The life and death of Charlie Kirk

September 19, 2025

Charlie Kirk (Charles James Kirk) was born on October 14, 1993 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was a producer and writer, known for Identity Crisis (2025), Border Battle (2022) and Race War.

Early Life and Education

He grew up in nearby Prospect Heights in a middle-class family. His father was an architect specializing in luxury estates, while his mother worked as a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange before transitioning to mental health counseling.

Kirk attended Wheeling High School, where classmates later described him as “rude,” “arrogant,” and possessing a “superiority complex,” though he was politically active from a young age, inspired by conservative figures like Ronald Reagan. A self-described “Reagan-loving schoolboy,” Kirk skipped college after one semester at Harper College, opting instead to pursue activism full-time.

Rise in Conservative Activism

Kirk’s political career ignited in high school when, at age 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 with Bill Montgomery. The nonprofit aimed to mobilize young conservatives on college campuses, promoting free-market principles and countering what Kirk called “leftist indoctrination.” Under his leadership as executive director and CEO, TPUSA grew rapidly, establishing over 3,000 chapters by 2025 and raising millions in funding from donors like the Koch brothers and Foster Friess. Kirk’s “Professor Watchlist,” launched in 2016, targeted academics accused of liberal bias, drawing both praise from the right and criticism for stifling free speech.

He became a key ally of Donald Trump during the 2016 election, organizing voter turnout among young Republicans and befriending Donald Trump Jr. Kirk spoke at the Republican National Convention that year and played a role in Trump’s 2020 campaign through TPUSA’s Turning Point Action arm, a dark-money group that funneled resources to pro-Trump efforts. His influence extended to events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol rally, where TPUSA was accused (though denied) of funding bus travel for attendees. Critics, including some conservatives, labeled Kirk an “anti-Semite” due to associations with figures like Milo Yiannopoulos and events that attracted alt-right crowds post-Charlottesville.

Media Career and Influence

By his mid-20s, Charlie Kirk had become a media powerhouse. In October 2020, he launched The Charlie Kirk Show, a daily three-hour radio program syndicated on Salem Media Group’s “The Answer” network. The podcast surged in popularity, reaching 500,000–750,000 daily downloads in 2024 and ranking as the 21st-most popular on Apple Podcasts by late 2021. His “Turning Point Live” streaming show targeted Generation Z, amassing 111,000 monthly unique visitors by 2021.

Kirk authored several books, including Time for a Turning Point (2016) and The MAGA Doctrine (2023), blending conservative policy critiques with calls for Christian nationalism. He produced documentaries like Identity Crisis (2025) and Border Battle (2022), focusing on election integrity and immigration. By 2025, Kirk was a millionaire, with TPUSA’s annual revenue exceeding $100 million, and he was seen as Trump’s “ambassador to youthful conservatives.” His campus tours, like the “American Comeback Tour,” often sparked protests but amplified his reach.

Personal Life

Kirk married Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona USA and collegiate basketball player pursuing a doctorate in Biblical studies at Liberty University, in 2021. The couple had two young children: a son (born May 2024) and a daughter (born August 2022). Erika often appeared alongside Kirk at events, and they shared glimpses of family life on social media, emphasizing faith and patriotism. Kirk was a devout Christian, frequently invoking the Gospel in his rhetoric.

Assassination and Immediate Aftermath

On September 10, 2025, at age 31, Kirk was fatally shot during a TPUSA speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” The assailant, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson — a Utah resident with no prior public political ties — fired a long rifle round from atop a nearby building, striking Kirk in the chest and neck. Kirk was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical intervention. Robinson fled but surrendered peacefully two days later on September 12, after confessing in text messages to a roommate and expressing fear of police retaliation. DNA evidence and planning texts linked him to the crime; prosecutors charged him with capital murder, citing aggravating factors like endangering bystanders, and announced plans to seek the death penalty — Utah’s first potential execution in over 15 years.

The FBI offered a $100,000 reward during the manhunt and released images of Robinson as a person of interest. President Trump, a close ally, mourned Kirk on Truth Social as “the Great, and even Legendary” voice of American youth, announcing a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom and plans to attend his Arizona funeral. Vigils sprang up nationwide, from Utah campuses to Illinois parks, with American flags and candles honoring Kirk.

Broader Impact and Legacy

Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025, cemented his status as a polarizing figure in American politics, amplifying both his influence and the controversies surrounding him. For supporters, Kirk was a martyr for conservative values, galvanizing a new generation of activists. Turning Point USA saw a surge in engagement, with 37,000 new chapter requests, his books topping Amazon charts, and The Charlie Kirk Show podcast hitting number one on Apple Podcasts. Conservative leaders, including Donald Trump, hailed him as a patriotic voice for youth, awarding him a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vigils and tributes across the U.S., from Utah to Illinois, underscored his role in mobilizing young Republicans and promoting free-market principles and Christian values.

