Hector Balderas-Aheelor, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, is charged with felony hit-and-run causing death or injury.

Reverend Phillip Phaneuf of the North Chili United Methodist Church (UMC) in Upstate New York announced to his congregation that he will be transitioning to become a woman.

President Donald Trump announced a "full and unconditional pardon" for Texas Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. The couple had been indicted on bribery charges last year.

The Trump administration has launched new immigration enforcement operations in New Orleans, Louisiana, aimed at capturing criminal illegal aliens who have been released back into the community.

We are at a critical moment in our shared history. A moment that calls for moral clarity and an unwavering commitment to justice. Christians around the globe are facing a genocide. And while President Donald Trump champions religious liberty in Syria after hosting the former al-Qaeda fighter-turned-president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and declares Nigeria a “country of particular concern” because of the slaughter of Christians, we cannot be naive. Christian persecution is already here in America. Our nation is becoming a dangerous place for faithful believers to live. We must stand up now for the persecuted not only as individuals but as a united front for our brothers and sisters around the world. Policymakers, churches, and ordinary citizens have a moral responsibility to ensure our nation remains a beacon of hope and freedom for all, especially those persecuted for their faith. I know something about persecution and the price of freedom. I grew up in Communist Romania, where the freedoms we now experience in America were stolen from its citizens. Speaking the truth meant imprisonment, torture, and even death. The government sought to control every thought, every word, every breath. That’s why I became a political refugee and found a new home in America in 1988. A 2024 Cato Institute survey found that nearly 74% of Americans worry that if we’re not careful, Americans could lose their God-given freedoms and liberties. An out-of-control regime can gradually build persecution against Christians, making small, incremental changes that could go unnoticed until it is too late. I know. I lived it. In Communist Romania, Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime controlled religious organizations by appointing loyal leaders, restricting activities, and nationalizing properties. Atheism was promoted through education and propaganda, portraying Christianity as outdated. Religious groups faced pressure to align with state policies, with non-compliance leading to imprisonment, job loss, or death. The legacy of this persecution continues to shape the religious landscape in Romania today. While the extent and nature of persecution differ significantly between Communist regimes and contemporary American society, there are parallels in the experiences of marginalization, pressure to conform, and struggles for expression. The challenges faced by Christians today often manifest initially in social and cultural pressures rather than outright physical persecution. And we are beginning to see signs of it here. That’s why I’m joining the “Persecuted and Prevailing” panel on December 4, 2025, at the Museum of the Bible to promote the truth, amplify our voices, and push for legislative action to support Christians. As a human rights attorney in Communist Romania, I defended Christians, experiencing firsthand America’s crucial support. Congressmen Frank Wolf and Christopher Smith met with me often to discuss my cases, raising awareness among U.S. policymakers and the public about Romania’s dire situation. Their efforts drew media attention to the plight of Romanian Christians under the thumb of Communism, creating urgency for supporting persecuted believers. Wolf’s actions shaped U.S. foreign policy to prioritize religious freedom, and the global impact included co-sponsoring the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, which established a framework to combat religious persecution worldwide and monitor and recommend policies. The Congressman also backed resolutions condemning persecution in Iran, Sudan, North Korea, and China, reinforcing human rights as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Now it’s our turn to carry the torch forward. Citizens who have the freedom to advocate for change must pressure policymakers to strengthen global religious liberty. We are the voice for the persecuted who suffer in silence worldwide. If we fail to speak about oppression, like what I and many others endured in communist Romania, it will most certainly take root here. This generation needs to understand the fragile nature of freedom and the courage it takes to preserve it. Using our voice and Constitutional rights to petition our government is the only way to protect our freedom and stand for truth. If we don’t use our voice today, we risk being silenced tomorrow. When truth is distorted, freedom fades. Pray for discernment in a world clouded by lies. Live boldly, speak the truth in love, for true freedom flows from God’s presence, which has been with America since its founding. Remember, if God’s presence fades, so will our freedom. * * * Virginia Prodan is an international human rights attorney, best-selling author of the memoir “Saving My Assassin,” and host of the “Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan” podcast. She serves as an ambassador on the President’s Council for National Religious Broadcasters, a member of the Advisory Board of the American Christian Leaders for Israel, and an Allied Attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire. 50% off DailyWire+ annual memberships will not return for another year, so don’t miss this deal! Join now at DailyWire.com/cyberweek.

