Controversy Surrounds Charlie Kirk's Assassination and Memorial

Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show on ABC after a week-long suspension due to controversy surrounding his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel apologized for any offense caused but maintained that he didn't intend to make light of the murder. The suspension sparked a nationwide debate over free speech and censorship, with many celebrities and conservatives weighing in. Some ABC affiliates, including those owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, continued to preempt Kimmel's show despite its return.

The article discusses the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, a conservative provocateur who was assassinated at a college campus in Utah. The service, held at the Arizona Cardinals stadium, was attended by tens of thousands of mourners, mostly conservatives wearing MAGA hats. The event was a mix of a memorial, megachurch service, and political rally. Attendees, including Linda Kissel, expressed concerns about the division in the country and the risk of further attacks. Top Republicans hailed Kirk as a martyr, highlighting the polarized atmosphere in the United States.

Cubs rookie Matt Shaw skipped a game to attend the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking criticism from Mets announcer Gary Cohen, who deemed it 'weird' to leave the team during a playoff race. Shaw had obtained permission from the Cubs and discussed his decision with manager Craig Counsell and veterans on the team, citing it as important to his faith. Cohen attempted to sidestep the politics, focusing on the unusual nature of the absence. The incident has sparked debate, with some viewing Shaw's decision as understandable given the circumstances, while others see it as inappropriate given the team's playoff situation.