Critics, however, viewed Kirk’s legacy through a more critical lens, pointing to his divisive rhetoric and associations with controversial figures. Outlets like The Nation and The New Republic highlighted his ties to Christian nationalism, his role in events attracting alt-right elements, and statements critics labeled as inflammatory on issues like race, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. They argued his “Professor Watchlist” and campus confrontations stifled academic freedom, while his proximity to figures like Milo Yiannopoulos and events post-Charlottesville raised questions about enabling extremism. Some saw his death as a tragic consequence of the polarized climate he helped fuel, though they condemned the violence unequivocally.

Both sides acknowledged Kirk’s outsized impact. His ability to blend media savvy, grassroots organizing, and proximity to power — evident in his Trump alliance and TPUSA’s $100 million operation — reshaped conservative youth activism. Yet, his death also sparked broader debates about political discourse, free speech, and the risks of radicalization in a divided nation. Supporters launched initiatives like the “Charlie Kirk Data Foundation” to honor his mission, while critics called for reflection on the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric. Kirk’s life and death thus left a dual legacy: a rallying cry for the right and a cautionary tale for those seeking to bridge America’s deepening divides.

Tasty Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Alan

September 15, 2025

This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting, hearty texture of meatloaf. It’s packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and burger-inspired seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

- 1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ lb (225g) bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion (or grated for smoother texture)
- ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles (optional, for that burger vibe)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 4-6 slices bacon, partially cooked (still pliable, for topping)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for final topping)

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Cook the ½ lb bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Reserve 4-6 additional bacon slices for topping (cook these partially, about 2-3 minutes, so they’re still flexible).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, pickles (if using), eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture.
- If using a loaf pan, press the mixture evenly into a 9×5-inch pan.
- For a free-form loaf, shape the mixture into a loaf shape (about 8×4 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Lay the partially cooked bacon slices over the top, tucking ends under if needed.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread the remaining glaze over the bacon and sprinkle with the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven to melt the cheese.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Serve with classic burger sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or a green salad.
- Optional: top with extra ketchup, mustard, or even burger toppings like lettuce and tomato slices.

Tips:

- Make it Burger-Like: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Burger Bun Hack: Serve slices on toasted hamburger buns with mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a fun cheeseburger-inspired sandwich.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is inspired by various sources combining cheeseburger and meatloaf elements, tailored for maximum flavor and ease.

The Galactic Federation Transmission

Alan

September 14, 2025

The Galactic Federation Transmission refers to a famous signal intrusion on November 26, 1977, where the audio of a Southern Television broadcast in southern England was interrupted for nearly six minutes by a distorted voice claiming to be “Vrillon,” a representative of the “Ashtar Galactic Command,” also sometimes called the Galactic Federation.

At about 5:10 p.m. local time, viewers heard their TV audio overpowered by a buzzing noise, then an altered voice delivering a message that warned of humanity’s impending fate and urged people to “abandon weapons” and strive for peace in order to avoid disaster and reach a “higher state of evolution.”

The purported speaker, Vrillon (or sometimes called Gillon, Asteron, or versions thereof in various reports), claimed to speak on behalf of the extraterrestrial Ashtar Galactic Command.

The video feed wasn’t affected, and the event caused a flurry of calls and panic among viewers. Southern Television apologized, and it was quickly determined that the broadcast had been hijacked by using a nearby unauthorized transmitter.

The core message warned that Earth was entering a “New Age of Aquarius” and needed to disarm to avoid catastrophe.

Viewers were told to “learn to live together in peace and goodwill” and to be on guard against “false prophets and guides” who would exploit them.

The speaker urged spiritual evolution and warned that only those who embrace peace would “pass to the higher realms of spiritual evolution.”

The incident became a legendary unsolved case of broadcast hijacking, referenced widely in ufology and popular culture.

Investigations attributed it to a technically savvy hoax using transmitter relaying vulnerabilities, but some, believe it or not, still speculate about its origin.

Full Transcript of the Transmission

Based on contemporary reports and audio analyses (e.g., from Fortean Times and archived recordings), here’s the complete message delivered by the voice. It urged humanity to abandon destructive technologies and prepare for spiritual evolution, themes common in Ashtar-related channelings:

“This is the voice of Vrillon, a representative of the Ashtar Galactic Command, speaking to you. For many years you have seen us as lights in the skies. We speak to you now in peace and wisdom as we have done to your forefathers. Do not ignore this message, but attend to it. All your weapons of evil must be removed. The time for conflict is now past and the race of which you are a part may proceed to the higher stages of its evolution if you show yourselves worthy by responding to this message from the cosmos. We have been watching you for many years. Your leaders have been warned. The time is now for all to listen. All who attempt to deny the truth will fail. All who attempt to deny the value of this message will be removed from the planet. The weapons of evil must be destroyed. The time for conflict is now past. We are leaving the planes of your existence. May you be blessed by the supreme love and truth of the cosmos.”

