By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has expanded the days of operation for the Hays warming shelter this year, and is seeking more volunteers.

The Hearth is an evening emergency shelter in the basement of the First Baptist Church,&nbsp;1111 Fort St., Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ba5bf2-f6a0-468e-bea8-f3242ad2fb48">Last winter, the shelter only operated when temperatures dipped below 20 degrees.</a>

Ben Houchen, local pastor, said the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, which sponsors the shelter, struggled to communicate to those who needed it when the shelter would be open.

This winter, volunteers have committed to opening the shelter every night between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28. The shelter will be open in March on any night the temperature falls below 30 degrees or the forecast calls for bad weather.

Shelter guests must check in between 8 and 10 p.m. If no guests check in by 10 p.m., the shelter will close for the night. The shelter is open until 7 a.m.

Shelter guests can't be under the influence of a substance the night they stay in the shelter and must follow a list of rules.

On about 80% of nights the shelter was open last winter, it was used. The shelter averaged two people per night, Houchen said.

This winter, several nights, the shelter has had an additional person or two and even a family for several days.

Houchen said two unhoused people died in Kansas last winter because of extreme cold. He said Hays prevented that from happening here.

"We have a larger homelessness problem in Hays than I think most people recognize," Houchen said.

"We are working with some other people who are living in their cars or are having housing issues and making them aware of this, so they are able to stay there too," he said.

Houchen said, to his knowledge, there is no other emergency homeless shelter between Salina and Denver in northwest Kansas or eastern Colorado.

<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> has the First Step Housing program. That transitional housing program is for women and families only, and you must be an Ellis County resident.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6d30938-96b9-4e1c-97b6-f5fbe142e580">SEE RELATED STORY: First Step Housing helps women start over</a>

"It's dangerous to live outside," Houchen said. "Not everyone who encounters a person living on the street is kind. Not every situation you meet is good."

Houchen said the shelter provides a night of safety.

Once the guests enter the shelter for the night, they can't leave until morning. He said this rule is in place to protect both the shelter guests and the volunteers.

The church is also equipped with a defibrillator and volunteers can call an ambulance if a guest has any health problems.

The shelter does not provide hot meals, but it offers a meal kit with a bowl of instant oatmeal and a snack bar. Other food is offered to shelter guests, as available in the pantry.

The shelter has received a grant to install a shower and has received a donated washer and dryer. Both projects are underway.

Finding volunteers has been the shelter's most significant challenge, Houchen said.

Many people are willing to help with food insecurity, but some still perceive homelessness as a personal failing, he said.

"There seems to be for some people this mentality or feeling that you're homeless, if you're unhoused, if you're living in your car, you did something to get yourself there and that there's some kind of moral deficiency that has placed you in that position," Houchen said.

"[We're] trying to educate people and help them understand that's not what the problem is for the vast, vast majority of people who are experiencing a housing crisis."

Even if someone has made a mistake that has led to their homelessness, Houchen said they still need safety and warmth.

Houchen said the shelter needs volunteers who can spend the night, especially those who can commit to at least one night per week.&nbsp;

Between now and the end of February, that is only eight nights, he said.

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to visit <a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">The Hearth website.</a>&nbsp;You must be older than 18.

You will need to complete an online general Red Cross training. A link is available on The Hearth website. Once the training is complete, you need to email your training certificate to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshearth@gmail.com">hayshearth@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;and register to volunteer through the website.

The shelter offers onsite training to volunteers on their first night, or they can complete it in advance. Volunteers always serve in pairs.

The shelter's expenses are funded through grants and donations.

<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">Learn more about The Hearth on its website.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ecmaone">You can also follow the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance on Facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735848353168.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County Ministerial Alliance has expanded the days of operation for the Hays warming shelter this year, and is seeking more volunteers.The Hearth is an evening emergency shelter in the basement of the First Baptist Church,&nbsp;1111 Fort St., Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ba5bf2-f6a0-468e-bea8-f3242ad2fb48">Last winter, the shelter only operated when temperatures dipped below 20 degrees.</a>Ben Houchen, local pastor, said the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, which sponsors the shelter, struggled to communicate to those who needed it when the shelter would be open.This winter, volunteers have committed to opening the shelter every night between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28. The shelter will be open in March on any night the temperature falls below 30 degrees or the forecast calls for bad weather.Shelter guests must check in between 8 and 10 p.m. If no guests check in by 10 p.m., the shelter will close for the night. The shelter is open until 7 a.m.Shelter guests can't be under the influence of a substance the night they stay in the shelter and must follow a list of rules.On about 80% of nights the shelter was open last winter, it was used. The shelter averaged two people per night, Houchen said.This winter, several nights, the shelter has had an additional person or two and even a family for several days.Houchen said two unhoused people died in Kansas last winter because of extreme cold. He said Hays prevented that from happening here."We have a larger homelessness problem in Hays than I think most people recognize," Houchen said."We are working with some other people who are living in their cars or are having housing issues and making them aware of this, so they are able to stay there too," he said.Houchen said, to his knowledge, there is no other emergency homeless shelter between Salina and Denver in northwest Kansas or eastern Colorado.<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> has the First Step Housing program. That transitional housing program is for women and families only, and you must be an Ellis County resident.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6d30938-96b9-4e1c-97b6-f5fbe142e580">SEE RELATED STORY: First Step Housing helps women start over</a>"It's dangerous to live outside," Houchen said. "Not everyone who encounters a person living on the street is kind. Not every situation you meet is good."Houchen said the shelter provides a night of safety.Once the guests enter the shelter for the night, they can't leave until morning. He said this rule is in place to protect both the shelter guests and the volunteers.The church is also equipped with a defibrillator and volunteers can call an ambulance if a guest has any health problems.The shelter does not provide hot meals, but it offers a meal kit with a bowl of instant oatmeal and a snack bar. Other food is offered to shelter guests, as available in the pantry.The shelter has received a grant to install a shower and has received a donated washer and dryer. Both projects are underway.Finding volunteers has been the shelter's most significant challenge, Houchen said.Many people are willing to help with food insecurity, but some still perceive homelessness as a personal failing, he said."There seems to be for some people this mentality or feeling that you're homeless, if you're unhoused, if you're living in your car, you did something to get yourself there and that there's some kind of moral deficiency that has placed you in that position," Houchen said."[We're] trying to educate people and help them understand that's not what the problem is for the vast, vast majority of people who are experiencing a housing crisis."Even if someone has made a mistake that has led to their homelessness, Houchen said they still need safety and warmth."They're still a human being," he said.VolunteeringHouchen said the shelter needs volunteers who can spend the night, especially those who can commit to at least one night per week.&nbsp;Between now and the end of February, that is only eight nights, he said.The first step to becoming a volunteer is to visit <a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">The Hearth website.</a>&nbsp;You must be older than 18.You will need to complete an online general Red Cross training. A link is available on The Hearth website. Once the training is complete, you need to email your training certificate to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshearth@gmail.com">hayshearth@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;and register to volunteer through the website.The shelter offers onsite training to volunteers on their first night, or they can complete it in advance. Volunteers always serve in pairs.The shelter's expenses are funded through grants and donations.<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">Learn more about The Hearth on its website.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ecmaone">You can also follow the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance on Facebook.</a>

Hays emergency warming shelter expands days, needs volunteers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The FBI said Friday it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say pledged loyalty to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-islamic-state-hegseth-trump-61dcee09576ce806de3a04aaec152495">Islamic State group</a>.

