SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen convicted of her role in a violent acid attack was sentenced on Friday.&nbsp;

Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced&nbsp;Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Last month, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690911383.png" alt="Hollins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hollins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen convicted of her role in a violent acid attack was sentenced on Friday.&nbsp;Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced&nbsp;Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Last month, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

Prison time for acid attack that burned Kansas teen's face

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review ongoing challenges with road maintenance and right-of-way limitations during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

Many roads, especially lesser-traveled or non-Federal Aid System routes, were constructed with narrow statutory rights-of-way that are&nbsp;inadequate for modern equipment or proper drainage.

Areas with insufficient right-of-ways and inconsistent county maintenance practices will be evaluated individually.

Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, will discuss with the commission whether to close or construct the unbuilt portion of Don Street in Munjor and an adjacent alley.

Adjacent property owners have requested that the road be closed to stop unauthorized traffic on private land. At the same time, another resident has asked for the road to be constructed and the alley improved.

Lyle Pantle, Ellis County assistant fire chief, will request the commission to adopt the March 2025 update to the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan. The update includes minor changes and new features, such as a mapper tool for disaster response coordination.

The commission will review and provide feedback on any desired changes to the first draft of the 2026 departmental budget.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172025-680">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will review ongoing challenges with road maintenance and right-of-way limitations during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.Many roads, especially lesser-traveled or non-Federal Aid System routes, were constructed with narrow statutory rights-of-way that are&nbsp;inadequate for modern equipment or proper drainage.Areas with insufficient right-of-ways and inconsistent county maintenance practices will be evaluated individually.<h2>Munjor road improvements</h2>Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, will discuss with the commission whether to close or construct the unbuilt portion of Don Street in Munjor and an adjacent alley.Adjacent property owners have requested that the road be closed to stop unauthorized traffic on private land. At the same time, another resident has asked for the road to be constructed and the alley improved.<h2>Other business</h2>Lyle Pantle, Ellis County assistant fire chief, will request the commission to adopt the March 2025 update to the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan. The update includes minor changes and new features, such as a mapper tool for disaster response coordination.The commission will review and provide feedback on any desired changes to the first draft of the 2026 departmental budget.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172025-680">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review area right-of-way issues

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Karissa Frasier about her new position as Community Health Worker with the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Meet the new Community Health Worker for the Cottonwood Extension District" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=c24cx-18d3283-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Karissa Frasier about her new position as Community Health Worker with the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Meet new Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Fifth-generation Kansan Christy Davis announced Saturday she is exploring a run against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, who she said is spending his time flattering the “tyrant in the White House” instead of standing up for Kansans.

Davis, a Democrat, made the announcement to the hundreds of people gathered for the No Kings rally at the state Capitol. She served as White House appointee for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development during the Biden administration and previously lost in the Democratic primary in 2020 when she ran for the U.S. House in the 1st District against Kali Barnett. Republican Tracey Mann won that seat.

Davis and her family live in Cottonwood Falls.

“Unfortunately, the rights Kansans have fought for are being threatened by a tyrant and a Congress that is scared to hold him to account,” Davis said. “This isn’t the America that is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Nothing about this is our values. We didn’t vote for this. We need to stand together, regardless of political parties, and remember who we are — not just Americans, but we’re Kansans, and we deserve better.”

Davis criticized Marshall for failing to protect Kansas and its economy.

“The administration is clawing back funding for our public schools and dismantling the entire farm economy,” she said. “And what is Senator Marshall doing in response? He doesn’t even live here. Not what the Constitution says he’s supposed to. Instead of representing us and checking the power of the tyrant in the White House, he’s trying to flatter him.”

Davis’ words drew chants of “vote him out” from the crowd, which was gathered to protest the Trump administration.

On Saturday, Newsmax posted an interview with Marshall honoring the 250th birthday of the Army. He also sent birthday wishes to Trump.

“It’s been just the honor of a lifetime to work beside him to make America great again,” Marshall said.

In 2016, Marshall, who is a obstetrician and gynecologist, entered politics with a run against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, defeating him in the primary and later winning the 1st District seat.&nbsp; In 2019, he announced he would run for the seat that U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts was vacating. He won the primary and eventually the seat, beating out Democrat Barbara Bollier.

Devon Welcher, of Topeka, also revealed her intent to run for office, telling the crowd she plans to run for governor as an independent candidate.

In an interview, Welcher said she is running because “Kansas is in trouble,” and that voters should know, “I’m the real deal.”