The Biden administration “barely vetted” the Afghan migrant accused of shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. last week, a Homeland Security official revealed Tuesday. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, didn’t undergo multiple standard background checks after he arrived in the United States in 2021 as part of the Biden administration’s “Operation Allies Welcome” program that brought over 77,000 individuals from the war-torn nation following the botched withdrawal of American troops, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News host John Roberts. The Biden administration allowed Lakanwal into the U.S. because of his past work with federal agencies operating in Afghanistan, including the CIA, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe revealed last week. He received asylum in April, according to CBS News. “We saw with this terrorist here, he was barely vetted, there was no biometric vetting, there was no criminal background check, cyber background check, financial background check. Really, they took some people and they just took them at their word, that’s a huge problem,” McLaughlin said. “And it really can’t be overstated what the Biden administration did to this country in putting it in danger. So, I would say absolutely the vetting process is an issue, but these countries of origin too,” McLaughlin added. The damage that the Biden administration did to this country cannot be overstated. President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting an end to the reckless policies that allowed millions of illegal aliens and foreigners into our country unvetted. The vetting process will now… pic.twitter.com/wRC6hi377D — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 2, 2025 50% off DailyWire+ annual memberships will not return for another year, so don’t miss this deal! Join now at DailyWire.com/cyberweek. President Donald Trump was quick to turn off immigration pipelines following the recent attack. The federal government halted asylum decisions and stopped issuing visas to Afghans. On Tuesday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued new guidance to pause the processing of all immigration applications for individuals from 19 “high risk countries.” The targets of the halt include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, countries that were subject to travel restrictions enacted in June.