Christian Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Investigators said he told an undercover FBI employee posing as a supportive confidant about his plans to attack people. Their online messages, along with a recent search of his home, indicated attacks would occur with knives and hammers, according to prosecutors and records.

Worried Sturdivant might attempt violence before New Year’s Eve, the FBI placed him under constant surveillance for days, including on Christmas, U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson said.

Agents were prepared to arrest him earlier if he left his home with weapons, Ferguson said at a news conference in Charlotte. “At no point was the public in harm’s way.”

Sturdivant was arrested Wednesday and remained in custody after a federal court appearance Friday. An attorney representing him did not immediately respond to an email or phone message seeking comment. Another hearing was scheduled for Jan. 7.

The alleged attack would have taken place one year after 14 people were killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-bourbon-attack-security-1298ae460051ab9d80e04f41ed7b6802">in New Orleans</a>&nbsp;by a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who proclaimed support for IS on social media.

The FBI has foiled several alleged attacks through sting operations in which agents posed as terror supporters, supplying advice or equipment. Critics say the strategy can amount to entrapment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-334730f048af4529ad328f60315b5c7d">mentally vulnerable</a>&nbsp;people who wouldn’t have the wherewithal to act alone.

Searches of Sturdivant’s home and phone uncovered what investigators described as a manifesto detailing plans for the attack, FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle told reporters.

“He was willing to sacrifice himself,” Barnacle said.

A handwritten note found in a trash can at Sturdivant's home listed details of the planned attacks and the number of intended victims at a Burger King restaurant and unnamed grocery store, according to an FBI affidavit.

The note also said he would attack arriving officers and “hoped to die by the hands of police.” Ferguson said the attack was to take place in Mint Hill, a bedroom community of Charlotte.

The affidavit said a database check indicated Sturdivant worked at Burger King in Mint Hill. It wasn't clear if that was the same restaurant cited in the note. Ferguson declined to identify the specific targeted businesses, citing the ongoing investigation.

If convicted, Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in prison, according to court documents.

The fact that Sturdivant encountered two undercover officers while allegedly planning the attack should reassure the public, Ferguson said.

The affidavit says the investigation began last month after authorities linked Sturdivant to a social media account that posted content supportive of IS, including imagery that appeared to promote violence. The account’s display name referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of the extremist group.

Some experts argue that IS is powerful today partly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-crash-islamic-state-lone-wolves-4bb6446c484737fbe9dd1b9c26a899a9">as a brand</a>, inspiring both militant groups and individuals in attacks that the group itself may have no real role in.

The affidavit says Sturdivant had been on the FBI's radar in January 2022, when he was a minor, after officials learned he'd been in contact with a suspected IS member in Europe, and received instructions to dress in black, knock on people's doors and commit attacks with a hammer.

At that time, Sturdivant set out for a neighbor’s house armed with a hammer and a knife but was restrained by his grandfather, the affidavit says.

No charges were filed at that time, but Sturdivant underwent psychological treatment and the FBI was told he no longer had access to social media, Ferguson said. But the FBI found out weeks ago that he was back on it, he added.

The FBI in Los Angeles last month announced the disruption of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-new-years-eve-turtle-liberation-arrests-a84a26742ecbd5fe813ab959162268d2">separate New Year’s Eve plot</a>, arresting members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group who federal officials said planned to bomb multiple sites in southern California.

Other IS-inspired attacks over the past decade include a 2015 shooting rampage by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-f42318ce395a471d8ffd19607c651a36">a husband-and-wife team</a>&nbsp;who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, and a 2016 massacre at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-fa93fb3237aa41f591c1b0c026d6c7c3">a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida</a>, by a gunman who fatally shot 49 people.

Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767391410084.png" alt="Sturdivant-Gaston County" />
 <figcaption>Sturdivant-Gaston County</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The FBI said Friday it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say pledged loyalty to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-islamic-state-hegseth-trump-61dcee09576ce806de3a04aaec152495">Islamic State group</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Federal officials in Charlotte, NC hold a news conference on an attempted attack in the area that was thwarted by the FBI. The alleged suspect was reportedly inspired by ISIS and planned to carry out an attack on New Year&#39;s Eve in Mint Hill, NC. <a href="https://t.co/YSpplyrVjp">pic.twitter.com/YSpplyrVjp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2007171448004063589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Christian Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Investigators said he told an undercover FBI employee posing as a supportive confidant about his plans to attack people. Their online messages, along with a recent search of his home, indicated attacks would occur with knives and hammers, according to prosecutors and records.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year&#39;s Eve in North Carolina. The subject was directly inspired to act by ISIS. A federal criminal complaint alleges 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant planned a violent attack at a grocery store in Mint Hill. SAC Barnacle… <a href="https://t.co/njn7XBQTAC">pic.twitter.com/njn7XBQTAC</a>&mdash; FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBICharlotte/status/2007145724538921377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Worried Sturdivant might attempt violence before New Year’s Eve, the FBI placed him under constant surveillance for days, including on Christmas, U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson said.Agents were prepared to arrest him earlier if he left his home with weapons, Ferguson said at a news conference in Charlotte. “At no point was the public in harm’s way.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767391817051.png" alt="Handwritten document titled “New Years Attack 2026”" />
 <figcaption>Handwritten document titled “New Years Attack 2026”</figcaption>
 </figure>Sturdivant was arrested Wednesday and remained in custody after a federal court appearance Friday. An attorney representing him did not immediately respond to an email or phone message seeking comment. Another hearing was scheduled for Jan. 7.The alleged attack would have taken place one year after 14 people were killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-bourbon-attack-security-1298ae460051ab9d80e04f41ed7b6802">in New Orleans</a>&nbsp;by a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who proclaimed support for IS on social media.The FBI has foiled several alleged attacks through sting operations in which agents posed as terror supporters, supplying advice or equipment. Critics say the strategy can amount to entrapment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-334730f048af4529ad328f60315b5c7d">mentally vulnerable</a>&nbsp;people who wouldn’t have the wherewithal to act alone.Searches of Sturdivant’s home and phone uncovered what investigators described as a manifesto detailing plans for the attack, FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle told reporters.“He was willing to sacrifice himself,” Barnacle said.A handwritten note found in a trash can at Sturdivant's home listed details of the planned attacks and the number of intended victims at a Burger King restaurant and unnamed grocery store, according to an FBI affidavit.The note also said he would attack arriving officers and “hoped to die by the hands of police.” Ferguson said the attack was to take place in Mint Hill, a bedroom community of Charlotte.The affidavit said a database check indicated Sturdivant worked at Burger King in Mint Hill. It wasn't clear if that was the same restaurant cited in the note. Ferguson declined to identify the specific targeted businesses, citing the ongoing investigation.If convicted, Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in prison, according to court documents.The fact that Sturdivant encountered two undercover officers while allegedly planning the attack should reassure the public, Ferguson said.The affidavit says the investigation began last month after authorities linked Sturdivant to a social media account that posted content supportive of IS, including imagery that appeared to promote violence. The account’s display name referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of the extremist group.Some experts argue that IS is powerful today partly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-crash-islamic-state-lone-wolves-4bb6446c484737fbe9dd1b9c26a899a9">as a brand</a>, inspiring both militant groups and individuals in attacks that the group itself may have no real role in.The affidavit says Sturdivant had been on the FBI's radar in January 2022, when he was a minor, after officials learned he'd been in contact with a suspected IS member in Europe, and received instructions to dress in black, knock on people's doors and commit attacks with a hammer.At that time, Sturdivant set out for a neighbor’s house armed with a hammer and a knife but was restrained by his grandfather, the affidavit says.No charges were filed at that time, but Sturdivant underwent psychological treatment and the FBI was told he no longer had access to social media, Ferguson said. But the FBI found out weeks ago that he was back on it, he added.The FBI in Los Angeles last month announced the disruption of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-new-years-eve-turtle-liberation-arrests-a84a26742ecbd5fe813ab959162268d2">separate New Year’s Eve plot</a>, arresting members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group who federal officials said planned to bomb multiple sites in southern California.Other IS-inspired attacks over the past decade include a 2015 shooting rampage by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-f42318ce395a471d8ffd19607c651a36">a husband-and-wife team</a>&nbsp;who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, and a 2016 massacre at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-fa93fb3237aa41f591c1b0c026d6c7c3">a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida</a>, by a gunman who fatally shot 49 people.___Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed.