“I have enthusiasm, and grace, and I am charismatic,” Welcher said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750078200149.png" alt=" Christy Davis addresses the No Kings rally on June 14, 2025, from the south steps of the Statehouse in Topeka, where she announced she will explore a U.S. Senate run as a Democrat against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Christy Davis addresses the No Kings rally on June 14, 2025, from the south steps of the Statehouse in Topeka, where she announced she will explore a U.S. Senate run as a Democrat against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Fifth-generation Kansan Christy Davis announced Saturday she is exploring a run against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, who she said is spending his time flattering the “tyrant in the White House” instead of standing up for Kansans.Davis, a Democrat, made the announcement to the hundreds of people gathered for the No Kings rally at the state Capitol. She served as White House appointee for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development during the Biden administration and previously lost in the Democratic primary in 2020 when she ran for the U.S. House in the 1st District against Kali Barnett. Republican Tracey Mann won that seat.Davis and her family live in Cottonwood Falls.“Unfortunately, the rights Kansans have fought for are being threatened by a tyrant and a Congress that is scared to hold him to account,” Davis said. “This isn’t the America that is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Nothing about this is our values. We didn’t vote for this. We need to stand together, regardless of political parties, and remember who we are — not just Americans, but we’re Kansans, and we deserve better.”Davis criticized Marshall for failing to protect Kansas and its economy.“The administration is clawing back funding for our public schools and dismantling the entire farm economy,” she said. “And what is Senator Marshall doing in response? He doesn’t even live here. Not what the Constitution says he’s supposed to. Instead of representing us and checking the power of the tyrant in the White House, he’s trying to flatter him.”Davis’ words drew chants of “vote him out” from the crowd, which was gathered to protest the Trump administration.On Saturday, Newsmax posted an interview with Marshall honoring the 250th birthday of the Army. He also sent birthday wishes to Trump.“It’s been just the honor of a lifetime to work beside him to make America great again,” Marshall said.In 2016, Marshall, who is a obstetrician and gynecologist, entered politics with a run against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, defeating him in the primary and later winning the 1st District seat.&nbsp; In 2019, he announced he would run for the seat that U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts was vacating. He won the primary and eventually the seat, beating out Democrat Barbara Bollier.Devon Welcher, of Topeka, also revealed her intent to run for office, telling the crowd she plans to run for governor as an independent candidate.In an interview, Welcher said she is running because “Kansas is in trouble,” and that voters should know, “I’m the real deal.”“I have enthusiasm, and grace, and I am charismatic,” Welcher said.

Kansas Democrat exploring run against U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, accuses him of ‘flattering’ Trump

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Protesters gathered Saturday afternoon in Hays for the "No Kings" protest, voicing opposition to what they described as growing authoritarianism.

Participants held handmade signs on the corner of 27th and Vine streets over the weekend as part of a nationwide movement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750003714877.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs Saturday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs Saturday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostProtesters gathered Saturday afternoon in Hays for the "No Kings" protest, voicing opposition to what they described as growing authoritarianism.Participants held handmade signs on the corner of 27th and Vine streets over the weekend as part of a nationwide movement.<figure>
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'No Kings' protest draws crowd in Hays

Thunder on the Plains returned to Hays and Municipal Park for its annual car show, which included a special wish reveal for a local girl.

The car show hit the road Friday from Big Creek Crossing, cruising into downtown Hays and ending at the Park. The event featured cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors from across the region, leading to a live auction on Saturday.

Before the live auction kicked off, 12-year-old Kinley Niernberger of Hays was introduced to the crowd and shared her journey with the Make-A-Wish program.

Kortney Niernberger, Kinley's mother, said her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2024 and underwent an eight-hour surgery at Children’s Mercy Hospital, where doctors removed 80% of the tumor.

"They had to leave some behind because of the location," Kortney said. "Kinley got referred to make a wish because she had a really hard time with her age and diagnosis."

Kinley has a grade one Pilocytic astrocytoma located on her brainstem. She continues to have scans every three months and is on a two-year medication cycle.

Since then, she has made a strong recovery, returning to dance and earning a spot on the Hays Middle School cheer team.

"She's always had a smile on her face... It's great that this organization does this for these kids, to give them hope and feel like normal kids for a week," Kortney said.

Kinley lives with her parents and two brothers. Her mom describes her as bubbly, spirited and determined. She loves the color pink, is a big fan of Taylor Swift, enjoys watching "Stranger Things" and playing Roblox.

CeCe Etter, donor relations manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri and Kansas, said over 50 children in Kansas are currently waiting for their wish. Each wish costs an average of $10,000.

"When the community comes together for events like Thunder On The Plains, it directly impacts local families like Kinley's. A wish is not just a moment of hope. It's a lifetime of positive memories that overtake the difficult ones," Etter said.

Etter said without the Hays community's support, Make-A-Wish would not be able to fulfill its mission of granting life-changing wishes to children like Kinley.

You can learn more about the foundation <a href="https://wish.org/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750007172358.jpeg" alt="12-year-old Kinley Niernberger of Hays with her parents, getting her wish granted at the Thunder on the Plains. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>12-year-old Kinley Niernberger of Hays with her parents, getting her wish granted at the Thunder on the Plains. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThunder on the Plains returned to Hays and Municipal Park for its annual car show, which included a special wish reveal for a local girl.The car show hit the road Friday from Big Creek Crossing, cruising into downtown Hays and ending at the Park. The event featured cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors from across the region, leading to a live auction on Saturday.Before the live auction kicked off, 12-year-old Kinley Niernberger of Hays was introduced to the crowd and shared her journey with the Make-A-Wish program.Kortney Niernberger, Kinley's mother, said her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2024 and underwent an eight-hour surgery at Children’s Mercy Hospital, where doctors removed 80% of the tumor."They had to leave some behind because of the location," Kortney said. "Kinley got referred to make a wish because she had a really hard time with her age and diagnosis."Kinley has a grade one Pilocytic astrocytoma located on her brainstem. She continues to have scans every three months and is on a two-year medication cycle.Since then, she has made a strong recovery, returning to dance and earning a spot on the Hays Middle School cheer team."She's always had a smile on her face... It's great that this organization does this for these kids, to give them hope and feel like normal kids for a week," Kortney said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750007273955.jpeg" alt="Kinley Niernberger with her two friends at Thunder on the Plains. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kinley Niernberger with her two friends at Thunder on the Plains. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kinley lives with her parents and two brothers. Her mom describes her as bubbly, spirited and determined. She loves the color pink, is a big fan of Taylor Swift, enjoys watching "Stranger Things" and playing Roblox.CeCe Etter, donor relations manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri and Kansas, said over 50 children in Kansas are currently waiting for their wish. Each wish costs an average of $10,000."When the community comes together for events like Thunder On The Plains, it directly impacts local families like Kinley's. A wish is not just a moment of hope. It's a lifetime of positive memories that overtake the difficult ones," Etter said.Etter said without the Hays community's support, Make-A-Wish would not be able to fulfill its mission of granting life-changing wishes to children like Kinley.You can learn more about the foundation <a href="https://wish.org/">here</a>.<figure>
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Thunder on the Plains delivers classic rides, grants wish for Hays girl

BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender Sunday after they located him in the woods near his home, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge.

(Click below to watch statement from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz)

Vance Boelter was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two of attempted murder. He is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting former Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>&nbsp;and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs.

Authorities say he also shot Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette. They were injured at their residence about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.

“One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference after Boelter's arrest.

The search for Boelter was the “largest manhunt in the state's history,” Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said. It began when Brooklyn Park officers went to check on Hortman's home and saw her husband gunned down before the shooter fled.

Authorities on Sunday located a vehicle Boelter was using abandoned in rural Sibley County, where he lived, and a police officer reported that he believed he saw Boelter running into the woods, Bruley said. Police set up a large perimeter and called in 20 different tactical teams, divvying up the area and searching for him.

During the search, police said they received information confirming someone was in the woods and searched for hours, using a helicopter and officers on foot, until they found Boelter. He surrendered to police, crawling out to officers in the woods before he was handcuffed and taken into custody in a field, authorities said.

Jail records show Boelter was booked into the Hennepin County Jail at 1:02 a.m. Central Time Monday and include two mug shots, one from the front and one from the side, of Boelter wearing an orange prison shirt.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the violence likely would've continued had Brooklyn Park offices not checked on Hortman's home, causing Boelter to flee.

The Hoffmans were attacked first at their home in Champin early Saturday. A criminal complaint unsealed after Boelter's arrest indicated their adult daughter called 911 just after 2 a.m. to say a masked person had come to the door and shot her parents.

After police in nearby Brooklyn Park learned that a lawmaker had been shot, they sent patrol officers to check on the Hortmans’ home.

Brooklyn Park police officers arrived just in time to see Boelter shoot Mark Hortman through the open door of the home, the complaint says. It says they exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled inside the home before escaping the scene. Melissa Hortman was found dead inside, the complaint said.

Authorities said Boelter posed as a police officer, even allegedly altering a vehicle to make it look like a police car.

Authorities did not give a motive as they announced Boelter's arrest.

A list of about 70 names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle that was left at the crime scene, said two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation. The writings and list of names included prominent state and federal lawmakers and community leaders, along with abortion rights advocates and information about healthcare facilities, according to the officials.

A Minnesota official told AP lawmakers who had been outspoken in favor of abortion rights were on the list. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman, records show, though it was not clear if or how well they knew each other.

Around 6 a.m. Saturday, Boelter texted friends to apologize for his actions, though he didn't say what he had done.

“I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way," he wrote in messages viewed by AP.

The shootings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">come</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arson-pennsylvania-governor-political-violence-388da01e84661fb12ac79c626b0004eb">political leaders nationwide</a>&nbsp;have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.&nbsp;<a href="https://lawmakers%20on%20sunday%20continued%20to%20reel%20from%20the%20shooting%20of%20two%20democratic%20minnesota%20state%20legislators%20in%20their%20homes%20that%20led%20to%20the%20death%20of%20one%20and%20her%20husband,%20contemplating%20a%20previously%20unthinkable%20world%20where%20democratically-elected%20representatives%20need%20full-time%20security%20details%20to%20protect%20them%20from%20the%20public./">Lawmakers said they were disturbed</a>&nbsp;by the attacks as Twin Cities residents mourned.

“This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences,” Walz said Sunday.

On Sunday evening, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared a statement from Yvette Hoffman expressing appreciation for the outpouring of public support.

“John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” Yvette Hoffman said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/amyklobuchar/status/1934383694342434882?s=46&amp;t=Aj2rKECUjm-cecTWvlgvjw">text that Klobuchar posted</a>&nbsp;on social media. “He took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.”

Brightly colored flowers and small American flags were placed Sunday on the gray marbled stone of the Minnesota State Capitol along with a photo of the Hortmans. People scrawled messages on small notes including, “You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in Power.”

Pam Stein came with flowers and kneeled by the memorial. An emotional Stein called Hortman an “absolute powerhouse” and “the real unsung hero of Minnesota government.”

