Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Shooting; Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar; New Mexico Launches Universal Child Care

Lead: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after a targeted gunshot at a Utah Valley University event in Orem, while Israeli forces struck Hamas leaders in Doha amid peace talks, and New Mexico unveiled free child care for all residents.

Nut Graf: Kirk’s killing shocked national leaders and prompted an FBI-ATF probe, underscoring rising political violence. The cross-border Gaza conflict intensified with unprecedented strikes on Hamas in Qatar, and states are adopting progressive social policies as New Mexico became the first to guarantee universal pre-K child care.

Shooting at Utah Valley University

  • What happened: Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot once at point-blank range during a speaking event and died shortly thereafter.
  • Investigation: Utah Department of Public Safety labeled it a “targeted attack,” and FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed early-stage evidence collection.
  • Reaction: President Trump ordered flags at half-staff and called Kirk “incredible,” while lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence.

Israeli Strikes on Hamas in Qatar

  • Details: Israeli jets bombed a high-rise in Doha targeting Hamas leadership, marking the first strike on Qatari soil since Gaza war began.
  • Timing: The raid occurred amid stalled cease-fire negotiations, with U.S. officials warning Qatar just minutes before the assault.
  • Impact: Doha denounced the strike as a breach of sovereignty and warned it could derail hostage-release talks.

New Mexico’s Universal Child Care

  • Policy announcement: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation guaranteeing free child care for all state residents under age 5, effective January 2026.
  • Scope: The plan covers in-home and center-based care, aiming to ease workforce barriers for parents and stimulate early-learning outcomes.
  • Funding: The $150 million annual program draws on state revenues and federal matching funds.

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