FBI disrupted a New Year's Eve attack plan inspired by ISIS

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump and top Iranian officials exchanged dueling threats Friday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-traders-protest-rial-currency-ddc955739fb412b642251dee10638f03">widening protests</a>&nbsp;swept across parts of the Islamic Republic, further escalating tensions between the countries after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">America bombed Iranian nuclear sites in June</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-economy-israel-us-nuclear-8533eacbc3c502ccc5f5339ae4384399">At least seven people have been killed</a>&nbsp;so far in violence surrounding the demonstrations, which were sparked in part by the collapse of Iran’s rial currency but have increasingly seen crowds chanting anti-government slogans.

The protests, now in their sixth day, have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-mahsa-amini-protests-un-report-366a199119720e69696a123560ef4018">22-year-old Mahsa Amini</a>&nbsp;in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the demonstrations have yet to be countrywide and have not been as intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities.

Trump initially wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran that if it “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue.”

“We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote, without elaborating.

Shortly after, Ali Larijani, a former parliament speaker who serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, alleged on the social platform X that Israel and the U.S. were stoking the demonstrations. He offered no evidence to support the allegation, which Iranian officials have repeatedly made during years of protests sweeping the country.

“Trump should know that intervention by the U.S. in the domestic problem corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of the U.S. interests,” Larijani wrote on X, which the Iranian government blocks. “The people of the U.S. should know that Trump began the adventurism. They should take care of their own soldiers.”

Larijani’s remarks likely referenced America’s wide military footprint in the region.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-qatar-udeid-air-base-attack-us-aace65a65a0ce69090a7b65fe85cfac8">Iran in June attacked Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar</a>&nbsp;after the U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites during Israel's 12-day war on the Islamic Republic. No one was injured, though a missile did hit a radome there.

No major changes have been made to U.S. troop levels in the Middle East or their preparations following Trump’s Iran post, said a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who previously was the council's secretary for years, separately warned that “any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut.”

“The people of Iran properly know the experience of ‘being rescued’ by Americans: from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza,” he added on X.

Iran's hard-liner parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also threatened that all American bases and forces would be “legitimate targets.”

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also responded, citing a list of Tehran's longtime grievances against the U.S., including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-1953-coup-cia-218323db3cc1aca6bde1e54827527e8d">a CIA-backed coup</a>&nbsp;in 1953, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">downing of a passenger jet</a>&nbsp;in 1988 and taking part in the June war.

The Iranian response came as the protests shake what has been a common refrain from officials in the theocracy — that the country broadly backed its government after the war.

Trump's online message marked a direct sign of support for the demonstrators, something that other American presidents have avoided out of concern that activists would be accused of working with the West.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab649e2190834e19b1f006f76493645f">During Iran's 2009 Green Movement demonstrations</a>, President Barack Obama held back from publicly backing the protests — something he said in 2022 "was a mistake."

But such White House support still carries a risk.

“Though the grievances that fuel these and past protests are due to the Iranian government’s own policies, they are likely to use President Trump’s statement as proof that the unrest is driven by external actors,” said Naysan Rafati, an analyst at the International Crisis Group.

“But using that as a justification to crack down more violently risks inviting the very U.S. involvement Trump has hinted at," he added.

Demonstrators took to the streets Friday in Zahedan in Iran's restive Sistan and Baluchestan province on the border with Pakistan. The burials of several demonstrators killed in the protests also took place, sparking marches.

Online video purported to show mourners chasing off security force members who attended the funeral of 21-year-old Amirhessam Khodayari. He was killed Wednesday in Kouhdasht, over 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran in Iran's Lorestan province.

Video also showed Khodayari's father denying his son served in the all-volunteer Basij force of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as authorities claimed. The semiofficial Fars news agency later reported that there were now questions about the government's claims that he served.

Iran’s civilian government under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has been trying to signal it wants to negotiate with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged there is not much he can do as Iran’s rial has rapidly depreciated, with $1 now costing some 1.4 million rials. That sparked the initial protests.

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. Tehran has had little luck in propping up its economy in the months since the June war.