Karnowski reported from Minneapolis, and Balsamo and Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Michael Biesecker in Washington; Jim Mustian in New York; Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750067581415.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender Sunday after they located him in the woods near his home, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge.(Click below to watch statement from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RxT-OeC-EWM?si=wRzlIVvlmnQekj8k&amp;start=223" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Vance Boelter was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two of attempted murder. He is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting former Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>&nbsp;and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750067563866.png" alt="Boelter photo Hennepin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Boelter photo Hennepin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities say he also shot Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette. They were injured at their residence about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.“One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference after Boelter's arrest.The search for Boelter was the “largest manhunt in the state's history,” Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said. It began when Brooklyn Park officers went to check on Hortman's home and saw her husband gunned down before the shooter fled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750068083285.png" alt="&nbsp;Vance Boelter, 57, was captured by law enforcement Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Sibley County. (Photo courtesy of Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Vance Boelter, 57, was captured by law enforcement Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Sibley County. (Photo courtesy of Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities on Sunday located a vehicle Boelter was using abandoned in rural Sibley County, where he lived, and a police officer reported that he believed he saw Boelter running into the woods, Bruley said. Police set up a large perimeter and called in 20 different tactical teams, divvying up the area and searching for him.During the search, police said they received information confirming someone was in the woods and searched for hours, using a helicopter and officers on foot, until they found Boelter. He surrendered to police, crawling out to officers in the woods before he was handcuffed and taken into custody in a field, authorities said.Jail records show Boelter was booked into the Hennepin County Jail at 1:02 a.m. Central Time Monday and include two mug shots, one from the front and one from the side, of Boelter wearing an orange prison shirt.<h2>A targeted attack</h2>Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the violence likely would've continued had Brooklyn Park offices not checked on Hortman's home, causing Boelter to flee.The Hoffmans were attacked first at their home in Champin early Saturday. A criminal complaint unsealed after Boelter's arrest indicated their adult daughter called 911 just after 2 a.m. to say a masked person had come to the door and shot her parents.After police in nearby Brooklyn Park learned that a lawmaker had been shot, they sent patrol officers to check on the Hortmans’ home.Brooklyn Park police officers arrived just in time to see Boelter shoot Mark Hortman through the open door of the home, the complaint says. It says they exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled inside the home before escaping the scene. Melissa Hortman was found dead inside, the complaint said.Authorities said Boelter posed as a police officer, even allegedly altering a vehicle to make it look like a police car.<h2>No details on motive</h2>Authorities did not give a motive as they announced Boelter's arrest.A list of about 70 names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle that was left at the crime scene, said two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation. The writings and list of names included prominent state and federal lawmakers and community leaders, along with abortion rights advocates and information about healthcare facilities, according to the officials.A Minnesota official told AP lawmakers who had been outspoken in favor of abortion rights were on the list. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman, records show, though it was not clear if or how well they knew each other.Around 6 a.m. Saturday, Boelter texted friends to apologize for his actions, though he didn't say what he had done.“I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way," he wrote in messages viewed by AP.<h2>An escalation in political violence</h2>The shootings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">come</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arson-pennsylvania-governor-political-violence-388da01e84661fb12ac79c626b0004eb">political leaders nationwide</a>&nbsp;have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.&nbsp;<a href="https://lawmakers%20on%20sunday%20continued%20to%20reel%20from%20the%20shooting%20of%20two%20democratic%20minnesota%20state%20legislators%20in%20their%20homes%20that%20led%20to%20the%20death%20of%20one%20and%20her%20husband,%20contemplating%20a%20previously%20unthinkable%20world%20where%20democratically-elected%20representatives%20need%20full-time%20security%20details%20to%20protect%20them%20from%20the%20public./">Lawmakers said they were disturbed</a>&nbsp;by the attacks as Twin Cities residents mourned.“This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences,” Walz said Sunday.On Sunday evening, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared a statement from Yvette Hoffman expressing appreciation for the outpouring of public support.“John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” Yvette Hoffman said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/amyklobuchar/status/1934383694342434882?s=46&amp;t=Aj2rKECUjm-cecTWvlgvjw">text that Klobuchar posted</a>&nbsp;on social media. “He took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.”Brightly colored flowers and small American flags were placed Sunday on the gray marbled stone of the Minnesota State Capitol along with a photo of the Hortmans. People scrawled messages on small notes including, “You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in Power.”Pam Stein came with flowers and kneeled by the memorial. An emotional Stein called Hortman an “absolute powerhouse” and “the real unsung hero of Minnesota government.”___Karnowski reported from Minneapolis, and Balsamo and Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Michael Biesecker in Washington; Jim Mustian in New York; Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.__

Suspected Minnesota lawmaker assassin captured

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday directed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities after large protests have erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Trump in a social media posting called on ICE officials “to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.”

He added that to reach the goal officials ”must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.”

Trump’s declaration comes after weeks of increased enforcement, and after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and main architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a>&nbsp;officers would target at least 3,000 arrests a day, up from about 650 a day during the first five months of Trump’s second term.

At the same time, the Trump administration has directed immigration officers to pause arrests at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-california-farmworkers-1301639766f55c8d4e8e15ff2fd45687">farms, restaurants and hotels</a>, after Trump expressed alarm about the impact aggressive enforcement is having on those industries, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday directed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities after large protests have erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/pWgVsSbpue">pic.twitter.com/pWgVsSbpue</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1934412489837400369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump in a social media posting called on ICE officials “to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.”He added that to reach the goal officials ”must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.”Trump’s declaration comes after weeks of increased enforcement, and after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and main architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a>&nbsp;officers would target at least 3,000 arrests a day, up from about 650 a day during the first five months of Trump’s second term.At the same time, the Trump administration has directed immigration officers to pause arrests at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-california-farmworkers-1301639766f55c8d4e8e15ff2fd45687">farms, restaurants and hotels</a>, after Trump expressed alarm about the impact aggressive enforcement is having on those industries, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Trump orders massive expansion of ICE raids in Democratic-run cities

HAYS – Four Hays Larks pitchers combined on a no-hitter as
the Larks finished off a three-game sweep of the Denver Cougars with an 11-0
run-rule win Sunday evening at Larks Park. It’s the first combined no-hiitter
since July 18, 2022 when Austin Puett, Hunter Parker and Chris Echavarria did
it against the Colorado Tribe.

