What's going on: Officials are investigating a possible motive in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Over the weekend, authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah after he allegedly confessed to his father and a family friend, according to investigators. Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) said Robinson, who is being held in county jail without bail on aggravated murder charges, was critical of Kirk and was “radicalized” on the dark web. Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges by Tuesday that could carry the death penalty, while the Justice Department prepares a separate federal case. Turning Point USA, the group Kirk co-founded, announced it will host a memorial service on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
What it means: While Kirk’s assassination has fueled broader concerns about political violence, it’s also sparked other debates — including about campus safety. That’s as Turning Point USA says it has been flooded with requests to launch new high school and college chapters. At the same time, Kirk’s death has prompted mixed reactions online, with many people celebrating. Some GOP lawmakers and officials have vowed to retaliate against anyone who praises Kirk’s murder. At least 30 people have either lost their jobs, been suspended, come under investigation, or faced calls to resign, according to NPR.
The Government's Breastfeeding Push May Not Latch On
What's going on: When RFK Jr. released his long-anticipated health report last week, one piece drew skepticism: A push to get more people to breastfeed their babies. Experts on the topic are raising some flags. They call the plan vague, with one of the only concrete details being that two federal agencies will coordinate efforts to raise breastfeeding rates. Right now, about 84% of parents who give birth each year initiate breastfeeding, but that number vastly drops during the first few months. Analysts say higher rates are possible in the US, but only with major policy changes and financial investment — like paid parental leave (hey, it worked for Sweden).
What it means: It’s not clear yet whether the Trump administration will put its wallet and legislation where its mouth is — it has proposed cuts to safety-net programs that support parents. That’s why experts warn the campaign to elevate breastfeeding could end up being more symbolic unless it’s backed with real policy and investment, like hospital lactation support services. Advocates also stress the need to avoid added pressure, since many women either can’t or choose not to breastfeed (See: Hilary Duff). Rates also vary by race due to structural barriers like a lack of hospital support and workplace discrimination. Call it a start — but the next move matters most.
What's going on: If the WNBA’s future has a blueprint, it might be violet. The Golden State Valkyries — the league’s first expansion team in 17 years — didn’t just tiptoe into their debut season. They turned San Francisco into a women’s sports hotspot and injected the city with some much-needed post-pandemic optimism. On the court, the Valkyries became the only expansion team to ever clinch the playoffs in its first season. They sold out every home game, set a league record with 23 wins for a new team, and have a $500 million valuation — the first women’s pro team in any sport to hit that mark, according to Sportico. The Valks lost their playoff opening game Sunday to the dominant Minnesota Lynx, but the series — and their story — are only getting started.
What it means: Amid questions about whether the league is expanding too quickly, the Valks are proving the demand is real. They’ve carved out their own spotlight in a Caitlin Clark–dominated season, with fan favorites like Kate “Money” Martin. Add to that veteran Tiffany “Tip” Hayes and rookie Kaitlyn Chen — the first Taiwanese American draftee, who’s drawing Bay Area Asian American supporters in droves. Meanwhile, the WNBA is hoping to capture some of that rookie-year magic as it expands again, with plans to have 18 teams by 2030.