Iran recently said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program to ease sanctions. However, those talks have yet to happen as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">warned Tehran against reconstituting its atomic program</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765210340588.jpeg" alt="File President Donald Trump&nbsp; (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)" />
 <figcaption>File President Donald Trump&nbsp; (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump and top Iranian officials exchanged dueling threats Friday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-traders-protest-rial-currency-ddc955739fb412b642251dee10638f03">widening protests</a>&nbsp;swept across parts of the Islamic Republic, further escalating tensions between the countries after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">America bombed Iranian nuclear sites in June</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” - President DONALD J. TRUMP <a href="https://t.co/ctNbfJD9jv">pic.twitter.com/ctNbfJD9jv</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2007082423121748269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-economy-israel-us-nuclear-8533eacbc3c502ccc5f5339ae4384399">At least seven people have been killed</a>&nbsp;so far in violence surrounding the demonstrations, which were sparked in part by the collapse of Iran’s rial currency but have increasingly seen crowds chanting anti-government slogans.The protests, now in their sixth day, have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-mahsa-amini-protests-un-report-366a199119720e69696a123560ef4018">22-year-old Mahsa Amini</a>&nbsp;in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the demonstrations have yet to be countrywide and have not been as intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities.<h2>Trump post sparks quick Iranian response</h2>Trump initially wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran that if it “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue.”“We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote, without elaborating.Shortly after, Ali Larijani, a former parliament speaker who serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, alleged on the social platform X that Israel and the U.S. were stoking the demonstrations. He offered no evidence to support the allegation, which Iranian officials have repeatedly made during years of protests sweeping the country.“Trump should know that intervention by the U.S. in the domestic problem corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of the U.S. interests,” Larijani wrote on X, which the Iranian government blocks. “The people of the U.S. should know that Trump began the adventurism. They should take care of their own soldiers.”Larijani’s remarks likely referenced America’s wide military footprint in the region.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-qatar-udeid-air-base-attack-us-aace65a65a0ce69090a7b65fe85cfac8">Iran in June attacked Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar</a>&nbsp;after the U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites during Israel's 12-day war on the Islamic Republic. No one was injured, though a missile did hit a radome there.No major changes have been made to U.S. troop levels in the Middle East or their preparations following Trump’s Iran post, said a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who previously was the council's secretary for years, separately warned that “any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut.”“The people of Iran properly know the experience of ‘being rescued’ by Americans: from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza,” he added on X.Iran's hard-liner parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also threatened that all American bases and forces would be “legitimate targets.”Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also responded, citing a list of Tehran's longtime grievances against the U.S., including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-1953-coup-cia-218323db3cc1aca6bde1e54827527e8d">a CIA-backed coup</a>&nbsp;in 1953, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">downing of a passenger jet</a>&nbsp;in 1988 and taking part in the June war.The Iranian response came as the protests shake what has been a common refrain from officials in the theocracy — that the country broadly backed its government after the war.Trump's online message marked a direct sign of support for the demonstrators, something that other American presidents have avoided out of concern that activists would be accused of working with the West.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab649e2190834e19b1f006f76493645f">During Iran's 2009 Green Movement demonstrations</a>, President Barack Obama held back from publicly backing the protests — something he said in 2022 "was a mistake."But such White House support still carries a risk.“Though the grievances that fuel these and past protests are due to the Iranian government’s own policies, they are likely to use President Trump’s statement as proof that the unrest is driven by external actors,” said Naysan Rafati, an analyst at the International Crisis Group.“But using that as a justification to crack down more violently risks inviting the very U.S. involvement Trump has hinted at," he added.<h2>Protests continue Friday</h2>Demonstrators took to the streets Friday in Zahedan in Iran's restive Sistan and Baluchestan province on the border with Pakistan. The burials of several demonstrators killed in the protests also took place, sparking marches.Online video purported to show mourners chasing off security force members who attended the funeral of 21-year-old Amirhessam Khodayari. He was killed Wednesday in Kouhdasht, over 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran in Iran's Lorestan province.Video also showed Khodayari's father denying his son served in the all-volunteer Basij force of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as authorities claimed. The semiofficial Fars news agency later reported that there were now questions about the government's claims that he served.Iran’s civilian government under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has been trying to signal it wants to negotiate with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged there is not much he can do as Iran’s rial has rapidly depreciated, with $1 now costing some 1.4 million rials. That sparked the initial protests.The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. Tehran has had little luck in propping up its economy in the months since the June war.Iran recently said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">no longer enriching uranium</a>&nbsp;at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program to ease sanctions. However, those talks have yet to happen as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-arab-nations-229253766673f18c1195550572edd2ce">warned Tehran against reconstituting its atomic program</a>.___

Trump warns Iran: US ‘locked and loaded’ if regime kills protesters

Congratulations to Arden Jennings of Hays, winner of the week 4 A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway on 101.9 The Bull.

Arden wins a lighted sign and a folding chair and $25 gift cards to Cervs, Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant, Doghouse Liquor, Thirstys Brew Pub and Grill and Kaiser Liquor, all of Hays.

The Bull crew thanks everyone for playing!

And thank you to our sponsor&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767376056903.png" alt="Arden Jennings of Hays is the week 4&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway winner. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Arden Jennings of Hays is the week 4&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway winner. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Arden Jennings of Hays, winner of the week 4 A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway on 101.9 The Bull.Arden wins a lighted sign and a folding chair and $25 gift cards to Cervs, Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant, Doghouse Liquor, Thirstys Brew Pub and Grill and Kaiser Liquor, all of Hays.The Bull crew thanks everyone for playing!And thank you to our sponsor&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling.

Week 4 A&A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway winner announced

The Gove County Sheriff reported on Facebook a potential jury duty scam.

A caller who identifies themselves as law enforcement is telling people they missed jury duty and are required to pay a fine over the phone, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest, a Gove County Sheriff's post on Facebook said.

Law enforcement will not contact you by phone to demand payment for missed jury duty or threaten to arrest you, the post said.

The sheriff urged residents not to provide personal or financial information over the phone to an unknown caller.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760019410265.jpg" alt="scam, fraud, security, alert, theft, sign, scam, scam, scam, scam, scam" />
 <figcaption>scam, fraud, security, alert, theft, sign, scam, scam, scam, scam, scam</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767368876463.png" alt="Screenshot 2026-01-02 at 9.47.47 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot 2026-01-02 at 9.47.47 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>The Gove County Sheriff reported on Facebook a potential jury duty scam.A caller who identifies themselves as law enforcement is telling people they missed jury duty and are required to pay a fine over the phone, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest, a Gove County Sheriff's post on Facebook said.Law enforcement will not contact you by phone to demand payment for missed jury duty or threaten to arrest you, the post said.The sheriff urged residents not to provide personal or financial information over the phone to an unknown caller.

Gove County Sheriff reports jury duty scam

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/charlotte-kramon">CHARLOTTE KRAMON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sarah-brumfield">SARAH BRUMFIELD</a>

The Trump administration has said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-child-care-funds-fraud-b511941de10f02fbb7349eff6738f748">freezing child care funds</a>&nbsp;to all states until they provide more verification about the programs in a move fueled by a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-immigration-enforcement-somali-76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66">fraud schemes</a>&nbsp;at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents.

All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire on the blue state of Minnesota and is calling for an audit of some of its centers.

Minnesota Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement Wednesday that he was “exploring all our legal options to ensure that critical childcare services do not get abruptly slashed based on pretext and grandstanding.”

It is unclear how much more robust the verification process for states will be than it already has been.

Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill called the decision a response to “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country” in a social media post announcing the change on Tuesday.

Here are some things to know about these moves:

More verification needed for all states to get child care funds

All 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. However, Minnesota will have to provide even more verification for child care centers that are suspected of fraud, such as attendance and licensing records, past enforcement actions and inspection reports.

In his social media post on Tuesday, O’Neill said all Administration for Children and Families payments nationwide would require “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before money is sent, but the HHS spokesperson said Wednesday that the additional verifications only apply to CCDF payments.

