched in 2021 to engage religious leaders and communities)[3]. The organization is funded by various right-wing donors and foundations, including those affiliated with the Koch brothers and other conservative philanthropists[3][5]. Notably, in September 2025, founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University, after which his widow, Erika Kirk, assumed the role of CEO[2]. The organization has faced controversies, including allegations of racial discrimination and the maintenance of a "Professor Watchlist" targeting faculty accused of leftist bias, which has sometimes incited online harassment[3][5]. TPUSA also produces media content such as podcasts, debate series, and daily news shows to engage youth in conservative ideas and culture[6]. Overall, Turning Point USA plays a

CBS News is a major American broadcast news division headquartered in New York City and part of CBS Corporation, renowned as one of the "big three" U.S. networks alongside ABC News and NBC News[1][5]. It provides multi-platform news coverage across television (CBS Television Network), radio (CBS Radio News), digital streaming (CBS News Streaming Network), websites (CBSNews.com), and mobile devices, delivering original reporting, interviews, investigations, analysis, and breaking news 24/7[5][6]. Founded in 1927 initially as a radio network by Arthur Judson and later purchased in 1929 by William S. Paley, CBS transformed under Paley's leadership into a dominant media force by attracting large audiences and advertisers[2][3]. It pioneered network radio news broadcasts beginning in 1929, with a notable early commitment to interrupt programming for breaking news, exemplified by live coverage of the 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping[1]. Edward R. Murrow, hired in 1935, established CBS's legendary reputation in wartime journalism, sending correspondents across Europe during World War II[1]. CBS transitioned into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and airing the first color broadcast in America in 1940[3]. It became a dominant television network from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, expanding its news programming with flagship shows like *60 MINUTES* (top-rated for 49 years), *CBS Evening News*, *Face the Nation* (the longest-running Sunday public affairs program), and *CBS News Sunday Morning*, all critically acclaimed and award-winning programs[5][6][9]. Today, CBS News excels in both traditional and digital journalism, operating 28 owned TV stations in 17 major U.S. markets and streaming globally in over 90 countries[6]. Its digital streaming platforms amassed over 1.24 billion streams in 2023, underscoring its leadership i

**Utah Valley University (UVU)** is a prominent public university located in Orem, Utah, known for its unique dual-mission model that combines the comprehensive academic rigor of a university with the accessibility and vocational focus of a community college[4]. Established in 1941 as the Central Utah Vocational School, UVU has evolved through several name changes and expansions, reflecting its growth and diversification. It became Utah Valley State College in 1993 and attained university status in 2008[1][3][7]. UVU serves over 48,000 students as of fall 2025, making it the largest public university in Utah and one of the largest in the Rocky Mountain region[7]. It offers a broad spectrum of programs, including master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, along with certificates across various fields such as business, engineering and technology, health, arts, and education[4][7]. Its student body is diverse, representing 42 countries, with a significant portion being nontraditional students, first-generation college students, and working professionals—78% of students work while studying[4]. Historically, UVU began as a vocational school focusing on trades and skilled craftsmanship. It expanded in the 1960s and 1970s to include associate degrees and moved from Provo to a larger campus in Orem, enabling further growth[1][2]. The institution was among the first community colleges to establish international exchange programs with countries including Russia, China, and Germany[1]. In the 1990s, UVU added bachelor’s degree programs in business management, computer science, and technology management, signaling its transition toward a full university[1]. UVU is recognized for its commitment to student success through engaged learning, faculty-mentored research, and community responsiveness to regional workforce needs[4][6]. The university’s Woodbury School of Business is notable for its integration of business education with technological innovation, supporting Utah’s growing economy.