The highly anticipated series “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” promises to deliver a version of Merlin unlike any seen before. Actor Tom Sharp, who takes on the iconic role in the adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s bestselling series, says the character will surprise even longtime fans. “Well, you know, it’s Merlin. So he’s an iconic character that’s probably known in most cultures around the world,” Sharp told The Daily Wire.  Calling it his “biggest role to date and biggest production to date,” he emphasized that this Merlin is more than the mysterious, on the fringes secondary character that most Arthurian legend retellings make him out to be.  “This is set before King Arthur, but instead of just a magical advisor … he’s also seen as a young warrior, which would be different for people to see. And it’s a grittier, more grounded tone … He’s hands on. He’s at the forefront,” Sharp explains. The production draws heavily from Lawhead’s original story, which is a combination of Celtic mythology, Christian themes, and historical drama. The novels center on the rise of Britain from a land of chaos into a civilization awakened by faith. As previously reported, this series aims to preserve those themes, honoring Lawhead’s vision while building an immersive, cinematic world. Sharp confirmed that staying true to the original was a priority behind the scenes. “We stuck as closely as possible to the books and as faithfully to the source material as possible when making this show,” he assured longtime fans.  One pivotal moment from the source material is considered a turning point in Merlin’s life and received special focus during production. Sharp described it as a “tentpole scene” that carries significant emotional weight. “If this scene falls down, the whole show falls down,” he said, noting that “fans of the books … they’ll know what I’m talking about.” He couldn’t reveal much else except to say that the scene appears in episode six. Authenticity was also a major theme while filming “Pendragon,” the lead actor revealed. Rather than relying on CGI, the series was filmed in stunning locations across Hungary and Italy. Sharp explained how this made things easier for him and the rest of the cast.  “Shooting on location beats CGI and green screen every day of the week,” he said. “It’s more immersive for the audience … For actors, it’s less acting required. You’re reacting off real things.” 50% off DailyWire+ annual memberships will not return for another year, so don’t miss this deal! Join now at DailyWire.com/cyberweek. He continued, “If you see me running with a wolf or someone’s on fire or I’m charging into battle on a horse, swinging a sword, it’s all real.” Even the bulls in episode one, Sharp noted, were living, breathing animals. While Merlin is often portrayed as a wise yet inaccessible mystical being, Sharp said he approached the character through the lens of humanity. “One of the challenges of playing him was how do I make him relatable because he’s so mysterious,” he said. “As an actor, I focused purely on his humanity and how the audience can connect to him.”  Sharp also emphasized Merlin’s moral restraint. “He could easily rule in a tyrannical position, but he chooses not to… Someone with all that power, not wanting to be the ruler, is a great quality.” The actor also mentioned the character’s other distinctly human qualities. “He’s also heavily, deeply flawed as well with a lot of tragedy and pain in his life from the beginning and throughout. And obviously, when you’re immortal, you’re quite a lonely person… [there is] a distance between him and other characters,” he said. Sharp shared one lighthearted behind-the-scenes moment involving his first scene with actress Brett Cooper, who plays Ganieda. The pair met in full costume, with her clad in the gown of a regal princess and him presenting as a mud-covered Merlin as they both encountered a giant wild boar. “This is not your traditional romantic setting,” he joked. Ultimately, Sharp is excited for fans to see the series and called it a “dream come true” to play the character of Merlin. When asked about his favorite scene, he referenced the first season’s last episode. “The very final scene of the show in episode seven is my favorite personally,” Sharp said, noting that “the fans and any newcomers to the story will understand why.” “That scene gave me a very surreal out of body experience. It was amazing and very euphoric on set. I kept talking about it for days afterwards … that memory will stay with me for life.” “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin,” premieres January 22, 2026, with early episodes releasing Christmas Day for DailyWire+ All Access members.

With the coming resignation of Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency will soon have an open chair. One Republican congressman isn’t wasting time vying for the seat. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) pulled out his phone, hit record, and announced his bid to chair the DOGE subcommittee Wednesday on X. “I sure would love an opportunity, and I know the cards are stacked against me,” Burchett said. “I don’t do a lot to endear myself to the leadership, but frankly, they don’t do a lot to endear themselves to me.” The DOGE Subcommittee, part of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, is one of two congressional counterparts to President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. Burchett currently serves on the committee and thinks he could help lead it into the future. “I would get with folks like y’all out there on the social media and put some pressure on some of these gutless legislators to pass some of this stuff,” the congressman continued. 50% off DailyWire+ annual memberships will not return for another year, so don’t miss this deal! Join now at DailyWire.com/cyberweek. Talking directly to his followers, Burchett said bluntly that he’s not very good when it comes to having to “kiss a lot of butt.” “Y’all know how this game works, gotta raise a lot of money and kiss a lot of butt, and I don’t do a good job at either one of those.” But his no-nonsense approach is why he said he would be an effective leader of the committee designed to eliminate government waste. “I think I got the backbone and I guess the guts to go after this spending. I would propose some daggum legislation to do it. I think I know where a lot of it’s hidden.” Burchett took office in 2019 after serving as a state senator and mayor of Knox County. He also serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Foreign Affairs Committees. Greene said the committee’s role is to identify and investigate waste and corruption in the federal government. “Our subcommittee will provide transparency and truth to the American people through hearings,” she said when the subcommittee launched. “The goal of DOGE is to bring accountability and GUT useless government agencies.” Greene announced on November 22 that she’s leaving Congress effective January 5, 2026, after a public fallout with Trump. Burchett is a strong Trump ally and recently received the president’s endorsement for re-election. “He will never let you down,” Trump said. If appointed to chair the DOGE subcommittee, Burchett would start after the first of the year.