Walz says Trump is politicizing the issue

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, said in a social media post that fraudsters are a serious issue that the state has spent years cracking down on but that this is a political move that is part of “Trump’s long game.”

State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy condemned the move in a statement Wednesday.

“Republicans are playing sick games and winning devastating prizes,” Murphy said. “And now, tens of thousands of Minnesota families will pay the price as Donald’s Trump’s agents strip away crucial funding.”

Fraud investigations could stretch to other programs, states

The administration launched efforts in recent weeks to track down fraud in other programs in Minnesota and is looking at fraud in blue states such as California and New York, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with “Fox &amp; Friends” on Wednesday.

The administration will continue to send officers to investigate “potential fraud sites” in Minnesota and deport undocumented immigrants, Leavitt said, adding that the Department of Homeland Security is considering plans to denaturalize citizens.

The Department of Labor is also investigating the state’s unemployment insurance program, Leavitt said. The administration this month threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-snap-rollins-blue-states-edf7a10ab409fe471ae81a13823484ab">withhold SNAP food</a>&nbsp;aid funding from Democratic-controlled states, including Minnesota, unless they provide information about people receiving assistance.

The announcement came a day after U.S. Homeland Security officials conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-minnesota-ice-immigration-noem-fraud-investigation-5f97cefc9adf9c0d14a90762dca3cfc8">fraud investigation</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, questioning workers at unidentified businesses. Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">cases</a>, capitalizing on them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-trump-immigration-explainer-f5155ea29c22441b6507e999b574e136">target the Somali diaspora</a>&nbsp;in the state, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">the largest Somali population</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

In his post Tuesday, O’Neill, who is serving as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, referenced a right-wing influencer who posted a video last week claiming he found that day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis had committed up to $100 million in fraud.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about harassment that home-based day care providers and members of the Somali community nationwide might face amid the vitriol, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-garbage-somalia-minneapolis-immigrant-omar-03e31bba53519d8a39b419679a3b75d9">Trump’s comments earlier this month referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage.”</a>&nbsp;Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown released a statement saying, “Showing up on someone’s porch, threatening, or harassing them isn’t an investigation. Neither is filming minors who may be in the home.”

Maria Snider, director of the Rainbow Child Development Center and vice president of advocacy group Minnesota Child Care Association, said fear is rising among both families — many of which are living paycheck to paycheck — and child care centers that rely on the federal funding. Without child care system tuition, centers may have to lay off teachers and shut down classrooms, she said.

In Minnesota, the application process for the funding is complex and multilayered, Snider said. Her own child care center has been subjected to random audits, she said, and all centers are required to submit to licensing visits by officials.

“I don’t know what else I would provide,” she said.

Ahmed Hasan, director of the ABC Learning Center that was one of those featured in the video by the right-wing influencer, said on Wednesday that there were 56 children enrolled at the center. Since the video was posted, Hasan, who is Somali, said his center has received harassing phone calls making staff members and parents feel unsafe.

He said the center is routinely subject to checks by state regulators to ensure they remain in compliance with their license.

“There’s no fraud happening here,” Hasan told The Associated Press. “We are open every day, and we have our records to show that this place is open.”

Kramon reported from Atlanta and Brumfield reported from Cockeysville, Maryland. AP Writers Mark Vancleave contributed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Margery Beck contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767093694484.png" alt="DHS agents going door to door investigating fraud in Minnesota -image from Homeland Security video" />
 <figcaption>DHS agents going door to door investigating fraud in Minnesota -image from Homeland Security video</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/charlotte-kramon">CHARLOTTE KRAMON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sarah-brumfield">SARAH BRUMFIELD</a>The Trump administration has said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-child-care-funds-fraud-b511941de10f02fbb7349eff6738f748">freezing child care funds</a>&nbsp;to all states until they provide more verification about the programs in a move fueled by a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-immigration-enforcement-somali-76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66">fraud schemes</a>&nbsp;at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents.All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire on the blue state of Minnesota and is calling for an audit of some of its centers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have frozen all child care payments to the state of Minnesota. You have probably read the serious allegations that the state of Minnesota has funneled millions of taxpayer dollars to fraudulent daycares across Minnesota over the past decade. Today we have taken three actions… <a href="https://t.co/VYbyf3WGop">pic.twitter.com/VYbyf3WGop</a>&mdash; Deputy Secretary Jim O&#39;Neill (@HHS_Jim) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHS_Jim/status/2006136004294664464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Minnesota Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement Wednesday that he was “exploring all our legal options to ensure that critical childcare services do not get abruptly slashed based on pretext and grandstanding.”It is unclear how much more robust the verification process for states will be than it already has been.Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill called the decision a response to “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country” in a social media post announcing the change on Tuesday.Here are some things to know about these moves:<h2>More verification needed for all states to get child care funds</h2>All 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. However, Minnesota will have to provide even more verification for child care centers that are suspected of fraud, such as attendance and licensing records, past enforcement actions and inspection reports.In his social media post on Tuesday, O’Neill said all Administration for Children and Families payments nationwide would require “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before money is sent, but the HHS spokesperson said Wednesday that the additional verifications only apply to CCDF payments.<h2>Walz says Trump is politicizing the issue</h2>Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, said in a social media post that fraudsters are a serious issue that the state has spent years cracking down on but that this is a political move that is part of “Trump’s long game.”State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy condemned the move in a statement Wednesday.“Republicans are playing sick games and winning devastating prizes,” Murphy said. “And now, tens of thousands of Minnesota families will pay the price as Donald’s Trump’s agents strip away crucial funding.”<h2>Fraud investigations could stretch to other programs, states</h2>The administration launched efforts in recent weeks to track down fraud in other programs in Minnesota and is looking at fraud in blue states such as California and New York, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with “Fox &amp; Friends” on Wednesday.The administration will continue to send officers to investigate “potential fraud sites” in Minnesota and deport undocumented immigrants, Leavitt said, adding that the Department of Homeland Security is considering plans to denaturalize citizens.The Department of Labor is also investigating the state’s unemployment insurance program, Leavitt said. The administration this month threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-snap-rollins-blue-states-edf7a10ab409fe471ae81a13823484ab">withhold SNAP food</a>&nbsp;aid funding from Democratic-controlled states, including Minnesota, unless they provide information about people receiving assistance.<h2>Attention focused on Minnesota</h2>The announcement came a day after U.S. Homeland Security officials conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-minnesota-ice-immigration-noem-fraud-investigation-5f97cefc9adf9c0d14a90762dca3cfc8">fraud investigation</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, questioning workers at unidentified businesses. Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">cases</a>, capitalizing on them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-trump-immigration-explainer-f5155ea29c22441b6507e999b574e136">target the Somali diaspora</a>&nbsp;in the state, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">the largest Somali population</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.In his post Tuesday, O’Neill, who is serving as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, referenced a right-wing influencer who posted a video last week claiming he found that day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis had committed up to $100 million in fraud.Meanwhile, there are concerns about harassment that home-based day care providers and members of the Somali community nationwide might face amid the vitriol, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-garbage-somalia-minneapolis-immigrant-omar-03e31bba53519d8a39b419679a3b75d9">Trump’s comments earlier this month referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage.”</a>&nbsp;Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown released a statement saying, “Showing up on someone’s porch, threatening, or harassing them isn’t an investigation. Neither is filming minors who may be in the home.”<h2>Minnesota child care centers are alarmed</h2>Maria Snider, director of the Rainbow Child Development Center and vice president of advocacy group Minnesota Child Care Association, said fear is rising among both families — many of which are living paycheck to paycheck — and child care centers that rely on the federal funding. Without child care system tuition, centers may have to lay off teachers and shut down classrooms, she said.In Minnesota, the application process for the funding is complex and multilayered, Snider said. Her own child care center has been subjected to random audits, she said, and all centers are required to submit to licensing visits by officials.“I don’t know what else I would provide,” she said.Ahmed Hasan, director of the ABC Learning Center that was one of those featured in the video by the right-wing influencer, said on Wednesday that there were 56 children enrolled at the center. Since the video was posted, Hasan, who is Somali, said his center has received harassing phone calls making staff members and parents feel unsafe.He said the center is routinely subject to checks by state regulators to ensure they remain in compliance with their license.“There’s no fraud happening here,” Hasan told The Associated Press. “We are open every day, and we have our records to show that this place is open.”—-Kramon reported from Atlanta and Brumfield reported from Cockeysville, Maryland. AP Writers Mark Vancleave contributed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Margery Beck contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