The transmission ended abruptly, and normal programming resumed with a Merrie Melodies cartoon (The Goofy Gophers).

This event, the Galactic Federation Transmission, is commonly called the “Southern Television broadcast interruption” and is noted as a significant unexplained broadcast mystery of the 20th century.

Media Reaction

Newspapers and news bulletins the following day described the event as a bizarre electronic intrusion and noted that hundreds of viewers called in, worried or curious about the incident.

Initial media reports cited differing names for the speaker (Vrillon, Gillon, or Asteron), reflecting the poor audio quality and public uncertainty. The message and its potential connection to UFO cults (like the Ashtar Command) were discussed in investigative reporting and radio features.

British and American newspapers published contradictory accounts, including differences regarding the name of the supposed alien and the exact wording of the message.

Some outlets and later retrospectives noted the coincidence of the anti-war message with the contemporary news segment about the Rhodesia conflict, reinforcing public intrigue and debate.

Contemporary news and official coverage reflected the confusion and technological novelty of the Galactic Federation Transmission event, which became a major topic in the media and remains a compelling unsolved broadcast mystery to this day.

I find it somewhat odd that this sort of thing would happen shortly after season 15 of Doctor Who had started in September.

Coincidence? Maybe … maybe not. You decide.

Fort Benton landmark Keelboat restored

Alan

September 13, 2025

Fort Benton — often called the “Birthplace of Montana” — is a historic city known for its role as the head of navigation on the Missouri River during the 19th-century fur trade and steamboat era. The city itself is home to the Fort Benton Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, which includes the waterfront, levee, and remnants of the original Old Fort Benton trading post established in 1846. Several landmarks within this district have undergone restorations over the years, but a recent and notable project highlights ongoing efforts to preserve this frontier heritage.

The Keelboat Mandan

On September 13, a longtime riverfront landmark in Fort Benton was announced as fully restored. The keelboat Mandan, a 70-year-old replica vessel, has been meticulously refurbished after four years of volunteer-led work. This restoration beautifies the Missouri River waterfront and preserves a key piece of Montana’s maritime history.

The Mandan was originally constructed in 1950 as a movie prop for the Howard Hawks film The Big Sky, a Western adventure starring Kirk Douglas and set along the Missouri River. It arrived in Fort Benton around 1964, where it served as a static display and symbol of the city’s steamboat and keelboat past. Keelboats like this predated steamboats and were essential for early river navigation and trade in the 1800s. Due to its age and exposure to the elements, it qualified for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Restoration

A dedicated team of volunteers undertook the project, repairing and reconstructing the vessel to resemble an authentic keelboat from the frontier era. The work focused on structural integrity, historical accuracy, and aesthetic appeal, transforming it from a weathered relic into a vibrant centerpiece. The restoration was completed without major funding disruptions, emphasizing community involvement.

Now resembling a true historical keelboat, the Mandan enhances Fort Benton’s riverfront park along the steamboat levee — a key part of the National Historic Landmark district. It serves as an educational and visual attraction, drawing visitors to explore the area’s role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, fur trade, and westward expansion. The levee itself is a preserved green space with interpretive signs, walking paths, and views of the Upper Missouri River Breaks.

This project aligns with broader preservation efforts in Fort Benton.

For instance, the original Northeast Bastion (or Blockhouse) of Old Fort Benton, the oldest surviving structure in Montana (built around 1856), was restored in the mid-20th century and remains open to the public seasonally. Other nearby sites, like the reconstructed Bourgeois House and the 1882 Grand Union Hotel (Montana’s oldest operating hotel), have also been restored to highlight the city’s “steamboat days” character.

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Benton, the keelboat Mandan is accessible year-round along Fort Benton’s riverfront and the waterfront is open daily; guided tours of related sites like Old Fort Benton are available from Memorial Day through late September (10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekdays, noon–4 p.m. Sundays).

You can also explore the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, or the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center — all part of the Fort Benton Museums and Heritage Complex.

Fort Benton is just up the road (about 40 miles northeast) from us here in Great Falls on highway US-87. The area is perfect for history buffs, with walking tours and events celebrating its Blackfeet heritage and pioneer stories.

The restoration of the Keelboat Mandan not only revives a beloved local icon but also underscores Fort Benton’s commitment to maintaining its status as a living museum of the American West.

For more details, you can plan your visit by contacting the Fort Benton Montana Museums and Heritage Complex or by calling 406-622-5316.

Gran’s Apple Cake

Alan

September 7, 2025

Here’s a simple, cozy recipe for Gran’s Apple Cake, perfect for a comforting dessert with minimal fuss. This version is based on classic, easy-to-follow recipes that deliver a moist, flavorful cake.