Starter Nick Gray (2-0) went the first three innings and was
awarded the win after striking out seven and walking one. Jordan Stribling and
Lane Sparks followed with one inning each. Adrian Najar went the final two
innings with two strikeouts and no walks. The four combined to strike out 12
and walk only two.

The Larks (7-1-1) scored four runs in the first inning. Four
straight walks with two outs scored the first run. Lorenzo Rios drove in the
second run when he was hit by a pitch. Mason Hamlin added a two-run single.

Hays added three more runs in the third. Two walks and hit
batter loaded the bases. CJ Reid hit a sacrifice fly to left to drive in the first
run. Taber Stokes followed with a two-run single to push the lead to 7-0.

Dylan LaRue hit a two-run homer in the fourth to give the
Larks a 9-0 lead. Hamlin added an RBI double and Stokes an RBI single to close
out the scoring. 

Stokes and Hamlin both had two of the Larks five hits and
both drove in three runs as the Larks took advantage of nine walks and five hit
batters.

The Larks seven-game homestand continues Thursday against the
Gameday Angels in the first of a four0game series at Larks Park.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – Four Hays Larks pitchers combined on a no-hitter as
the Larks finished off a three-game sweep of the Denver Cougars with an 11-0
run-rule win Sunday evening at Larks Park. It’s the first combined no-hiitter
since July 18, 2022 when Austin Puett, Hunter Parker and Chris Echavarria did
it against the Colorado Tribe.Starter Nick Gray (2-0) went the first three innings and was
awarded the win after striking out seven and walking one. Jordan Stribling and
Lane Sparks followed with one inning each. Adrian Najar went the final two
innings with two strikeouts and no walks. The four combined to strike out 12
and walk only two.The Larks (7-1-1) scored four runs in the first inning. Four
straight walks with two outs scored the first run. Lorenzo Rios drove in the
second run when he was hit by a pitch. Mason Hamlin added a two-run single.Hays added three more runs in the third. Two walks and hit
batter loaded the bases. CJ Reid hit a sacrifice fly to left to drive in the first
run. Taber Stokes followed with a two-run single to push the lead to 7-0.Dylan LaRue hit a two-run homer in the fourth to give the
Larks a 9-0 lead. Hamlin added an RBI double and Stokes an RBI single to close
out the scoring. Stokes and Hamlin both had two of the Larks five hits and
both drove in three runs as the Larks took advantage of nine walks and five hit
batters.UP NEXTThe Larks seven-game homestand continues Thursday against the
Gameday Angels in the first of a four0game series at Larks Park.

⚾ Larks no-hit Cougars to finish off three-game sweep

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;rejected a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.

The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that they had developed a credible plan to kill Khamenei.

After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel’s military operation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-netanyahu-nuclear-trump-13d04138deb51e3f6315fa4ab5973cc0">aimed at decapitating</a>&nbsp;Iran’s nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region.

Asked about the plan during an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier," Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;did not directly address whether the White House rejected the plan.

“But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we’ll do what we need to do," Netanyahu said. “And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”

Netanyahu spokesperson Omer Dostri later called reports about the Israeli plan to kill Khamenei “fake.”

Netanyahu in the Fox interview also said regime change “could certainly be the result” of the conflict “because the Iranian regime is very weak.”

Trump's rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters.

Meanwhile, Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran not to retaliate against U.S. targets in the Middle East.

Trump in an early morning social media posting said the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-iran-war-latest-06-15-2025-291df01b03179cd414db21ca33791b39">Israel and Iran traded missile attacks</a>&nbsp;for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said it would hold the U.S. — which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry — responsible for its backing of Israel.

“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump said.

Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal" and that it could come “soon.”

But as he departed the White House on Sunday evening for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g7-summit-canada-trump-iran-b98aad10779d9af5456c1a6553ffe59b">Group of Seven leaders summit</a>&nbsp;in the Canadian Rockies, Trump was more tempered in comments to reporters about when the Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation would wind down.

“I hope there is going to be a deal, and we’ll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out,” Trump said.

The conflict is expected to loom large during his talks with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union.

The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities “just like I got India and Pakistan to" after the two countries' recent cross-border confrontation.

India struck targets inside Pakistan after militants in April&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kashmir-tourist-attack-dc7067a18899d9e7ff7726d4e05982c3">massacred 26 tourists</a>&nbsp;in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any links to the attackers. Following India’s strikes in Pakistan, the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto borders, followed by missile and drone strikes into each other’s territories,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-india-missiles-border-tensions-21a2859557179f2b32d6b8d5628ac853">mainly targeting military installations and airbases</a>.

It was the most serious confrontation in decades between the countries. Trump on Sunday repeated his claim,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-pakistan-kashmir-trade-e3cedcad801ce78c85194fcbf3b917f0">disputed by India</a>, that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after he had offered to help both nations with trade if they agreed to de-escalate.