HHS to freeze future child care funding for Kansas and beyond

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Monday he did not think farmers would fare well through a prolonged trade war.

Moran spoke to the Hays Noon Rotary on Monday.

"The longer this trade battle goes, the more difficult it is for there to be a future for the farm."

Moran said he favors a free market.&nbsp;

Moran said his aim as a congressman is to make sure rural America has a future.

"I want my hometown to be around," said Moran, who is a native of Plainville and a 30-year resident of Hays. "I want your hometowns to be around."

He said as costs increase, it becomes more difficult for rural businesses to make it.

"I use LaCrosse as my example," he said. " How many more hammers can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of something goes up, tariffs, for example, but also taxes, insurance, workers' compensation premiums and health care.

He said he had represented the First Congressional District in Kansas for years, where there was no growth.

"How can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of a hammer goes up, and your population is declining?" Moran said.

Agriculture determines so much of success in Kansas communities, he said.

"Not everyone who lives in Hays is a farmer or rancher, but I don't think there is anyone in this room who is not impacted when agriculture is doing poorly," Moran said. ...

"Agriculture determines if our hometowns have a future," he said. ... "Right now, agriculture is in terrible condition. In my experience, this is as bad as it has been during my time in office."

Input prices are high and commodity prices are low.

He said President Trump wanted to lower cattle prices, but livestock is the only sector of agriculture that is doing well now.

Because of tariffs, China and other countries have left the U.S. markets and are buying from Brazil. He said he heard on the ag report Monday morning that the weather in Brazil will determine wheat prices.

"We are now dependent on the weather of other countries rather than the markets of our own," he said.

"I don't know how you ever fill the gap of China buying corn, soy beans and grain sorghum," Moran said.

He added, "A trade war reduces the stability and the certainty of those markets. ... "Once you lose a customer, how do you get them back?"

Moran said if President Trump could negotiate some easing of tariffs on U.S. goods imposed by other countries, that would be a good outcome.

However, he said a prolonged trade war will be very difficult for farmers.

Despite this hardship, Moran said most American farmers he spoke with said they still support Trump.

"Most of my farmers in Kansas give President Trump the benefit of the doubt on this and see that they are going to get something better at the end of the day, and they are willing to put up with the pain," Moran said.

"In the meantime, they want money to survive the pain."

President Trump announced in early December that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.

Farmers who qualify for the&nbsp;Farmer Bridge Assistance  Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28.

Moran said he sponsored a bill requiring Congressional approval to impose tariffs. President Trump has been operating under emergency executive power. The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering whether he can do so.

Sen. Moran serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec8a94ca-e2a2-403e-aa5d-616658687575">Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;said Saturday his country is in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9072827a-202e-4587-985b-a0747c4fbb20">SEE RELATED STORY: Trump issues new warning to Iran of future U.S. strikes</a>

Moran was asked about his level of concern over&nbsp;Pezeshkian's declaration.

"I think we need to be seriously concerned with Iran and its capabilities," he said. "We have demonstrated some of our own, as has Israel.

"Iran is unpredictable and dangerous. The question is, what can you do about it?"

"It's not just about armies and navies and air forces, it's the capability of an individual or people being able to kill other individuals or groups of people in terrorism," Moran said. "They have great capabilities to do us damage.

"Everything we can do to contain them is important for us to do."

He also said he thought Russia had been the aggressor in Ukraine and should be kept from that aggression.

He said the outcome of the war should discourage others from thinking they could invade another country, or that Russia could invade an additional country.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767048563723.png" alt="Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., speaks to the Hays Noon Rotary Club about tariffs and national security on Monday at Thirsty's in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., speaks to the Hays Noon Rotary Club about tariffs and national security on Monday at Thirsty's in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Monday he did not think farmers would fare well through a prolonged trade war.Moran spoke to the Hays Noon Rotary on Monday."The longer this trade battle goes, the more difficult it is for there to be a future for the farm."Moran said he favors a free market.&nbsp;Moran said his aim as a congressman is to make sure rural America has a future."I want my hometown to be around," said Moran, who is a native of Plainville and a 30-year resident of Hays. "I want your hometowns to be around."He said as costs increase, it becomes more difficult for rural businesses to make it."I use LaCrosse as my example," he said. " How many more hammers can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of something goes up, tariffs, for example, but also taxes, insurance, workers' compensation premiums and health care.He said he had represented the First Congressional District in Kansas for years, where there was no growth."How can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of a hammer goes up, and your population is declining?" Moran said.Agriculture determines so much of success in Kansas communities, he said."Not everyone who lives in Hays is a farmer or rancher, but I don't think there is anyone in this room who is not impacted when agriculture is doing poorly," Moran said. ..."Agriculture determines if our hometowns have a future," he said. ... "Right now, agriculture is in terrible condition. In my experience, this is as bad as it has been during my time in office."Input prices are high and commodity prices are low.He said President Trump wanted to lower cattle prices, but livestock is the only sector of agriculture that is doing well now.Because of tariffs, China and other countries have left the U.S. markets and are buying from Brazil. He said he heard on the ag report Monday morning that the weather in Brazil will determine wheat prices."We are now dependent on the weather of other countries rather than the markets of our own," he said."I don't know how you ever fill the gap of China buying corn, soy beans and grain sorghum," Moran said.He added, "A trade war reduces the stability and the certainty of those markets. ... "Once you lose a customer, how do you get them back?"Moran said if President Trump could negotiate some easing of tariffs on U.S. goods imposed by other countries, that would be a good outcome.However, he said a prolonged trade war will be very difficult for farmers.Despite this hardship, Moran said most American farmers he spoke with said they still support Trump."Most of my farmers in Kansas give President Trump the benefit of the doubt on this and see that they are going to get something better at the end of the day, and they are willing to put up with the pain," Moran said."In the meantime, they want money to survive the pain."President Trump announced in early December that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.Farmers who qualify for the&nbsp;Farmer Bridge Assistance Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28.Moran said he sponsored a bill requiring Congressional approval to impose tariffs. President Trump has been operating under emergency executive power. The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering whether he can do so.National securitySen. Moran serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec8a94ca-e2a2-403e-aa5d-616658687575">Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;said Saturday his country is in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9072827a-202e-4587-985b-a0747c4fbb20">SEE RELATED STORY: Trump issues new warning to Iran of future U.S. strikes</a>Moran was asked about his level of concern over&nbsp;Pezeshkian's declaration."I think we need to be seriously concerned with Iran and its capabilities," he said. "We have demonstrated some of our own, as has Israel."Iran is unpredictable and dangerous. The question is, what can you do about it?"He said he hopes this is just rhetoric."It's not just about armies and navies and air forces, it's the capability of an individual or people being able to kill other individuals or groups of people in terrorism," Moran said. "They have great capabilities to do us damage."Everything we can do to contain them is important for us to do."He also said he thought Russia had been the aggressor in Ukraine and should be kept from that aggression.He said the outcome of the war should discourage others from thinking they could invade another country, or that Russia could invade an additional country.&nbsp;

Moran: Prolonged trade war would be difficult on farmers

Federal Trade Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scammers&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/it-scam">tell lots of different stories</a>&nbsp;to try to get your money or personal information.&nbsp;They might lie and say you owe the government money. Or pretend to be your bank and say your account’s been hacked. They might claim someone in your family had an emergency or that your computer has a virus. Or they might tell a different lie.

Scammers tell you all these things to try to get you to panic. They want you to hurry and do what they say before you have time to think, check out their story, or reach out to someone who might intervene.

That’s where the FTC’s new tool,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan</a>, can help. You can use it to make a list of people you trust — maybe your friend, neighbor, parent, daughter, or grandson — who you can reach out to if you think you might be dealing with a scammer. Talking it through can help you realize that something’s not right.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">Action Plan</a>&nbsp;also has you list contact information for companies you do business with — like your credit card company, bank, and favorite online shopping sites — so you’ll know how to reach them directly if you’re worried there’s a problem with your account.

Scams can affect anyone at any time. So&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">make your own action plan</a>. Post it on your fridge or keep it near your phone or computer. Then help others in your life make one:

• Drop it off at your kid’s, parent’s, or grandparent’s house. • Hand it out to your colleagues, friends, and neighbors. • Share it at your church, local library, or community center

Order free copies to share&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/publications/how-ill-avoid-scam-worksheet">here</a>. And as always, if you spot a scam, tell the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760019410265.jpg" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Trade Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scammers&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/it-scam">tell lots of different stories</a>&nbsp;to try to get your money or personal information.&nbsp;They might lie and say you owe the government money. Or pretend to be your bank and say your account’s been hacked. They might claim someone in your family had an emergency or that your computer has a virus. Or they might tell a different lie.Scammers tell you all these things to try to get you to panic. They want you to hurry and do what they say before you have time to think, check out their story, or reach out to someone who might intervene.That’s where the FTC’s new tool,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan</a>, can help. You can use it to make a list of people you trust — maybe your friend, neighbor, parent, daughter, or grandson — who you can reach out to if you think you might be dealing with a scammer. Talking it through can help you realize that something’s not right.The&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">Action Plan</a>&nbsp;also has you list contact information for companies you do business with — like your credit card company, bank, and favorite online shopping sites — so you’ll know how to reach them directly if you’re worried there’s a problem with your account.Scams can affect anyone at any time. So&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">make your own action plan</a>. Post it on your fridge or keep it near your phone or computer. Then help others in your life make one:• Drop it off at your kid’s, parent’s, or grandparent’s house. • Hand it out to your colleagues, friends, and neighbors. • Share it at your church, local library, or community centerOrder free copies to share&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/publications/how-ill-avoid-scam-worksheet">here</a>. And as always, if you spot a scam, tell the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Use this action plan to avoid scams

Anyone using cell phones gets reminded of events you’d rather forget. Recently, the US Weather Service shared a post regarding a severe ice storm that shut down our region 18 years ago. That triggered memories of cold, dark days and nights, dogs and us mummified in blankets, and how much I appreciated lineman by the time power kicked back on.

The historical report explained this storm that snapped thousands of poles and downed electric lines arrived on December 10, 2007. Though some argued the one in 2005 was much worse, I won’t join that disagreement. However, if anyone wants to praise linemen, I’ll gratefully stand in line.

I do recollect knowing that frigid storm headed our way and feeling glad I’d fully stocked cupboards and fridge. At the time, we lived several miles in the country on caliche and dirt roads. Once the storm began, I was glad we prepared. In short time, weighted branches snapped and shattered while lights flickered. Walking outside to feed critters was more than a notion and required careful steps in heavy-duty shoe treads.

Our three dogs who normally loved roaming our acres contentedly remained inside except for essential potty breaks. For the next few days their job changed from running coyotes off the property to sharing body heat with us.

Being optimists, we expected a short-lived event, but insistent warnings encouraged us to prep for multiple powerless days. I thought of Little House on the Prairie life as I dug candles, lanterns, flashlights, and matches out of cupboards and filled our bathtub so we’d have water to flush the toilet should power go out. Yep, folks on well water without generators have concerns townies don’t. I laid extra blankets at end of the bed, expecting we’d need them.

Unfortunately, the weatherman wasn’t wrong. This front deposited heavy ice across a broad region shutting down power, roads, services, and normal life. I can’t imagine how electric company dispatchers felt as callers without power flooded phone lines. Families were forced to warm and feed themselves without setting the house on fire or carbon-monoxiding themselves. While we had candles, lanterns, and flashlights, some didn’t.

As hours passed and temps dropped, I added clothing layers. Still chilly, I’d urge two big dogs and a terrier to crawl under my lap quilt to generate more heat. We started the storm with the thermostat at a comfortable 68. By the third day without electricity, it dropped into the 40s with a continuing downward spiral. The whole time, I wondered how linesmen working outside held up under frigid conditions. So many depended on them, including their own loved ones.

Day 4 meant diminishing flushing water with a thermostat edging the thirties. Thoughts of freezing pipes alarmed shivering brain cells. Though worrying doesn’t raise temps, 3 dogs warmed me when the light over sink flickered and brightened the room. I shouted for joy hearing the furnace kick on.