Trump also pointed to efforts by his administration during his first term to mediate disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia.

“Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!” Trump posted. “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”

There's a divide in Trump world about how far the president should go in backing Israel.

Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mtg-greene-ossoff-georgia-senate-6df53b2ef8bf9d49272a4b4359abad21">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, R-Ga., Turning Point USA founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-turning-point-maga-d08a98e439fa4e902cb756d7e35153db">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;and former Fox News host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tucker-carlson-out-fox-news-58a8421c55978f223b9c4b1d1cbe50be">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued that voters supported Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts.

GOP Kentucky Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rand-paul-tariffs-president-donald-trump-631212a58e5e4ade6d136f5f718fe2da">Rand Paul</a>&nbsp;praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president's “instincts will prevail.”

“So, I think it’s going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,” Paul told NBC's “Meet the Press." ”I see more war and more carnage. And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.”

In an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” GOP South Carolina Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lindsey-graham-south-carolina-senate-annie-andrews-26ae12355e9e5d1a44047bcbb6cdc36c">Lindsey Graham</a>&nbsp;said he preferred diplomatic efforts, but if diplomacy doesn’t work Trump should “go all in” on destroying Iran's nuclear program.

“If that means providing bombs, provide bombs,” he said. “If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.”

Associated Press writer Gary Fields contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750032268701.png" alt="President Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House Sunday-Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House Sunday-Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;rejected a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that they had developed a credible plan to kill Khamenei.After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel’s military operation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-netanyahu-nuclear-trump-13d04138deb51e3f6315fa4ab5973cc0">aimed at decapitating</a>&nbsp;Iran’s nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region.Asked about the plan during an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier," Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;did not directly address whether the White House rejected the plan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/TWm8Okb1ym">pic.twitter.com/TWm8Okb1ym</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1934247952471531523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we’ll do what we need to do," Netanyahu said. “And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”Netanyahu spokesperson Omer Dostri later called reports about the Israeli plan to kill Khamenei “fake.”Netanyahu in the Fox interview also said regime change “could certainly be the result” of the conflict “because the Iranian regime is very weak.”Trump's rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters.Meanwhile, Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran not to retaliate against U.S. targets in the Middle East.Trump in an early morning social media posting said the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-iran-war-latest-06-15-2025-291df01b03179cd414db21ca33791b39">Israel and Iran traded missile attacks</a>&nbsp;for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said it would hold the U.S. — which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry — responsible for its backing of Israel.“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump said.Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal" and that it could come “soon.”But as he departed the White House on Sunday evening for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g7-summit-canada-trump-iran-b98aad10779d9af5456c1a6553ffe59b">Group of Seven leaders summit</a>&nbsp;in the Canadian Rockies, Trump was more tempered in comments to reporters about when the Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation would wind down.“I hope there is going to be a deal, and we’ll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out,” Trump said.The conflict is expected to loom large during his talks with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union.The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities “just like I got India and Pakistan to" after the two countries' recent cross-border confrontation.India struck targets inside Pakistan after militants in April&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kashmir-tourist-attack-dc7067a18899d9e7ff7726d4e05982c3">massacred 26 tourists</a>&nbsp;in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any links to the attackers. Following India’s strikes in Pakistan, the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto borders, followed by missile and drone strikes into each other’s territories,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-india-missiles-border-tensions-21a2859557179f2b32d6b8d5628ac853">mainly targeting military installations and airbases</a>.It was the most serious confrontation in decades between the countries. Trump on Sunday repeated his claim,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-pakistan-kashmir-trade-e3cedcad801ce78c85194fcbf3b917f0">disputed by India</a>, that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after he had offered to help both nations with trade if they agreed to de-escalate.Trump also pointed to efforts by his administration during his first term to mediate disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia.“Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!” Trump posted. “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”There's a divide in Trump world about how far the president should go in backing Israel.Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mtg-greene-ossoff-georgia-senate-6df53b2ef8bf9d49272a4b4359abad21">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, R-Ga., Turning Point USA founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-turning-point-maga-d08a98e439fa4e902cb756d7e35153db">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;and former Fox News host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tucker-carlson-out-fox-news-58a8421c55978f223b9c4b1d1cbe50be">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued that voters supported Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts.GOP Kentucky Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rand-paul-tariffs-president-donald-trump-631212a58e5e4ade6d136f5f718fe2da">Rand Paul</a>&nbsp;praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president's “instincts will prevail.”“So, I think it’s going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,” Paul told NBC's “Meet the Press." ”I see more war and more carnage. And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.”In an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” GOP South Carolina Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lindsey-graham-south-carolina-senate-annie-andrews-26ae12355e9e5d1a44047bcbb6cdc36c">Lindsey Graham</a>&nbsp;said he preferred diplomatic efforts, but if diplomacy doesn’t work Trump should “go all in” on destroying Iran's nuclear program.“If that means providing bombs, provide bombs,” he said. “If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.”—Associated Press writer Gary Fields contributed reporting.

Trump told Israel not to kill Iran's supreme leader 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about St. John's Place in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

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 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about St. John's Place in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses St. John's Place in Victoria

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The search for the man wanted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers</a>&nbsp;led to the discovery Sunday of a vehicle authorities believed he was using in a rural area outside Minneapolis as residents on edge struggled to make sense of the brazen political violence.