While our immediate issues were resolved, power company employees faced months of hard labor in extreme conditions. Since that experience, I’m profoundly grateful for those working in extreme conditions so we have power. They are heroes!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767020125179.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINAnyone using cell phones gets reminded of events you’d rather forget. Recently, the US Weather Service shared a post regarding a severe ice storm that shut down our region 18 years ago. That triggered memories of cold, dark days and nights, dogs and us mummified in blankets, and how much I appreciated lineman by the time power kicked back on.The historical report explained this storm that snapped thousands of poles and downed electric lines arrived on December 10, 2007. Though some argued the one in 2005 was much worse, I won’t join that disagreement. However, if anyone wants to praise linemen, I’ll gratefully stand in line.I do recollect knowing that frigid storm headed our way and feeling glad I’d fully stocked cupboards and fridge. At the time, we lived several miles in the country on caliche and dirt roads. Once the storm began, I was glad we prepared. In short time, weighted branches snapped and shattered while lights flickered. Walking outside to feed critters was more than a notion and required careful steps in heavy-duty shoe treads.Our three dogs who normally loved roaming our acres contentedly remained inside except for essential potty breaks. For the next few days their job changed from running coyotes off the property to sharing body heat with us.Being optimists, we expected a short-lived event, but insistent warnings encouraged us to prep for multiple powerless days. I thought of Little House on the Prairie life as I dug candles, lanterns, flashlights, and matches out of cupboards and filled our bathtub so we’d have water to flush the toilet should power go out. Yep, folks on well water without generators have concerns townies don’t. I laid extra blankets at end of the bed, expecting we’d need them.Unfortunately, the weatherman wasn’t wrong. This front deposited heavy ice across a broad region shutting down power, roads, services, and normal life. I can’t imagine how electric company dispatchers felt as callers without power flooded phone lines. Families were forced to warm and feed themselves without setting the house on fire or carbon-monoxiding themselves. While we had candles, lanterns, and flashlights, some didn’t.As hours passed and temps dropped, I added clothing layers. Still chilly, I’d urge two big dogs and a terrier to crawl under my lap quilt to generate more heat. We started the storm with the thermostat at a comfortable 68. By the third day without electricity, it dropped into the 40s with a continuing downward spiral. The whole time, I wondered how linesmen working outside held up under frigid conditions. So many depended on them, including their own loved ones.Day 4 meant diminishing flushing water with a thermostat edging the thirties. Thoughts of freezing pipes alarmed shivering brain cells. Though worrying doesn’t raise temps, 3 dogs warmed me when the light over sink flickered and brightened the room. I shouted for joy hearing the furnace kick on.While our immediate issues were resolved, power company employees faced months of hard labor in extreme conditions. Since that experience, I’m profoundly grateful for those working in extreme conditions so we have power. They are heroes!

MADORIN: Ice coated heroes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” he wrote.

Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out.

The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-cities-central-park-five-88b8ee178bf22e91ba205b32c458d060">a centerpiece of his second term</a>&nbsp;— and has toyed with the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-open-to-invoking-the-insurrection-act-if-necessary-d374093d6436410f993c2f10b140277a">invoking the Insurrection Act</a>&nbsp;to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.

He has said he sees his tough-on-crime approach as a winning political issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

In November, U.S. Northern Command had said it was ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">shifting and/or rightsizing</a>&nbsp;″ operations in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, but there would be a “constant, enduring and long-term presence in each city.”

Trump’s push to deploy the troops in Democrat-led cities has been met with legal challenges at nearly every turn.

The Supreme Court in December refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of its crackdown on immigration. The order was not a final ruling but was a significant and rare setback by the high court for the president’s efforts.

In the nation’s capital, District of Columbia Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-trump-federal-takeover-national-guard-lawsuit-f2f76ef685676ee0d3bbd81496c74f2e">Brian Schwalb</a>&nbsp;sued to halt the deployments of more than 2,000 guardsmen.

Hundreds of troops from California and Oregon were deployed to Portland, but a federal judge barred them from going on the streets. A judge permanently blocked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-portland-oregon-national-guard-governor-416b40b480f51baa68a587a0c1fdb54c">the deployment of National Guard troops there</a>&nbsp;in November after a three-day trial.

California National Guard troops were removed from the streets of Los Angeles by Dec. 15 after a court ruling. But an appeals court had paused a separate part of the order that required control of the Guard to return to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In a Tuesday court filing, the Trump administration said it was no longer seeking a pause in that part of the order. That paves the way for the California National Guard troops to fully return to state control after Trump federalized the Guard in June.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the development a “major litigation victory” in a press release Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767221315688.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort.Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” he wrote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750413132016.jpeg" alt="File California National Guard stand in formation guarding the federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)" />
 <figcaption>File California National Guard stand in formation guarding the federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)</figcaption>
 </figure>Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out.The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-cities-central-park-five-88b8ee178bf22e91ba205b32c458d060">a centerpiece of his second term</a>&nbsp;— and has toyed with the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-open-to-invoking-the-insurrection-act-if-necessary-d374093d6436410f993c2f10b140277a">invoking the Insurrection Act</a>&nbsp;to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.He has said he sees his tough-on-crime approach as a winning political issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections.In November, U.S. Northern Command had said it was ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">shifting and/or rightsizing</a>&nbsp;″ operations in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, but there would be a “constant, enduring and long-term presence in each city.”Trump’s push to deploy the troops in Democrat-led cities has been met with legal challenges at nearly every turn.The Supreme Court in December refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of its crackdown on immigration. The order was not a final ruling but was a significant and rare setback by the high court for the president’s efforts.In the nation’s capital, District of Columbia Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-trump-federal-takeover-national-guard-lawsuit-f2f76ef685676ee0d3bbd81496c74f2e">Brian Schwalb</a>&nbsp;sued to halt the deployments of more than 2,000 guardsmen.Hundreds of troops from California and Oregon were deployed to Portland, but a federal judge barred them from going on the streets. A judge permanently blocked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-portland-oregon-national-guard-governor-416b40b480f51baa68a587a0c1fdb54c">the deployment of National Guard troops there</a>&nbsp;in November after a three-day trial.California National Guard troops were removed from the streets of Los Angeles by Dec. 15 after a court ruling. But an appeals court had paused a separate part of the order that required control of the Guard to return to Gov. Gavin Newsom.In a Tuesday court filing, the Trump administration said it was no longer seeking a pause in that part of the order. That paves the way for the California National Guard troops to fully return to state control after Trump federalized the Guard in June.California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the development a “major litigation victory” in a press release Wednesday.“For six months, California National Guard troops have been used as political pawns by a President desperate to be king,” Bonta said. “There is a reason our founders decided military and civilian affairs must be kept separate; a reason that our military is, by design, apolitical.”Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-memphis-national-guard-deployment-crime-washington-f678a17a66d3e49b2f67930a6ea70e6b">ordered the deployment</a>&nbsp;of the Tennessee National Guard to Memphis in September to combat crime, a move supported by the state’s Republican Gov. Bill Lee and senators. A Tennessee judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-national-guard-trump-88524219125b811fe6f558cdbc870dee">blocked</a>&nbsp;the use of the Guard, siding with Democratic state and local officials who sued.___Associated Press writer Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report.