Former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>&nbsp;and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin home, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.

Authorities named 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a suspect, saying he wore a mask as he posed as a police officer, even allegedly altering a vehicle to make it look like a police car. The FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. They circulated a photo taken Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat and asked the public to report sightings after he fled the area on foot.

&nbsp; (Click below to watch Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz statement.)

Near where they located the vehicle, investigators found a cowboy hat and were working to definitively determine whether it belongs to Boelter. Law enforcement officers were searching the area, including nearby homes, the officials said. The officials could not discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“We believe he’s somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said Sunday NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “But right now, everyone’s on edge here, because we know that this man will kill at a second.”

Residents of rural Sibley County, roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Minneapolis, received an emergency alert via text message about the located vehicle Sunday.

“Keep your doors locked and vehicles secured,” the alert read. “Law enforcement will be going to area residences to ask to search properties.”

The Hoffmans were recovering from surgery, according to their nephew, Mat Ollig.

“It’s just a long road to healing," he said Sunday.

Authorities have not yet given details on a motive.

A list of about 70 or so names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle that was left at the crime scene, the officials said. The writings and list of names included prominent state and federal lawmakers and community leaders, along with abortion rights advocates and information about healthcare facilities, according to the officials.

A Minnesota official told the AP that lawmakers who had been outspoken in favor of abortion rights were on the list. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-trump-philadelphia-los-angeles-immigration-raids-a3b67d23733cd060f8d01aef1e391dbf">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway, including one that drew tens of thousands to the State Capitol in St. Paul. Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car.

Law enforcement agents recovered several AK-style firearms from the suspect’s vehicle, and he was believed to still be armed with a pistol, a person familiar with the matter told AP. The person could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds.

After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to proactively check on Hortman’s home. There they encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer leaving the house. Officers confronted him, and the suspect fired on them before retreating back into the home and fleeing on foot, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.

“I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused," he wrote in messages viewed by the AP.

On social media, Gov. Tim Walz remembered Hortman Sunday as, “The most consequential Speaker in state history.”

Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led Democrats in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-power-struggle-republicans-democrats-7db12f51ad0e47d49f4c50f56cb1e5c4">three-week walkout</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of this year’s session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power-sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth and assumed the title speaker emerita.

Hortman used her position as speaker in 2023 to champion expanded protections for abortion rights, including legislation to solidify Minnesota’s status as a refuge for patients from restrictive states who travel to the state to seek abortions — and to protect providers who serve them.

Melissa Hortman died at the scene while her husband was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012 and was chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, which oversees one of the biggest parts of the state budget. He and his wife have one daughter.

Klobuchar condemned online threats and urged people Sunday to think twice before posting accusations or motives.

“This is a person that did everything for the right reasons. And regardless of political parties, look at her face before you send out your next post,” Klobuchar said of Hortman on CNN's ”State of the Union."

The shootings are the latest in a series of attacks against lawmakers across parties.

In April a suspect set fire to the home of Democratic Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-fire-pennsylvania-governor-passover-ae70cd73ccddd6f49a1d017ab7d07784">Gov. Josh Shapiro</a>, forcing him and his family to flee during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

In July 2024, Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-shooting-history-1636c4cfc7d8a239bf83b9f64817eab0">grazed on the ear</a>&nbsp;by one of a hail of bullets that killed a Trump supporter. Two months later a man with a rifle was discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-assassination-attempt-fee81d8bcf737bfcde2ee8e5cea88465">near the president's Florida golf course</a>&nbsp;and arrested.

Other incidents include a 2022 hammer attack on the husband of then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-nancy-hammer-attack-depape-sentence-b41b6c776fb27f62913e3754afa1ceac">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;in their San Francisco home and a 2020 plot by anti-government extremists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-convictions-042227f68a3fcc49ea91126388cd91de">to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer</a>.

Balsamo and Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell'Orto in Champlin, Minnesota; Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; Michael Biesecker in Washington; Jim Mustian in New York; Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Obed Lamy in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A massive search was stretching into its second day for a man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">a Democratic state lawmaker</a>&nbsp;in her suburban Minneapolis home, an act Gov. Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.” Authorities said the suspect also shot and wounded a second lawmaker and was trying to flee the area.

Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.

Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. They shared a photo taken Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat and asked the public to report sightings. Hundreds of law enforcement officers fanned out in the search for the suspect.

Authorities had not given any details on a possible motive as of Saturday night.

The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-trump-philadelphia-los-angeles-immigration-raids-a3b67d23733cd060f8d01aef1e391dbf">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway. Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets.

A Minnesota official told AP the suspect’s writings also contained information targeting prominent lawmakers who have been outspoken in favor of abortion rights. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

The shootings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">happened at a time</a>&nbsp;when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arson-pennsylvania-governor-political-violence-388da01e84661fb12ac79c626b0004eb">political leaders nationwide</a>&nbsp;have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” said Walz, a Democrat. He also ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor.

“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!” President Donald Trump said in a statement.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans' home shortly after 2 a.m., Champlin police said, and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds.

After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to proactively check on Hortman's home. There they encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer at the door, leaving the house.

“When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home” and escaped on foot, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.

Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the front door of Hoffman’s home.

John and Yvette Hoffman each underwent surgery, according to Walz.

Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led Democrats in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-power-struggle-republicans-democrats-7db12f51ad0e47d49f4c50f56cb1e5c4">three-week walkout</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of this year’s session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth and assumed the title speaker emerita.

Walz called her a “formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota."

Hortman and her husband had two adult children.

The initial autopsy reports from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office gave their cause of death as “multiple gunshot wounds.”

The reports said Melissa Hortman died at the scene while her husband was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Boelter was appointed to the workforce development board in 2016 and then reappointed in 2019 to a four-year term that expired in 2023, state records show.

Corporate records show Boelter’s wife filed to create a company called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC with the same Green Isle mailing address listed for the couple. Boelter’s wife is listed as president and CEO and he is listed as director of security patrols on the company's website.

The website says the company provides armed security for property and events and features a photo of an SUV painted in a two-tone black and silver pattern similar to a police vehicle. Another photo shows a man in black tactical gear with a military-style helmet and a ballistic vest.

An online resume says Boelter is a security contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Africa, in addition to past managerial roles at companies in Minnesota.

Around 6 a.m., Boelter texted friends to say he had “made some choices,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-park-police-searching-for-suspect-in-multiple-targeted-shootings/601372993">Minnesota Star Tribune reported</a>.

In the messages, read to reporters by David Carlson, Boelter did not specify what he had done but said: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack “evil” and said she was “heartbroken beyond words” by the killings.

In April a suspect set fire to the home of Democratic Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-fire-pennsylvania-governor-passover-ae70cd73ccddd6f49a1d017ab7d07784">Gov. Josh Shapiro</a>, forcing him and his family to flee during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The suspect said he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him, according to court documents.

Other incidents include a 2022 hammer attack on the husband of then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-nancy-hammer-attack-depape-sentence-b41b6c776fb27f62913e3754afa1ceac">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;in their San Francisco home and a 2020 plot by anti-government extremists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-convictions-042227f68a3fcc49ea91126388cd91de">to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer</a>&nbsp;and start a civil war.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he asked Capitol Police to “immediately increase security” for Minnesota Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. He also asked Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, to hold a briefing on member security.

Karnowski reported from Minneapolis, and Durkin Richer from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell'Orto in Champlin, Minnesota, Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York, and Michael Biesecker in Washington contributed.

Search for suspect in shooting of 2 MN lawmakers leads to one of his vehicles

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays City Commission on Thursday approved a $5.9 million contract with PWC to renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort, into a new police/municipal court facility.

PWC, Hays, was awarded the design-build contract for a guaranteed maximum price. The project will provide the police station with more than twice the operational space it has. The city currently rents space from the county. 

The new facility will give the city room for growth. The space should be adequate for about 20 years. If the city needs to expand further, it could build in the lot's courtyard, which would extend the building's life by another 30 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749834574599.png" alt="Hays Police Station. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Station. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: City commission recap" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=pghim-18d7793-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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 </div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays City Commission on Thursday approved a $5.9 million contract with PWC to renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort, into a new police/municipal court facility.PWC, Hays, was awarded the design-build contract for a guaranteed maximum price. The project will provide the police station with more than twice the operational space it has. The city currently rents space from the county. The new facility will give the city room for growth. The space should be adequate for about 20 years. If the city needs to expand further, it could build in the lot's courtyard, which would extend the building's life by another 30 years.Mayor Sandy Jacobs lauded the project, saying it is saving taxpayers about $4.5 million compared to building a new facility from the ground up.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said, "When we started the project, we wanted to do it right. We wanted to have space for future growth and keep on budget.""We are very happy with where we are at," he said of the project.Astra Bank is constructing a new facility at 27th and Main, which is expected to be open by Sept. 1.<h2>Cemetery fees</h2>The commission approved new cemetery fees, with most doubling in price.Jeff Boyle, director of Parks, said the fees had not been updated in about 20 years. Most of the fees were below the cost of the services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749652979894.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749653001784.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The proposed prices will place the city near the middle of the pack in terms of other Kansas communities of the same size.However, Boyle said the fees are still only at about a break-even point. He said the cemetery is still operating at a deficit.The new fee structure will bring the average burial and headstone placement cost to $1,040.Jacobs said the city needs to continue reviewing fees for all departments so the community is not faced with such significant increases.The other commissioners agreed, saying they appreciated the review, but hoped fee increases could be more gradual in the future.<h2>Welcome sign</h2>The city commission approved a low bid for a new LED marquee sign for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine.The old sign was built to last eight years and lasted 16, said Melissa Dixon, CVB executive director. The deteriorated sign, installed in 2007, has been dark for two years. Dixon said the message software is no longer supported.Commercial Sign, Hays, was the low bidder at $44,773.About 18,000 vehicles per day pass through the intersection of 27th and Vine streets.Dixon said the sign was the first impression Hays gave most visitors.Jacobs said it is a great way to tell the Hays story.<h2>Insurance</h2>The city will pay a 30% increase in the premium for its 2025-2026 property/liability insurance policy renewal.&nbsp;Kim Rupp, finance director, said the city has experienced major claims from wind and hail over the last few years, which have driven up the cost of insurance.The city's property was recently revalued, which also contributed to the increase.Rupp said the staff intends to actively pursue the remarketing process for the renewal in 2026-2027, including an examination of hybrid coverage and self-funding.<h2>Chickens</h2>The commission was slated to discuss backyard chickens during its next work session, but has pushed that agenda item into July to allow all of the commission members to be present.